Tag Archives: oceania

Warning for NSW residents ahead of widespread rain and storms

2026-01-14 FreeNews

A week of heavy rain, damaging winds and potentially severe thunderstorms is on the way for residents in south-eastern New South Wales, prompting authorities to issue a warning about the risk of flash flooding.

Thunderstorms are expected from today across parts of Sydney, the Illawarra region, the Hunter region and the NSW South Coast.

The NSW SES has warned some storms could bring 30mm to 60mm of rain an hour, gusty winds exceeding 90km/h and large hail.

A week of heavy rain, damaging winds and potentially severe thunderstorms is on the way for residents in south-eastern New South Wales.

From tomorrow and across the weekend, the rain could become more widespread across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and South Coast, as a low pressure system develops off the coast.

This could cause rivers and creeks to rise quickly, which could cover roads in water in some areas.

NSW SES state duty commander Dallas Burnes said while rainfall totals may build gradually, conditions could change quickly.

"Even moderate rain over several days can cause problems, especially when it falls on already wet ground," Burnes said.

"We are working closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to monitor this system and our members across south eastern NSW have been briefed and are ready to respond."

Heavy rain is predicted to fall along the NSW coast over the next seven days.

Burnes urged people to prepare early and be mindful of the increased risks

"We ask people to be vigilant if camping near creeks and rivers and to make sure you have appropriate equipment as it might be raining for up to a week in some areas," he said.

"If water levels begin to rise, move to higher ground immediately."

The rain comes after ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji lashed Queensland, where the town of Clermont near Rockhampton had its wettest day in more than 110 years earlier this week.

"The broad low pressure trough is extending from ex-TC Koji in the north all the way down to central Victoria,"

Weatherzone meteorologist Joel Pippard said the broad low pressure trough had extended from the ex-tropical cyclone in the north all the way down to central Victoria.

"The trough will meet up with an upper trough and cold pool from today," Pippard said.

"As the system tracks west, bringing scattered to widespread thunderstorms on Thursday, it will spawn a coastal trough off the NSW coast.

"The moisture feed from the tropics and the Tasman Sea will deliver heavy rainfall along the NSW coast, heaviest in the far south, with a growing powerful swell to impact the coast from Friday to next Tuesday."

Residents in parts of Victoria can also expect potential storms and showers tomorrow as the low pressure trough moves over the country's south-east, drawing moisture from the Coral Sea in Queensland.

"That moisture will wrap into NSW and south-eastern Victoria, with potentially some rain for Melbourne," Weatherzone meteorologist Felix Levesque predicted yesterday.

"The most likely total is in the 1-5 mm range with heavier stuff further east and south into Bass Strait.

"But potentially, Melbourne could see 10-20 mm depending on the depth of the moisture feed."

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‘Leave now’: Residents issued flood evacuation order

2026-01-14 FreeNews

Residents along the Mackenzie River in Queensland are being told to leave immediately due to the imminent threat of major flooding.

An emergency warning has been issued for people in the low-lying areas of the river in the Central Highlands Regional Council area, including Duaringa.

Residents are being told to find higher ground, with current floods expected to exceed previous flood events.

Residents in the highlighted region are being urged to leave now due to the risk of flooding on the Mackenzie River.

It comes after Premier David Crisafulli warned residents in the state's north and western regions to remain on high alert for the danger of floods despite rain easing.

He said some parts of the state had received a year's worth of rain in just a week, meaning some catchments were on the brink of bursting.

Several major flood warnings remain in place, including for the Flinders River and Connors-Isaac River, with Crisafulli saying concerns remain even though drenched parts of the state are receiving less rainfall.

Parts of the state received a year's worth of rain in just a week.

"Parts of north and north-west Queensland, they had a year's rainfall in a week, they're just so swollen already," he said on Today.

"In some places, we've got cattle perched on high ground being fed fodder and emergency veterinary supplies to try and keep them alive.

"That's the great fear, is if there is extra rain in catchments that are already high and not going down as quickly as we'd like."

Cloncurry in the state's north-west could see 45 millimetres of rain today, whilst Mount Isa could also cop a drenching of 35 millimetres.

David Crisafulli said flood danger still remains, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning this could come later this week.

Some coastal areas will be less impacted, including around Cairns and Townsville, though the Whitsundays are still receiving rain.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned the flood danger may increase at the end of this week as several rivers and catchments struggle to contain the huge amounts of rain over the last fortnight.

Crisafulli said there was light at the end of the tunnel, but insisted the state needed to remain on alert.

"We are on an easing trend, but that doesn't mean there isn't the prospect of those heavy, isolated falls and in already swollen catchments," he said.

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Major tech and cultural festival announces exit from Australia

2026-01-14 FreeNews

Renowned arts, technology and culture festival SXSW Sydney has been cancelled after a three-year run.

Organisers confirmed in a statement today the popular festival, once billed as the "Olympics of events" for creatives, would not return to the NSW capital city this year due to a "changing global environment" impacting major events worldwide.

The organisation said it had worked with the NSW government and SXSW owners Penske Media Corporation to "explore potential pathways forward" but ultimately "prevailing marketing conditions" had stopped the event from going ahead.

The festival boasted a range of high-profile international guests including Nicole Kidman and The Kid Laroi.

Over the past few years, the festival boasted a range of high-profile international guests including Nicole Kidman and The Kid Laroi.

More than 345,000 people attended last year's festival, which represented a 15 per cent increase on the previous year's attendance.

Event organisers said the festival generated $276 million in cumulative economic impact over its three-year run.

The announcement was met with sadness from fans on social media this morning who praised the event as "fantastic" and a "highlight" of the Sydney events calendar.

Arts, technology and culture festival SXSW Sydney has been cancelled after a successful three-year run.

"Every great story has a final page," event organisers said on social media.

"It's bittersweet to be saying goodbye while the momentum is so high.

"We're walking away knowing that something special happened here.

"We couldn't have asked for a better community to share this journey with, or a better city to call home."

Event organisers said they would work closely with staff members to provide appropriate support following the cancellation.

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Iranian protester could be executed days after his arrest

2026-01-14 FreeNews

An Iranian man is at risk of being executed less than a week after being detained by the country's authorities, according to a human rights organisation.

Erfan Soltani, 26, could be killed as early as tomorrow, just six days after he was detained at one of Iran's most infamous prisons, Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights says.

He was arrested at his home in Fardis, a city west of the capital Tehran on January 8 after taking part in deadly anti-government protests that have spread across the country.

Erfan Soltani was arrested at his home after taking part in a protest last week.

Hengaw, which is based in Norway, estimates more than 2500 people have been killed in the protests, which began just over two weeks ago.

Internet access was cut off in the country by the government, making confirmation of events or the number of people detained or killed difficult.

After his arrest, Soltani was taken to Ghezel Hesar Prison, where the Centre for Human Rights in Iran alleges extreme violence, torture, and executions have taken place.

A source close to the family said he has been sentenced to death, and that they only found out about his execution four days after he was detained.

Erfan Soltani has reportedly been denied legal aid, with his family also restricted from visiting him.

"Authorities informed them the death sentence is final and will be carried out on Wednesday [Thursday AEDT]," Hengaw said.

"The family has reportedly been granted only a brief opportunity for a final visit prior to the execution."

His sister, who is a licensed lawyer, was prevented from assisting her brother legally, being denied the case file, according to the source.

"Erfan Soltani has been deprived of his most basic rights, including access to legal counsel, the right to defense, and other fundamental due process guarantees," Hengaw said.

Trump says 'help is on the way!'

US President Donald Trump has called on the Iranian people to keep protesting against the current regime.

"Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!" he wrote on Truth Social.

"Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS.

US President Donald Trump pledged to help the Iranian protesters, though it is unclear what this may look like.

"HELP IS ON ITS WAY."

It is unclear what help Trump is proposing to give to protesters in Iran.

Speaking at Andrews Air Force Base, he said the Iranian government needed to show humanity.

"They've got a big problem. And I hope they're not going to be killing people," he said.

"It would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed."

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Neo-Nazi claims alleged ‘rape’ threat was actually art

2026-01-14 FreeNews

A neo-Nazi leader claims he was employing a "philosophical term of art" when he allegedly directed supporters to "rhetorically rape" a federal politician.

Joel Davis, 30, was arrested in November after he allegedly sent a menacing message which encouraged hate and abuse towards independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender.

The National Socialist Network mouthpiece is accused of calling on his supporters to "rhetorically rape" the parliamentarian in a post on an encrypted online platform.

Davis was arrested in November last year after he allegedly sent a menacing message which encouraged hate and abuse towards Spender.

Police allege the threat came after Spender condemned the group for holding a police-authorised rally outside the NSW parliament on November 8.

But Davis' barrister Sebastian De Brennan argued there is an innocent explanation behind Davis' social media post.

He faced the Downing Centre Local Court today to apply for his client to be released on bail and tendered supporting documents, including a sworn statement.

Independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender.

"The affidavit annexes some literature that goes some way, in my submission, to explaining that what he said on social media was in fact a philosophical term of art," De Brennan said.

Davis has been in custody for nearly two months and his lawyer argued there is potential urgency to the bail application because of a change in his circumstances, "not least of which is delay".

While the crown prosecutor acknowledged there had been delays, she said a substantial brief of evidence was due to be served on De Brennan today.

The magistrate noted the court was overloaded with 680 matters and would not be able to deal with Davis' bail application, instead adjourning it to be heard tomorrow.

Davis' bid for conditional liberty comes as the National Socialist Network announced plans to disband this Sunday as a result of new hate speech laws triggered by the Bondi massacre.

Legislation set to be debated in parliament next week would give the government powers to prescribe hate groups that currently fall below terrorist listing thresholds.

The neo-Nazi organisation announced it would dissolve to avoid past and present members being prosecuted for recruiting people to spread racial hatred.

Organisers, supporters and recruiters of listed groups face a maximum of 15 years in prison under the proposed laws while members face seven.

Support is available by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.

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A video of a parking hack went viral. Copying it could land you in jail

2026-01-14 FreeNews

A Queensland couple's sneaky parking hack has gone viral online, but a lawyer has warned others that it could actually land them in jail.

Bonnie-Rae and Kodi shared on TikTok a video of them covering a yellow line with sand near the beach and claimed the trick helped them avoid a fine.

"It actually worked," the caption read.

A Queensland couple's sneaky parking hack has gone viral online, but a lawyer warned others that it could actually land them in jail.

The video has racked up more than 1.6 million views, with users saying "I see a tutorial", "Thank you" and "This is genius".

"I literally got a $330 parking ticket for this the other day. This would've been great," one said.

But Astor Legal principal criminal lawyer Avinash Singh said tampering with road markings could obstruct the course of justice and even lead to imprisonment.

"It can be seen as attempting to pervert the course of justice if it is done with the intention of avoiding a parking fine being issued," he said.

Doing so could lead to a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment in Victoria, 14 years imprisonment in NSW, and seven years imprisonment in Queensland and Western Australia.

Singh said filming yourself covering a parking line could also increase the likelihood of a penalty.

"This is because the courts would consider that there is a greater need to send a message to the wider community denouncing this conduct," he said.

"This is known as the concept of general deterrence."

A complete yellow line, as seen in the viral video, means no cars can stop there except in an emergency.

The yellow line on the kerbside indicates parking restrictions.

A complete yellow line means no cars can stop there, while a broken yellow line is a clearway, meaning cars cannot stop there between the hours shown on the sign.

Singh said these areas are usually restricted as they are near corners and could lead to accidents.

"The purpose of yellow parking lines is to make it clear that vehicles should not be parked there," he said.

"Usually, these yellow lines are near corners.

"Parking vehicles in these areas can lead to accidents as turning vehicles may not see the parked vehicles."

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How your job influences how much alcohol you drink

2026-01-14 FreeNews

Working conditions are linked to dangerous drinking habits and employers should do more to mitigate it, a new study has found.

Flinders University researchers found that while personal and social factors play central roles in heavy drinking, work-related influences such as stress and shift work also drive bad habits.

Lead author Dr Gianluca Di Censo from Flinders' College of Medicine and Public Health and the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) said the findings challenged some common assumptions.

Stock photo of beer

"We often think of workplace stress as one of the main drivers of excessive drinking, but our research shows that sociodemographic and health factors are even more important," Di Censo said.

"That said, certain work conditions do increase risk, and understanding these patterns is vital for designing effective ways in which to help those who are indulging in high-risk drinking."

The study analysed responses from over 26,000 employed Australians and found that working more than 40 hours a week was linked to higher odds of drinking at harmful levels across the week.

Office workers in the CBD.

Shift workers were more likely to engage in one-off high-risk drinking occasions, while those who wanted to work more hours also showed elevated risk.

"We believe that wanting more work hours may reflect underlying factors such as financial stress, workaholism, or other traits that predispose individuals to high-risk drinking patterns, which is consistent with previous research," Di Censo said.

Job satisfaction was not a major factor, which researchers suggested the interesting probability that structural factors mattered more than enjoying your work.

Beyond workplace factors, the research revealed differences based on age, gender and lifestyle.

Young workers aged 18 to 29 were almost eight times more likely to binge drink compared to older colleagues, and men were far more likely than women to drink to excess.

Smoking emerged as the strongest modifiable risk factor, with smokers nearly three times more likely to drink at high-risk levels.

"This tells us that prevention and intervention programs shouldn't just focus on alcohol in isolation," Di Censo said.

"Programs that address multiple health behaviours, like smoking and drinking together, are likely to be more effective."

Co-author Dr Kirrilly Thompson from the College of Medicine and Public Health and NCETA says the findings have clear implications for employers.

"Workplaces can't ignore this issue. Long hours and shift work are linked to harmful drinking patterns, and myths like 'alcohol helps you sleep' persist among shift workers," she said.

"Employers need to provide education about the real effects of alcohol, promote work-life balance and offer support for stress management. These steps can make a real difference."

Di Censo said tailored approaches were key.

"Younger male workers and those in physically demanding jobs like labouring are among the highest-risk groups. Targeting these populations with relevant messaging and support could make a real difference," he said.

"By recognising how work conditions intersect with drinking habits, employers and policymakers can help create healthier environments for everyone."

The study, published in Drug and Alcohol Review, can be found online here.

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Donald Trump flips off, appears to swear at heckler

2026-01-14 FreeNews

Donald Trump has stuck his middle finger up and appears to have sworn at a factory worker who heckled him.

The US president was standing on an elevated platform at a Ford factory in Detroit when a worker appeared to shout "paedophile protector" at him.

Trump responded by pointing at the worker and appearing to say the words "f— you" twice.

Donald Trump pointed at and appeared to swear at a factory worker who called him a "pedophile protector".

As he walked away, the president flashed his middle finger at the man.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded with a statement to TMZ.

"A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the president gave an appropriate and unambiguous response," Cheung said.

Trump is under increasing scrutiny of his friendship with notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

After a congressional vote forced the release of the Department of Justice's Epstein files, his administration only released a fraction of the documents.

Donald Trump flashed his middle finger at the heckler.

Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee will begin contempt proceedings against Bill and Hillary Clinton after they defied a subpoena overnight.

The former president did not appear to testify into the committee's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

Mrs Clinton said she will not appear as scheduled tomorrow.

Despite his long ties to Epstein, Trump himself has not been subpoenaed.

Trump was in the city to speak at the Detroit Economic Club to promote his economic agenda.

But he went off message to threaten to revoke the citizenship of any Somali-Americans found guilty of fraud.

Donald Trump dancing at the Detroit Economic Club.

"If you come to America to rob Americans, we're throwing you in jail and we're sending you back to the country from where you came," Trump said.

"As we liberate our country from this cultural scourge and the plague of corruption and fraud, we will rediscover the natural energy and native spirit that truly makes America great again."

Such a move from the president would be illegal.

The president is under pressure over flagging economic data.

Jobs numbers have been muted while prices continue to rise.

And his tariffs have not led to a boost in manufacturing jobs in America, counter to his claims.

"The results are in, and the Trump economic boom has officially begun," he said today.

"One of the biggest reasons for this unbelievable success has been our historic use of tariffs."

Manufacturing jobs in the US actually declined by tens of thousands this year.

As part of the trip, Trump visited the factory that makes F-150 utes.

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‘Incomprehensible’: Tragic triple blow after Mandy’s home destroyed in bushfire

2026-01-14 FreeNews

Exclusive: As the old saying goes, bad things often happen in threes.

Mandy Dashwood has suffered a devastating trifecta of recent misfortunes: her home and almost everything she owns were reduced to rubble in the Harcourt bushfires, just one day after her beloved mum died.

And this all unfolded as she battles a breast cancer diagnosis.

Mandy Dashwood bushfires

The 62-year-old, however, remains fiercely positive and unwavering in her resilience.

"I don't have anything to wear to mum's funeral because I don't have a wardrobe anymore," Dashwood told nine.com.au.

"I don't even have a pair of socks."

Dashwood evacuated her home just minutes before the blaze ripped through her community.

She said her "sanctuary" was among the first to burn to the ground.

"My gut instinct said get out, and I didn't question it," Dashwood recalled.

"I just got a small bag ready, and put the dogs in the car. I only just bought one night's worth of clothes.

"My house was gone in less than 10 seconds."

Hers was among 47 homes destroyed in Harcourt.

Mandy Dashwood bushfires

The mum and former policewoman said she "wouldn't have survived" if she stayed to protect her home.

Dashwood luckily spent nearly $10,000 on home and contents insurance, but a large chunk of her payout will be lost to the bank as she still has a mortgage.

She also acknowledges that this cost is prohibitive to many homeowners in bushfire and flood zones.

"One insurance agency was going to charge me $21,000 for insurance, and I got another company down to $9500 a year," she added.

"I've never been through this, and I didn't know what hoops I'd have to jump through."

It will likely be a long time before Dashwood sees the money.

Now, with only the clothes on her back, Dashwood faces the daunting task of starting from scratch.

"I want to go back there and I want to rebuild because my ultimate plan, because I'm 62 and I was happy to retire there," she said.

Dashwood's niece Remi is in awe of her aunt's strength.

She has started a GoFundMe crowdfunding page to help Dashwood pick up the pieces and reassemble her life.

Mandy Dashwood bushfires

It has already amassed close to $30,000.

"How do you replace a whole life?" Remi said.

"That's just incomprehensible. The insurance covers a part of that, but it doesn't really cover everything."

Dashwood is now staying with a friend in Berwick in Melbourne's south-east, but when she returns home, she plans to pay the generosity forward.

"I am absolutely speechless. I am humbled to the core," she said.

"And I will, once this blows over, spend my time paying that forward in incredible ways."

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Should Australia be calling Trump out over Greenland threats?

2026-01-14 FreeNews

There's a reason the federal government's leaders aren't particularly keen to talk about Greenland.

Asked this week about US President Donald Trump's escalating threats to seize control of the huge icy country with a tiny number of people, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese handballed to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who spent just five seconds on it.

"Look, the future of Greenland is a matter for Denmark and the people of Greenland, and Australia's made that clear," she said.

Donald Trump claimed to be the Acting President of Venezuela.

Despite some growing calls for the government to speak out, Australians probably shouldn't expect a big shift from Wong and Albanese, one leading foreign policy expert says.

Australian National University Professor Wesley Widmaier Jr explains when it comes to foreign policy, Australia has long-standing priorities.

"I think two are particularly relevant here," he told 9news.com.au.

"I mean, the Australian foreign policy priorities are always maintain the ties to the great and powerful friends, have some kind of attachment to the rules-based order."

So what do you do when your "great and powerful friend" is suddenly threatening to weaken the rules-based order that Australia and other so-called middle powers rely on for security?

When Trump insists the only limits on his powers are not international law but his "own morality"?

Former foreign minister Bob Carr told The Guardian that the "fiercely unpredictable" ally had become a "colossal challenge" for Australia, and Gareth Evans, who also spent time in the role, called again for the AUKUS security pact to be reconsidered.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a press conference this morning.

Writing for the Lowy Institute, national security strategy expert Dr Peter Layton raised questions about the trustworthiness of the US as an ally and argued it might soon be time for Australia to "join European and NATO nations in expressing concern" over Trump's comments.

"If there is no pushback, the administration will assume that allies are content with its treatment of Denmark," he said.

"This style of destructive alliance management might then spread to European nations and the Indo-Pacific. Better outcomes may come from middle powers standing together, rather than waiting to be assaulted individually.

"If the Greenland situation worsens, the Australian government will eventually be forced to take a stand."

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Widmaier said the issue would force Australia to reflect on its relationship with the US but didn't see it as a serious threat to the ANZUS treaty that binds the two countries.

"There's a lot of things to keep Australia and America together," he said.

"And you know, Australia is not Greenland, and so I don't think it's at the level of high-level concerns.

"But it is those two things. It's the strange change in the orientation of our great and powerful friend and the implications for the rules-based order that mean that Australian foreign policy is much more uncertain."

But he didn't expect to see any toughening of the rhetoric coming out of Canberra.

"It's wait and see and it's ambiguity and it's how you say what you say," Widmaier said.

"We've seen Australia be, Albanese be, really careful.

"That's what you'll see them continue to do. It's the most important relationship. They're being cautious and not getting ahead."

A US congressional delegation is headed to Copenhagen later this week in an attempt to show unity between the United States and Denmark as Trump continues to threaten to seize Greenland, semiautonomous territory of the NATO ally.

Tensions have grown between Washington, Denmark and Greenland this month as Trump and his administration push the issue and the White House considers a range of options, including military force, to acquire the vast Arctic island.

Trump reiterated his argument that the US needs to "take Greenland" otherwise Russia or China would, in comments aboard Air Force One on Sunday.

He said he'd rather "make a deal" for the territory, "but one way or the other, we're going to have Greenland".

Danish and Greenlandic envoys are expected in Washington this week for talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

– With Associated Press