The Tākaka Hill road has been restored to two lanes, almost four years after it was extensively damaged by Cyclone Gita.Part of the road has been down to one lane and controlled by traffic lights since the storm in February…

For Frank Schmidt, Christmas always brings back painful memories of December 18, 1971.

Fifty-years-ago his older sister Patricia, who he called Susi, went to work in Adelaide and never came home.

Susi was last seen alive at 1.45am, after working her second shift at Burger King in Darlington.

Her father was running late to pick her up, so the 16-year-old started walking to her Seacliff home. Her battered body was found in grass at Hallet Cove 16 hours later.

READ MORE: Five children killed in Tasmania jumping castle tragedy identified

Frank is still haunted by what happened to his sister.

"To be bashed and then raped in the way she was and strangled…" he told 9News.

"Even though I was only 10-years-old, there was a Christmas present under the tree for Susi from myself.

"She never got to open that."

Susi's body now lies with that of her mother who'd died five years earlier.

READ MORE: Secret details of three Sydney underworld hits

Frank's father has also since passed away, leaving him with only memories of his family.

Susi's killer has never been found, but detectives have not given up, and new DNA developments could see the case closed after decades.

Retiring detective Paul Tucker spent 20 years on the case and believes the answers are out there.

"There's got to be people out there who know what's happened," he said.

"Even if they weren't the primary offender."

Edward Boyes is taking over the case and he vowed to get a answer for Frank.

"I'm excited to take on the challenge to get a result for Frank and his family," he said.

Police have revealed that they are making progress.

Biological evidence left at the scene by two men, is now being analysed using improved DNA technology.

One DNA profile's already been obtained.

"That's probably the best breakthrough we've had in 50 years," Detective superintendent Des Bray said.

"We'll then establish family trees and work our way backwards."

The DNA profile has been checked against a database and matched to eight potential relatives of the suspect.

For Frank the developments have provided some much-needed hope.

"Never give up hope," he said.

"You know, you're better of having some hope and being disappointed than no hope at all."

Anyone who can provide information about any aspect of the case is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

New Zealand has three new cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 among its latest international arrivals. The three cases arrived in Auckland from Dubai on December 11 and were transported to a Rotorua MIQ facility on a bus chartered…

Fully-vaccinated international arrivals no longer have to isolate for 72 hours in both Victoria and New South Wales.

The change to isolation measures comes after NSW recorded 2213 COVID-19 cases, its highest number since the onset of the pandemic.

The change in isolation measures will come into effect Tuesday, 21 December and extends to flight crews.

READ MORE: Five killed after Tasmanian school jumping castle horror

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the changes are a move towards consistent COVID-19 requirements.

"We know it has been a challenging time for international travel with new rules and the emergence of the Omicron variant, but this announcement is about simplifying the process and making sure Australia's two biggest cities have a consistent approach," Mr Perrottet said.

"This decision has been made with safety remaining the top priority, which is why all arrivals must return a negative PCR test before they can exit isolation and have an additional test following that."

READ MORE: What you need to know about the COVID-19 booster roll-out

Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino said the changes will ensure the community is protected and came after consultation with Chief Health Officers.

"With more than 92 per cent of Victorians 12 years and older double-vaccinated, Victorians have given themselves the strongest chance of living safely with coronavirus and enjoying more freedoms this festive season, while we continue to monitor the Omicron variant," Mr Merlino said.

Arrivals will still need to get a PCR test within 24 hours after arrival and isolate until they receive a negative result.

A follow-up test is also required on day six after arrival.

Currently fully-vaccinated international arrivals need to get a test as soon as possible and isolate for 72 hours regardless of when they received a negative test result.

Those not fully-vaccinated must go directly into 14-day mandatory hotel quarantine.

Citizens eligible to book a booster COVID-19 vaccine are urged to do so — especially those at higher risk of contracting coronavirus, such as healthcare workers.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly has said there will be no change in the vaccination interval between the second dose and booster, with it to remain at five months.

Two-thirds of Kiwis say Covid-19 has affected their holiday plans this year, many of whom will not be travelling around the country this summer even though they usually would.A survey of 1007 New Zealanders on December 11 and 12…

A controversial Mid Canterbury doctor who quit her job over the vaccination mandate has challenged the guidance of health officials in a presentation to Invercargill City Councillors.Dr Sophie Febery left her job at the Methven…

Three young men accused of shooting a 75-year-old to death at his South Auckland home have made their first appearances at Manukau District Court, each defendant declining to immediately enter a plea or seek bail in back-to-back hearings….

No further changes will be made to the interval between the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots, Australia's Chief Medical Officer has said.

The duration between the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and the booster shot was recently reduced from six months to five months.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly announced today no further changes would be made to the interval for booster vaccines, as a shorter interval reduces the efficacy of inoculation.

READ MORE: Five killed after Tasmanian school jumping castle horror

"It remains anyone who has had their second dose five or more months after that they are now eligible for that booster dose," he said.

He also asked vaccine clinics to be flexible around the five-month period between the second shot and booster due to clinics closing for Christmas.

"ATAGI is urging anyone who is giving vaccines to be a little flexible about that five months given that clinics may be closed or people may be travelling. If you're a week or two before the five months, you know, that's fine," he said.

Vaccine efficacy against Omicron variant

Professor Kelly's announcement comes as all Australians are urged to come forward for their booster shot to increase their protection against the Omicron variant.

READ MORE: Secret details of three Sydney underworld hits

Professor Kelly said the vaccine is not as effective in stopping transmission of the virus, which explains the "very rapid transmission" in the New South Wales outbreak.

He said early evidence shows the vaccine does, however, prevent hospitalisations as a result of Omicron.

"We also know, and this is new information, that the vaccine remains effective against severe disease, perhaps a little less than it is the case against Delta, for example, but it does remain effective," he said.

"I think that's one of the reasons why we are seeing increases in cases but not so much of an increase in hospitalisations or other forms of severe disease, so that is important."

READ MORE: Arrest over alleged $530k fraud of COVID-19 micro-business grant

Booster shot shortage

There have been reports of a booster shortage in Australia, which Lieutenant General John Frewen addressed today.

Lieutenant General Frewen said some GPs and pharmacies are running low in booster shots due to the rapid change in advice.

"It's less than a week since we got the change in the ATAGI advice from six months to five months," he said.

"Instead of 1.7 million people due, there's now more than 4 million people due at the end of the year."

More vaccines have been ordered and Lieutenant General Frewen said there should be "no concern about the amount of supply".

The incoming delivery of vaccines arriving next week will be the largest number of shots since the beginning of the rollout.

A child infected with Covid-19 has died. In the latest update from the Ministry of Health, officials said in a statement a child between the age of zero and nine has died while infected with Covid.The tragic death marks the youngest…