Onlookers wasted little time in taking a close look at the footbridge where two gunmen opened fire on Sunday night.
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Westpac raises home loan rates by 14bps for 18-month fixed standard and special mortgages
The rise comes after the ASB and BNZ announced changes to their fixed home loan rates.
Police seek public help after ‘extreme violence’ critically injures person
One person remains in a critical condition after an assault in Trinity Ave, Epuni.
Ikea shuts customer support centre after delivery woes
The retailer has paused its customer support services for the week to clear backlogs.
Bowel cancer: Pāpāmoa mother Kerry Bary dies four weeks before Christmas
Though her time was shorter than she hoped, she was grateful for every day she had.
Former transtasman league star charged with assault, threatening to kill
The former sportsman has interim name suppression as he appears in an Auckland court.
Weather: Showers, chilly temperatures linger across New Zealand in lead-up to Christmas
Snow is expected on Crown Range Rd and Milford Rd from afternoon to 10pm.
Sea World crash survivors prepare for injury lawsuits
A teenage boy whose mother was killed in the Sea World helicopter collision has joined some other survivors in preparing personal injury lawsuits against the theme park's operator Village Roadshow.
Nicholas Tadros and his father Simon Tadros today joined with five other people affected by the tragedy to make applications to Brisbane District Court.
Outside court, Ciaran Ehrich, a lawyer representing the crash survivors, said his clients had to make claims within three years of the crash under Queensland's Personal Injuries Proceedings Act.
READ MORE: Hero cop who took down Bondi shooter identified
"We have taken the pre-emptive step to bring those applications so that we can protect our clients' interests and all entitlements," Ehrich said.
"The three years expires in January 2026 so claims have be commenced in court by that date."
Vanessa Tadros, a 36-year-old from Sydney, was killed along with three other people in one of Australia's worst air disasters when their Sea World joy flight chopper collided with another outside the Gold Coast theme park on January 2, 2023.
Just 25 seconds after take-off, the helicopter she was riding in entered free-fall for 40 metres and crashed on a sandbar.
Simon Tadros was forced to watch the disaster unfold from the shoreline and Nicholas would later have a leg amputated while being treated for his severe injuries.
Helicopter pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, was also killed along with British newlyweds Ronald and Diane Hughes – aged 65 and 67.
READ MORE: Father identified as 13th Bondi victim
Nine passengers across both helicopters were injured.
Judge Ken Barlow today ordered the personal injury applications not proceed until a coroner has made findings into the crash.
The inquest earlier in December heard claims Jenkinson could have been affected by cocaine on the day of the crash.
There was evidence new helicopters with lower pilot visibility could have been rushed into service for the Christmas holidays, counsel assisting Ian Harvey said.
Coroner Carol Lee has adjourned the inquest to February to hear from further witnesses.
"There's disappointment that the inquest was adjourned but there's an understanding that it's not an easy process," Ehrich said.
"My clients would like (the inquest) done properly and if the parties need further time, so be it … to ensure the actual evidence comes out."
READ MORE: Man charged over alleged antisemitic threats on flight from Bali to Sydney
Sea World owner Village Roadshow Theme Parks sold its joy flights operation to Sea World Helicopters Pty Ltd in 2019.
The Tadros family and several other people have in the past two weeks filed personal injury claims against Sea World Helicopters Pty Ltd in the Queensland Supreme Court.
The inquest heard Village Roadshow still had some involvement in the helicopter operation through ticket sales, audits, and staff drug and alcohol testing.
The Tadros family and the other applicants also named Gold Coast City Council, who approved the Sea World helipad, as defendants in today's District Court applications
Jetpoint, a company that certified the helicopters as airworthy, and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority were also listed as defendants in the seven applications.
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‘Lack of care’: Optus review into triple-zero outage uncovers widespread issues
A review into the Optus Triple-Zero outage that was linked to two deaths in September has revealed widespread issues and an overall "lack of care" about mistakes that led to the incident.
The review examined the 14-hour failure that led to 605 people unable to connect to the emergency line in South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and part of NSW on September 18.
It found that Optus gave contractor, Nokia, incorrect instructions for a routine upgrade, which led to at least 10 crucial mistakes.
READ MORE: Australians who lost their retirement fund to be paid back $100m
Optus and Nokia were found to have been unaware of the issue for 13 hours, as the call centre failed to escalate reports from five callers that Triple Zero calls were not working.
The report found there were internal gaps, including poor information flow that failed to acknowledge the severity of the outage and siloed structures.
"The lack of care and work discipline evident in all the mistakes that were the cause of this incident is more difficult to address," the report said.
The other major issue was that the Triple Zero calls did not latch onto other networks as they should have, which the report stated was "puzzling".
"This raises issues about how well the Triple Zero system is operating and whether it can be improved," the report said.
The Optus review handed down 21 recommendations, including encouraging staff to escalate issues outside their immediate group, considering whether Optus should contract its complex and essential services, and shifting the siloed nature of work.
At a meeting earlier this week, the board accepted all the recommendations and agreed to implement them quickly.
READ MORE: Fundraiser for Bondi hero surpasses $2.5 million in donations
The board will also fine or fire the employees personally accountable for the failures.
Optus chairman John Arthur said the report was a "sobering read".
"We are deeply sorry for the 18 September outage that impacted Triple Zero services and the consequences for any Australians who were trying to reach emergency services," he said.
"We recognise the scale of the challenge and will act decisively to make the necessary changes to strengthen the business and rebuild trust."
Optus chief executive Stephen Rue said some of the key reforms needed were already under way, and the company will regularly report its progress.
"Our commitment is not just about compliance, it's about setting a new standard for our performance as a critical infrastructure provider of essential services and serving the community," he said.
"Australia deserves world-class emergency call services.
"We are working closely with government, regulators, and the wider telecommunications sector to enhance the reliability of the Triple Zero service for our customers."
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‘In moments of darkness, I hope you’re able to find light’
Australia is still reeling from the Bondi shooting on Sunday night but in amongst the devastation are touching moments of unity and kindness.
The terrorist attack claimed 15 innocent lives, including two rabbis, a married couple, and a 10-year-old girl.
Several of the victims are being laid to rest today.
LIVE UPDATES: Alleged Bondi gunman charged with 15 counts of murder
We asked Nine.com.au readers to send their tributes for those affected by the tragedy, including the broader Australian and Jewish communities.
This is just a small selection of their messages of condolences, love, and support.
"To everyone affected, both directly and indirectly, my heart is with you. In moments of darkness, I hope you're able to find light, and to remember that the hatred of a few can never outweigh the love of many. Please know that I, along with the rest of Australia, are with you. " – Josh, Horsham
"Within the terror, the horror, the grief of the loss of loved ones, there will be a glimmer of hope, there will be a ray of sunshine that will pierce through the darkness eventually. To those affected by the attack, we grieve for your losses and hope that you rise among us once more." – Jessie, Australia
"Deepest sympathy to all, may we never see this again ." – Jackie, Canberra
"My heart is breaking for the Jewish community. May you know that we are all sending love and praying for you and your loved ones." – Melissa, Perth
"To all those affected, to all those who are scared, every Australian stands with you. They may break our hearts but they will never break the Australian spirit and the love we hold for each other." – Myles, Brisbane
"Sending love to all the victims of the Bondi shooting, their loved ones and the Jewish community. Stay strong, Australia stands beside you!" – Ally, Adelaide
"We are resilient, and we are in this together. While we are all hurting and grieving, let us take solace in knowing that our beautiful country remains united, peace-loving, and steadfast. Let's look out for each other, let's heal together by spreading warmth love and light. " – Puja, North Ryde
"You are all in our prayers and thoughts. " – Bruce, Brisbane
"I am miles and miles away from Bondi, yet I sit here and cry with heartache and anger that such hate has happened in our country. My Heart breaks for you all. I pray that you will eventually all find peace and hope again." – Kate, Moe

"Australia stands with you. We are crying with you, our hearts are breaking for you, and we are here for you. We will hold you up, listen, pray and mourn with you. We all lost something very special that day and nothing will ever bring that back but we will stand together." – Sue, Seymour
"Like the rest of Australia I'm so sad this has happened to you, we will probably never meet but you'll forever be in my thoughts." – Kel, Geraldton
READ MORE: Father identified as 13th Bondi victim
"I'm so sorry for your loss. There are no words that can ease this pain, but I hope you know you're not alone. Please know you're in my thoughts during this difficult time." – R, Olympic Park
"The love of an entire nation is with the families and friends of the victims, the Australian Jewish community, and everyone else who has been affected by this truly horrific event." – Leo, Tasmania
"I have no words, just sending love, thoughts and kindness. " – Yas, Wollongong
"To everyone affected by the Bondi massacre, may God bless you, give you strength and keep you in his arms. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. " – Anna, Melbourne
"May peace surround Bondi and all who were affected. May those who lost their lives be held in love and light. May the injured find healing in body, mind, and spirit. May families and friends feel comfort, strength, and support during their grief. May fear be replaced with compassion, anger with understanding, and sorrow with collective care. May our community come together in kindness, remembering that being respectful and kind is free. May hope slowly return, and may all hearts find peace." – Ly, Mt Pritchard
"Strength and love to all affected by this dreadful tragedy. So proud of all those who assisted on the day." – Kath, Gold Coast
"Nothing can possibly take away the hurt and pain you're feeling, but I hope you know that you have a nation who care about you and who are feeling your sadness too. If grief is truly a journey, Australians are here for you every step of the way. " – Maria, Padstow Heights

"We are with you every step – stay strong for you have a nation to stand by you." – Mark, West Pyble
"My heart aches for all the victims of this abhorrent violent attack. Sending love and light from my family." – Liz, Melbourne
"While this incomprehensible act of terrorism has rocked us to the core, please know that each and every one of you are in our hearts and thoughts. As has been said many times, light will prevail over darkness." – Yvonne, Darwin
READ MORE: The five questions Australia is asking after the Bondi terror attack
"We honour the lives lost, share in your grief, and stand together in compassion, finding strength in memory, unity, and hope for healing ahead. " – A, Perth
"My heart aches for everyone impacted by this devastating tragedy. I pray that peace will one day return to our beautiful country. Sending love, light, and strength." – Em, Newcastle
"May you all heal and feel the love of every Australian embracing you. Thank you to our first responders for your bravery. " – Kara, Sydney
"My heart goes out to you during this unimaginably difficult time. No words can ease the pain of such a senseless and devastating event, but please know that you are in our thoughts. We stand with the families who have lost loved ones, the injured who are recovering, and everyone in the community who has been shaken by this tragedy." – Karern, Botany
"From across the ditch in Aotearoa New Zealand, we are thinking of you Australia. You are our brothers and sisters and no one understands the horror, tragedy, pain and sorrow you are all feeling more than us. We're with you Australia, through and through. " – Connor, Auckland
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