Tag Archives: oceania

Russian strike kills five, including one-year-old, hours after Trump calls Putin

At least five people, including a one-year-old child, were killed in a Russian drone strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky overnight, regional governor Viacheslav Chaus said today.

The attack came just hours after Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to Trump, Putin “very strongly” said that Russia will retaliate for Ukraine’s weekend drone attacks on Russian military airfields.

READ MORE: Aussie city indefinitely suspends e-scooters after father killed

This photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, shows the fire following Russia's drone attack in the Pryluky, Chernihiv region, Ukraine, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, firefighters put out the fire following Russia's drone attack in the Pryluky, Chernihiv region, Ukraine, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

Six more people were wounded in the attack and have been hospitalised, Chaus said.

According to him, six Shahed-type drones struck residential areas of Pryluky early this morning, causing severe damage to residential buildings.

Hours later, seventeen people were wounded in a Russian drone strike on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early today, including children, a pregnant woman, and a 93-year-old woman, regional head Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram.

About 1.05am local time, Shahed-type drones struck two apartment buildings in the city’s Slobidskyi district, causing fires and destroying several private vehicles.

“By launching attacks while people sleep in their homes, the enemy once again confirms its tactic of insidious terror,” Syniehubov wrote on Telegram.

More to come. 

What’s open and closed today for the June long weekend

The June long weekend, in celebration of the King's Birthday, is approaching.

While King Charles III's actual birthday is on November 14, in many states, the monarch's birthday is celebrated on June 10.

Western Australia and Queensland will celebrate the King's birthday in September and October.

READ MORE: Who gets the King's Birthday public holiday on Monday?

The remaining states and territories have slightly different regulations impacting the store's opening hours this weekend.

Here's a quick state-by-state guide on the trading hours for Australia's biggest retailers this King's Birthday long weekend

Woolworths

Woolworths stores in NSW, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania will be open.

Stores in South Australia will be closed. 

BIG W

Big W stores in NSW, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania will be open to a reduced schedule.

SA stores will be closed besides Port Augusta, Victor Harbour, Mount Gambier and Murray Bridge.

READ MORE: What you need to know about double demerits for King's Birthday long weekend

Big W store entrance

Dan Murphy's 

Most Dan Murphy's around the country will remain open, trading from 10am until either 6pm or 7pm.

Coles

Coles stores in NSW, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania will be open.

Stores in South Australia will be closed.

Some regional stores may remain open; check with your local store.

Liquorland 

Most stores should be open across the country. Stores in South Australia will be closed.

READ MORE: What the weather will be like around the country for the King's Birthday public holiday

kmart australia cult buy

Kmart

Stores in SA will be open at reduced trading hours, most will open at 11am and close at 5pm.

Stores in NSW, Queensland, ACT, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory will be open with regular hours.

Westfields

Queensland and Western Australia: All stores are operating during normal trading hours.

NSW and ACT: All centres are open from 10am and have reduced trading hours.

SA: All Westfield shopping centres are closed.

Victoria: All Victorian centres are trading from 10am to 5pm.

READ MORE: Millions shivering as polar blast brings freezing morning

Bunnings store generic shot

Bunnings 

Bunnings stores will be open in every state and territory. Stores will open and close at their regular time.

Aldi

Aldi stores have varied opening hours across the country. Potential shoppers are advised to check the Aldi store for more specific information.

BWS

BWS stores in every state and territory open between 9am and 10am and close between 6pm and 7pm

Pet store chain introduces new ban at stores Australia-wide

A major pet retailer has banned the sale of live animals at all of its stores across Australia.

PetO, the third largest pet retailer in the country, has rolled out the change to its 58 stores across NSW, the ACT, Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.

A spokesperson told 9news.com.au the process started in May and the sales have since been phased out at every store.

READ MORE: Qantas lures iconic brand into frequent flyer program

PetO co-founders Nick Greenhalgh and David Rowe.

The business hopes the move will encourage Australian pet stores to follow its lead and set a new ethical standard.

"The transport, storage and sale of live animals in pet shops is ethically problematic and can lend itself to issues relating to animal welfare as well as irresponsible ownership of pets," the spokesperson said.

"The decision to stop the sale of live animals will impact PetO in the short term but have long term commercial benefits that will help the business reach its goal of a projected $250 million in annual revenue by 2028."

PetO expanded from 17 stores to 58 stores last year after acquiring 41 retail stores and 25 veterinary clinics that were divested from Petstock and Woolworths.

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Warning for Australian travellers to holiday hotspot

Australian travellers have been warned to continue to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting a popular tropical archipelago due to the persistent risk of violent protests and potential terror attacks.

The federal government's Smartraveller website today reviewed its travel advice for the South Asian nation of the Maldives following terrorism threats and instances of civil unrest in recent years.

Tourists are urged to continue to exercise a high degree of caution on local islands, including the capital city of Malé, which houses the country's main international airport, due to potentially violent public demonstrations.

READ MORE: Travel warning after Cook Islands declares dengue fever outbreak

The Maldives

The area has been the site of multiple terrorist attacks in 2020 and 2021, including a stabbing attack where an Australian was injured in February 2020.

Resort islands across the Maldives, where tens of thousands of Aussies travel each year, are typically safe and peaceful.

Smartraveller recommended tourists avoid all large public gatherings, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities to avoid areas impacted by violence.

Known for its crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and luxury resorts, last year more than 2 million tourists visited islands in the country.

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Aussie city indefinitely suspends e-scooters after father killed

The City of Perth has suspended e-scooter hire just days after a 51-year-old father was killed by an allegedly drunk rider.

Thanh Phan was walking along the intersection of Murray and King Street when he was struck by an e-scooter and suffered a fatal brain bleed on Saturday night.

Police allege 24-year-old British tourist Alicia Kemp was steering the e-scooter after six hours of drinking and with a blood alcohol reading of 0.158.

READ MORE: Video shows passengers scrambling to escape sinking tourist boat in Bali

Thahn Phan

Phan's family called for a "review of the governance and safety regulations surrounding hired e-scooters to help prevent further serious incidents that put lives at risk" in the wake of his death.

Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds has responded to the call with a suspension of e-scooter hires starting from 12pm local time today.

"A tragic event occurred at the weekend and our thoughts are with the deceased man's family at this very sad time," he said.

"In response to the fatality, the City of Perth has suspended the hiring of e-scooters from 12pm today."

The suspension will continue with no end date currently in place. 

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti also admitted there was more the state government could do on compliance with e-scooter laws.

READ MORE: The generation of Australians who'll become overnight millionaires

e-scooter

Phan lived in the state for more than 10 years and worked as a structural engineer. 

The "beloved" father died from his injuries in hospital about two days after the e-scooter crash.

"On Saturday night, Thanh Phan – a beloved husband, father of two, brother, and dear friend – was struck by an electric scooter and critically injured," the family said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Yesterday evening, we received the heartbreaking news that Thanh passed away as a result of his injuries."

Speaking to 9News, neighbours described him as "unwaveringly positive, hard working, and one of the kindest people we have known".

Kemp was charged with dangerous driving causing death and was refused bail after the court deemed her a flight risk.

She will face court again next month. 

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Toys R Us enters voluntary administration for second time

Toys R Us has gone into administration five years after the company was saved.

In a statement to the ASX the company said the business has been put into voluntary administration.

Toys R US ANZ has put Luke Andrews and Duncan Clubb from BDO Business Restructuring in charge of the restructure to the toy store.

READ MORE: Millions shivering as polar blast brings freezing morning

"As previously announced to the market, the company has been pursuing a recapitalisation plan with the support of its primary stakeholders," Toys R Us said in the ASX statement.

"However, the company is no longer in a position to pursue a solvent recapitalisation plan.

"In light of these events, the board has determined that the company is, or is likely to become, insolvent and that the appointment of an administrator is in the best interests of the company.

"The appointment of the administrators is effective immediately."

READ MORE: Queensland dad shocked after snake falls out of daughter's pillowcase

Toys R Us has gone into administration five years after the company was saved.

The administrations will take control of the company's operations and undertake an independent assessment of its affairs.

During this time, the company will continue to operate on a "business as usual" basis where possible.

Toys R Us has no physical stores in Australia and sells to customers online.

The company's shares have been suspended from the ASX immediately pending further announcements.

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