Australia is hosting India, Japan and the United States for the fourth quarter foreign ministers meeting and the top diplomats are seeking to bolster cooperation in areas including economy, security, coronavirus pandemic and free and open Indo-Pacific. Vaccine, tech and China are on the QUAD-meet agenda.

Quad ministers address Indo-Pacific 'coercion', China aggression, COVID

Australia is hosting India, Japan and the United States for the fourth quarter foreign ministers meeting and the top diplomats are seeking to bolster cooperation in areas including economy, security, coronavirus pandemic and free and open Indo-Pacific.

Quad talks open in Melbourne; vaccine, tech and China on agenda

35-year-old Rafael Nadal overcame a long-standing injury to clinch his 21st Grand Slam title in Melbourne. What can we learn from Nadal's comeback? What qualities make a true champion? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: What can we learn from Rafael Nadal's triumph?

A protester jumped on to the court and interrupted play at a crucial stage of the Australian Open men`s singles final between Russian world number two Daniil Medvedev and Rafa Nadal of Spain at Melbourne Park on Sunday.

Security officials promptly made a human shield around the players as some others dragged the person, who appeared to carry a banner reading "abolish refugee detention", off the court at the Rod Laver Arena.

Nadal was attempting to save a break point while serving at 5-3 up in the second set as the person fell awkwardly from the stands behind Medvedev`s end of the court, halting play for a few minutes.

Read Also |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-barbara-krejcikova-and-katerina-siniakova-fight-back-to-win-womens-doubles-title-448925">&nbsp;Australian Open: Barbara Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova fight back to win women's doubles title</a>

The Spaniard, who is chasing a 21st Grand Slam title, went on to lose the game and the second set in a tiebreaker.

Earlier this month, protesters criticised Australia`s harsh asylum policies when top-ranked Novak Djokovic was held in an immigration detention hotel after his visa was revoked on his arrival at Melbourne.

The Serbian was eventually deported from the country after a court upheld the government`s decision to cancel his visa, capping days of drama over Australia`s COVID-19 entry rules and his unvaccinated status.

A protester jumped on to the court and interrupted play at a crucial stage of the Australian Open men`s singles final between Russian world number two Daniil Medvedev and Rafa Nadal of Spain at Melbourne Park on Sunday.

A protester jumped on to the court and interrupted play at a crucial stage of the Australian Open men`s singles final between Russian world number two Daniil Medvedev and Rafa Nadal of Spain at Melbourne Park on Sunday. Security officials promptly made a human shield around the players as some others dragged the person, who appeared to carry a banner reading "abolish refugee detention", off the court at the Rod Laver Arena. Nadal was attempting to save a break point while serving at 5-3 up in the second set as the person fell awkwardly from the stands behind Medvedev`s end of the court, halting play for a few minutes. Read Also | Australian Open: Barbara Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova fight back to win women's doubles title The Spaniard, who is chasing a 21st Grand Slam title, went on to lose the game and the second set in a tiebreaker. Earlier this month, protesters criticised Australia`s harsh asylum policies when top-ranked Novak Djokovic was held in an immigration detention hotel after his visa was revoked on his arrival at Melbourne. The Serbian was eventually deported from the country after a court upheld the government`s decision to cancel his visa, capping days of drama over Australia`s COVID-19 entry rules and his unvaccinated status.

Intruder halts play in Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev

Seventh seed and last year`s Wimbledon finalist, Italy`s Matteo Berrettini, demonstrated his winning mentality, overcoming American wild card Stefan Kozlov 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and 38 minutes to reach the third round at the Melbourne Park for the second time here on Wednesday. 
 
The Italian, who suffered from stomach problems in the first round, overcame the American with the help of 53 winners. 
 
"It was a tough match. I think I started really well but then he started playing better and I wasn`t feeling my strokes after the first set, but I am happy to be through," Berrettini was quoted as saying by atptour.com. "My stomach is better, but it is never easy to recover from something like that, so that is why my energy wasn`t its highest. I am really happy to win." 
 
Berrettini will take on Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz in the next round after the youngest Grand Slam seed in more than 30 years defeated Dusan Lajovic of Serbia 6-2, 6-1, 7-5 to advance to the third round. 
 
After a strong start, Berrettini struggled to find his rhythm against Kozlov, who hit aggressively and with great depth to force the 25-year-old into errors. However, the world No. 7 was able to rely on his powerful serve to dig him out of holes, firing 21 aces and saving four of the five break points he faced in their first meeting on the ATP.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/australian-open-rafael-nadal-advances-to-third-round-with-easy-win-over-yannick-hanfmann-445912">Australian Open: Rafael Nadal advances to third round with easy win over Yannick Hanfmann</a> 
 
Berrettini is making his fifth appearance at the first major of the season, with his best result a fourth-round spot last year. However, the Italian has a strong Grand Slam pedigree, having reached Wimbledon final in 2021 where he lost to Serbia`s world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. 
 
The 31st seed Alcaraz has yet to drop a set in Melbourne and will be targeting another deep run at a slam, after advancing to the quarterfinals at the US Open in September. The 18-year-old is the youngest player to be seeded at a major since Michael Chang at the 1990 US Open. 
 
"I`m really happy with the performance today. It wasn`t an easy day with all the wind," Alcaraz said. "I knew that I`d have to be really focused on the match, really focussed on what I had to do."

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/australian-court-to-release-reasons-for-dismissing-novak-djokovic-case-on-jan-20-445909">Read Also |&nbsp;Australian court to release reasons for dismissing Novak Djokovic case on Jan 20</a> 
 
Coached by former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz had to advance through qualifying to make his main draw debut last year, but after a breakout season in 2021, he has returned as the 31st seed. 
 
Looking ahead to his clash with Berrettini, whom the Spaniard beat in a third-set tie-break in their lone meeting last year indoors in Vienna, Alcaraz said, "It was a really close match... and I think I have grown up since that match. I`m going to have fun and let`s see what happens."

Seventh seed and last year`s Wimbledon finalist, Italy`s Matteo Berrettini, demonstrated his winning mentality, overcoming American wild card Stefan Kozlov 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and 38 minutes to reach the third round at the Melbourne Park for the second time here on Wednesday.

Seventh seed and last year`s Wimbledon finalist, Italy`s Matteo Berrettini, demonstrated his winning mentality, overcoming American wild card Stefan Kozlov 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and 38 minutes to reach the third round at the Melbourne Park for the second time here on Wednesday. The Italian, who suffered from stomach problems in the first round, overcame the American with the help of 53 winners. "It was a tough match. I think I started really well but then he started playing better and I wasn`t feeling my strokes after the first set, but I am happy to be through," Berrettini was quoted as saying by atptour.com. "My stomach is better, but it is never easy to recover from something like that, so that is why my energy wasn`t its highest. I am really happy to win." Berrettini will take on Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz in the next round after the youngest Grand Slam seed in more than 30 years defeated Dusan Lajovic of Serbia 6-2, 6-1, 7-5 to advance to the third round. After a strong start, Berrettini struggled to find his rhythm against Kozlov, who hit aggressively and with great depth to force the 25-year-old into errors. However, the world No. 7 was able to rely on his powerful serve to dig him out of holes, firing 21 aces and saving four of the five break points he faced in their first meeting on the ATP. Read Also | Australian Open: Rafael Nadal advances to third round with easy win over Yannick Hanfmann Berrettini is making his fifth appearance at the first major of the season, with his best result a fourth-round spot last year. However, the Italian has a strong Grand Slam pedigree, having reached Wimbledon final in 2021 where he lost to Serbia`s world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. The 31st seed Alcaraz has yet to drop a set in Melbourne and will be targeting another deep run at a slam, after advancing to the quarterfinals at the US Open in September. The 18-year-old is the youngest player to be seeded at a major since Michael Chang at the 1990 US Open. "I`m really happy with the performance today. It wasn`t an easy day with all the wind," Alcaraz said. "I knew that I`d have to be really focused on the match, really focussed on what I had to do." Read Also | Australian court to release reasons for dismissing Novak Djokovic case on Jan 20 Coached by former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz had to advance through qualifying to make his main draw debut last year, but after a breakout season in 2021, he has returned as the 31st seed. Looking ahead to his clash with Berrettini, whom the Spaniard beat in a third-set tie-break in their lone meeting last year indoors in Vienna, Alcaraz said, "It was a really close match... and I think I have grown up since that match. I`m going to have fun and let`s see what happens."

Aus Open 2022: Matrettini Berrettini and Alcaraz set up mouth-watering clash in 3rd round

Melbourne Stars captain Glenn Maxwell on Wednesday registered the highest individual score in the history of the Big Bash League (BBL).

Maxwell played a knock of 154 runs off just 64 balls with the help of 22 fours and 4 sixes to help the Melbourne Stars post 273/2 in the allotted twenty overs against Hobart Hurricanes. In reply, the Hurricanes managed 167-6, losing by a whopping 106 runs in match 56 at MCG, Melbourne.

This total by Melbourne Stars is also the highest team score in the history of the competition. This was Maxwell`s 100th game in the BBL.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/what-are-you-doing-rizwan-recalls-hilarious-chat-with-kohli-during-high-voltage-indo-pak-t20-wc-tie-445969">'What are you doing' - Rizwan recalls hilarious chat with Kohli during high-voltage Indo-Pak T20 WC tie</a>

Stoinis and Maxwell put on 132 runs for the third wicket for the Stars. The right-handed Marcus Stoinis also rose to the occasion as he scored 75 runs off just 31 balls with the help of 4 fours and 6 sixes.

In the entire innings, Melbourne Stars managed to register 29 boundaries and 10 sixes.

Melbourne Stars captain Glenn Maxwell on Wednesday registered the highest individual score in the history of the Big Bash League (BBL). Maxwell played a knock of 154 runs off just 64 balls with the help of 22 fours and 4 sixes to help the Melbourne Stars post 273/2 in the allotted twenty overs against Hobart Hurricanes.

Melbourne Stars captain Glenn Maxwell on Wednesday registered the highest individual score in the history of the Big Bash League (BBL). Maxwell played a knock of 154 runs off just 64 balls with the help of 22 fours and 4 sixes to help the Melbourne Stars post 273/2 in the allotted twenty overs against Hobart Hurricanes. In reply, the Hurricanes managed 167-6, losing by a whopping 106 runs in match 56 at MCG, Melbourne. This total by Melbourne Stars is also the highest team score in the history of the competition. This was Maxwell`s 100th game in the BBL. Read Also | 'What are you doing' - Rizwan recalls hilarious chat with Kohli during high-voltage Indo-Pak T20 WC tie Stoinis and Maxwell put on 132 runs for the third wicket for the Stars. The right-handed Marcus Stoinis also rose to the occasion as he scored 75 runs off just 31 balls with the help of 4 fours and 6 sixes. In the entire innings, Melbourne Stars managed to register 29 boundaries and 10 sixes.

Melbourne Stars post record total courtesy Glenn Maxwell's highest individual score in BBL

Have you ever spent hours grinding your mind predicting one’s death? Well, the answer is pretty simple. Take a scan of your eyes, and everything will be revealed.

Australian researchers have devised a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) programme that can help predict a person’s years of life simply by looking at their retina—the tissue at the back of the eye.

The findings, published on Wednesday in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, are based on studies of the retina—which the scientists claimed acts as a “window” in allowing doctors to take a deeper look at someone’s health.

The researchers from Melbourne's Centre for Eye Research claimed that the AI algorithm accurately predicts the retinal age after analysing almost 19,000 fundus scans.&nbsp;

“The retina offers a unique, accessible window to evaluate underlying pathological processes of systemic vascular and neurological diseases that are associated with increased risks of mortality,” wrote study author Dr Mingguang He, a professor of ophthalmic epidemiology in the University of Melbourne and Centre for Eye Research in Australia.

The <a href="https://bjo.bmj.com/content/early/2021/11/17/bjophthalmol-2021-319807#">study </a>analysed over 130,000 retinal images from samples given by people participating in the UK BioBank, a long-term government study of over 500,000 UK participants&nbsp;between the ages of 40 and 69.

There was a 2 per cent increase in the risk of death from any cause for each year of difference between a person's actual age and the older biological age identified in the eye, the study found.

“The significant association between retinal age gap and non-cardiovascular/non-cancer mortality, together with the growing evidence of the link between eye and brain, may support the notion that the retina is the 'window' of neurological diseases,” the authors&nbsp;write.

(With inputs from agencies)

Have you ever spent hours grinding your mind predicting one’s death? Well, the answer is pretty simple. Take a scan of your eyes, and everything will be revealed.

Have you ever spent hours grinding your mind predicting one’s death? Well, the answer is pretty simple. Take a scan of your eyes, and everything will be revealed. Australian researchers have devised a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) programme that can help predict a person’s years of life simply by looking at their retina—the tissue at the back of the eye. The findings, published on Wednesday in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, are based on studies of the retina—which the scientists claimed acts as a “window” in allowing doctors to take a deeper look at someone’s health. The researchers from Melbourne's Centre for Eye Research claimed that the AI algorithm accurately predicts the retinal age after analysing almost 19,000 fundus scans. “The retina offers a unique, accessible window to evaluate underlying pathological processes of systemic vascular and neurological diseases that are associated with increased risks of mortality,” wrote study author Dr Mingguang He, a professor of ophthalmic epidemiology in the University of Melbourne and Centre for Eye Research in Australia. The study analysed over 130,000 retinal images from samples given by people participating in the UK BioBank, a long-term government study of over 500,000 UK participants between the ages of 40 and 69. There was a 2 per cent increase in the risk of death from any cause for each year of difference between a person's actual age and the older biological age identified in the eye, the study found. “The significant association between retinal age gap and non-cardiovascular/non-cancer mortality, together with the growing evidence of the link between eye and brain, may support the notion that the retina is the 'window' of neurological diseases,” the authors write. (With inputs from agencies)

Can eyes predict death? Scientists in Australia claim to hold potential evidence

Crowds at the main Australian Open tennis stadiums will be capped at 50% capacity under updated COVID-19 restrictions, organisers said on Thursday, as authorities battle a surge of cases in Melbourne.

Face masks will also be mandatory for all patrons, except when eating or drinking, and there will be density limits of one person per two square metres at indoor hospitality venues.

Tennis Australia (TA) said the 50% cap only applied for ticket sales at the Rod Laver Arena centre court and the second show court Margaret Court Arena.

"There are no changes to ground pass access and we still expect to see strong crowds," TA executive Ben Slack said in a statement. 
"We are confident in the `COVIDSafe` measures we have in place."

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/world-no-1-novak-djokovic-in-australian-open-draw-as-visa-decision-looms-444345">World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in Australian Open draw as visa decision looms</a>

Victoria, which hosts the Grand Slam in state capital Melbourne, reported 37,169 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and 25 deaths. 
The tally of cases is slightly down from Wednesday`s count of 40,127.

The buildup to the Australian Open, which starts Monday, has been overshadowed by doubt surrounding the participation of men`s champion Novak Djokovic.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/exclusive-hes-been-playing-by-his-own-rules-tsitsipas-opines-on-novak-djokovic-aus-open-saga-444346">EXCLUSIVE | He's been playing by his own rules: Tsitsipas opines on Novak Djokovic Aus Open saga</a>

Djokovic had his visa cancelled and was detained by Australian border authorities for several days before being released on Monday after winning a court case.

The Victoria government said all tickets purchased to the Grand Slam to date remained valid, implying usually brisk sales at the main courts had not reached 50% capacity for any sessions.

Crowds at the main Australian Open tennis stadiums will be capped at 50% capacity under updated COVID-19 restrictions, organisers said on Thursday, as authorities battle a surge of cases in Melbourne.

Crowds at the main Australian Open tennis stadiums will be capped at 50% capacity under updated COVID-19 restrictions, organisers said on Thursday, as authorities battle a surge of cases in Melbourne. Face masks will also be mandatory for all patrons, except when eating or drinking, and there will be density limits of one person per two square metres at indoor hospitality venues. Tennis Australia (TA) said the 50% cap only applied for ticket sales at the Rod Laver Arena centre court and the second show court Margaret Court Arena. "There are no changes to ground pass access and we still expect to see strong crowds," TA executive Ben Slack said in a statement. "We are confident in the `COVIDSafe` measures we have in place." Read Also | World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in Australian Open draw as visa decision looms Victoria, which hosts the Grand Slam in state capital Melbourne, reported 37,169 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and 25 deaths. The tally of cases is slightly down from Wednesday`s count of 40,127. The buildup to the Australian Open, which starts Monday, has been overshadowed by doubt surrounding the participation of men`s champion Novak Djokovic. Read Also | EXCLUSIVE | He's been playing by his own rules: Tsitsipas opines on Novak Djokovic Aus Open saga Djokovic had his visa cancelled and was detained by Australian border authorities for several days before being released on Monday after winning a court case. The Victoria government said all tickets purchased to the Grand Slam to date remained valid, implying usually brisk sales at the main courts had not reached 50% capacity for any sessions.

Australian Open: Crowds to be capped at 50% capacity under revised COVID-19 restrictions

Rafael Nadal defeated Finland`s Emil Ruusuvuori on Saturday to book a place in the final of the Melbourne Summer Set. The Spaniard battled past Ruusuvuori by 6-4, 7-5 in one hour and 56 minutes.

Nadal who is targeting the 89th career singles title in Melbourne will now face American qualifier Maxime Cressy, who will be appearing in his first ATP Tour final. Pressure mounted on Ruusuvuori in the first set, which ended with a double fault and a forehand error.

Nadal broke clear for a 5-3 lead in the 69-minute second set when Ruusuvuori made another groundstroke error, but the 22-year-old bounced back immediately.

Read More |<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/mostly-incommunicado-border-agents-held-novak-djokovic-for-eight-hours-in-melbourne-says-lawyers-443176">&nbsp;Mostly incommunicado, border agents held Novak Djokovic for eight hours in Melbourne, says lawyers</a>

Nadal regained his composure and the match ended with the Finn making a forehand error. Earlier in the day, Maxime Cressy continued his dream run on Saturday at the Melbourne Summer Set.

The 24-year-old reached his first ATP Tour final after the American knocked out former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 7-5, 7-6(9) in two hours and four minutes.

Rafael Nadal defeated Finland`s Emil Ruusuvuori on Saturday to book a place in the final of the Melbourne Summer Set. The Spaniard battled past Ruusuvuori by 6-4, 7-5 in one hour and 56 minutes.

Rafael Nadal defeated Finland`s Emil Ruusuvuori on Saturday to book a place in the final of the Melbourne Summer Set. The Spaniard battled past Ruusuvuori by 6-4, 7-5 in one hour and 56 minutes. Nadal who is targeting the 89th career singles title in Melbourne will now face American qualifier Maxime Cressy, who will be appearing in his first ATP Tour final. Pressure mounted on Ruusuvuori in the first set, which ended with a double fault and a forehand error. Nadal broke clear for a 5-3 lead in the 69-minute second set when Ruusuvuori made another groundstroke error, but the 22-year-old bounced back immediately. Read More | Mostly incommunicado, border agents held Novak Djokovic for eight hours in Melbourne, says lawyers Nadal regained his composure and the match ended with the Finn making a forehand error. Earlier in the day, Maxime Cressy continued his dream run on Saturday at the Melbourne Summer Set. The 24-year-old reached his first ATP Tour final after the American knocked out former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 7-5, 7-6(9) in two hours and four minutes.

Melbourne Summer Set: Rafael Nadal beats Emil Ruusuvuori to enter final

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic's participation in the Australian Open 2022 is jeopardised as he is unable to enter the country&nbsp;after his visa was denied on his arrival in Melbourne on Thursday.&nbsp;

Djokovic was stopped at Melbourne's Tullamarine and was left stranded there for hours overnight. He is now reportedly being taken to a government detention hotel and his departure is pending after border forces announced he had not met entry rules.&nbsp;

Aiming to defend his Aus Open title, the tennis world number one was initially granted a medical exemption from the country's coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination requirements.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shame-shame-shame-australia-reacts-to-novak-djokovics-australian-open-vaccine-exemption-442330">'Shame!! shame, shame': Australia reacts to Novak Djokovic's Australian Open vaccine exemption</a>

For the unversed, Djokovic has declined to reveal his vaccine status and Melbourne has endured the world's longest cumulative lockdown.&nbsp;

During a media conference on Thursday, the Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said, "The advice that I have literally just received before joining you is that the visa for Novak Djokovic has been cancelled."&nbsp;

It's a matter for him whether he wishes to appeal that, but if a visa is cancelled, somebody will have to leave the country," he added.&nbsp;

Australian PM says 'rules are rules'

Immediately after the incident the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic summoned the Australian ambassador in Belgrade and demanded that they immediately release Djokovic to play, as per Serbian media reports.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 'Rules are Rules': Australia bars Novak Djokovic from Australian Open

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On his Instagram, Vucic posted: "I've just finished my telephone conversation with Novak Djokovic. I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and that our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world's best tennis player is brought to an end immediately. In line with all norms of international law, Serbia will fight for Novak, truth and justice. Novak is strong, as we all know."

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said "rules are rules". Taking to his official Twitter handle, Morrison wrote, "Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-open-2022-world-no-1-novak-djokovic-lands-amid-vaccine-storm-but-held-up-by-visa-issue-442501">Aus Open 2022: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic lands amid vaccine storm but held up by visa issue</a>

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Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.
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Tennis legend Novak Djokovic's participation in the Australian Open 2022 is jeopardised as he is unable to enter the country after his visa was denied on his arrival in Melbourne on Thursday.

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic's participation in the Australian Open 2022 is jeopardised as he is unable to enter the country after his visa was denied on his arrival in Melbourne on Thursday. Djokovic was stopped at Melbourne's Tullamarine and was left stranded there for hours overnight. He is now reportedly being taken to a government detention hotel and his departure is pending after border forces announced he had not met entry rules. Aiming to defend his Aus Open title, the tennis world number one was initially granted a medical exemption from the country's coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination requirements. ALSO READ | 'Shame!! shame, shame': Australia reacts to Novak Djokovic's Australian Open vaccine exemption For the unversed, Djokovic has declined to reveal his vaccine status and Melbourne has endured the world's longest cumulative lockdown. During a media conference on Thursday, the Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said, "The advice that I have literally just received before joining you is that the visa for Novak Djokovic has been cancelled." It's a matter for him whether he wishes to appeal that, but if a visa is cancelled, somebody will have to leave the country," he added. Australian PM says 'rules are rules' Immediately after the incident the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic summoned the Australian ambassador in Belgrade and demanded that they immediately release Djokovic to play, as per Serbian media reports. Watch | Gravitas: 'Rules are Rules': Australia bars Novak Djokovic from Australian Open On his Instagram, Vucic posted: "I've just finished my telephone conversation with Novak Djokovic. I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and that our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world's best tennis player is brought to an end immediately. In line with all norms of international law, Serbia will fight for Novak, truth and justice. Novak is strong, as we all know." Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said "rules are rules". Taking to his official Twitter handle, Morrison wrote, "Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant." ALSO READ | Aus Open 2022: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic lands amid vaccine storm but held up by visa issue Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant. — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2022 ×

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic's visa to enter country cancelled, PM Scott Morrison says 'rules are rules'

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from this week`s Australian Open warm-up tournament in Melbourne having just come out of isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, she said on Saturday. 
Raducanu, who became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam when she triumphed at Flushing Meadows in September, had pulled out of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition event in Abu Dhabi last month after contracting the virus.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-finalist-anastasia-pavlyuchenkova-tests-positive-for-covid-19-after-arriving-in-australia-441149">French Open finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova tests positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Australia</a>

The 19-year-old was scheduled to headline one of the two women's WTA 250 warm-up tournaments taking place at Melbourne Park -- dubbed the `Melbourne Summer Set` -- from Jan. 4-9. "The timing to compete in the first Melbourne event this week is too soon for me, having just returned from isolation," Raducanu was quoted as saying by the organisers.

The world number 19 is scheduled to compete in the Sydney Classic later this month before making her debut in the Jan. 17-30 Australian Open.

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from this week`s Australian Open warm-up tournament in Melbourne having just come out of isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, she said on Saturday.

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from this week`s Australian Open warm-up tournament in Melbourne having just come out of isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, she said on Saturday. Raducanu, who became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam when she triumphed at Flushing Meadows in September, had pulled out of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition event in Abu Dhabi last month after contracting the virus. ALSO READ | French Open finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova tests positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Australia The 19-year-old was scheduled to headline one of the two women's WTA 250 warm-up tournaments taking place at Melbourne Park -- dubbed the `Melbourne Summer Set` -- from Jan. 4-9. "The timing to compete in the first Melbourne event this week is too soon for me, having just returned from isolation," Raducanu was quoted as saying by the organisers. The world number 19 is scheduled to compete in the Sydney Classic later this month before making her debut in the Jan. 17-30 Australian Open.

Teen sensation Emma Raducanu pulls out of Australian Open warm-up event in Melbourne

More than 1,000 people demonstrated on Saturday in Australia's biggest cities of Sydney and Melbourne to protest against the government's climate policies and the strategies it offered at a UN&nbsp;climate summit in Glasgow.

Sydney's first legal protest after a months-long COVID-19 lockdown saw about 1,000 people march in support of global action day for climate justice, a worldwide movement mobilised during the COP26 meeting.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-climate-activists-demand-action-ahead-of-cop26-summit-425249">&nbsp;In pics: Climate activists demand action ahead of COP26 summit</a>

"We're all out here to show that we want more from our government," said Georgia, one of the protesters.

Marchers carried signs reading, "We need human change, not climate change" and "Code Red for Humanity", in images shown by media.

A week of government speeches and pledges at the two-week gathering in Glasgow brought promises to phase out coal, slash emissions of the potent greenhouse gas methane and cut deforestation.

Australia, however, has rejected the global methane pledge and campaigners and pressure groups have not been impressed by the commitments of other world leaders.

"The COP 26 agreements were happening and it's not turning out the best for Australia at the moment," added Georgia, the Sydney protester, who gave only one name.

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Melbourne's protest was smaller than Sydney's, with just a few hundred people turning out for a rally that featured a giant koala bear emitting plumes of smoke, and protesters dressed as skeletons on bikes.

Several smaller events were held elsewhere in Australia.

Swedish teenage activist Greta Thunberg was among thousands of young campaigners who marched in Glasgow on Friday, demanding urgent action.

More than 1,000 people demonstrated on Saturday in Australia's biggest cities of Sydney and Melbourne to protest against the government's climate policies and the strategies it offered at a UN climate summit in Glasgow.

More than 1,000 people demonstrated on Saturday in Australia's biggest cities of Sydney and Melbourne to protest against the government's climate policies and the strategies it offered at a UN climate summit in Glasgow. Sydney's first legal protest after a months-long COVID-19 lockdown saw about 1,000 people march in support of global action day for climate justice, a worldwide movement mobilised during the COP26 meeting. Also Read | In pics: Climate activists demand action ahead of COP26 summit "We're all out here to show that we want more from our government," said Georgia, one of the protesters. Marchers carried signs reading, "We need human change, not climate change" and "Code Red for Humanity", in images shown by media. A week of government speeches and pledges at the two-week gathering in Glasgow brought promises to phase out coal, slash emissions of the potent greenhouse gas methane and cut deforestation. Australia, however, has rejected the global methane pledge and campaigners and pressure groups have not been impressed by the commitments of other world leaders. "The COP 26 agreements were happening and it's not turning out the best for Australia at the moment," added Georgia, the Sydney protester, who gave only one name. Also Read | COP26: Protesters gather in London ahead of climate summit Melbourne's protest was smaller than Sydney's, with just a few hundred people turning out for a rally that featured a giant koala bear emitting plumes of smoke, and protesters dressed as skeletons on bikes. Several smaller events were held elsewhere in Australia. Swedish teenage activist Greta Thunberg was among thousands of young campaigners who marched in Glasgow on Friday, demanding urgent action.

Rallies held in Sydney, Melbourne against Australia's climate policy

Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city which has endured nearly nine months of lockdowns since the start of the pandemic, saw people flocking to shops and gigs for the first time in months on Saturday as public health curbs eased.

The city of five million, which re-emerged from its sixth lockdown last week, was reopening further as full vaccination rates across Victoria state, of which Melbourne is capital, was set to reach 80&nbsp;per cent for those 16 and older.

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People queued at malls and boutiques despite cool weather for their first in-person shopping since early August, waiting to be let in as capacity limits were observed, television footage showed.

A crowd of 5,500 were expected to attend the Victoria Derby racehorse on Saturday, the first large event in post-lockdown Melbourne, which was to be followed by a concert for 4,000 fully vaccinated at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the evening.

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Victoria reported 1,355 new daily COVID-19 infections, its lowest in nearly a month. There were also 11 deaths reported, with health authorities saying serious infections mainly affected the unvaccinated.

"So please - particularly for those people in their 20s - go out and get vaccinated, that is your best and in fact, your only real protection against the impact of covid," Jeroen Weimar, Victoria's COVID-19 response commander, said.

Across Australia, New South Wales reported 236 new cases and three deaths. The Australian Capital Territory reported nine new infections.

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Neighbouring New Zealand had 160 new cases, most of them in Auckland, which has been battling an outbreak of the Delta variant for months.

Once champions of a covid-zero strategy of managing the pandemic, both Australia and New Zealand have been moving towards living with the virus through extensive vaccinations, as the Delta variant has proven too transmissible to suppress.

As of Saturday, 74&nbsp;per cent of eligible people in New Zealand were fully vaccinated and 76.8 per cent of those 16 and older in Australia.

Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city which has endured nearly nine months of lockdowns since the start of the pandemic, saw people flocking to shops and gigs for the first time in months on Saturday as public health curbs eased.

Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city which has endured nearly nine months of lockdowns since the start of the pandemic, saw people flocking to shops and gigs for the first time in months on Saturday as public health curbs eased. The city of five million, which re-emerged from its sixth lockdown last week, was reopening further as full vaccination rates across Victoria state, of which Melbourne is capital, was set to reach 80 per cent for those 16 and older. Also Read | As WHO delays approval for Covaxin jab, every minute is an eternity for this Indian family People queued at malls and boutiques despite cool weather for their first in-person shopping since early August, waiting to be let in as capacity limits were observed, television footage showed. A crowd of 5,500 were expected to attend the Victoria Derby racehorse on Saturday, the first large event in post-lockdown Melbourne, which was to be followed by a concert for 4,000 fully vaccinated at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the evening. Also Read | In Pics | Melbourne celebrates its freedom day after world's longest lockdown Victoria reported 1,355 new daily COVID-19 infections, its lowest in nearly a month. There were also 11 deaths reported, with health authorities saying serious infections mainly affected the unvaccinated. "So please - particularly for those people in their 20s - go out and get vaccinated, that is your best and in fact, your only real protection against the impact of covid," Jeroen Weimar, Victoria's COVID-19 response commander, said. Across Australia, New South Wales reported 236 new cases and three deaths. The Australian Capital Territory reported nine new infections. Also Read | Watch: Thousands of Swiss locals protest against Covid vaccine certificates Neighbouring New Zealand had 160 new cases, most of them in Auckland, which has been battling an outbreak of the Delta variant for months. Once champions of a covid-zero strategy of managing the pandemic, both Australia and New Zealand have been moving towards living with the virus through extensive vaccinations, as the Delta variant has proven too transmissible to suppress. As of Saturday, 74 per cent of eligible people in New Zealand were fully vaccinated and 76.8 per cent of those 16 and older in Australia.

Australia's Melbourne back to the races, shops as vaccination rate hits 80%

Melbourne, Australia's&nbsp;second-biggest city, began its first weekend out of the world's longest string of COVID-19 lockdowns with spontaneous street parties, live music and packed pubs, bars and restaurants.

Home to about five million people, Melbourne endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during six lockdowns since March 2020, longer than the 234-day continuous lockdown in Buenos Aires.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melbourne-reopens-as-worlds-most-locked-down-city-eases-pandemic-restrictions-422949">Melbourne reopens as world's most locked-down city eases pandemic restrictions</a>

Despite rain on Saturday morning, people queued for barbers and breakfast restaurants, all of which are open only to the fully vaccinated.

Late on Friday, people broke into a spontaneous street party in Melbourne's southeast and many rejoiced with their first drink in months in a pub with friends, social media footage showed.

Although the Delta outbreak continues to spread, with 1,750 new cases and nine deaths reported on Saturday in Victoria state, of which Melbourne is the capital, the ease in restrictions came the state`s full-vaccination rate reached 70 per cent.

While most retail outlets remained closed, authorities said further easing will come once 80 per cent of Victorians are fully inoculated, estimated by next weekend.

"Let's not slack off, let's increase the pace as we get to the 80 per cent milestone - but also the 90&nbsp;per cent vaccination milestone," Jeroen Weimar, Victoria's COVID-19 response commander, said on Saturday. 
While small but violent anti-vaccinations protests have taken place in Melbourne and other cities this year, Australians overwhelmingly support vaccinations, with polls showing the percentage decisively opposed in single digits.

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Nearly 72&nbsp;per cent of adults in Australia are now fully vaccinated and nearly 87 per cent have received one shot. According to a national strategy, lockdowns will be unlikely once 80 per cent&nbsp;of Australians are fully inoculated.&nbsp;

Sydney, Australia's largest city, celebrated its reopening two weeks ago, after reaching the vaccination threshold of 70 per cent. On Saturday, New South Wales state, of which Sydney is the capital, recorded 332 COVID-19 cases and two deaths.

Weekend newspapers were filled with travel advertising for the coming months, as international border restrictions start to ease from November. Flag carrier Qantas Airways&nbsp;is speeding up plans to restart flights to many destinations and upsize some planes amid "massive demand".

Melbourne, Australia's second-biggest city, began its first weekend out of the world's longest string of COVID-19 lockdowns with spontaneous street parties, live music and packed pubs, bars and restaurants.

Melbourne, Australia's second-biggest city, began its first weekend out of the world's longest string of COVID-19 lockdowns with spontaneous street parties, live music and packed pubs, bars and restaurants. Home to about five million people, Melbourne endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during six lockdowns since March 2020, longer than the 234-day continuous lockdown in Buenos Aires. Also Read | Melbourne reopens as world's most locked-down city eases pandemic restrictions Despite rain on Saturday morning, people queued for barbers and breakfast restaurants, all of which are open only to the fully vaccinated. Late on Friday, people broke into a spontaneous street party in Melbourne's southeast and many rejoiced with their first drink in months in a pub with friends, social media footage showed. Although the Delta outbreak continues to spread, with 1,750 new cases and nine deaths reported on Saturday in Victoria state, of which Melbourne is the capital, the ease in restrictions came the state`s full-vaccination rate reached 70 per cent. While most retail outlets remained closed, authorities said further easing will come once 80 per cent of Victorians are fully inoculated, estimated by next weekend. "Let's not slack off, let's increase the pace as we get to the 80 per cent milestone - but also the 90 per cent vaccination milestone," Jeroen Weimar, Victoria's COVID-19 response commander, said on Saturday. While small but violent anti-vaccinations protests have taken place in Melbourne and other cities this year, Australians overwhelmingly support vaccinations, with polls showing the percentage decisively opposed in single digits. Also Read | Mix-and-match vaccines highly effective against COVID-19: Lancet study Nearly 72 per cent of adults in Australia are now fully vaccinated and nearly 87 per cent have received one shot. According to a national strategy, lockdowns will be unlikely once 80 per cent of Australians are fully inoculated. Sydney, Australia's largest city, celebrated its reopening two weeks ago, after reaching the vaccination threshold of 70 per cent. On Saturday, New South Wales state, of which Sydney is the capital, recorded 332 COVID-19 cases and two deaths. Weekend newspapers were filled with travel advertising for the coming months, as international border restrictions start to ease from November. Flag carrier Qantas Airways is speeding up plans to restart flights to many destinations and upsize some planes amid "massive demand".

Australia's Melbourne enjoys weekend of eased Covid curbs after long lockdown

Millions in Melbourne are readying to come out of the world's longest COVID-19 lockdown, people are now visiting pubs, restaurants and hair salons. The city ahs endured 9-ling months of Covid restrictions.

Melbourne reopens after long lockdown, 70% of Australian adults fully vaccinated

Melbourne residents flocked to the city's pubs, restaurants and hair salons in the early hours of Friday after the world's most locked-down city emerged from its latest spate of restrictions designed to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Australia's second-largest city has so far endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during six separate lockdowns since March 2020, representing the longest cumulative lockdown for any city in the world.

Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, last year went through 234 straight days of lockdown.

In Melbourne, people were seen cheering and clapping from their balconies, while cars honked horns continuously at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday when lockdown restrictions in place since early August ended.

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Many venues, including food outlets and even haircutters, opened at the unusual hour for the occasion.

Josh Mihan, owner of The Bearded Man barber shop in Melbourne, told Reuters he is nearly booked out for the next month and he is encouraging customers to make appointments for Christmas.

"We all love cutting hair and being on the floor is such a lovely feeling, being around people," he said. "I have urged our customer base, make sure you have booked in your Christmas cut."

Similar jubilant scenes were seen in the country's largest city, Sydney, almost two weeks ago, when authorities started easing restrictions as COVID-19 vaccination rates rose.

Just over 70% of adults in Australia are now fully vaccinated and many residents are planning to fly overseas again as international border restrictions start to ease from November&nbsp;

From Nov. 1, fully vaccinated international travellers arriving in Sydney and Melbourne will no longer need to quarantine.

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Qantas Airways Ltd said on Friday that it would speed up plans to restart flights to many destinations and upsize some planes amid "massive demand".

Qantas said it would launch a new route from Sydney to Delhi in early December and bring forward plans for flights to Singapore, Fiji, Johannesburg, Bangkok and Phuket.

"This is a wonderful day - Australia is ready for take-off," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said shortly after the Qantas announcement.

A quarantine-free travel bubble between Australia and Singapore could operate from next month, Morrison said, if an agreement is reached as expected.

A LONG LOCKDOWN

Even with Delta outbreaks across Australia's southeast from late June, coronavirus numbers are still far lower than those of many comparable nations, with some 152,000 cases and 1,590 deaths.

The state of Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, reported 2,189 new local COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths on Friday, making it the centre of the Delta outbreak in Australia.

Daily cases in New South Wales, home to Sydney where the Delta variant was first detected in June, dropped slightly to 345. The state recorded a further five deaths.

With a once-stuttering vaccine rollout gaining momentum, authorities no longer plan to rely on extended lockdowns to suppress the virus.

It has been an arduous period, especially for those in Melbourne running a business.

"We've been open for a year, and this is our fourth lockdown. It's been very difficult," said David Boyle, the head chef at the up-market Farmer’s Daughters restaurant in Melbourne.

Under more relaxed rules, restaurants and cafes can reopen with up to 20 people indoors and 50 outdoors - all of whom must be vaccinated - while 10 guests can gather at homes. Masks will remain mandatory.

The reopening will be a boost for Australia's A$2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) economy after recent lockdowns pushed it to the brink of a second recession in as many years.

At Melbourne's once bustling Journal Cafe, waitress Sullivan Kovacs said business was still modest on Friday and that customer numbers would increase once office workers and trades people returned to the city en masse.

"A lot of the traffic comes from people working in the city, and a lot of the tradies haven't gone back to work yet," Kovacs said.

Melbourne residents flocked to the city's pubs, restaurants and hair salons in the early hours of Friday after the world's most locked-down city emerged from its latest spate of restrictions designed to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Melbourne residents flocked to the city's pubs, restaurants and hair salons in the early hours of Friday after the world's most locked-down city emerged from its latest spate of restrictions designed to combat the spread of COVID-19. Australia's second-largest city has so far endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during six separate lockdowns since March 2020, representing the longest cumulative lockdown for any city in the world. Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, last year went through 234 straight days of lockdown. In Melbourne, people were seen cheering and clapping from their balconies, while cars honked horns continuously at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday when lockdown restrictions in place since early August ended. Also Read | Australian government offering financial aid to victims to seperate from violent partners Many venues, including food outlets and even haircutters, opened at the unusual hour for the occasion. Josh Mihan, owner of The Bearded Man barber shop in Melbourne, told Reuters he is nearly booked out for the next month and he is encouraging customers to make appointments for Christmas. "We all love cutting hair and being on the floor is such a lovely feeling, being around people," he said. "I have urged our customer base, make sure you have booked in your Christmas cut." Similar jubilant scenes were seen in the country's largest city, Sydney, almost two weeks ago, when authorities started easing restrictions as COVID-19 vaccination rates rose. Just over 70% of adults in Australia are now fully vaccinated and many residents are planning to fly overseas again as international border restrictions start to ease from November From Nov. 1, fully vaccinated international travellers arriving in Sydney and Melbourne will no longer need to quarantine. Also Read | Malaysian trans woman says 'safe and free' in Australia Qantas Airways Ltd said on Friday that it would speed up plans to restart flights to many destinations and upsize some planes amid "massive demand". Qantas said it would launch a new route from Sydney to Delhi in early December and bring forward plans for flights to Singapore, Fiji, Johannesburg, Bangkok and Phuket. "This is a wonderful day - Australia is ready for take-off," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said shortly after the Qantas announcement. A quarantine-free travel bubble between Australia and Singapore could operate from next month, Morrison said, if an agreement is reached as expected. A LONG LOCKDOWN Even with Delta outbreaks across Australia's southeast from late June, coronavirus numbers are still far lower than those of many comparable nations, with some 152,000 cases and 1,590 deaths. The state of Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, reported 2,189 new local COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths on Friday, making it the centre of the Delta outbreak in Australia. Daily cases in New South Wales, home to Sydney where the Delta variant was first detected in June, dropped slightly to 345. The state recorded a further five deaths. With a once-stuttering vaccine rollout gaining momentum, authorities no longer plan to rely on extended lockdowns to suppress the virus. It has been an arduous period, especially for those in Melbourne running a business. "We've been open for a year, and this is our fourth lockdown. It's been very difficult," said David Boyle, the head chef at the up-market Farmer’s Daughters restaurant in Melbourne. Under more relaxed rules, restaurants and cafes can reopen with up to 20 people indoors and 50 outdoors - all of whom must be vaccinated - while 10 guests can gather at homes. Masks will remain mandatory. The reopening will be a boost for Australia's A$2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) economy after recent lockdowns pushed it to the brink of a second recession in as many years. At Melbourne's once bustling Journal Cafe, waitress Sullivan Kovacs said business was still modest on Friday and that customer numbers would increase once office workers and trades people returned to the city en masse. "A lot of the traffic comes from people working in the city, and a lot of the tradies haven't gone back to work yet," Kovacs said.

Melbourne reopens as world's most locked-down city eases pandemic restrictions

In Pics | Melbourne celebrates its freedom day after world's longest lockdown

Helped by faster-than expected vaccine uptake, Melbourne is gearing up to step out of months of Covid-19 lockdown. Restrictions for the city will be lifted next week. But the number of daily infections in the Victoria state have not come down. Victoria logged almost 2,300 new Covid cases-- the highest for any Australian state or territory since the pandemic began.

Melbourne gears up to step out of Covid-19 lockdown

An Australian court on Thursday ordered a former principal to stand trial on multiple charges of child sex abuse at a Jewish ultra-Orthodox school where she worked.

Malka&nbsp;Leifer, a dual Israeli-Australian citizen who was extradited to Australia in January,&nbsp;denied dozens of charges including rape, indecent assault and child sexual abuse.

The crimes allegedly took place between 2004 and 2008 when she was a religious studies teacher and principal at the Adass Israel School in Melbourne.

"Malka&nbsp;Leifer was today committed to stand trial at the County Court," a court spokeswoman said after the Melbourne magistrate decided there was sufficient evidence to send her to trial, scheduled to open October 21.

"She has pleaded not guilty."

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Leifer originally faced 74 charges in the hearing, which was held remotely by video link, but four of those were dropped Thursday because they allegedly took place in Israel, Australia's national broadcaster ABC reported.

Her alleged victims are three sisters -- Nicole Meyer, Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper -- who publicly identified themselves in their push for Leifer to face charges.

"I am delighted that we have finally reached this important milestone in the pursuit of justice by the three courageous sisters," said Manny Waks, head of an Israeli-based organisation fighting child abuse in the Jewish community, Voice Against Child Sexual Abuse.

In a statement, Waks said his thoughts were with the three women, who were facing the "challenges" of the judicial process.

Leifer, now in her 50s, fled Australia for Israel after allegations against her surfaced in 2008, moving with her family to the Emmanuel settlement in the occupied West Bank.

Australian authorities laid charges in 2012 and requested her extradition two years later.

She arrived in Melbourne on a flight late in January after six years of legal wrangling in Israel, including over whether she was feigning mental illness to avoid standing trial in Australia.

The Israeli Supreme Court rejected her lawyers' final appeal against extradition last December.

An Australian court on Thursday ordered a former principal to stand trial on multiple charges of child sex abuse at a Jewish ultra-Orthodox school where she worked.

An Australian court on Thursday ordered a former principal to stand trial on multiple charges of child sex abuse at a Jewish ultra-Orthodox school where she worked. Malka Leifer, a dual Israeli-Australian citizen who was extradited to Australia in January, denied dozens of charges including rape, indecent assault and child sexual abuse. The crimes allegedly took place between 2004 and 2008 when she was a religious studies teacher and principal at the Adass Israel School in Melbourne. "Malka Leifer was today committed to stand trial at the County Court," a court spokeswoman said after the Melbourne magistrate decided there was sufficient evidence to send her to trial, scheduled to open October 21. "She has pleaded not guilty." ALSO READ | Nobel science and literature prizes to be awarded in the winners' home countries Leifer originally faced 74 charges in the hearing, which was held remotely by video link, but four of those were dropped Thursday because they allegedly took place in Israel, Australia's national broadcaster ABC reported. Her alleged victims are three sisters -- Nicole Meyer, Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper -- who publicly identified themselves in their push for Leifer to face charges. "I am delighted that we have finally reached this important milestone in the pursuit of justice by the three courageous sisters," said Manny Waks, head of an Israeli-based organisation fighting child abuse in the Jewish community, Voice Against Child Sexual Abuse. In a statement, Waks said his thoughts were with the three women, who were facing the "challenges" of the judicial process. Leifer, now in her 50s, fled Australia for Israel after allegations against her surfaced in 2008, moving with her family to the Emmanuel settlement in the occupied West Bank. Australian authorities laid charges in 2012 and requested her extradition two years later. She arrived in Melbourne on a flight late in January after six years of legal wrangling in Israel, including over whether she was feigning mental illness to avoid standing trial in Australia. The Israeli Supreme Court rejected her lawyers' final appeal against extradition last December.

Malka Leifer: Israeli-Australian ex-principal faces child sex abuse trial

Australia hit by a rare magnitude 6.0 earthquake

Melbourne was struck by a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Wednesday. This was one of Australia's biggest quakes on record that caused damage to building in Melbourne and sent tremors throughout neighbouring states.

The epicentre was near Mansfield, a rural town in the state of Victoria. The town is about 200 km northeast of Melbourne. The epicentre was at a depth of 10 km. An aftershock of intensity 4.0 was recorded.

Images and videos on social media showed rubble blocking one of Melbourne's main streets. People in the northern parts of the city said that they were without power.

The earthquake was felt as far as Adelaide and Sydney. However, there were no immediate reports of damage and injuries outside Melbourne.

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More than half of Australia's 25 million population lives in the southeast of the country from Adelaide to Melbourne to Sydney.

"We have had no reports of serious injuries, or worse, and that is very good news and we hope that good news will continue," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in Washington.

"It can be a very disturbing event, an earthquake of this nature. They are very rare events in Australia and as a result, I am sure people would have been quite distressed and disturbed."

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Quakes are relatively unusual in Australia's populated east due to its position in the middle of the Indo-Australian Tectonic Plate, according to Geoscience Australia. The quake on Wednesday measured higher than the country's deadliest tremor, a 5.6 in Newcastle in 1989, which resulted in 13 deaths.

The mayor of Mansfield, Mark Holcombe, said he was in his home office on his farm when the quake struck and ran outside for safety.

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"I have been in earthquakes overseas before and it seemed to go on longer than I have experienced before," Holcombe told the ABC. "The other thing that surprised me was how noisy it was. It was a real rumbling like a big truck going past."

He knew of no serious damage near the quake epicentre, although some residents reported problems with telecommunications.

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No tsunami threat was issued to the Australian mainland, islands or territories, the country's Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement.

The quake presented a potential disruption for anti-lockdown protests expected in Melbourne on Wednesday, which would be the third day of unrest that has reached increasing levels of violence and police response.

(With inputs from agencies)

Melbourne was struck by a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Wednesday. This was one of Australia's biggest quakes on record that caused damage to building in Melbourne and sent tremors throughout neighbouring states.

Melbourne was struck by a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Wednesday. This was one of Australia's biggest quakes on record that caused damage to building in Melbourne and sent tremors throughout neighbouring states. The epicentre was near Mansfield, a rural town in the state of Victoria. The town is about 200 km northeast of Melbourne. The epicentre was at a depth of 10 km. An aftershock of intensity 4.0 was recorded. Images and videos on social media showed rubble blocking one of Melbourne's main streets. People in the northern parts of the city said that they were without power. The earthquake was felt as far as Adelaide and Sydney. However, there were no immediate reports of damage and injuries outside Melbourne. Also Read: Australia’s submarines make waves in Asia long before they go to sea More than half of Australia's 25 million population lives in the southeast of the country from Adelaide to Melbourne to Sydney. "We have had no reports of serious injuries, or worse, and that is very good news and we hope that good news will continue," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in Washington. "It can be a very disturbing event, an earthquake of this nature. They are very rare events in Australia and as a result, I am sure people would have been quite distressed and disturbed." Quakes are relatively unusual in Australia's populated east due to its position in the middle of the Indo-Australian Tectonic Plate, according to Geoscience Australia. The quake on Wednesday measured higher than the country's deadliest tremor, a 5.6 in Newcastle in 1989, which resulted in 13 deaths. The mayor of Mansfield, Mark Holcombe, said he was in his home office on his farm when the quake struck and ran outside for safety. Also Read: Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row "I have been in earthquakes overseas before and it seemed to go on longer than I have experienced before," Holcombe told the ABC. "The other thing that surprised me was how noisy it was. It was a real rumbling like a big truck going past." He knew of no serious damage near the quake epicentre, although some residents reported problems with telecommunications. Also Read: Australia showed its 'affection' to France during world wars, says acting PM No tsunami threat was issued to the Australian mainland, islands or territories, the country's Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement. The quake presented a potential disruption for anti-lockdown protests expected in Melbourne on Wednesday, which would be the third day of unrest that has reached increasing levels of violence and police response. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: Rare 6.0 magnitude earthquake strikes Melbourne

An anti-Covid vaccine lockdown protest on the streets of Melbourne turned chaos on Tuesday after the police fired pepper balls and stinger grenades in a bid to disperse the agitators.

More than 1,000 demonstrators dressed as construction workers clashed with police for the second consecutive day and rampaged through the centre of Australia's second-largest city, lighting flares, throwing bottles, attacking police cars and chanting their opposition to vaccines and lockdown restrictions.

Police said 62 protesters were arrested and three police officers were injured along with one journalist.

Victoria’s police chief commissioner Shane Patton said officers used pepper balls, foam baton rounds, smoke bombs and stinger grenades which deploy rubber pellets.

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This is seriously out of control and someone is going to get hurt. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHome</a> now <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Melbourne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Melbourne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/protests?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#protests</a> <a href="https://t.co/jgbpIKWMQx">pic.twitter.com/jgbpIKWMQx</a>
— Níal Ó Fionnagáin (@NialFinegan) <a href="https://twitter.com/NialFinegan/status/1440194156643557383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“These crowd control equipment munitions were necessary … because we can’t allow this type of conduct to go on,” he told reporters later in the day.

Video footage on social media showed police cars trying to leave one area before a mob attacked the vehicles with bottles and smashed windows. A line of riot police, weapons raised, then drove the protesters back.

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Didn't catch the really big bang but this was when it started getting scary <a href="https://t.co/yA0ud17bXY">pic.twitter.com/yA0ud17bXY</a>
— Michael Irving (@MikeIrvo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeIrvo/status/1440183951063093255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asked-to-put-on-mask-angry-customer-shoots-petrol-station-worker-in-germany-414648">Asked to put on mask, angry customer shoots petrol station worker in Germany</a>

Patton said they had a tip-off that protests have been planned again for Wednesday and he implored people to stay at home.

“No one benefits from this type of conduct, we will be out in force again, I can assure you of that,” he told reporters.

“I won’t disclose what our tactics will be tomorrow, but they will be different. Please just stay home, we do not want a confrontation.”

Melbourne&nbsp;has been in strict lockdown for seven weeks, as the city struggles to curb an outbreak of the fast-spreading Delta variant.

Several clusters have been linked to construction sites, where Covid containment measures are said to be lax.

In response, authorities have introduced ever-tougher restrictions, closing work site tea rooms, announcing mandatory vaccination for labourers and, most recently, closing almost all construction sites for two weeks.

(WIth inputs from agencies)

An anti-Covid vaccine lockdown protest on the streets of Melbourne turned chaos on Tuesday after the police fired pepper balls and stinger grenades in a bid to disperse the agitators.

An anti-Covid vaccine lockdown protest on the streets of Melbourne turned chaos on Tuesday after the police fired pepper balls and stinger grenades in a bid to disperse the agitators. More than 1,000 demonstrators dressed as construction workers clashed with police for the second consecutive day and rampaged through the centre of Australia's second-largest city, lighting flares, throwing bottles, attacking police cars and chanting their opposition to vaccines and lockdown restrictions. Police said 62 protesters were arrested and three police officers were injured along with one journalist. Victoria’s police chief commissioner Shane Patton said officers used pepper balls, foam baton rounds, smoke bombs and stinger grenades which deploy rubber pellets. This is seriously out of control and someone is going to get hurt. #GoHome now #Melbourne #protests pic.twitter.com/jgbpIKWMQx — Níal Ó Fionnagáin (@NialFinegan) September 21, 2021 × “These crowd control equipment munitions were necessary … because we can’t allow this type of conduct to go on,” he told reporters later in the day. Video footage on social media showed police cars trying to leave one area before a mob attacked the vehicles with bottles and smashed windows. A line of riot police, weapons raised, then drove the protesters back. Didn't catch the really big bang but this was when it started getting scary pic.twitter.com/yA0ud17bXY — Michael Irving (@MikeIrvo) September 21, 2021 × Also read | Asked to put on mask, angry customer shoots petrol station worker in Germany Patton said they had a tip-off that protests have been planned again for Wednesday and he implored people to stay at home. “No one benefits from this type of conduct, we will be out in force again, I can assure you of that,” he told reporters. “I won’t disclose what our tactics will be tomorrow, but they will be different. Please just stay home, we do not want a confrontation.” Melbourne has been in strict lockdown for seven weeks, as the city struggles to curb an outbreak of the fast-spreading Delta variant. Several clusters have been linked to construction sites, where Covid containment measures are said to be lax. In response, authorities have introduced ever-tougher restrictions, closing work site tea rooms, announcing mandatory vaccination for labourers and, most recently, closing almost all construction sites for two weeks. (WIth inputs from agencies)

Melbourne anti-Covid vaccine protests turn violent as police fire pepper balls, smoke bombs

Melbourne riot police used pepper spray, foam baton rounds and rubber ball grenades to disperse a violent protest against mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for construction workers on Tuesday.

More than 1,000 demonstrators wearing work boots and hi-vis jackets rampaged through the centre of Australia's second-largest city, lighting flares, throwing bottles, attacking police cars and chanting their opposition to vaccines and lockdown restrictions.

Melbourne has been in strict lockdown for seven weeks, as the city struggles to curb an outbreak of the fast-spreading Delta variant.

Several clusters have been linked to construction sites, where COVID-19&nbsp;containment measures are said to be lax.

<img alt="Melbourne riots " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab16b396-83bc-4df3-93ac-0b14e6263603" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/covid1.jpg" />

In response, authorities have introduced ever-tougher restrictions, closing work site tea rooms, announcing mandatory vaccination for labourers and, most recently, closing almost all construction sites for two weeks.

For hours protesters opposing the measures confronted police, ignoring loudspeaker calls to leave and a final caution that "no further warnings will be given".

Victoria state chief police commissioner Shane Patton said about 500 officers were responding to the "challenging" situation and had deployed pepper spray, foam baton rounds and rubber ball grenades.

"These crowd control equipment munitions were necessary, and they are necessary, because we can't allow this type of conduct to go on," he said.

"We will stop this protest. And we will then step back and investigate and hold those to account who need to be held to account."

At least three police officers had sustained injuries while more than 40 people had been arrested, Patton added.

Brandishing "Trump" banners and chanting "you serve us", protesters briefly occupied a bridge on one of the city's main thoroughfares and sang a popular 1990s power rock ballad.

A number of journalists were assaulted, including one television reporter who was hit on the head with a can live on air, shortly after another incident in which he was doused with urine.&nbsp;

<img alt="Melbourne riots " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2d5e92c-fc63-45b4-966f-4839dafe40c3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/covid2.jpg" />

Union leaders denounced the protests, saying the issue had been hijacked by anti-vaccine activists and what former Labor party leader Bill Shorten called "man-baby Nazis".

On social media forums that regularly feature anti-vaccine conspiracies, followers were urged to attend, "bring friends" and "wear work gear".

On Monday, more than 100 construction workers in high-visibility vests brawled and smashed union office windows in the centre of Melbourne.

That prompted the authorities to announce the temporary closure of construction sites, leaving tens of thousands of people out of work.

"We've been clear: if you don't follow the rules, we won't hesitate to take action," said state minister for industrial relations Tim Pallas, announcing the shutdown.

"We put the industry on notice just a week ago, we have seen appalling behaviour on site and on our streets, and now we're acting decisively and without hesitation," he said.&nbsp;

Local construction union boss John Setka denounced the protesters, whom he said were hurting the entire workforce.

"Those drunken fascist un-Australian morons are the reason construction workers will be sitting at home and not getting paid for the next two weeks," he said.&nbsp;

The state of Victoria recorded 603 new Covid cases in the past 24 hours.

Australia's two largest cities, Melbourne and Sydney, are currently in lockdown, as they race to vaccinate 80 percent of the population.

That target would trigger gradual reopening, but remains at least a month away for most areas.&nbsp;

Melbourne riot police used pepper spray, foam baton rounds and rubber ball grenades to disperse a violent protest against mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for construction workers on Tuesday.

Melbourne riot police used pepper spray, foam baton rounds and rubber ball grenades to disperse a violent protest against mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for construction workers on Tuesday. More than 1,000 demonstrators wearing work boots and hi-vis jackets rampaged through the centre of Australia's second-largest city, lighting flares, throwing bottles, attacking police cars and chanting their opposition to vaccines and lockdown restrictions. Melbourne has been in strict lockdown for seven weeks, as the city struggles to curb an outbreak of the fast-spreading Delta variant. Several clusters have been linked to construction sites, where COVID-19 containment measures are said to be lax. In response, authorities have introduced ever-tougher restrictions, closing work site tea rooms, announcing mandatory vaccination for labourers and, most recently, closing almost all construction sites for two weeks. For hours protesters opposing the measures confronted police, ignoring loudspeaker calls to leave and a final caution that "no further warnings will be given". Victoria state chief police commissioner Shane Patton said about 500 officers were responding to the "challenging" situation and had deployed pepper spray, foam baton rounds and rubber ball grenades. "These crowd control equipment munitions were necessary, and they are necessary, because we can't allow this type of conduct to go on," he said. "We will stop this protest. And we will then step back and investigate and hold those to account who need to be held to account." At least three police officers had sustained injuries while more than 40 people had been arrested, Patton added. Brandishing "Trump" banners and chanting "you serve us", protesters briefly occupied a bridge on one of the city's main thoroughfares and sang a popular 1990s power rock ballad. A number of journalists were assaulted, including one television reporter who was hit on the head with a can live on air, shortly after another incident in which he was doused with urine. Union leaders denounced the protests, saying the issue had been hijacked by anti-vaccine activists and what former Labor party leader Bill Shorten called "man-baby Nazis". On social media forums that regularly feature anti-vaccine conspiracies, followers were urged to attend, "bring friends" and "wear work gear". On Monday, more than 100 construction workers in high-visibility vests brawled and smashed union office windows in the centre of Melbourne. That prompted the authorities to announce the temporary closure of construction sites, leaving tens of thousands of people out of work. "We've been clear: if you don't follow the rules, we won't hesitate to take action," said state minister for industrial relations Tim Pallas, announcing the shutdown. "We put the industry on notice just a week ago, we have seen appalling behaviour on site and on our streets, and now we're acting decisively and without hesitation," he said. Local construction union boss John Setka denounced the protesters, whom he said were hurting the entire workforce. "Those drunken fascist un-Australian morons are the reason construction workers will be sitting at home and not getting paid for the next two weeks," he said. The state of Victoria recorded 603 new Covid cases in the past 24 hours. Australia's two largest cities, Melbourne and Sydney, are currently in lockdown, as they race to vaccinate 80 percent of the population. That target would trigger gradual reopening, but remains at least a month away for most areas.

Police, anti-vaccine protesters clash in Melbourne

French firm Alstom signed a contract on Monday to provide commuter trains to Melbourne, even as a diplomatic spat between France and Australia over a cancelled submarine deal rages.

Alstom said in a statement that it will supply 25 six-car X'trapolis trains to Australia's second-most populous city in a 300-million-euro (US$351 million, Aus$486 million) deal.

The trains will be built in the state of Victoria with at least 60 per cent local content, the company said. Alstom has a manufacturing plant in Ballarat, near Melbourne.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-university-student-guns-down-at-least-8-in-campus-rampage-414374">Also read |&nbsp;Russian university student guns down at least 8 in campus rampage</a>

"Alstom is delighted to continue its long-term partnership with the Victorian Government and the local supply chain that will ensure we continue to build trains for Victoria, in Victoria," said the company's managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Mark Coxon.

The announcement comes as France has lashed out at Australia for backing out of a multi-billion-dollar deal for French conventional submarines in favour of US nuclear-powered vessels as part of a new defence alliance that also includes Britain.&nbsp;

French firm Alstom signed a contract on Monday to provide commuter trains to Melbourne, even as a diplomatic spat between France and Australia over a cancelled submarine deal rages.

French firm Alstom signed a contract on Monday to provide commuter trains to Melbourne, even as a diplomatic spat between France and Australia over a cancelled submarine deal rages. Alstom said in a statement that it will supply 25 six-car X'trapolis trains to Australia's second-most populous city in a 300-million-euro (US$351 million, Aus$486 million) deal. The trains will be built in the state of Victoria with at least 60 per cent local content, the company said. Alstom has a manufacturing plant in Ballarat, near Melbourne. Also read | Russian university student guns down at least 8 in campus rampage "Alstom is delighted to continue its long-term partnership with the Victorian Government and the local supply chain that will ensure we continue to build trains for Victoria, in Victoria," said the company's managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Mark Coxon. The announcement comes as France has lashed out at Australia for backing out of a multi-billion-dollar deal for French conventional submarines in favour of US nuclear-powered vessels as part of a new defence alliance that also includes Britain.

Melbourne to buy trains from French firm amid diplomatic spat

Coronavirus curfew was announced on Monday in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. Residents would now confined to their homes overnight. The measure was taken as a part of authorities' efforts to stamp out Delta variant ourbreak.&nbsp;

On Monday evening, more than five million residents would not be able to leave their homes between 9 pm and 5 am. Essential workers would be required to get special permits to be on the streets.

Victoria state premier Dan Andrews said the decision came after a series of street parties, pub crawls and home gatherings over the weekend, as Melbourne reached a "tipping point" in its latest outbreak.

"We've seen lots of different people flouting these rules, not doing as they should, making really poor choices," he said.

He also announced the restrictions would be extended to September 2. He said it was necessary for Melbourne to avoid a Sydney-like situation.

More than eight million people in New South Wales state are under lockdown -- including in Sydney where residents have already been under those restrictions for almost two months.

Since the outbreak began in mid-June, Australia's most populous state has recorded more than 8200 cases.

A snap lockdown was announced for the northern city of Darwin on Monday, with about 150,000 people told to stop non-essential movements for three days after a man tested positive.

"We have made the decision to lock down fast because of what we do not know," Northern Territory chief minister Michael Gunner said.

"There is a very real risk that this virus has been transmitted to others."

Australia's capital Canberra will also remain in lockdown until September 2 as health officials grapple with a small but growing outbreak in the city.

Australia won global praise for its early pandemic response but strict border closures and other measures have struggled to contain the highly transmissible Delta variant.

(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus curfew was announced on Monday in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. Residents would now confined to their homes overnight. The measure was taken as a part of authorities' efforts to stamp out Delta variant ourbreak.

Coronavirus curfew was announced on Monday in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. Residents would now confined to their homes overnight. The measure was taken as a part of authorities' efforts to stamp out Delta variant ourbreak. On Monday evening, more than five million residents would not be able to leave their homes between 9 pm and 5 am. Essential workers would be required to get special permits to be on the streets. Victoria state premier Dan Andrews said the decision came after a series of street parties, pub crawls and home gatherings over the weekend, as Melbourne reached a "tipping point" in its latest outbreak. "We've seen lots of different people flouting these rules, not doing as they should, making really poor choices," he said. He also announced the restrictions would be extended to September 2. He said it was necessary for Melbourne to avoid a Sydney-like situation. More than eight million people in New South Wales state are under lockdown -- including in Sydney where residents have already been under those restrictions for almost two months. Since the outbreak began in mid-June, Australia's most populous state has recorded more than 8200 cases. A snap lockdown was announced for the northern city of Darwin on Monday, with about 150,000 people told to stop non-essential movements for three days after a man tested positive. "We have made the decision to lock down fast because of what we do not know," Northern Territory chief minister Michael Gunner said. "There is a very real risk that this virus has been transmitted to others." Australia's capital Canberra will also remain in lockdown until September 2 as health officials grapple with a small but growing outbreak in the city. Australia won global praise for its early pandemic response but strict border closures and other measures have struggled to contain the highly transmissible Delta variant. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: Coronavirus curfew announced in Melbourne

A blaze at a massive Tesla battery site in Australia that started three days ago was brought under control on Monday, firefighters said.

Emergency services were first called to the Victoria Big Battery project — built by French renewable energy firm Neoen using Tesla batteries — on Friday morning. 
 
A 13-tonne lithium battery inside a shipping container had caught fire at the site near Geelong, about an hour's drive from Australia's second city Melbourne, the Country Fire Service (CFA) said.

"There was one battery pack on fire to start with, but it did spread to a second pack that was very close to it," incident controller Ian Beswicke said in a statement. 
Images released by the CFA showed a cloud of smoke rising from one of the units at the site.

The fire service said the incident had been declared "under control" just after 3 pm on Monday.

"Firefighters have successfully completed the operation of opening all doors to the container of the battery, with no sign of fire," the CFA said in an update. 
Fire authorities said the cause of the blaze was unknown.

"A smaller number of firefighters and fire trucks from CFA will remain on scene for the next 24 hours as a precaution in case of reignition, the update added.

"The will continue taking thermal temperature readings two-hourly to monitor damaged units."

The battery site — one of the largest in the world — is designed to store energy produced by renewables and send power to the grid.

Local residents were initially warned about the possibility of toxic smoke but the Environmental Protection Agency said monitoring had shown "good air quality" near homes.

Neoen Australia managing director Louis de Sambucy said no one was injured in the incident, and with the site disconnected from the grid, there had been no impact on electricity supply.

"Investigation preparations are underway and physical inspections will commence once the CFA have completed their procedures," he said.

A blaze at a massive Tesla battery site in Australia that started three days ago was brought under control on Monday, firefighters said. Emergency services were first called to the Victoria Big Battery project — built by French renewable energy firm Neoen using Tesla batteries — on Friday morning.

A blaze at a massive Tesla battery site in Australia that started three days ago was brought under control on Monday, firefighters said. Emergency services were first called to the Victoria Big Battery project — built by French renewable energy firm Neoen using Tesla batteries — on Friday morning. A 13-tonne lithium battery inside a shipping container had caught fire at the site near Geelong, about an hour's drive from Australia's second city Melbourne, the Country Fire Service (CFA) said. "There was one battery pack on fire to start with, but it did spread to a second pack that was very close to it," incident controller Ian Beswicke said in a statement. Images released by the CFA showed a cloud of smoke rising from one of the units at the site. The fire service said the incident had been declared "under control" just after 3 pm on Monday. "Firefighters have successfully completed the operation of opening all doors to the container of the battery, with no sign of fire," the CFA said in an update. Fire authorities said the cause of the blaze was unknown. "A smaller number of firefighters and fire trucks from CFA will remain on scene for the next 24 hours as a precaution in case of reignition, the update added. "The will continue taking thermal temperature readings two-hourly to monitor damaged units." The battery site — one of the largest in the world — is designed to store energy produced by renewables and send power to the grid. Local residents were initially warned about the possibility of toxic smoke but the Environmental Protection Agency said monitoring had shown "good air quality" near homes. Neoen Australia managing director Louis de Sambucy said no one was injured in the incident, and with the site disconnected from the grid, there had been no impact on electricity supply. "Investigation preparations are underway and physical inspections will commence once the CFA have completed their procedures," he said.

Australia Tesla battery blaze under control after three days

Citing the mismatch between Australia’s supply of coronavirus vaccine and the explosion demand, Melbourne GPs say that they are being forced to turn away vaccine seeking citizens, including vulnerable residents from care facilities.

The latest outbreak in the country has created a public panic with droves of people looking to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In the state of Victoria, where earlier only 2,300 doses were administered on 24 May, merely ten days later daily recorded vaccination numbers are up to 20,000 in primary care. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-victoria-state-lockdown-end-date-in-doubt-after-new-covid-19-cases-388785">Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases</a>

This sudden rise in demand has overwhelmed local GPs, who say that their vaccine supplies are evaporating almost immediately. Some clinics claim that they have made urgent requests for higher vaccine dose allocations to the federal government, only to be rejected.

Brunswick based Inner North Medical Clinic, currently has a meagre allocation of 300 doses per fortnight, which owing to the current demand, is exhausted in a single day. This has resulted in the clinic turning away thousands of residents seeking inoculation ever since the latest outbreak started.

“Our books are overflowing with people trying to get the vaccine that we don’t have doses for. The vaccine supply is still a really critical problem for us,”, said Dr Shea Wilcox of The Inner North Medical Clinic.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-ends-covid-19-vaccine-trials-after-participants-develop-antibodies-for-hiv-349006">Australia ends COVID-19 vaccine trials after participants develop antibodies for HIV</a>

Talking to the Guardian, Wilcox said that the vaccine undersupplies situation was so severe that the clinic was forced to turn away two local supported living facilities, one of which caters to residents suffering from mental health issues.

“We’ve had to say ‘sorry, we can’t do that’,” he said.

Local GPs say that the commonwealth’s system was not agile enough to respond to the kind of demand surge seen in Melbourne.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cut-off-from-the-world-again-australia-now-finds-silver-linings-339420">Cut off from the world again, Australia now finds silver linings</a>

While requests for doses allocation increases take more than a fortnight to process, appointment slots fill up within fifteen minutes of opening. Due to the COVID-19 vaccination funding model followed there, billing is done through individual GPs rather than the clinic itself, which means that the doctors or GPs must be present for all vaccinations, rather than simply using nurses. This has further led to a shortage of available vaccine appointments thereby restricting the ability to administer vaccines at large volumes.

The health department says that on May 26, it had released an additional 130,000 vaccines to support&nbsp;Victoria.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-victorias-lockdown-extended-by-7-days-as-cases-surge-388887">Australia: Victoria's lockdown extended by 7 days as cases surge</a>

“To date, 787,780 Covid vaccines have been delivered to the Victorian state government with 513,375 vaccines administered through Victorian government vaccine clinics. 958,540 vaccines have been delivered to primary care sites in Victoria with 624,875 vaccines administered through primary care sites in Victoria,” a department spokeswoman said.

“A further 71,370 Pfizer and 101,100 AstraZeneca vaccines will be delivered to the Victorian state government this week and approximately 92,000 AstraZeneca vaccines will be delivered to primary care sites in Victoria by the end of the week.”

&nbsp;

Citing the mismatch between Australia’s supply of coronavirus vaccine and the explosion demand, Melbourne GPs say that they are being forced to turn away vaccine seeking citizens, including vulnerable residents from care facilities.

Citing the mismatch between Australia’s supply of coronavirus vaccine and the explosion demand, Melbourne GPs say that they are being forced to turn away vaccine seeking citizens, including vulnerable residents from care facilities. The latest outbreak in the country has created a public panic with droves of people looking to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In the state of Victoria, where earlier only 2,300 doses were administered on 24 May, merely ten days later daily recorded vaccination numbers are up to 20,000 in primary care. Also Read | Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases This sudden rise in demand has overwhelmed local GPs, who say that their vaccine supplies are evaporating almost immediately. Some clinics claim that they have made urgent requests for higher vaccine dose allocations to the federal government, only to be rejected. Brunswick based Inner North Medical Clinic, currently has a meagre allocation of 300 doses per fortnight, which owing to the current demand, is exhausted in a single day. This has resulted in the clinic turning away thousands of residents seeking inoculation ever since the latest outbreak started. “Our books are overflowing with people trying to get the vaccine that we don’t have doses for. The vaccine supply is still a really critical problem for us,”, said Dr Shea Wilcox of The Inner North Medical Clinic. Also Read | Australia ends COVID-19 vaccine trials after participants develop antibodies for HIV Talking to the Guardian, Wilcox said that the vaccine undersupplies situation was so severe that the clinic was forced to turn away two local supported living facilities, one of which caters to residents suffering from mental health issues. “We’ve had to say ‘sorry, we can’t do that’,” he said. Local GPs say that the commonwealth’s system was not agile enough to respond to the kind of demand surge seen in Melbourne. Also Read | Cut off from the world again, Australia now finds silver linings While requests for doses allocation increases take more than a fortnight to process, appointment slots fill up within fifteen minutes of opening. Due to the COVID-19 vaccination funding model followed there, billing is done through individual GPs rather than the clinic itself, which means that the doctors or GPs must be present for all vaccinations, rather than simply using nurses. This has further led to a shortage of available vaccine appointments thereby restricting the ability to administer vaccines at large volumes. The health department says that on May 26, it had released an additional 130,000 vaccines to support Victoria. Also Read | Australia: Victoria's lockdown extended by 7 days as cases surge “To date, 787,780 Covid vaccines have been delivered to the Victorian state government with 513,375 vaccines administered through Victorian government vaccine clinics. 958,540 vaccines have been delivered to primary care sites in Victoria with 624,875 vaccines administered through primary care sites in Victoria,” a department spokeswoman said. “A further 71,370 Pfizer and 101,100 AstraZeneca vaccines will be delivered to the Victorian state government this week and approximately 92,000 AstraZeneca vaccines will be delivered to primary care sites in Victoria by the end of the week.”

Coronavirus: Amid vaccine shortage, Melbourne GPs forced to turn away vaccine seekers

More than five million people in Australia's second-biggest city of Melbourne were ordered into a snap week-long lockdown Thursday over an another Coronavirus outbreak in the city.

Melbourne goes under 7-days long snap lockdown

The Australian city of Melbourne has gone into a snap five-day lockdown on Friday after the latest outbreak of UK variant of COVID-19 strain. However, the organisers of the Australian Open have said that the Grand Slam will go ahead without crowds over the next five days.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melbourne-orders-snap-coronavirus-lockdown-during-australian-open-tennis-363038" hreflang="en">Melbourne orders snap coronavirus lockdown during Australian Open tennis</a>

"Australian Open sessions today and tonight will continue as planned with COVID safe protocols in place," organisers Tennis Australia said in a statement.

"We are notifying ticket holders, players and staff that there will be no fans onsite at the Australian Open for five days, commencing from Saturday."

Fans, who bought the tickets in these five days, will get a refund. &nbsp;

COVID measures were announced by State Premier Daniel Andrews after 13 people tested positive with UK strain.&nbsp;

Andrews said the Australian Open would be treated like any other professional sporting event in the state.

"Large and small professional sport events ... will function essentially as a workplace," he told reporters in Melbourne.

"But they will not function as an entertainment event, because there will be no crowds."

Year's first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, was delayed by three weeks due to coronavirus pandemic. But the tournament went ahead as over 1,000 players and support staff underwent 14 days of quarantine.

Warm-up tournament for the Grand Slam was cancelled after a 1,000 players and support staff underwent 14 days of quarantine. All players, staff were tested again and were clear of infection.&nbsp;

Initially, the Australian Open was set to host matches under 50 per cent capacity (30,000 viewers per day), but only 21,000 people attended the event on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Australian city of Melbourne has gone into a snap five-day lockdown on Friday after the latest outbreak of UK variant of COVID-19 strain. However, the organisers of the Australian Open have said that the Grand Slam will go ahead without crowds over the next five days.

The Australian city of Melbourne has gone into a snap five-day lockdown on Friday after the latest outbreak of UK variant of COVID-19 strain. However, the organisers of the Australian Open have said that the Grand Slam will go ahead without crowds over the next five days. ALSO READ: Melbourne orders snap coronavirus lockdown during Australian Open tennis "Australian Open sessions today and tonight will continue as planned with COVID safe protocols in place," organisers Tennis Australia said in a statement. "We are notifying ticket holders, players and staff that there will be no fans onsite at the Australian Open for five days, commencing from Saturday." Fans, who bought the tickets in these five days, will get a refund. COVID measures were announced by State Premier Daniel Andrews after 13 people tested positive with UK strain. Andrews said the Australian Open would be treated like any other professional sporting event in the state. "Large and small professional sport events ... will function essentially as a workplace," he told reporters in Melbourne. "But they will not function as an entertainment event, because there will be no crowds." Year's first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, was delayed by three weeks due to coronavirus pandemic. But the tournament went ahead as over 1,000 players and support staff underwent 14 days of quarantine. Warm-up tournament for the Grand Slam was cancelled after a 1,000 players and support staff underwent 14 days of quarantine. All players, staff were tested again and were clear of infection. Initially, the Australian Open was set to host matches under 50 per cent capacity (30,000 viewers per day), but only 21,000 people attended the event on Thursday.

'Will continue as planned': Australian Open organizers to go ahead with tournament despite snap lockdown

Melbourne authorities imposed a snap five-day lockdown in Australia's second-biggest city to contain the outbreak of "hyper-infectious" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-finds-two-new-mutations-of-coronavirus-amid-virus-surge-362612">UK strain</a> on Thursday casting doubt on the fate of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-continue-as-planned-australian-open-organizers-to-go-ahead-with-tournament-despite-snap-lockdown-363064">Australian Open</a> grand slam tennis tournament which began this week.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/bali-tour-guide-hopes-for-coronavirus-defeat-in-lunar-new-year-362182/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The lockdown which comes into effect from midnight on Friday has been categorised as "stage 4" after over 900 COVID-19 cases were linked to virus leak from a quarantine hotel at the city airport.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton asserted that alternative to lockdown is “potentially devastating” over fears of a cluster of cases which needed to be contained. Authorities said it was needed to ensure it was "sharp circuit breaker".

Under the new restrictions, masks have been mandatory with no visitors allowed at anyone's home. Public gatherings have also been disallowed and schools have been ordered to close.

The authorities have also banned religious gatherings with only ten people allowed in funerals.

Meanwhile, Terminal 4 of Melbourne Airport has been added to the list of "Tier 1" exposure sites with people who visited the location on February 9 &nbsp;to isolate themselves and test and remain isolated for 14 days.

Amid the lockdown announcement, PM Scott Morrison has supported calls for a “short-sharp” lockdown.

Melbourne authorities imposed a snap five-day lockdown in Australia's second-biggest city to contain the outbreak of "hyper-infectious" UK strain on Thursday casting doubt on the fate of the Australian Open grand slam tennis tournament which began this week.

Melbourne authorities imposed a snap five-day lockdown in Australia's second-biggest city to contain the outbreak of "hyper-infectious" UK strain on Thursday casting doubt on the fate of the Australian Open grand slam tennis tournament which began this week. Watch: The lockdown which comes into effect from midnight on Friday has been categorised as "stage 4" after over 900 COVID-19 cases were linked to virus leak from a quarantine hotel at the city airport. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton asserted that alternative to lockdown is “potentially devastating” over fears of a cluster of cases which needed to be contained. Authorities said it was needed to ensure it was "sharp circuit breaker". Under the new restrictions, masks have been mandatory with no visitors allowed at anyone's home. Public gatherings have also been disallowed and schools have been ordered to close. The authorities have also banned religious gatherings with only ten people allowed in funerals. Meanwhile, Terminal 4 of Melbourne Airport has been added to the list of "Tier 1" exposure sites with people who visited the location on February 9 to isolate themselves and test and remain isolated for 14 days. Amid the lockdown announcement, PM Scott Morrison has supported calls for a “short-sharp” lockdown.

Melbourne orders snap coronavirus lockdown during Australian Open tennis

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