In this bulletin;
- Investigations continue into a suspected antisemitic attack in Melbourne;
- Australians warned about Boxing Day scams;
- And in sport, the 80th Sydney Hobart Yacht Race about to get underway.
Police detectives says no arrests have been so far as part of investigation into a suspected targeted attack in Melbourne.
A vehicle with a Hanukkah decoration in St Kilda East was lit on fire on Christmas Day.
Police say they are treating the incident as arson and a targeted attack - and they are searching for a 47-year-old man, John Argento, to assist them with their enquiries.
No injuries were reported. A woman and three children were evacuated from a house nearby as a precaution.
Members of the public who have information of video footage are being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Liberal MP David Southwick says he wants to see state parliament recalled to expedite reforms to stamp out antisemitism.
"Nobody should have to deal with this. To wake up Christmas Day, the day of celebrating with families, friends and loved ones. This is an attack on somebody because of their faith and background. And it is an attack on all Australians. And I think again it is another wake-up call to our leaders today to do more. Jacinta Allan must recall government. Jacinta Allan must recall parliament."
—
Australians are being warned to look out for shopping scams during the Boxing Day sales.
The Australian Banking Association has released research showing nearly two-thirds of Australians have been exposed to a form of shopping scam.
Fake order confirmations were the most common type of shopping scam.
The CEO of the Australian Banking Association, Simon Birmingham, says Boxing Day sales is a time that scammers exploit due to the increase in online shopping activity.
He says buyers should double-check they are purchasing from a legitimate website - and watch out for text messages about missed deliveries.
—
Officials in Turkiye say authorities have thwarted attacks over Christmas and New Years planned by alleged members of the self-proclaimed Islamic State group.
Istanbul's prosecutor general says 115 people have arrested so far - based on intelligence indicating that the attacks were imminent.
The police made the arrests after raiding 124 places in Istanbul. Several pistols and ammunition were seized in the raids.
Turkiye shares a 900-kilometre (559-mile) border with Syria, where jihadist groups are still active.
—
Another massive storm has hit Southern California, raising fears of more deadly floods and mudslides, following a 24-hour period that left two people dead.
Forecasters are warning the additional rain could increase the risk of debris flows in waterlogged areas scorched by wildfires in January.
They are warning that these burn zones, stripped of vegetation, can no longer absorb heavy rainfall.
Residents in Wrightwood in California were urged to evacuate.
Local resident Michelle Meyers says she is thankful that her father was assisted by firefighters when the storm hit.
"And the sediment is all the way to the top because the wash behind just completely overflowed. But one of many places. But my dad woke up yesterday morning, or I woke up at 8 am, with a phone call from my dad saying that the firefighters had just rescued him. And I said, from what? And he said, two feet of water in my apartment."
—
In sailing, around 130 boats are preparing to battle tough conditions in the Sydney to Hobart, as the yacht race gets underway later today.
The journey to the finish line can be completed in under 36 hours, although this has only been accomplished twice in 80 years.
Edward Townsend-Medlock, from the Bureau of Meteorology, says participants will have to contend with strong winds at the start of the race; and possible heavy rain and gale-force winds by New Year's Eve.
"Within the Harbour you're looking at winds fresh coming from the south around that 15 to 20 knot range, as you come out of the Harbour. On top of that, you get out of the Heads into the opening water, you will see the winds strengthening to 20 to 25 knots over that open water. With gusts, of course, being higher. And coincident with a swell coming from the South. Also, worth noting that the tide is at 109, so you will be sailing out during high tide out of the Harbour."
