Pet cats are running wild in Western Australia and council attempts to control them keep resulting in failure and frustration, new research has found.

Cats are roaming the streets unregistered and without microchips.

Many also haven't been desexed, which could contribute the state's stray and feral cat population.

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Now research from The University of Western Australia and Murdoch University has revealed that while the cats themselves may not be the problem, keeping them indoors could be the solution.

A survey of 103 of WA's 139 local government areas (LGAs) found there was poor community awareness of what responsible cat ownership involves.

WA's Cat Act 2011 requires owners desex, microchip and register their pets by the time they're six months old.

Cats should also wear an identification in public places.

But only 14 of the 139 LGAs reported high registration and microchipping compliance.

Just 17 reported high desexing compliance, and only five reported high levels of responsible pet cat ownership awareness.

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As well as putting cats at risk of illness and injury, low rates of responsible cat ownership in WA threatens the welfare and conservation of native wildlife.

But is permanent cat containment legislation (banning cats from roaming outdoors) the right solution?

An increasing body of research has shown that keeping cats indoors full-time and limiting outdoor access to enclosed areas or while on a leash is better for the cat's welfare.

It's also better for the welfare of other animals domestic cats often prey upon.

But many owners who allow their cats to roam are staunchly against such measures.

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According to the research, only three LGAs in WA have been successful in introducing permanent cat containment laws to keep cats indoors.

Others have tried but failed.

Despite this, 80 of the 103 LGAs surveyed said they would introduce permanent cat containment laws if there was a clear pathway to implementation.

"Many LGAs in WA want to (and many have tried to) implement restrictions to prevent pet cats from roaming, with limited success and considerable frustration," the report read.

"Addressing these legislative, community education and enforcement needs will ensure that feline, native wildlife and human values are improved in WA."

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Thousands of people have joined protests in cities around Australia today, with Invasion Day rallies and counter March for Australia demonstrations taking place.

January 26, the day Governor Arthur Phillip ran up the British flag at Sydney Cove, is officially Australia Day, but many ymark the date as Invasion Day, recognising the dispossession of Indigenous Australians.

Protests were organised in every Australian capital today, with NSW Police announcing recently they had tweaked the extended protest ban in place after the Bondi Beach attack in order to allow activists to march in certain areas of Sydney.

Warning: This article contains the name and image of an Indigenous person who has died.

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Man arrested over alleged neo-Nazi speech in Sydney

A man has been arrested over alleged neo-Nazi comments he made during an open-mic session during Sydney's March for Australia protest at Moore Park.

The 31-year-old was stopped on nearby Bourke Street in Surry Hills after his comments and taken into custody.

He was charged with "publicly incite hatred on ground of race causing fear".

Operation Australia Day Commander Brett McFadden alleged the man engaged in hate speech aligned with neo-Nazi ideology.

"We arrested a 31-year-old male who engaged in what we will allege is a hate speech during an open mic session at Moore Park," he told reporters.

"We will allege that the language he used, his presence, was clearly and unequivocally aligned with neo-Nazi ideology and his presence and language incited a response from the crowd, generating hate towards a particular group in our community."

NSW Premier Chris Minns said police were on high alert for any protesters who violate federal legislation during the marches in Sydney.

"There will be no tolerance for violence or hate speech on Sydney streets," he said.

"We live in a beautiful multicultural community with people from around the world, but we will not tolerate a situation where, on Australia's national day, it's been pulled down by divisive language, hate speech or racism."

Minns said he has not ruled out introducing stricter legislation, saying people have a right to enjoy the city. 

"I do believe we have to confront this idea that the centre of Sydney can be dominated weekend after weekend after weekend by the same protest," he said.

"People have got a right to protest, but other Australians have a right to enjoy the city.

"My responsibility is to keep the people of NSW safe, and to balance those rights."

Two others were arrested under Operation Australia Day.

A 17-year-old man was arrested in Bondi for allegedly assaulting police and is being questioned by police.

A 28-year-old was charged with domestic violence offences at Victoria Park, which were unrelated to the protests.

McFadden said despite the few incidents, the overwhelming majority of the crowds were respectful.

About 18,000 people turned up for the Invasion Day rally in Sydney, while 2000 attended the March for Australia rally. 

The Invasion Day protest kicked off with a heavy police presence in Hyde Park about 10am.

The rally began with a moving tribute to Sophie Quinn, an Indigenous woman who was allegedly shot dead by her former partner in Lake Cargelligo in NSW last week.

Quinn's aunt Neruda and her friend John Harris were also killed in the shooting.

Protesters at today's rally are holding signs that read "Stop killing us" and "sovereignty never ceded".

Members of the Palestine Action Group also showed their support at the rally.

Later, the March for Australia anti-immigration rally kicked off at Cleveland Street to Moore Park.

Tensions flared between opposing groups.

In one instance, residents were involved in an "exchange of views" with March for Australia protesters.

McFadden said police intervened and de-escalated the situation before anything could happen. 

Another protester was seen carrying a sign that called to "free Joel Davis", the neo-Nazi leader who is accused of allegedly urging followers to "rhetorically rape" Wentworth MP Allegra Spender.

A brief scuffle broke out between Invasion Day demonstrators and a group of men with Australian flags, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Police officers intervened again before the rally continued towards Broadway.

Invasion Day protest dwarfs March for Australia in Melbourne

About 19,000 people descended on Melbourne's CBD in opposing protests being held on the steps of Victorian Parliament and outside the Flinders Street train station.

A smoking ceremony took place outside parliament to mark the beginning of the Invasion Day protest, which attracted 17,000 marchers.

Meanwhile, 2000 March for Australia protesters waved the national flag as they walked through the CBD.

Aerial vision from the 9News helicopter showed thousands of people part of the Invasion Day rally, while there was a visibly smaller turnout for the opposing March for Australia rally outside Flinders Street station.

Some demonstrators could be heard chanting "always was, always will be, Aboriginal land".

9News captured footage of a confrontation between opposing protesters near the steps of parliament, which led to one woman being knocked to the ground.

Police were on the ground monitoring the situation.

There was "minimal conflict" between the two groups, according to police, although a handful of incidents were reported.

One man was sprayed in the face "by an unknown substance" on the corner of Swanston and Bourke streets by someone wearing an Australian flag as a cape, police said.

Another man, who police believe was part of the March for Australia group, was assaulted at a licensed premises on Bourke Street.

The offenders fled and the victim did not want to make a statement.

Separately, a male and female were racially abused by four while they were packing up their car near the intersection of Westwood Place and Little Collins Street, police said.

The attackers chased the victims' car and smashed the back window with what police believe was a stolen broken boom gate.

Police allege one of the men performed a Nazi salute during the attack. The offenders fled the scene.

All of the matters are being investigated by police.

Captain Cook statue under guard

A security guard kept an eye on a Captain Cook memorial statue in St Kilda after the monument was toppled by vandals on Australia Day two years ago.

Port Phillip Council hired a guard to protect the statue from potential defacement today.

The sculpture was sawn off at the ankles and painted with the words "the colony will fall" in 2024.

In 2022, red paint was also thrown across the statue over three consecutive days.

Pauline Hanson speaks to crowd in Brisbane

One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson made an appearance at an Australia Day march in Brisbane's Botanic Gardens in the CBD.

The Hoodoo Gurus anthem What's My Scene? played as she was welcomed to the stage.

She decried "mass migration" in Australia during her speech and said Anthony Albanese was the "worst prime minister I have ever known".

March for Australia protesters in Canberra

Meanwhile, in Canberra, an opposing March for Australia protest took place outside Parliament House.

The Australian Federal Police was out in full force as protesters waved Australian flags and marched towards Lennox Gardens in Yarralumla.

An Invasion Day protest also began at 10am in Canberra and is expected to finish at Old Parliament House.

Police warned the protests could cause traffic disruptions in the capital today.

'Zero tolerance' for hate speech, violence

NSW Premier Chris Minns said police were on high alert for any protesters who violate federal legislation during the marches in Sydney.

"There will be no tolerance for violence or hate speech on Sydney streets," he said.

"We live in a beautiful multicultural community with people from around the world, but we will not tolerate a situation where, on Australia's national day, it's been pulled down by divisive language, hate speech or racism."

Minns said he was confident protesters would respect exclusion zones and that police had been liaising with organisers for weeks to ensure today goes ahead without incident.

When asked about his plans to tighten protest laws further in NSW, the premier said he had not ruled out introducing stricter legislation.

Minns said he has not ruled out introducing stricter legislation, saying people have a right to enjoy the city. 

"I do believe we have to confront this idea that the centre of Sydney can be dominated weekend after weekend after weekend by the same protest," he said.

"People have got a right to protest, but other Australians have a right to enjoy the city.

"My responsibility is to keep the people of NSW safe, and to balance those rights."

He said the state government would also look at changing the scope of hate slogan laws in the wake of federal laws, which were passed in parliament last week.

Support for Australia Day rising 

Recent polls, including from Resolve and Roy Morgan, indicate that support for keeping Australia Day on January 26 is rising.

Roy Morgan found that 72 per cent of respondents agreed Australia Day should retain its current name and date, compared to 28 per cent who disagreed.

"This is the highest support for Australia Day recorded by Roy Morgan," chief executive Michele Levine said.

"There is majority support for Australia Day retaining its name and date across all age groups, genders, and all states."

However, there remains a political divide, with most Labor and Greens voters saying the date should be changed, while Liberal, National, and One Nation voters hugely supported it.

Police said 47-year-old Tekanimaeu Arobati was from Kiribati.

When Katherine Bennell-Pegg was asked at school to write down three career options, she chose just one: astronaut.

Australia didn't even have a space agency at the time but it didn't matter. In 2024 she became the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under Australia's space program.

Now she can add one more honour to her already impressive CV: Australian of the Year 2026.

"As a kid, I used to lie on the dry grass in my backyard and gaze up at the stars in awe," she said tonight.

"That imperative to look to the sky and wonder, to innovate and explore is an ancient one on this continent.

"Australia's first nations, people's deep connection to Sky Country reminds us that, looking up, has always been part of who we are."

Bennell-Pegg said her childhood dream felt so far away but paid tribute to "incredible Australians"  Dr Paul Scully-Power and Dr Andy Thomas, who went to space with another nation's flag on their arm.

"So at the astronaut centre, when I received my blue flight suit, and right there, bright on the left shoulder was the Australian flag, it was quite emotional, because it marked something so, so much greater than myself.

"It said that the door has opened for Australia to take our place at the forefront of human endeavour, a chance to collaborate with other nations at the cutting edge of the cutting edge, showcase what we're made of, and access the collective discoveries and benefits that all involved countries will make.

"And it gave me hope, hope that one day, more of the flags on spacesuits will follow."

But Bennell-Pegg warned the nation was "leaving too much talent on the launchpad" as young people turned away from STEM subjects.

"A wonderful part of our culture, I think, is how we give it a go in sports, even if we're the weakest on the field," she said.

"But when it comes to maths and science, if we're not top of the class, or we don't fit the stereotype, we often shy away. We're even encouraged away.

"So if I may be allowed another dream beyond being an astronaut, it's this that we bring that same "give it a go" spirit from the sports field to the STEM fields, backing each other and ourselves with the trust that we can do hard, important things. 

"Imagine what more we would discover, what great problems we would solve, how our horizons would expand."

YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

Nedd Brockman was named Young Australian of the Year for 2026 after capturing the nation's hearts and minds with an almost 4000-kilometre run across Australia on his mission to end homelessness.

After the 23-year-old electrician spent 46 days running from Perth's Cottesloe Beach to Bondi Beach in 2022, raising $2.6 million, he's shown no signs of slowing down.

Later, he ran 1000 miles (1600 kilometres) around Sydney Olympic Park, a gruelling feat he joked probably shaved about 20 years off his live.

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Since starting Nedd's Uncomfortable Challenge in 2024, Brockmann and his team have raised more than $8 million for those experiencing homelessness.

Admitting that he was a "blubbering mess", Brockmann called out singer John Farnham's 1987 Australian of the Year acceptance speech, in which he spoke about the importance of making sure our national pride encompasses humanity.

"Ever the eternal optimist, I think I see a bit of what I hope for in those words myself," Brockmann said tonight.

"We should be proud of this amazing country. We are so lucky to call it home. 

"But unfortunately, not everyone feels that way in a country as prosperous as Australia, why is it that 122,000 Australians sleep rough every night? 

"That number should stop us all in our tracks."

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2026 SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

A psychiatrist whose father's Alzheimer's disease diagnosis kickstarted a life dedicated to fighting dementia was recognised with the Senior Australian of the Year award.

Professor Henry Brodaty AO dementia treatment research revolutionised his own field along with the lives of many people living with the disease and their families.

His Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, founded in 2012, has led internationally significant research and his Maintain Your Brain trial showed what a major difference simple preventions could make.

"Almost half the cost of dementia is caused by preventable factors that we can modify in our lifestyle," he said tonight.

"Now, our randomised control trial of an intensive online lifestyle coaching program had the best results yet in the world in maintaining cognition.

"We did a cost benefit analysis. The program paid for itself in reducing health costs, we designed this a decade ago. We can do better. We can do a lot better."

Brodaty dedicated the award to all older Australians, especially those and their families affected by dementia. 

"Oer four decades, we have moved from hopelessness to hope, from stigma to science and I'm proud to have been part of this transformation," he said.

"There is so much we can do. There's so much we must do."

2026 AUSTRALIAN LOCAL HERO

Indigenous business owner Frank Mitchell was crowned Australia's Local Hero in the first award of the night.

The proud Whadjuk-Yued Noongar knew it was a huge opportunity when he was offered an electrical apprenticeship as a young, single father  who'd been affected by suicide but wasn't sure if he could complete it.

When he started his own business in 2015, he pledged to offer the same opportunities to fellow Indigenous people.

Wilco Electrical started with eight staff and $1.5 million turnover, created more than 70 Indigenous upskilling positions and awarded more than $11 million to indigenous subcontractors. His four companies now employ more than 200 full-time staff.

"I used to advocate for organisations to simply give Mob a job, but I know now opportunity alone is not enough," he said.

"If workplaces are not not culturally safe, Mob may survive, but they are unlikely to thrive.

"Wilco, Kardan, Baldja and Bilyaa are places where Mob are given a chance to feel safe, and it still does not always work, because people's lives are complex, and there is no one size fits all approach, but when it does work, the impacts are powerful.

"That's what I represent standing here before you today. And I am just one success story among many."

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2026 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Australian Capital Territory – Professor Rose McGready (Thailand)

Professor Rose McGready, 61, has spent three decades providing health services to displaced people in the border region between Thailand and Myanmar.

Arriving as a young doctor, Rose discovered that refugees who had fled persecution in Myanmar had difficulty accessing medical assistance in Thailand. In response, Rose established training for local staff to focus on services for expectant mothers and in the critical period of childbirth. Over the past 31 years, she has built a network of locally run clinics and out-patient services which have saved thousands of lives.

Rose's research has also led to new treatments being developed to tackle maternal malaria. Her findings have been adopted by the World Health Organisation as the global standard for combatting the disease, helping to treat millions of women around the world.

Rose's commitment, compassion and clinical expertise provide life-saving aid to some of the most vulnerable communities in the world.

New South Wales – Dr Alison Thompson OAM (Sutherland Shire)

Dr Alison Thompson has deployed over 30,000 volunteers to the world's worst disaster zones – bringing humanitarian assistance and medical aid to over 18 million people.

It started on September 11, 2001, when as an investment banker, Alison rushed to New York's World Trade Centre with her first aid kit. She stayed nine months, offering disaster relief arm-in-arm with ordinary, like-minded people.

Galvanising grassroots momentum, Alison founded Third Wave Volunteers – a global movement of first responder volunteers who bring relief to the world's disaster and war zones, including Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. Following the 2004 tsunami, she set up the first Tsunami Early-Warning Centre and education museum, which continues to thrive.

By mobilising everyday people, 61-year-old Alison is building resilience in local communities through sustainable, locally driven disaster prevention and recovery. Drawing from her upbringing as a pastor's child, Alison believes that each person's small skills add up to drive big changes.

Northern Territory – Dr Felix Ho ASM (Darwin)

Dr Felix Ho tirelessly serves remote communities in the Northern Territory as a medical practitioner. But for Felix, that's not enough – he also volunteers thousands of his hours building the St John Youth Program and helps at public events as a St John first responder.

Since joining as a St John cadet in 1995 at the age of 13, Felix has faithfully served others, including overseas as an Intensive Care Paramedic on a United Nations mission to Timor-Leste.

In 2020, he took on national leadership of the youth portfolio for St John Ambulance Australia, where he's a guiding force for over 3,000 young people, equipping the next generation of first responders. Aligned with clinical standards, Felix developed interactive, accessible and engaging training for youth and cadets across Australia.

Now 43, Felix brings people together across geography and generations, to equip Australia's youth to save lives through first aid in an emergency.

Queensland – Dr Rolf Gomes (Kenmore Hills)

When Dr Rolf Gomes, 52, was confronted with how differently cardiac patients were treated in rural and remote Australia, he decided to do something about it. He designed and launched the first Heart of Australia mobile 'Heart Trucks' to visit remote communities.

Today the Heart Trucks bring regular specialist clinics to over 30 towns in rural Australia, providing early diagnostic services that would otherwise be out of reach. Since 2014, the trucks have treated more than 20,000 patients and saved countless lives. The truck fleet will expand to 11 trucks by 2027 to provide services nationally, adding new diagnostic services for a wide range of early intervention health screenings, including for lung cancer.

Rolf's vision, ingenuity and tenacity have had a far-reaching impact on rural health and medicine in Australia, helping to save lives and ensure that rural patients have access to clinical services without having to travel long distances.

South Australia – Katherine Bennell-Pegg (West Beach)

Katherine Bennell-Pegg is making history as the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under Australia's space program, opening pathways for others to follow.

Katherine graduated from Basic Astronaut Training in 2024 as part of a class of six trained by the European Astronaut Centre in Germany – the first international candidate to do so. She was initially chosen for the program from a field of over 22,500 applicants.

Katherine has harboured ambitions of becoming an astronaut since she was a young child. As a space engineer, she has advanced multiple space missions and technologies.

Alongside her career achievements, Katherine is an energetic champion for Australia's space program, regularly presenting to audiences of schoolchildren and industry leaders to inspire the next generation and create new opportunities.

Katherine, 41, is a genuine trailblazer in Australia's emerging space industry. With her determination and drive to succeed, she is a powerful example for young Australians.

Tasmania – Dr Jorian (Jo) Kippax (Ridgeway)

Dr Jo Kippax was part of a specialist team of rescuers tasked to free a whitewater rafter who was trapped in perilous rapids on the Franklin River in 2024.

Lithuanian whitewater rafter, Valdas Bieliauskas, was retrieved from freezing water by Jo and his team.

The clinical team performed an operation to amputate Valdas's leg underwater, allowing him to be freed and ultimately saving his life. Throughout the rescue, Jo was instrumental in guiding the team with professionalism, courage and remarkable calmness under pressure.

For this life-saving act, the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda awarded the country's Life Saving Cross award to Jo, which he humbly accepted on behalf of his team.

The rescue of Valdas is just one chapter in Jo's long career in emergency medicine, disaster response, and search and rescue. Demonstrating outstanding skill, courage and team leadership in the aid of others, 55-year-old Jo displays selfless dedication to saving lives in often very challenging circumstances.

Victoria – Carrie Bickmore OAM (Melbourne)

Carrie Bickmore is a radio and television presenter who has changed the way that brain cancer research is funded in Australia.

Brain cancer kills more Australian children than any other disease, and more people aged under 40 than any other cancer – including Carrie's late husband Greg, who passed away in 2010.

Since 2015, Carrie has raised over $27 million. In 2021, she established The Brain Cancer Centre to bring together the brightest minds in research to find a cure.

The Brain Cancer Centre has leveraged investment by Carrie's Foundation to secure another $45 million of research funding. This supports research projects across the country and is delivering specific clinical trials for brain cancer patients that are the first of their kind in the world.

Carrie is striving to ensure that every Australian diagnosed with brain cancer can access the best treatments and has real hope of a positive outcome.

Western Australia – Dr Daniela Vecchio (Parklands)

Dr Daniela Vecchio is head of mental health and addiction services at Fiona Stanley Hospital. She is the pioneer in establishing the first publicly funded gaming disorder clinic in Australia in 2022.

She has seen increasing numbers of young people with addiction to video games and social media and was quick to recognise the distress and harms caused to them and their families. The clinic is unique worldwide in providing early detection and intervention in an acute hospital setting.

Daniela, 57, has driven the development of holistic assessments and a wide range of personalised treatments for her clients. She has fostered extensive collaborations, including internationally with Korea, Germany and Dubai, nationally with experts in the field, and locally with health, education and police services.

As a director of the Australian Gaming and Screens Alliance, she is promoting education and research into harmful online use and influencing national policy.

2026 SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

• Australian Capital Territory – Heather Reid AM (Kiels Mountain)
• New South Wales – Professor Henry Brodaty AO (Double Bay)
• Northern Territory – Jenny Duggan OAM (Katherine)
• Queensland – Cheryl Harris OAM (Sunshine Coast)
• South Australia – Malcolm Benoy (Mount Osmond)
• South Australia – James Currie (Carrickalinga)
• Tasmania – Julie Dunbabin (Taroona)
• Victoria – Bryan Lipmann AM (Richmond)
• Western Australia – Professor Kingsley Dixon AO (Waroona)

2026 YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

• Australian Capital Territory – Sita Sargeant (Canberra)
• New South Wales – Nedd Brockmann (Randwick)
• Queensland – Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw (Cunnamulla)
• South Australia – Chloe Wyatt-Jasper (Gawler South)
• Tasmania – Alyssia Kennedy (Heybridge)
• Victoria – Abraham Kuol (Narre Warren)
• Western Australia – Dr Haseeb Riaz and Gareth Shanthikumar (Peppermint Grove
• & City Beach)

Warning: This story contains images and details that some readers may find distressing.

Alex Pretti was pepper-sprayed and wrestled to the ground before he was fatally shot by an ICE officer, new footage reveals.

Pretti, an ICU nurse, was shot and killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday morning (AEDT) when he approached federal officers who were allegedly targeting a woman on a street.

In the footage, a man identified as Pretti is seen holding an object that appears to be a phone and getting in between the woman and an ICE agent when the woman is pushed to the ground.

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Pretti had a gun on his person, but he did not have it in his hands at the time of the incident, nor did he appear to visibly threaten the officers with a weapon or with any violence.

As he tries to help the woman to her feet, he is sprayed with a substance, potentially pepper spray, by an agent before being tackled and pinned to the ground.

The vision shows an agent striking Pretti whilst he is on the ground.

According to CNN, witnesses heard one of the agents shouting, "he's got a gun!", with an alternate angle of video footage showing an agent appearing to remove Pretti's gun from a holster before the shooting occurred.

As Pretti and the woman are separated, an agent draws a pistol and fires several shots whilst Pretti is face down on the ground.

READ MORE: Thousands expected to participate in Invasion Day marches around the country

Pretti was shot, and died at the scene.

It is the second death of a Minneapolis citizen at the hands of ICE agents in two weeks, with Renee Good being shot dead in her car earlier this month.

The Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem claimed the ICE agent was acting in self-defence after "fearing for his life".

"The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted," she claimed, despite subsequent videos appearing to show Pretti making no aggressive actions towards federal officers.

Despite the White House's strong stance and continued deployment of ICE agents in Minnesota, some Republicans and members of the DHS have criticised the measures being taken.

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"The events in Minneapolis are incredibly disturbing," Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy wrote in a post on X.

"There must be a full joint federal and state investigation. We can trust the American people with the truth."

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, in a post on X, wrote Pretti's killing "should raise serious questions within the administration about the adequacy of immigration-enforcement training and the instructions officers are given on carrying out their mission."

Frustrations are also building within DHS, as officials shared videos of the incident among themselves over the past day, fuelling widespread concern and fury over the handling of the shooting.

"The department needs a law enforcement leader, not a sycophant," one Homeland Security official told CNN.

Some US Border Patrol agents on the ground in Minneapolis are also beginning to feel unconvinced that being in the city is productive enough to justify the risk of being placed in tenuous situations, according to a former senior Border Patrol official.

Protests have broken out across Minneapolis and the rest of the United States in the aftermath of the shooting.

Reported with CNN

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Anthony Albanese has called for unity on Australia Day, saying today should be a reminder of why Australia is the "best country on earth".

Millions of people are set to celebrate Australia Day, with citizenship ceremonies, barbecues and special events to mark the national holiday.

Albanese said today was an opportunity for the nation to reflect on what makes the country great.

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"The great gift of Australia Day is that it gives us the perfect opportunity to come together to celebrate everything that unites us as a nation and makes us the best country on earth," Anthony Albanese told The Australian.

"We are all lucky to call Australia home, whether you're Australian by birth or by choice, whether your ancestors have loved and cared for this land for 65,000 years and or whether you're joining our Australian family at citizenship ceremonies across our nation today, pledging your loyalty to our people, our values and our democracy."

There will also be Invasion Day protests around the country, and a March for Australia in Sydney.

The major cities around Australia will be hosting their own events to mark Australia Day.

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Sydney

A WugulOra Morning Ceremony took place at Barangaroo, with several leaders, including NSW Premier Chris Minns, being present.

A First Nations artwork by Garry Purchase called Dancing in the Moonlight was projected on the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

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There will be a wide-scale citizenship ceremony at Circular Quay at around 10.30am, with the annual Ferrython, a race between four Sydney ferries, happening at about midday.

The celebrations in Sydney will conclude tonight with an Australia Day live concert on the Sydney Opera House forecourt, with Cody Simpson one of many artists to be performing.

The concert will begin at 7.30pm.

Canberra

The main event in the nation's capital on Australia Day is the National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony on Lake Burley Griffin.

The Prime Minister and Governor General will attend, alongside the Australian of the Year recipients, as the country welcomes some of its new citizens in an eye-catching ceremony.

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It features a helicopter fly-past and a bomber fly-over, as well as a 21-gun salute.

After the ceremony, a free event at Regatta Point will allow Canberra to come together to celebrate Australia Day, and will include a barbecue, live music and other entertainment.

Melbourne

Federation Square will be hosting an all-day event with activities for the family, food and music.

Melburnians will be able to find a spot on the grass to have a picnic, and will be able to watch the Australian Open on the big screen.

There will also be an official flag-raising ceremony, and an open day at Government House.

Adelaide

The extreme heat in Adelaide has seen the cancellation of the Aus Lights on the River and Aus Lights Parade, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees.

The Mourning in the Morning Ceremony still went ahead as planned.

Perth

Perth will have several Australia Day activities, with the festivities concluding in the evening with a drone and fireworks show.

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This will take place over the Swan River, with the 30-minute show beginning at 8.30pm.

Brisbane

Brisbane will host a food ceremony this afternoon, which will also feature music and live entertainment.

Called "Great Australian Bites", it will begin at 2pm on Riverside Green at South Bank Parklands and will have pop-up stalls and food trucks sharing food from across the nation, reflecting Australia's multiculturalism.

There will also be a silent disco and live cooking demonstrations.

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Sporting legend Cathy Freeman has been awarded Australia's highest honour, a little more than 25 years after she sent the nation into a frenzy with her Olympic gold medal at Sydney 2000.

Other notable names to be appointed as a companion of the Order of Australia (AC) tonight include former premiers Kristina Keneally, Annastacia Palaszcuk and Steven Marshall, and former federal finance minister Mathias Cormann. 

In all, nearly 1000 Australians were recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards, and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.

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It's just the latest in a glittering list of achievements and awards for Freeman, undoubtedly one of Australia's greatest athletes, responsible for the country's most iconic sporting moment. 

She already counted Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend status and the Order of Australia Medal alongside her Olympic gold and silver medals and three Commonwealth Games golds in her trophy cabinet.

The Kuku Yalanji and Birra Gubba woman was recognised for "eminent service to athletics as an international competitor and ambassador, to positive social impact across the community, to the reconciliation movement in the spirit of unity and inclusion, and as a role model to youth."

Freeman told The Sydney Morning Herald she intended to use the honour as a platform to unite Australia.

"Mum said this is a gift from the Australian people and I wouldn't have looked at it that way, but my mum has incredible wisdom. So I sort of just stopped overthinking it and took it in the spirit it's supposed to be received in," she said, adding her mum was "all about unity".

"I just want to be who I am, be authentic. My achievement and my story is always going to touch on things like Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander perspectives, Olympism, track and field, elite sport, women in sport, the themes are diverse and varied."

Freeman described the award as "quite mind-bending".

"I set out to be the best athlete that I could be for myself and then all of a sudden this whole world unfolded right before my very eyes, and it just continues to expand, and it continues to be a wild ride, let me tell ya," she said.

Palaszczuk, who won widespread support among Queenslanders but angered many in the rest of the country by limiting the local impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through harsh border restrictions, was praised for her recognition to public health.

She was also recognised more generally for her time as premier and service to educational equity and multiculturalism.

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Rob Hirst, the Midnight Oil drummer who died just days ago follow an almost three-year battle with pancreatic cancer, was appointed a member of the order for his service to music.

The Council of the Order of Australia highlighted former federal finance minister Cormann for his contributions to government reform, multilateral affairs and international economic development.

The Belgian-born Australian politician became secretary-general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shortly after leaving the Senate.

Former NSW leader Kristina Keneally was recognised for her services as premier, as well as her later years as a federal senator.

Former South Australian premier Steven Marshall was recognised for his service to business, people with disability, governance and board positions.

In addition to the 680 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (10 AC, 38 AO, 160 AM and 472 OAM), today's Honours list includes: 

• 22 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia.
• 187 Meritorious awards 
• 60 Distinguished and Conspicuous awards

You can search the table below for the full list of honourees.

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Governor-General Sam Mostyn said the honourees reflected Australia's values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity, and care.

"Congratulations to everyone recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List," she said.

"As the list so vividly showcases, so many Australians continue to give the best of themselves across many endeavours, in the interest of others. It is rewarding to see an increase in the number of awards, which reflects more nominations and recognition of the many Australians who inspire the best in all of us."

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Authorities are continuing to scour waters on Victoria's east coast after a 12-year-old Melbourne boy disappeared while swimming.

Danny was last seen swimming at No. 4 Beach in Venus Bay, about 120 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, around 11.30am yesterday.

His family, from Taylors Hill, and members of the public, started searching for him after losing sight of him about 11.30am.

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The Air Wing, water police, the coast guard, SES, Life Saving Victoria, uniform police and other beachgoers searched for Danny until the late hours of the night, but were unable to find any trace of him.

The search of No. 4 Beach resumed at 5am today, with a large vessel from Melbourne expected to arrive this afternoon to assist search efforts.

"His family are obviously distraught, as any parent wuold be in a situation like this," Acting Senior Sergeant Matt Wade said.

"We'll continue to search today whilst it's safe to do so and whilst we've got light."

Danny was described as about 170 centimetres tall with a thin build, dark, short hair and dark eyes.

He was wearing a navy blue rash vest and navy blue boardshorts with a white stripe when he disappeared. 

Police are urging anyone who's seen Danny to contact Wonthaggi Police.

Venus Bay's tiny population of 500 can surge into the thousands as anglers, surfers and families arrive for holidays, according to Visit Melbourne.

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Hundreds of firefighters continue to battle an out-of-control blaze in Victoria's south-west, as the worst of a long-running heatwave looms over the state.

About 300 firefighters were on the ground this afternoon in the Otways, where more than 1100 properties have been urged to evacuate before sunset ahead of dangerous fire conditions tomorrow.

The mercury is set to climb to the mid to high 40s across Victoria tomorrow, and a gusty wind change expected to sweep the south-west coast late tomorrow afternoon has fire authorities and communities on alert.

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Some parts of northern Victoria could reach record-breaking temperatures, with a top of 49 degrees forecast for Ouyen in the Mallee.

A statewide Total Fire Ban has been issued for tomorrow.

"Mid-40s heat tomorrow is significant for this environment as we will see right across Victoria tomorrow but that's what we're concerned about," Colac Deputy Incident Controller Alistair Drayton said on ABC News Afternoons.

"But more importantly we will see with the change coming through, the gusty south-westerly change at the moment with forecasted winds around the 60km/h mark.

"That will ensure there will be further smoke changing direction later in the afternoon that we're anticipating it to hit the firegrounds here."

A dozen aircraft were working to smother the blaze from above, while local firefighters and crews from interstate were doing their best to limit the spread of the fire on the ground.

A fleet of 74 Canadian firefighters was due to arrive in Victoria tomorrow to undergo orientation training, before assisting with firefighting efforts later in the week.

Drayton warned the fire was burning in a "very, very difficult landscape for firefighters" and said authorities would be putting the safety of firefighters first in extreme circumstances.

"This fire will not be contained in the coming days. Should it break out, firefighters will be looking at the safety of themselves and our assets.

"That's why we're asking people to evacuate now in those identified areas.

"Look at the EmergencyVic app to understand the circumstances in your particular area and indeed follow those actions that we're asking people to do."

More than 1100 properties urged to evacuate

Four evacuation orders were issued about midday for anyone in the path of the Gellibrand fire in the Otways, which has been burning since January 10.

Scorching conditions over the weekend caused the fire to nearly double in size and break containment lines on Saturday night.

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The fire has grown to 8600 hectares in size, sparking warnings that dangerous conditions tomorrow could see it spread as far as Lorne and Aireys Inlet.

The evacuation orders for 1100 properties are for more than two dozen towns, including Gellibrand, Carlisle River, Barongarook, Kawarren, Forrest, Beech Forest and surrounding areas in the Great Otway National Park are in danger and should evacuate now to protect their lives, a warning from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) said.

View the current emergency warnings here.

Police and SES were door-knocking the area urging people to leave, but warned they may not reach every property.

"Don't wait for Police. The message is to leave today," FFMVic said.

"When you are ready, you should leave immediately. Don't wait to be told when to leave."

A watch and act warning that stretches as far as Lorne and Anglesea has been issued, with residents urged to prepare their bushfire survival plans.

"The fire may impact southern Otway National Park and coastal communities as far as Lorne and Aireys Inlet," VicEmergency said.

"The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act," FFMVic said.

"Bushfire danger is expected to increase on Tuesday 27th January. Community members are encouraged to prepare their bushfire survival plan now and, if staying, ensure their property is ready."

The safest evacuation route is Birregurra-Forrest Rd and Forrest-Apollo Bay Road towards Colac, but authorities have warned Forrest-Apollo Bay Road may be closed if the fire activity reaches its vicinity.

Three relief centres have been established at the following locations for people who do not have a safe place to go:

• Colac Showgrounds – enter via Bruce Street – This is the only centre that you can take large domestic animals
• Colac Blue Water Fitness 118-134 Hearn St
• Grovedale Community Hub. 45-47 Heyers Road

All parks and campgrounds in the area, including the Great Otway National Park, are closed.

A series of watch-and-act warnings remain in place for other major bushfires burning across the state, including the Walwa fire and the Dargo/Wonnangatta fire.

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