Australia / New Year Celebrations:
- Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks were marked by a minute of silence honoring the 15 killed in the Bondi terror attack, followed by a message of peace projected on the Harbour Bridge. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 theguardian.com 👉 sbs.com.au
- A 25-year-old woman died after being swept into the ocean at Maroubra Beach, while a man and a 14-year-old boy remain missing. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com 👉 7news.com.au
Australia / Tragedy & Safety:
- Two men were stabbed outside a Melbourne restaurant on New Year’s Eve, with one critically injured. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com 👉 7news.com.au
- A fatal minivan rollover on South Australia’s Horrocks Highway left two dead and six injured. 👉 7news.com.au
Australia / Politics & Policy:
- New laws came into effect on January 1, including stricter rules for cash payments, cheaper medications, and expanded pill testing at Sydney’s NYD music festival. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 sbs.com.au
- Previously classified cabinet documents from 2005 revealed warnings about pandemics, terrorism, and industrial relations tensions. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 theguardian.com
World / Geopolitics & Conflict:
- Israel banned dozens of aid charities in Gaza, citing "terrorist ties," while international aid agencies condemned the move. 👉 abc.net.au
- France is reportedly planning to ban under-15s from social media, following Australia’s lead. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 theguardian.com
Australia / Sports:
- The Sydney to Hobart yacht race winner was overturned after a protest, with Min River declared the new champion. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au
- Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn is in an induced coma after being rushed to hospital on Boxing Day. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au
Australia / Environment & Conservation:
- Scientists are racing to protect the critically endangered Bloomfield River cod in northern Queensland. 👉 abc.net.au
- Four rare corpse flowers bloomed simultaneously at Cairns Botanic Gardens, a rare botanical event. 👉 abc.net.au
Australia / Society & Culture:
- A Gold Coast woman recounted her experience surviving the fatal Machu Picchu train crash in Peru. 👉 abc.net.au
- Former Australian Test cricketer Damien Martyn’s condition remains serious, with tributes pouring in from the cricketing community. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 wwos.nine.com.au
Australia / Crime & Justice:
- A man was charged over a shooting incident at a Sydney home where children were present. 👉 9news.com.au
- Police in Bendigo arrested two people after finding explosives in a suburban home. 👉 abc.net.au
World / Humanitarian & Health:
- Thailand released Cambodian soldiers as part of a ceasefire deal, with crowds celebrating their return. 👉 abc.net.au
- A rare case of a 95-year-old vintage harvester being restored and put back into use was highlighted as a unique agricultural story. 👉 abc.net.au
Australia / Economy & Business:
- Gold and lithium stocks surged on the ASX in 2025, marking a strong end to a challenging year. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 sbs.com.au
- The Australian beef industry expressed disappointment after China imposed a 55% tariff on imports. 👉 theguardian.com
Australia / Legal & Social Issues:
- A Sydney council’s controversial ban on single-use plastic bags took effect, joining other jurisdictions in enforcing the rule. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
- Three men were charged for dumping 200kg of shark heads outside a minister’s office in protest of a shark finning ban. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
Australia / International Relations:
- Australia criticized China’s military exercises near Taiwan, calling them "deeply concerning" and destabilizing. 👉 theguardian.com
- Trump met with Netanyahu as Gaza ceasefire negotiations remain fragile. 👉 9news.com.au
Australia / Indigenous & Community:
- Indigenous groups expressed concern over potential cancellations of January 26 protests under new laws. 👉 sbs.com.au
- A man was killed in an outback stabbing during Boxing Day in Yuendumu, NT. 👉 sbs.com.au
Australia / Health & Wellbeing:
- A measles alert was issued after an infectious traveler visited multiple Sydney locations. 👉 9news.com.au
- A young boy suffered facial injuries after a dog attack on the NSW Central Coast. 👉 9news.com.au
Australia / Entertainment & Media:
- Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis married in a private ceremony in Perth on New Year’s Eve. 👉 7news.com.au 👉 9news.com.au
- Rebel Wilson announced she and her wife are expecting their second child. 👉 7news.com.au
Australia / Transport & Infrastructure:
- A bushfire near Perth’s airport forced evacuations in Kalamunda and Maida Vale, threatening homes and infrastructure. 👉 7news.com.au
- Floodwaters in Queensland’s north-west cut roads, stranding travelers over New Year’s. 👉 abc.net.au
World / Global Events:
- New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world ranged from fireworks in Sydney to icy plunges in Scotland. 👉 7news.com.au 👉 sbs.com.au
- Protests in Iran over economic crises escalated, with students and shopkeepers demonstrating across the country. 👉 sbs.com.au
Australia / Legal & Human Rights:
- A man was charged with making threatening phone calls to journalist Nick McKenzie. 👉 abc.net.au
- Female MPs in Japan called for more toilets in parliament to address gender equality issues. 👉 abc.net.au
Australia / Technology & Innovation:
- A farmer restored a 95-year-old vintage harvester, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation in agriculture. 👉 abc.net.au
- A debate continues over whether AI should be used in job recruitment. 👉 sbs.com.au
Australia / Environmental & Climate:
- A rare pink platypus was spotted in Gippsland, drawing attention to unique wildlife. 👉 theguardian.com
- Scientists warned 2025 was one of the three hottest years on record, highlighting global climate concerns. 👉 9news.com.au