Travellers warned to be alert to the fire danger across Australia over the next 48 hours, Cyclone Tracy's impact on Darwin remembered 50 years on, An investigation launched after football fans in Italy perform a salute popularised by dictator Benito Mussolini.
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TRANSCRIPT
- Travellers warned to be alert to the fire danger across Australia over the next 48 hours...
- Cyclone Tracy's impact on Darwin remembered 50 years on...
- An investigation launched after football fans in Italy perform a salute popularised by dictator Benito Mussolini.
Travellers are being urged to keep up-to-date with changing fire warnings as extreme temperatures and increased fire risk are forecast for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Almost the entire state of Victoria is impacted by elevated fire risk in what's being described as the most dangerous fire conditions since the 2019–20 black summer.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll says residents are being urged to stay alert to the latest warnings.
"We're going to need Victorians to continue to listen to the warnings. The fire that we don't know about is the fire that we're worried about. We've had fires already burning across Victoria. And we're heading into even more dangerous conditions on Boxing Day. In terms of preparation, Emergency Management Victoria is working around the clock. Base camps are being established. We're very thankful that we've got additional teams flying in. If you do need to travel, please go early."
People are gathering in Darwin* for an official commemoration to mark 50 years since the destruction left by one of the most significant cyclones in Australia's history.
Tropical Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin on Christmas Day in 1974, killing 66 people, injuring 600 others.
The category-four cyclone also destroyed 70 per cent of buildings, leavng most of the population homeless.
Sailor Sue Bigham was 19 years old when it happened - and was part of Royal Australian Navy’s biggest peacetime disaster relief operation.
She told SBS that no-one has been awarded medals or commendations for their efforts in the aftermath - and that should be remedied.
The now 69-year-old still struggles to believe there were no medals or commendations for the efforts in Darwin.
"I just can't believe that there's never been any recognition. I'd like them to understand that how how incredibly traumatic it was for those who survived it. I'd like them to understand the effort and the work and the dedication that the Defence Force actually provided to the city and the people of Darwin. We were mobilised to provide support and assistance so fast. And we did, and we were kids. And we did our job."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has thanked medical and emergency workers and defence force members who have given up their Christmas to help others.
In his Christmas message, Mr Albanese says they do much to make this season of celebration and reflection possible.
"I want to say thank you to our medical workers and emergency personnel, our charity and hospitality workers; and those serving in the Australian Defence Force here and overseas - everyone who has given up their Christmas to help others in our community. You do so much to make this time of celebration and reflection possible. I do want to wish everyone the very best and a peaceful and joyful Christmas."
Opposition leader Peter Dutton used his Christmas message to celebrate the Australian spirit, which he says shone through a tough year.
"Contending with financial pressures this year, Australians carried on with stoicism - as is the Australian way. I saw this commendable spirit firsthand across the country. Talking to workers and small business owners. Hardhit farmers, fishers and manufacturers. And in families under financial pressure. This Christmas, we spare a thought for those less fortunate - and for those doing it tough."
Therapy dogs are being used to bring holiday cheer to travellers at George Bush International Airport in Houston, Texas.
The dogs wear bright red vests and blue bandanas - as part of the volunteer program.
The number of passengers using US airlines this festive period is forecast to increase by six per cent this year, to reach a total of 54 million passengers between now and January 6.
Melinda Blankenship says she has found over the eights years of volunterring, people do respond well to the therapy dogs.
"So, not only is it important during the holiday season, when a lot of people – this is their first time to travel, or they don't travel very often and it's extra stressful. We want to be there to make it a little bit easier. And our dogs love spreading good cheer, but we also do it the rest of the year in all the other places because the dogs bring a lot of happiness to people."
In sports, the Italian Football Federation says it has launched an investigation after supports of club Juve Stabia celebrated a goal using a salute that has been used to express support for controversial figure Benito Mussolini.
His great grandson, 21-year-old defender Romano Floriani Mussolini, scored his first goal for the Serie B team in their 1-nil win against Cesena.
The goal is also the first of his professional career.
Video footage shows fans celebrating the moment, shouting "Mussolini" as they performed a gesture reminiscent of the salute used to express support for the founder of Italy's National Fascist Party, Benito Mussolini.
He was also prime minister of Italy from 1922 to 1943.
The federal prosecutor's office says it is compiling a report on the incident.
