Exclusive: Morning workouts, 5am alarms, and time spent with the kids.

These are the morning routines some of Australia's most successful people swear by, from 21-year-old influencers turned brand founders, to former Olympians, and high-powered executives.

Nine.com.au sat down with seven of the country's sharpest entrepreneurs, founders and CEOs to ask how they start their days to set themselves up for success.

Here's what each of them said.

Sophia Begg, influencer and co-founder of fashion brand All For Mimi

"I love to start the day with a morning walk with my partner before making my Tropeaka matcha to enjoy a quiet moment before the chaos!"

Michael Schneider, Bunnings managing director

"Retailers tend to be morning people – trading performance, inventory availability and the like tend to form our habits early.

"When I'm travelling, early starts are also good for exploring a city or taking in some exercise.

"At home, it varies depending on the day.

"Sometimes an early workout is great and occasionally a bit more sleep before coffee and a light breakfast can work a treat."

Jane Lu, founder of fashion retailer Showpo

"I live by my calendar – if it's not in there, it's not happening.

"It's the only way to stay on top of a busy day and make sure I'm spending time on what actually matters, not just what's loudest."

Grant Hackett OAM, Olympian and chief executive of Generation Development Group

"I always wake up at the same time, normally 5.15am every morning.

The only time I don't do that is on the weekends, that's where I get my extra bit of recovery.

"I noticed that in my swimming career, when my sleep periods were different it just made me flat, so consistency of wake-up time is really important.

"I have a series of drinks that I have, probably just because of my previous career.

"I've got a longevity mix, creatine, glutamine, amino acids … and I have that pre-made the night before so I don't have to think about it in the morning, because I'm not a morning person.

"Even though everyone thinks I should be because my former career, I hate early mornings, so I have to make it as easy as possible.

"I've also got a protein shake that's already set up, I have a water bottle, I'm really quite strict on all of that stuff.

"I'll usually do a 45-minute workout in the morning and then the last thing I do after getting ready is always have breakfast with the kids.

"I'm not the person who tries to get to the office at 7am and get everything done, because I have really young kids and I always try to have breakfast with them.

"That's my time at the table with them on weekdays and I feel quite sad when I don't get that time before I leave for work."

Jim Penman, founder of Jim's Group

"First I run for half an hour in the treadmill, I do weightlifting and have a cold shower.

"The other thing I do first thing in the morning is drive my son to school.

"He's 16 and I've got a busy life I suppose you could say, but I think you should never neglect your family.

"The time that I spend with Aaron, driving him to school and picking him up is incredibly important.

"He's a great kid, he's got a very lively mind. We discuss all kinds of different things … but it's also time to bond with him and hopefully have a bit of an influence."

Therese Frangie, chief executive of Oporto

"With a morning routine. I am a big believer in managing your cognitive load and eliminating decision fatigue.

"I have a morning routine that is posted on my wardrobe that I've been following for years now; I no longer look at it, I just go into autopilot.

"I kick off the day at 5am, as this gives me 'me time' as well as allows plenty of time to set myself up for a good day, between parenting and work.

"By starting my day in this way I am setting myself up for success because I am reliving my brain from making even micro-decisions before the day really starts."

Doug Jones, chief executive of Metcash

"I like to go for a run or a ride or do some exercise, and then I get stuck into it.

"I'm of South African heritage, so I check my WhatsApp from family and friends because the time difference. And sometimes, if it's Monday, I catch up on a little bit of sports news.

"But I'm not one for cold plunges and meditations. I like to just get into the day."

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Australian football legend Sam Kerr has wed fellow sports star Kristie Mewis in a private ceremony in Western Australia.

They exchanged vows in Kerr's hometown of Perth on New Year's Eve, capping off a gigantic year for the pair who welcomed their first child, son Jagger, in May.

Mewis walked down the aisle dressed in white, with a long-flowing veil, as guests watched in the evening sun.

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Kerr, in a black tuxedo, was seen arriving at the ceremony with a baby bottle in hand.

Jagger was carried down the aisle by his Matildas mum, something Mewis admitted ahead of the event would leave her in tears.

"That's going to be gut-wrenching for me. I will sob when that happens," Mewis said days ago.

The wedding was held at a private home with about 120 guests.

The Australian icon and US footballer began dating in 2021, revealing their relationship publicly during the Tokyo Olympics, when Mewis comforted Kerr on the field.

They got engaged in 2023 after weeks of speculation.

READ MORE: Man dead, boy missing, one survives after boat capsizes off Sydney

They jointly announced the news on Instagram, with photos of Kerr down on one knee and the simple caption: "September 1st, 2023".

The pair welcomed Jagger Mewis-Kerr in May, telling fans via Instagram, "Our little man is here".

In the day before their nuptials, Mewis did most of the social media sharing. The day before the wedding she posted a series of photos of her and Kerr in white outfits perfect for a wedding, with the caption "tomorrow" and emojis of a smiling face with tears in its eyes and a red love heart.

Kerr shared a photo of the couple in the gym the day before the big day, the Australian sporting icon quipping: "Last day I ever have to hear about the wedding shred."

The couple are expected to delay their honeymoon due to football commitments.

The post-wedding holiday may involve the men's World Cup, Mewis has said previously.

Millions of people across Australia are counting down the final hours of 2025.

Hundreds of thousands claimed the key viewing spots early for Sydney's world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks display in the harbour.

By early afternoon, Mrs Macquaries Point, Hickson Road Reserve, Barangaroo Reserve, Campbells Cove and Circular Quay were all at capacity.

SYDNEY NEW YEAR'S EVE: Your complete guide to the celebrations

More than 1 million people line the harbour every year for the celebrations.

People slept overnight to secure their spot, while others began trickling in from dawn, with about 2000 already in place by 6am.

The event will be a little bit different this year as Sydney pauses for one minute to reflect on the tragic Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge will display the image of a dove and glow white as a symbol of peace and unity.

In honour of the 15 people who lost their lives, a menorah will be displayed on the pylon of the bridge at 11pm.

This will signal a moment of silence, during which people are encouraged to shine their phone torchlights in a moment of solidarity and respect for the Jewish community.

While Premier Chris Minns has called for people to celebrate New Year's Eve in the community as normal, the event will inevitably be marked by the December 14 terror attack on a Chanukah celebration.

READ MORE: Iconic Aussie cricket legend 'in fight of his life' in hospital

The bridge will also illuminate in recognition of the event's official charity partner Beyond Blue, which provides free mental health support around the clock.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the event was an opportunity for the community to reflect.

"Given that we're still reeling from the recent tragic events in Bondi, New Year's Eve provides an opportunity to gather as a community to pause and a reflect and hope for a safer and more peaceful 2026," Moore said.

Heavy police presence

Police were expecting their largest-ever presence for a New Year's Eve celebration with more than 2500 officers to be deployed.

Minns said the change in tactics would see heavily-armed police among the crowds however people should not take that as a sign that an active operation was under way.

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"They'll be operational and highly visible," he said.

"It means that they're there in preparation for any eventuality."

Earlier this week, Minns urged people this week to "thumb their noses" at terrorists, and join the city's biggest party of the year.

Extra public transport services

Roads were closed in the city centre as huge crowds poured onto the harbour foreshore.

Roads in Circular Quay were closed north of Bridge Street.

Roads in The Rocks and Barangaroo were closed including a section of Harrington, Essex and Argyle streets and a section of Hickson Road.

People were advised to take public transport to the event.

There will be 1000 extra public transport services put tonight, running constantly, Transport Minister John Graham said.

Major surges were expected after the 9pm fireworks and the midnight fireworks, with people urged to – if they can – walk further up George Street to Martin Place or Town Hall to have an easier time getting on transport.

The Barangaroo metro station will also be open later.

People are urged to monitor the vacancies on the free gathering sites to be sure they can set up there, with the numbers updated on the official New Year's Eve website.

Excited crowds arrive early

One dedicated man told 9News he arrived at 10am yesterday and had not been able to sleep since.

One mum, who made her way into the Sydney CBD at 11.30am today, said she was "really excited" to have a front row seat to the action with her two sons.

"We can't wait, we got here early to get this spot so we can see the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge," she said.

"We were here in the year 2000 so we brought these guys back for their first time this year.

"The crowd has been very, very hospitable and the organisation has been perfect."

One of her sons said he was thrilled to see the fireworks in real life.

"We've seen it on TV a few times before, we can't wait to see it, it looks really cool on TV," he said.

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Two people have died and six others have been rushed to hospital after a minivan flipped on a remote highway in South Australia.

A local paramedic called triple zero about 5.30 this morning after witnessing a Toyota Tarago crash on the Horrocks Highway at Tarlee, about one hour north of Adelaide.

Two passengers were killed in the single vehicle crash, after it lost control and flipped, landing on its roof.

READ MORE: Police search Sydney waters for missing teenager after fatal boat capsize

Six other occupants, including the driver, were rushed to hospital by road and air ambulance.

The small community of Tarlee is still healing from a fatal crash only two weeks ago, one of several across the state this festive season.

"We had a recent tragedy in the town with a family and we know first-hand how devastating that is," local Michelle Warner said.

"[It's] devastating, especially for the families involved and the people involved."

Locals say the highway is a major thoroughfare mainly used for trucks and have been calling for safety upgrades for years.

"I've lived here for 90 years, just about, but the roads, there's not enough spent on them for the amount of traffic that's being used with heavy trucks and things these days," Gavin Dunn said.

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"There are some really bad black spots, bumps in the road," Warner said.

"I've followed caravans up the road jumping over the bumps behind the vehicles."

The highway remained closed for most of the day, with the Tarago towed from the scene this afternoon.

With the fatal crash bringing SA's 2025 road toll to 87 lives lost, emergency services have urged road users to plan their journeys safely in the new year.

"All of the major contributors to road trauma you can control, so plan your trip, take responsibility, keep us all safe on the road," SA Police assistant commissioner Stuart McLean said.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined.

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Two trains taking tourists to Peru’s famed archaeological site of Machu Picchu crashed on Tuesday, killing at least one person and injuring around 30 passengers.

The person killed was a railroad worker, according to Jhonathan Castillo Gonzalez, a captain with the Cuzco police department.

He told The Associated Press that the railway suspended services along the rail line connecting Machu Picchu with the nearby city of Cuzco after the accident.

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According to the company operating the railway, a train coming from Machu Picchu collided with a train headed there in the early afternoon, near Qoriwayrachina, also an archeological site.

No further details about what had caused the crash were immediately available.

Videos on local media showed train cars with broken windows and dented sides stuck along a rail line hemmed in between a lush forest and a massive rock.

Machu Picchu gets about 1.5 million visitors per year, mostly arriving by train to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes.

Known for its perfectly fitting stone bricks, the site was built in the 15th century by the Incas and served as a sanctuary for the nation’s emperors.

The number of people visiting Machu Picchu has increased by about 25 per cent over the past decade, but tourism in the area has also been affected by political turmoil and disputes over how the site is managed, with protesters sometimes blocking the railroad that leads to the ancient site.

Machu Picchu can also be reached on foot, with visitors trekking from the small town of Ollantaytambo. The trek takes about four days.

One man has died, another has incredibly survived, and a boy is missing and feared dead after a boat capsized in rough waves off Sydney's Northern Beaches.

The call for help came just after 11.30am today when someone on the lighthouse walk spotted a capsized boat at the northern end of Palm Beach.

The tinnie was discovered upside down on rocks, with its engine on fire.

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The survivor was stranded on rocks, bleeding but incredibly lucky to be alive.

A paramedic was lowered down from a helicopter and seen talking to the man as he reveals two others were missing in the water.

"Our hearts go out to the people involved," Surf Life Saving NSW duty officer Rod McGibbon said.

The victim was winched over wild seas before being transferred to an ambulance.

A surf lifesaver on a jet ski had been the first to respond, pulling a body from the treacherous swell and onto the sand.

The man was given CPR by paramedics but died at the scene.

"We did have patrols on the beach today, which was fortunate, and they were able to respond very quickly, which is part of the reason we were able to save one of those people," McGibbon said.

Still missing in the crashing waves is a 14-year-old boy.

NSW Police Acting Inspector Nicole Turner said officers were assisting Surf Life Saving Australia, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and NSW Ambulance in the search.

The conditions off the coast had been rough today, with a warning issued for large and powerful surf.

Those same conditions have made the search operation more difficult.

It's unclear where the trio had set off from and whether they had seen the warning signs. It did not appear they had been wearing life jackets.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police Northern Beaches police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Melbourne's New Year's Eve celebrations could be disrupted as hundreds of workers at Australia's largest casino prepare to strike through the height of festivities.

As many as 500 Crown Casino employees are poised to walk off the job from 10pm for four hours, after negotiations over a new enterprise agreement broke down.

The United Workers Union (UWU) says Crown has failed to abandon pay cuts which would result in new hires paid between 16 and 32 per cent less than existing workers performing the same role.

READ MORE: Revellers defy terror fears to flock to Sydney NYE celebrations

Negotiations over the casino's main enterprise agreement have been ongoing since May, but despite three days of talks on December 22, 29 and 30, the company refused to withdraw its push for a two-tier wage system, the UWU said.

New casino workers currently earn more than $34 an hour, but that wage would drop to less than $29 under Crown's proposal, according to the UWU.

Across a year of work, that equates to more than $10,600 less for an identical role.

"The company is pushing a model that encourages cheaper new hires over retaining skilled and experienced staff, and our members are not having it." UWU Casinos Director Andrew Jones said.

"The ball is firmly in Crown's court. If the company comes back to the table with a fair proposal, this dispute does not need to escalate."

Crown says its workers earn well above industry standards, with wages continuing to rise.

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"Crown Melbourne team members earn an average of around 40 per cent above industry standards, and as high as 60 per cent above award base rates for some roles – these rates would continue to increase under Crown's most recent offer," a Crown spokesperson said.

"We are disappointed by the proposed action and we are doing all we can to minimise any potential impacts on our guests."

Crown said extra staff will be working tonight as the venue tries to minimise the impact on celebrations.

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Two young men are in hospital after a stolen car they were travelling in rolled and hit a power pole after a police check in Melbourne's north.

A Toyota Corolla with fake number plates was driving along West Street in Hadfield around 4am today when officers spotted the car and tried to pull the driver over, police allege.

When the officers pulled up behind the Corolla to conduct further checks, police claim the driver sped off.

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The police car did not pursue the Corolla.

The driver of the Corolla lost control a short time later and the car rolled onto its roof before crashing into a power pole at the intersection of West Street and Glenroy Road.

CCTV vision shows sparks flying as the car ploughed into the power pole and flip in the air before landing on its roof.

The driver and his passenger, both 22-year-old males, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the crash. They were taken to hospital.

"I heard a big screech, big crash, little bit of commotion," a nearby resident told 9News.

"I kind of hopped up out of bed, and ran out the front, then I heard 'get out of the car, get out of the car'."

"It must've been over the speed limit of 50. Definitely over, maybe 100," another witness alleged.

READ MORE: Iconic Aussie cricket legend 'in fight of his life' in hospital

Firefighters, paramedics, police and a power company swarmed the scene to contain a fuel leak from the car and fix the power pole, which had split.

Locals were left without power this morning and shops were unable to open.

Two jerry cans of fuel were found in the back seat of the Corolla after the crash, police said.

Police confirmed the Corolla was stolen from Dandenong on December 10.

The investigation remains ongoing.

No charges have been laid.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has CCTV/dash cam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

A woman has been charged over a shooting where more than 30 rounds were fired into a home which had children inside in Sydney earlier this year.

At about 1.15am on May 9, police were called to Frank Street in Mount Druitt.

Police were told upwards of 30 rounds were fired into a family home by an unknown gunman travelling in a dark-coloured hatchback.

READ MORE: Iconic Aussie cricket legend 'in fight of his life' in hospital

Seven adults and four young children were home at the time, but nobody was injured.

Earlier this month, two men were arrested and charged, and they remain before the courts.

After extensive inquiries and a public appeal for information, police executed a search warrant at a home in Mount Druitt at about 6am yesterday.

A 20-year-old woman was arrested and charged with firing a gun at a home, taking part in a criminal group, and possessing an unregistered firearm.

She was refused bail and will appear in court today.

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As Australia rings in the new year, a host of changes will come into effect.

The changes aim to save Australians money, prevent price increases and improve public health responses.

From a new cash mandate to cheaper medicines and welfare payment rises, here are the main changes coming into effect in 2026.

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Welfare payments rise

More than a million Australians are set to receive an increase to their payments from January 1, 2026.

The changes will apply to those receiving youth allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, youth disability pension and carer allowance payments.

The amount will differ depending on your circumstances.

A full list of the changes is available on the Department of Social Services website.

Businesses must take cash

This year Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced that Australia would introduce a cash mandate for grocery and fuel retailers from January 1.

Under the new rules, businesses that sell fuel and groceries must accept cash payments for these essential purchases.

The mandate will mostly apply to retailers such as supermarkets and service stations.

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Cheaper medicines through the PBS

Australians can expect their medicine bills to be slashed in the new year.

The general patient co-payment for medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will be capped at $25 per script from January 1, a decrease from $31.60.

The change is a key election promise from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and is coming through with bipartisan support from the Coalition.

Medicare safety net increases

The Medicare safety net will rise on January 1, pushing up the amount Australians and their families will need to pay before they are provided with increased public health subsidies.

The original safety net is increasing from $576 to $594, while the extended safety net has gone from $834 to $861 for concession card holders and from $2615 to $2699 for those without concession cards.

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Dental costs

A trip to the dentist can be costly but there will be some additional support for some Australians. 

The child dental benefits schedule will cover $1158 every two years for eligible families from January 1, an increase of $26.

The government program was set up to cover part or all of the cost of basic dental services for eligible children aged 17 or under.

Childcare subsidy change

Families who are eligible for the childcare subsidy will get at least 72 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight regardless of how much they work.

Meanwhile families can get 100 hours if they work more than 48 hours a week.

The changes will come into effect on January 5, 2026.

ACCC merger laws

Australia's merger laws will undergo a significant overhaul on January 1 aimed at preventing anti-competitive price rises for consumers and industry concentration.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the federal government will make it mandatory for businesses to notify the ACCC about certain acquisitions and receive subsequent approval from the regulator.

A merger deal between businesses must be reported to the ACCC if it meets certain requirements, including where the companies involved have a combined Australian turnover of $200 million or more.

The previous system was voluntary and informal.

Energy bill discount ends

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has confirmed the federal government's energy bill discount will end in the new year.

The much-needed $300 power bill relief was offered to households during the 2024/25 financial year, aimed at curbing cost of living pain for Australian families.

An extra $150 subsidy was then offered to Australians from July, however Chalmers revealed it would not be extended beyond December 31, 2025.

Centre for Disease Control launch

Australia will establish a permanent Centre for Disease Control (CDC) from January 1 to help the nation prepare for and prevent public health emergencies.

The opening comes almost 40 years after the first calls for the country to establish the service.

The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) called it the "most important piece of public health infrastructure in generations", and Health Minister Mark Butler said the CDC would "help protect Australia from diseases and public health threats".

Passport price change

If you need to renew your passport, you will be paying more in the new year.

Passport prices are set to increase increase in line with inflation.

The cost of a 10-year adult passport is currently $412, which means the price could rise to $422 in 2026.

NSW toll cap to be made permanent

If you live in NSW and regularly drive on toll roads, you could save some money on your commute in the new year.

NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed in November the state's $60-a-week toll cap would continue beyond January 1, 2026 to help motorists with the cost-of-living.

The rebate allows motorists to claim up to $340 back a week after spending $60 per vehicle.

However he warned there could be a major change to how the Sydney Harbour Bridge is tolled to pay for the relief.

Minns also announced the trial demerit point reward program would be made permanent in the new year.

This means unrestricted licence holders who incur no traffic infringements for a full calendar year will have one demerit point removed from their licence.

Victorian public transport changes

From January 1, metro public transport fares in Victoria will rise.

This includes the daily fare cap which will increase from $11 to $11.40 on weekdays and from $7.60 to $8 on weekends.

People under 18 with a youth Myki card can travel free of charge in the new year, while concession card holders can travel for free on weekends.

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