A fan present who attended India vs Australia the Boxing Day Test match has tested positive for novel coronavirus, the Melbourne Cricket Club confirmed on Wednesday. According to the club's statement, the fan was not infectious while attending the game on Day 2 – December 27, 2020, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/quarantine-is-challenging-when-life-in-sydney-is-normal-india-captain-ajinkya-rahane-354796" hreflang="en">Quarantine is challenging when life in Sydney is normal: India captain Ajinkya Rahane</a>

The Department of Health and Human Services has also urged the other spectators to get themselves tested and isolate if they sat nearby.

“The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is recommending those who were seated in Zone 5, located in The Great Southern Stand, on Sunday, December 27, 2020, between 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result,” said the MCC in an official statement.

“While the patron was not infectious while attending the Boxing Day Test at the MCG and subsequently tested positive to COVID-19, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is recommending those who were seated in Zone 5, located in The Great Southern Stand, on Sunday, December 27, 2020, between 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.

“Extensive cleaning of the MCG took place after each day of the Boxing Day Test and, out of an abundance of caution, a deep clean of the identified area is now underway. During an event at the MCG, high levels of constant cleaning occurs and there are over 275 hand sanitising stations located throughout the venue,” it added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-tensions-broil-over-team-india-brisbane-boycott-reports-354805" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: Tensions broil over Team India Brisbane boycott reports</a>

Sydney will be hosting the third Test and the New South Wales government has now made the wearing of masks mandatory at all times for the crowd at the SCG Test.

As per Reuters, the Sydney Cricket Ground will host just 10,000 spectators due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the city.&nbsp;

“I want to stress that Victoria announcing a new case that they don’t yet know the source of at the MCG is obviously influencing our thinking about what we should be doing to keep New South Wales safe,” New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard was quoted as saying.

A fan present who attended India vs Australia the Boxing Day Test match has tested positive for novel coronavirus, the Melbourne Cricket Club confirmed on Wednesday.

A fan present who attended India vs Australia the Boxing Day Test match has tested positive for novel coronavirus, the Melbourne Cricket Club confirmed on Wednesday. According to the club's statement, the fan was not infectious while attending the game on Day 2 – December 27, 2020, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. ALSO READ: Quarantine is challenging when life in Sydney is normal: India captain Ajinkya Rahane The Department of Health and Human Services has also urged the other spectators to get themselves tested and isolate if they sat nearby. “The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is recommending those who were seated in Zone 5, located in The Great Southern Stand, on Sunday, December 27, 2020, between 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result,” said the MCC in an official statement. “While the patron was not infectious while attending the Boxing Day Test at the MCG and subsequently tested positive to COVID-19, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is recommending those who were seated in Zone 5, located in The Great Southern Stand, on Sunday, December 27, 2020, between 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result. “Extensive cleaning of the MCG took place after each day of the Boxing Day Test and, out of an abundance of caution, a deep clean of the identified area is now underway. During an event at the MCG, high levels of constant cleaning occurs and there are over 275 hand sanitising stations located throughout the venue,” it added. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: Tensions broil over Team India Brisbane boycott reports Sydney will be hosting the third Test and the New South Wales government has now made the wearing of masks mandatory at all times for the crowd at the SCG Test. As per Reuters, the Sydney Cricket Ground will host just 10,000 spectators due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the city. “I want to stress that Victoria announcing a new case that they don’t yet know the source of at the MCG is obviously influencing our thinking about what we should be doing to keep New South Wales safe,” New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard was quoted as saying.

A fan who attended the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test at MCG, tests positive for COVID-19

The flight from Colombo becomes the first from any international country to touch down at Melbourne airport in five months on Monday.&nbsp;

The Colombo flight is amongst one of the five flights that will land on Monday in Melbourne, reports ABC News.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-chinese-diplomat-blames-australian-pm-morrison-for-overreacting-on-afghan-tweet-347467">Senior Chinese diplomat blames Australian PM Morrison for 'overreacting' on Afghan tweet</a>

Australia since March closed its borders for non-citizens, but Melbourne's airports stopped arrivals in late June after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus outbreak </a>at two hotels was found where incoming passengers were quarantining.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-demands-apology-from-china-for-repugnant-afghan-tweet-346407">Australia demands apology from China for ‘repugnant’ Afghan tweet</a>

Over 20,000 people contracted Covid-19 in Victoria when hotel staff got infected from people returning from other countries.&nbsp;

Travellers arriving in Melbourne now have to follow new guidelines under which they will not be allowed to leave their hotel rooms dedicated for quarantine.&nbsp;

The model is similar to the one used in Sydney where thousands of people returned from overseas and no cluster was detected.&nbsp;

Australia has confirmed nearly 28,000 Covid-19 cases and 908 deaths since the pandemic began.&nbsp;

There are only 44 active cases in the country and most of these people are in hotel quarantine.

 
&nbsp;

The flight from Colombo becomes the first from any international country to touch down at Melbourne airport in five months on Monday. The Colombo flight is amongst one of the five flights that will land on Monday in Melbourne, reports ABC News.

The flight from Colombo becomes the first from any international country to touch down at Melbourne airport in five months on Monday. The Colombo flight is amongst one of the five flights that will land on Monday in Melbourne, reports ABC News. Also read | Senior Chinese diplomat blames Australian PM Morrison for 'overreacting' on Afghan tweet Australia since March closed its borders for non-citizens, but Melbourne's airports stopped arrivals in late June after a coronavirus outbreak at two hotels was found where incoming passengers were quarantining. Also read | Australia demands apology from China for ‘repugnant’ Afghan tweet Over 20,000 people contracted Covid-19 in Victoria when hotel staff got infected from people returning from other countries. Travellers arriving in Melbourne now have to follow new guidelines under which they will not be allowed to leave their hotel rooms dedicated for quarantine. The model is similar to the one used in Sydney where thousands of people returned from overseas and no cluster was detected. Australia has confirmed nearly 28,000 Covid-19 cases and 908 deaths since the pandemic began. There are only 44 active cases in the country and most of these people are in hotel quarantine.

First international flight lands in Melbourne in five months

Voters in Australia`s Queensland state went to the polls on Saturday in an election overshadowed by COVID-19, with the Labor government expected to retain power for taking strict measures that have put it at odds with the national government.

"Today`s a really important day and it`s about Queenslanders making a choice," Annastacia Palaszczuk, premier of the country`s third-most populous state, told local media after casting her vote.

"It`s about who they want to be the premier to actually lead the state."

Palaszczuk has adopted stringent anti-virus controls, including the closure of state borders, causing friction with Prime Minister Scott Morrison who wants internal borders open to boost economic recovery.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anthony-fauci-lauds-australias-covid-19-response-says-people-ridiculed-in-us-for-wearing-masks-338731">Anthony Fauci lauds Australia's Covid-19 response, says people 'ridiculed' in US for wearing masks</a>

Morrison, leader of the centre-right Liberal Party, on Saturday backed Palaszczuk`s opponent Deb Frecklington, leader of the Liberal National Party of Queensland. 
"Australia needs Queensland to return to the powerhouse state it once was," Morrison said in a video message on Facebook.

Results are expected late on Saturday.

At the same time, residents in Australia`s second-largest city, Melbourne, on Saturday enjoyed their first weekend of relative freedom after an almost four-month lockdown, as coronavirus case numbers continued to dwindle.

As Melburnians have flocked to parks, tennis courts, restaurants and shops, officials reported no new COVID-19 cases in Victoria state and no deaths, saying that further tests on an earlier reported case confirmed it was not an infection.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-will-not-be-available-before-2021-fauci-declares-week-before-us-election-337855">COVID-19 vaccine will not be available before 2021, Fauci declares week before US election&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

That compares to average daily new cases of around 700 in July and early August, which made it Australia`s pandemic hotspot. "We need to enjoy our lives after three months of really constrained activity," Victoria Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told a news conference on Sunday.

Some travel restrictions, however, remain and venues including libraries and cinemas remain closed in Melbourne, the state capital. Officials are expected to announce a further easing of restrictions from November 09.

Australia has fared much better than many countries in managing the pandemic, recording just over 27,500 cases and 907 deaths since the start of the year. As of Friday, there were just under 200 active cases.

The government announced on Saturday it would spend A$500 million ($350 million) over the next three years to help Pacific and Southeast Asian countries roll out vaccination programs to against COVID-19.

The government has agreements with Britain`s AstraZeneca Plc and the Australia`s University of Queensland for potential vaccines and has pledged free immunisation to all Australians and donations to regional partners.

Voters in Australia`s Queensland state went to the polls on Saturday in an election overshadowed by COVID-19, with the Labor government expected to retain power for taking strict measures that have put it at odds with the national government.

Voters in Australia`s Queensland state went to the polls on Saturday in an election overshadowed by COVID-19, with the Labor government expected to retain power for taking strict measures that have put it at odds with the national government. "Today`s a really important day and it`s about Queenslanders making a choice," Annastacia Palaszczuk, premier of the country`s third-most populous state, told local media after casting her vote. "It`s about who they want to be the premier to actually lead the state." Palaszczuk has adopted stringent anti-virus controls, including the closure of state borders, causing friction with Prime Minister Scott Morrison who wants internal borders open to boost economic recovery. Also read| Anthony Fauci lauds Australia's Covid-19 response, says people 'ridiculed' in US for wearing masks Morrison, leader of the centre-right Liberal Party, on Saturday backed Palaszczuk`s opponent Deb Frecklington, leader of the Liberal National Party of Queensland. "Australia needs Queensland to return to the powerhouse state it once was," Morrison said in a video message on Facebook. Results are expected late on Saturday. At the same time, residents in Australia`s second-largest city, Melbourne, on Saturday enjoyed their first weekend of relative freedom after an almost four-month lockdown, as coronavirus case numbers continued to dwindle. As Melburnians have flocked to parks, tennis courts, restaurants and shops, officials reported no new COVID-19 cases in Victoria state and no deaths, saying that further tests on an earlier reported case confirmed it was not an infection. Also read | COVID-19 vaccine will not be available before 2021, Fauci declares week before US election That compares to average daily new cases of around 700 in July and early August, which made it Australia`s pandemic hotspot. "We need to enjoy our lives after three months of really constrained activity," Victoria Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told a news conference on Sunday. Some travel restrictions, however, remain and venues including libraries and cinemas remain closed in Melbourne, the state capital. Officials are expected to announce a further easing of restrictions from November 09. Australia has fared much better than many countries in managing the pandemic, recording just over 27,500 cases and 907 deaths since the start of the year. As of Friday, there were just under 200 active cases. The government announced on Saturday it would spend A$500 million ($350 million) over the next three years to help Pacific and Southeast Asian countries roll out vaccination programs to against COVID-19. The government has agreements with Britain`s AstraZeneca Plc and the Australia`s University of Queensland for potential vaccines and has pledged free immunisation to all Australians and donations to regional partners.

Australia's Queensland votes in COVID-dominated race, Melbourne eases lockdown

Melbourne’s liberation from its COVID-19 lockdown has boosted hopes of crowds attending some of Australia’s major sporting events in the country’s second-biggest city.

Melbourne’s liberation from its COVID-19 lockdown has boosted hopes of crowds attending some of Australia’s major sporting events in the country’s second-biggest city. The Australian men’s cricket team is slated to host India in the traditional Boxing Day test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from Dec. 26, while the world’s top tennis players are due to play the Australian Open, 2021’s first Grand Slam, in January. Restaurants, pubs and retail businesses in Melbourne, home to 5 million people, will reopen from Wednesday after more than three months under a stringent lockdown. Authorities will also allow limited social visits to houses. “I am very confident we’ll get a crowd at the ‘G (MCG) for the Boxing Day test,” Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews told reporters. “I don’t know how big it will be but there will be a crowd there. “That is the advice I have and that is what we’re working towards.” The 100,000-seat MCG drew more than 80,000 fans to day one of Australia’s Boxing Day test against New Zealand last year. Governing body Cricket Australia are yet to confirm dates for the home summer but the first test of the four-match series against India is expected to start in Adelaide on Dec. 17. The Australian Open starts on Jan. 18 and organisers hope to welcome at least 100,000 domestic spectators, just over 10% of the usual attendance, to Melbourne Park over the course of the two-week tournament.

End of Melbourne lockdown paves way for crowds at cricket, tennis

More than 70 people have been arrested in Melbourne, Australia, for flouting the state's stay-at-home orders to attend an anti-lockdown protest.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Several people arrested in illegal protests in Melbourne

Protesters in Melbourne defied coronavirus lockdown for a second weekend on Sunday. The city has been under hard lockdown for last six weeks.

Video: Protests against coronavirus lockdown erupt in Melbourne

Australia on Monday reported highest number of coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, with almost all the new infections coming from the southeastern state of Victoria.&nbsp;

The officials confirmed 548 new infections, out of which 532 cases were from Victoria, which is seeing a second wave of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virtual-kidnappings-warning-for-chinese-students-in-australia-316217#:~:text=Elaborate%20%22virtual%20kidnappings%22%20are%20being,of%20transnational%20scams%20were%20reported.&amp;text=Peter%20Thurtell%20said.-,Over%201%2C000%20%22Chinese%20authority%22%20scams%20were%20recorded%20last,year%20by%20Australia's%20consumer%20watchdog.">'Virtual kidnappings' warning for Chinese students in Australia</a>

On Sunday, the country reported its deadliest day with 10 fatalities.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-suffers-deadliest-day-of-coronavirus-pandemic-316024">Australia suffers deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic</a>

Officials admitted that the second wave of clusters in Melbourne, most populous city of Victoria, is taking longer to dimish than they hoped.&nbsp;

However, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said modeling showed "today should be the peak" and a partial lockdown of five million people is showing results.&nbsp;

The country has responded well to the first wave of the deadly virus, but since the beginning of this month, it is struggling to contain the surge in infections.&nbsp;

Australia's COVID-19 cases are around 15,000, far better than other big nations and death toll stood at 161.&nbsp;

The island nation was opening its economy when community transmission was observed in Melbourne, which led to the imposition of a partial lockdown.

The crisis in Victoria can be understood from the fact that out of 161 deaths in the country, nearly half of them, 77 comes from this state.&nbsp;

Australia on Monday reported highest number of coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, with almost all the new infections coming from the southeastern state of Victoria.

Australia on Monday reported highest number of coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, with almost all the new infections coming from the southeastern state of Victoria. The officials confirmed 548 new infections, out of which 532 cases were from Victoria, which is seeing a second wave of the deadly virus. Also read | 'Virtual kidnappings' warning for Chinese students in Australia On Sunday, the country reported its deadliest day with 10 fatalities. Also read | Australia suffers deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic Officials admitted that the second wave of clusters in Melbourne, most populous city of Victoria, is taking longer to dimish than they hoped. However, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said modeling showed "today should be the peak" and a partial lockdown of five million people is showing results. The country has responded well to the first wave of the deadly virus, but since the beginning of this month, it is struggling to contain the surge in infections. Australia's COVID-19 cases are around 15,000, far better than other big nations and death toll stood at 161. The island nation was opening its economy when community transmission was observed in Melbourne, which led to the imposition of a partial lockdown. The crisis in Victoria can be understood from the fact that out of 161 deaths in the country, nearly half of them, 77 comes from this state.

Day after reporting most COVID-19 deaths, Australia confirms record infections

Authorities in Melbourne will make it compulsory to wear a mask in public, according to an announcement on Sunday, as the city steps up its efforts to curb the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-may-be-exaggerated-uk-government-to-pause-daily-updates-314305" hreflang="en">Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates</a>

Australia's Victoria state which includes the country's second-biggest city has reported 363 cases in the last 24 hours bringing the total active cases to almost 3,000. These cases were reported despite a 10-day lockdown.&nbsp;

According to Premier Daniel Andrews, Melbourne, which is home to 5 million people and its neighbouring Mitchell Shire will be required to wear a mask or other face-covering in public spaces from midnight Wednesday into Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-daily-increase-in-global-coronavirus-cases-for-second-day-in-a-row-314375" hreflang="en">Record daily increase in global coronavirus cases for second day in a row</a>

"Most of us wouldn't leave home without our keys, we wouldn't leave our home without our mobile phone," he told a press conference.&nbsp;

"You won't be able to leave home without your mask and then wear it where it is absolutely essential to stop the spread of this virus."

Citizens will be fined $140 if they fail to wear a mask even though Andrews said "common sense" discretion would be applied to activities such as running or visiting a bank.

Bandanas and scarves can be used as an alternative. Andrews said that anything was "better than no face-covering at all".

Melbourne has become the first place in Australia to mandate the use of face-coverings as wearing masks was not common in the country and was not part of its COVID-19 response until now.&nbsp;

Australia has reported almost 12,000 cases of coronavirus country-wide and 122 deaths due to the virus.&nbsp;

(Inputs from AFP)

Authorities in Melbourne will make it compulsory to wear a mask in public, according to an announcement on Sunday, as the city steps up its efforts to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

Authorities in Melbourne will make it compulsory to wear a mask in public, according to an announcement on Sunday, as the city steps up its efforts to curb the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates Australia's Victoria state which includes the country's second-biggest city has reported 363 cases in the last 24 hours bringing the total active cases to almost 3,000. These cases were reported despite a 10-day lockdown. According to Premier Daniel Andrews, Melbourne, which is home to 5 million people and its neighbouring Mitchell Shire will be required to wear a mask or other face-covering in public spaces from midnight Wednesday into Thursday. Also read: Record daily increase in global coronavirus cases for second day in a row "Most of us wouldn't leave home without our keys, we wouldn't leave our home without our mobile phone," he told a press conference. "You won't be able to leave home without your mask and then wear it where it is absolutely essential to stop the spread of this virus." Citizens will be fined $140 if they fail to wear a mask even though Andrews said "common sense" discretion would be applied to activities such as running or visiting a bank. Bandanas and scarves can be used as an alternative. Andrews said that anything was "better than no face-covering at all". Melbourne has become the first place in Australia to mandate the use of face-coverings as wearing masks was not common in the country and was not part of its COVID-19 response until now. Australia has reported almost 12,000 cases of coronavirus country-wide and 122 deaths due to the virus. (Inputs from AFP)

'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public

Australia's second-most populous state of Victoria, which is already witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, on Thursday reported 317 new cases, its highest rise in infections in the 24-hour-period.&nbsp;

The state has been isolated from rest of the country for over a week after a fresh outbreak of the deadly virus. Victoria's capital Melbourne is placed under lockdown and people are allowed to go outside only for essential services.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-struggles-with-coronavirus-as-victoria-becomes-new-epicenter-313227">Australia struggles with coronavirus as Victoria becomes new epicenter</a>

Victoria also confirmed two deaths, taking the state's toll to 29 and the national fatality count to 113.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pub-cluster-reports-almost-half-of-cases-fears-of-second-wave-continue-312869">Australian pub cluster reports almost half of cases; fears of second-wave continue</a>

The record rise in cases came as the Australian government declared a further A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) plan for wage subside and training programs to counter spiraling unemployment in the country.

The unemployment this month in Australia jumped to 7.4 per cent from 7.1 per cent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Australia started deporting New Zealanders on "character grounds" despite a halt in such actions due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The policy has angered New Zealand who has repeatedly said that such people spent majority of their lives in Australia and have minor connection with Kiwis.&nbsp;

Group deportations had been paused in Australia since March when the country closed its borders and banned nearly all international travel to control the pandemic.&nbsp;

The Australian Border Force (ABF) on Thursday said it had sent back 31 New Zealanders this week on "character grounds", which as per law doesn't require a criminal conviction.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Australia's second-most populous state of Victoria, which is already witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, on Thursday reported 317 new cases, its highest rise in infections in the 24-hour-period.

Australia's second-most populous state of Victoria, which is already witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, on Thursday reported 317 new cases, its highest rise in infections in the 24-hour-period. The state has been isolated from rest of the country for over a week after a fresh outbreak of the deadly virus. Victoria's capital Melbourne is placed under lockdown and people are allowed to go outside only for essential services. Also read | Australia struggles with coronavirus as Victoria becomes new epicenter Victoria also confirmed two deaths, taking the state's toll to 29 and the national fatality count to 113. Also read | Australian pub cluster reports almost half of cases; fears of second-wave continue The record rise in cases came as the Australian government declared a further A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) plan for wage subside and training programs to counter spiraling unemployment in the country. The unemployment this month in Australia jumped to 7.4 per cent from 7.1 per cent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Meanwhile, Australia started deporting New Zealanders on "character grounds" despite a halt in such actions due to the coronavirus outbreak. The policy has angered New Zealand who has repeatedly said that such people spent majority of their lives in Australia and have minor connection with Kiwis. Group deportations had been paused in Australia since March when the country closed its borders and banned nearly all international travel to control the pandemic. The Australian Border Force (ABF) on Thursday said it had sent back 31 New Zealanders this week on "character grounds", which as per law doesn't require a criminal conviction.

Australia: Victoria reports record coronavirus infections

As the Asutralian cities are going in another lockdown, Australia's&nbsp;second-most populous state Victoria, may allow almost 3,000 residents to exit from the isolated buildings, as per the officials.

Amid rising number of positive coronavirus cases in the country, especially in the state of Victoria,&nbsp;state premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday that the state is thinking of relaxing few restrictions and allowing many of the 3,000 people locked down in nine public-housing towers to step outside.

Nearly ten buildings have been on a complete lockdown as new clusters of coronavirus cases were found in the buildings few weeks back.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-recurring-nightmare-australia-reimposes-lockdown-amid-fears-of-second-wave-of-coronavirus-311906">Have a look|&nbsp;A recurring nightmare: Australia reimposes lockdown amid fears of second wave of coronavirus</a>

"There are such numbers of positive cases, together with known close contacts, that the assumption has got to be that everybody in that tower is a close contact of someone who is positive," Andrews said of the tower that will remain in lockdown.

The decision of relaxations came after the residents of the said residential towers resorted to putting messages on their windows asking for 'help'. The officials faced criticism for imposing a strict sudden lockdown, and the residents claimed that many of them did not even have access to essentials.

"We must continue to follow those social distancing protocols all around Australia, even in states or territories where the number of cases is effectively zero," Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"They are making the decision that two weeks and that cost is worth it to get out of Victoria," deputy premier Stephen Miles said in a televised news conference.

As the Asutralian cities are going in another lockdown, Australia's second-most populous state Victoria, may allow almost 3,000 residents to exit from the isolated buildings, as per the officials.

As the Asutralian cities are going in another lockdown, Australia's second-most populous state Victoria, may allow almost 3,000 residents to exit from the isolated buildings, as per the officials. Amid rising number of positive coronavirus cases in the country, especially in the state of Victoria, state premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday that the state is thinking of relaxing few restrictions and allowing many of the 3,000 people locked down in nine public-housing towers to step outside. Nearly ten buildings have been on a complete lockdown as new clusters of coronavirus cases were found in the buildings few weeks back. Have a look| A recurring nightmare: Australia reimposes lockdown amid fears of second wave of coronavirus "There are such numbers of positive cases, together with known close contacts, that the assumption has got to be that everybody in that tower is a close contact of someone who is positive," Andrews said of the tower that will remain in lockdown. The decision of relaxations came after the residents of the said residential towers resorted to putting messages on their windows asking for 'help'. The officials faced criticism for imposing a strict sudden lockdown, and the residents claimed that many of them did not even have access to essentials. "We must continue to follow those social distancing protocols all around Australia, even in states or territories where the number of cases is effectively zero," Prime Minister Scott Morrison. "They are making the decision that two weeks and that cost is worth it to get out of Victoria," deputy premier Stephen Miles said in a televised news conference.

Australia decides to release most from sealed buildings despite surge in COVID-19 cases

Melbourne will go into stage three lockdown for six weeks from July 8 after the state recorded 191 new cases of coronavirus since Monday, the highest daily increase since the pandemic began. Watch report.

Melbourne returns to gruelling 6-week lockdown: Threat of 2nd wave of coronavirus

Melbourne authorities imposed six weeks restrictions amid growing coronavirus cases starting&nbsp;Wednesday as Australia continues to grapple with the virus.

Metropolitan Melbourne is set to return to stage three restrictions as the total death toll due to the virus in Australia reached 106 on Tuesday.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-australia-closes-victoria-new-south-wales-border-311053/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews while announcing the new rules said that "no-one wanted to be in this position. I know there will be enormous amounts of damage that will be done because of this. It will be very challenging" even as residents braced to stay at home.

Andrews added that "we can't pretend the virus crisis is over."

Restaurants have been asked to stick to takeaways and students have been told to return to remote learning.

As the lockdown announcement was made, shoppers could be seen queueing for supplies to prepare for the stay-at-home order which is set to last for over a month even as authorities said there was no need for panic buying.

Victoria is set to close its borders starting midnight with the military called in to secure border crossings.

A travel ban has also been put in place for Melbourne residents with returning New South Wales residents have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

Australia had recorded 199 new COVID-19 cases on Monday with 191 in Victoria. Australia has reported nearly 9,000 coronavirus cases with 839 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the country stands at 106.

Melbourne authorities imposed six weeks restrictions amid growing coronavirus cases starting Wednesday as Australia continues to grapple with the virus. Metropolitan Melbourne is set to return to stage three restrictions as the total death toll due to the virus in Australia reached 106 on Tuesday.

Melbourne authorities imposed six weeks restrictions amid growing coronavirus cases starting Wednesday as Australia continues to grapple with the virus. Metropolitan Melbourne is set to return to stage three restrictions as the total death toll due to the virus in Australia reached 106 on Tuesday. Watch: Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews while announcing the new rules said that "no-one wanted to be in this position. I know there will be enormous amounts of damage that will be done because of this. It will be very challenging" even as residents braced to stay at home. Andrews added that "we can't pretend the virus crisis is over." Restaurants have been asked to stick to takeaways and students have been told to return to remote learning. As the lockdown announcement was made, shoppers could be seen queueing for supplies to prepare for the stay-at-home order which is set to last for over a month even as authorities said there was no need for panic buying. Victoria is set to close its borders starting midnight with the military called in to secure border crossings. A travel ban has also been put in place for Melbourne residents with returning New South Wales residents have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days. Australia had recorded 199 new COVID-19 cases on Monday with 191 in Victoria. Australia has reported nearly 9,000 coronavirus cases with 839 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the country stands at 106.

COVID-19 in Australia: Lockdown ordered in Melbourne; New South Wales to close border

Lockdown measures were reimposed in Australia's second-biggest city on Tuesday, confining Melbourne residents to their homes unless undertaking essential business for six weeks, as officials scramble to contain a coronavirus outbreak.

Lockdown measures were reimposed in Australia's second-biggest city on Tuesday, confining Melbourne residents to their homes unless undertaking essential business for six weeks, as officials scramble to contain a coronavirus outbreak. The decision, which affects around 4.9 million people, was announced just hours before the busy border between Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, and New South Wales is scheduled to close for the first time in a century. From midnight on Wednesday, everyone in Melbourne will be required to stay home unless travelling to work, studying, shopping for food or attending medical appointments. Restaurants, cafes and bars will be able to provide takeaway service only, gyms and hair salons closed, household gatherings limited to two people and the current school vacation extended. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said the restrictions were onerous but necessary. "I would, with the greatest of respect, put it to you getting this virus and dying from it is very onerous too," he said during a televised media conference. Victoria was responsible for 191 of the 199 new cases reported nationally on Tuesday, the biggest one-day rise since early April. The spike has worried officials, even though the national total of almost 8,800 cases and 106 deaths is far below many other countries. "We have to be clear with each other that this is not over," Andrews said. "And pretending that it is because we all want it to be over is not the answer. It is indeed part of the problem. A very big part of the problem." Andrews had over the weekend reinstated strict social-distancing orders in more than 30 Melbourne suburbs and put nine public housing towers into complete lockdown because of the recent outbreak. Hundreds of police officers and army troops were being deployed to enforce the closure of Victoria's border with New South Wales from midnight on Tuesday. The state line is highly porous, stretching hundreds of kilometres. It is heavily used daily by commuters, school children and road freight. People caught crossing the border without permission via any of the 55 roads, or several river and wilderness crossings, will face penalties including a fine of A$11,000 ($7,700) and six months imprisonment. A second region in Victoria, where recent COVID-19 cases have been detected and which is home to 44,000 people, will face lockdown restrictions similar to Melbourne. The border closure and reintroduction of restrictions in Melbourne deal a blow to Australia's hopes for quick economic recovery as it approaches its first recession in nearly three decades, driven by social distancing restrictions imposed in March. Border control For businesses on the border, which last closed during the Spanish flu pandemic in 1919, it also poses an immediate logistics headache. Daily travel permits will be granted to people who live in border towns and cities but with the closure just hours away, the application system was still being developed. Kevin Mack, the mayor of Albury, a border town on the NSW side, said with an estimated 50,000 car movements across the state line every day "it will be a nightmare for everyone." "About a quarter of my staff like me live in NSW, and cross that border every day to come to work," said Paul Armstrong, who runs a petrol station in Wodonga, a border town on the Victorian side. "I don't know if they are going to be able to get in." Outside of the border towns, Victoria residents will be able to apply for a permit, but will need to prove a special need for their travel. Freight transporters will be free to cross the border without a permit, but will be subjected to random stops.

Australia's second largest city heads back into coronavirus lockdown

More than 30 suburbs in Australia city of Melbourne would be under lockdown for a month to contain a spike in the COVID-19 cases. Watch report.

Australian state imposes 4-week lockdown as COVID-19 cases spike

Australia's military was called in Wednesday to help tackle a coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne -- a surge in infections that has rattled the country's second-most populous city.

Australia's military was called in Wednesday to help tackle a coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne -- a surge in infections that has rattled the country's second-most populous city. Victoria has recorded double-digit increases in new daily cases for more than a week -- mostly in the state capital Melbourne -- representing a sizeable spike in cases in a country that has otherwise successfully curbed COVID-19. Health Minister Greg Hunt said the federal government had offered the army's support to respond to the virus outbreak, while four other states had offered help with contact tracing. Officials said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has accepted the offers of assistance from the states and asked for logistical support from the army. "This support will mean we can get even more tests done and results back quickly – and a stronger effort to remind Victorians if you are sick, stay home and get tested," a state government spokesperson said. It comes as the country recorded its first COVID-19 death in a month, with a man in his 80s dying in Victoria, where community concern about the virus spread is ramping up. Health officials have reported long queues at Melbourne's coronavirus testing centres, where some patients were turned away from overwhelmed facilities Tuesday -- prompting the creation of pop-up centres in several virus "hotspots". Major supermarkets in the state also reimposed buying limits on toilet paper and other essentials on Wednesday after an increase in demand sparked fears of a return of panic-buying. Hunt said the situation had reached a "critical juncture" and health authorities were considering local lockdowns in the worst-affected areas because of the outbreak. "Somebody has either not known, or not done the right thing, so we need to be honest about that," he said. Australia has been an international success story to date, recording roughly 7,500 cases of coronavirus and 103 deaths in a population of 25 million. Several regions are believed to be effectively virus free, with fewer than 200 known active cases across the country. About three-quarters of those are in Victoria, which had curbed the virus through early restrictions on travel and gatherings. These measures were being gradually rolled back until this week. The new clusters have emerged at Melbourne's Stamford Plaza Hotel, which is being used to quarantine citizens returning from overseas, an H&M clothing store in the city's north, and within extended families in a couple of suburbs.

Australia calls military to help tackle coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne

Australians were warned Monday to avoid travelling to Melbourne, as the country's second-biggest city tightened coronavirus restrictions amid fears of a second wave of the epidemic.

Australians were warned Monday to avoid travelling to Melbourne, as the country's second-biggest city tightened coronavirus restrictions amid fears of a second wave of the epidemic. Victoria state has recorded more than 110 cases in the past week -- many of them in Melbourne -- prompting leaders of other regions to warn against visiting the city's six designated virus "hot spots". The premier of neighbouring New South Wales state, Gladys Berejiklian, said anyone intending to visit the city should "reconsider your plans". "At this stage, the advice is do not travel to those hot spots," she told reporters in Sydney, which had been the epicentre of Australia's COVID-19 outbreak but has seen few new cases in recent weeks. "We would recommend people not at this stage travel to Melbourne unless they have to," she said. Officials in Victoria have stalled plans to allow increased numbers of diners in restaurants and cafes, and also reimposed tighter rules on gatherings in homes in response to the outbreak. It was the first major back-pedal on easing restrictions, as the rest of the country continues to record low numbers of new cases and work to restart the economy. Although numbers remain relatively low in Melbourne, a spike in the rate of community transmission -- those cases which authorities are unable to trace to the source -- has fuelled concerns it could get out of hand quickly. The state's chief health officer, Brett Sutton, has blamed the rise on lockdown fatigue and complacency, saying the situation had now reached a "dangerous point" as there was "no Plan B". "We are absolutely at risk of a second peak but we can get on top of it, and we must get on top of it," he told reporters Saturday. Like the rest of the country, early restrictions on travel and gatherings successfully curbed the virus in Melbourne before last week. The new clusters have emerged at Melbourne's Stamford Plaza Hotel, which is being used to quarantine citizens returning from overseas, an H&M clothing store in the city's north and within extended families in a couple of suburbs. An Australian Rules football game in the city also had to be postponed after a player tested positive on the weekend. Australia has recorded almost 7,500 cases of COVID-19 and 102 deaths, though some regions have already declared themselves virus-free.

Fears of second virus wave in Australia's second city

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-vs-australia-3rd-odi-after-dominating- display-by-each-side-it-comes-down-to-decider-275156">Aaron Finch</a>'s half-century guided Melbourne Renegades a seven-wicket victory over Brisbane Heat in the last league match of the Big Bash League (BBL) on Monday.

Renegades skipper Finch played an unbeaten knock of 63 runs including four sixes and two fours. The side chased down the target of 155 at a loss of three wickets with four balls to spare.

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"When you're out of the competition, you pride yourself on denting other teams" 
 
Aaron Finch did just that today 🙃<a href="https://twitter.com/KFCAustralia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KFCAustralia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBL09?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBL09</a> <a href="https://t.co/ROOJifanyN">pic.twitter.com/ROOJifanyN</a>
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Tom Cooper (23), Daniel Christian (8), and Beau Webster (14) added brief runs to the scoreboard before losing their wickets.

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SIX! 
 
Scores are level at Marvel Stadium <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBL09?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBL09</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ywt1Y68vZ5">pic.twitter.com/Ywt1Y68vZ5</a>
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Ben Cutting bagged two wickets while Mujeeb Ur Rahman claimed one scalp.

Earlier, Heat won the toss and elected to bat first. The team got off to a bad start and lost Sam Heazlett (6) early in the second over.

Ben Cutting and skipper Cris Lynn built a partnership of 28-run for the second wicket. Cutting (27) was plumbed in front of the wickets by Will Sutherland.

AB de Villiers failed to make his impact on the scoreboard and departed after scoring six runs.

Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne stitched a 61-run stand for the fifth wicket. Jack Wildermuth's direct hit to the stumps ended Renshaw's 65 runs inning.

Labuschagne played a knock of 28-run before he was sent back to the pavilion by Camron Boyce. For Renegades, Sutherland scalped three wickets and returned with the figures of 3-30 in his four-overs.

Aaron Finch's half-century guided Melbourne Renegades a seven-wicket victory over Brisbane Heat in the last league match of the Big Bash League (BBL) on Monday. Renegades skipper Finch played an unbeaten knock of 63 runs including four sixes and two fours.

Aaron Finch's half-century guided Melbourne Renegades a seven-wicket victory over Brisbane Heat in the last league match of the Big Bash League (BBL) on Monday. Renegades skipper Finch played an unbeaten knock of 63 runs including four sixes and two fours. The side chased down the target of 155 at a loss of three wickets with four balls to spare. "When you're out of the competition, you pride yourself on denting other teams" Aaron Finch did just that today 🙃@KFCAustralia | #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/ROOJifanyN — KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 27, 2020 × Tom Cooper (23), Daniel Christian (8), and Beau Webster (14) added brief runs to the scoreboard before losing their wickets. SIX! Scores are level at Marvel Stadium #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/Ywt1Y68vZ5 — KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 27, 2020 × Ben Cutting bagged two wickets while Mujeeb Ur Rahman claimed one scalp. Earlier, Heat won the toss and elected to bat first. The team got off to a bad start and lost Sam Heazlett (6) early in the second over. Ben Cutting and skipper Cris Lynn built a partnership of 28-run for the second wicket. Cutting (27) was plumbed in front of the wickets by Will Sutherland. AB de Villiers failed to make his impact on the scoreboard and departed after scoring six runs. Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne stitched a 61-run stand for the fifth wicket. Jack Wildermuth's direct hit to the stumps ended Renshaw's 65 runs inning. Labuschagne played a knock of 28-run before he was sent back to the pavilion by Camron Boyce. For Renegades, Sutherland scalped three wickets and returned with the figures of 3-30 in his four-overs.

Big Bash League: Finch powers Melbourne Renegades to victory against Brisbane Heat

World number two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/karolina-pliskova-beats-martic-in-zhengzhou-to-win-her-fourth-title-of-2019-249862">Karolina Pliskova</a> barrelled into the Australian Open second round on Tuesday as she chases her first Grand Slam crown.

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[&nbsp;Karolína Plíšková (Courtesy: Twitter Handle @KaPliskova) ]

Pliskova, whose best Grand Slam appearance was defeated by Angelique Kerber in the final of the 2016 US Open, called it a "tough test" against 41st-ranked Mladenovic.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/karolina-pliskosva-closes-gap-on-world-number-one-barty-249988">Karolina Pliskosva closes gap on world number one Barty</a>

The 27-year-old Czech defeated France's Kristina Mladenovic 6-1, 7-5 and plays Germany's Laura Siegemund or American wildcard CoCo Vandeweghe next in Melbourne.

We had some good matches in the past and it was tough mentally in the second set," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/karolina-pliskova-beats-muguruza-to-reach-australian-open-quarters-191731">Pliskova</a>, who beat Naomi Osaka on the way to winning the Brisbane title this month.

Pliskova, a semi-finalist in Melbourne last year, said the Brisbane triumph had no bearing on the next fortnight.

"It's a new beginning here so weeks before do not count and nobody remembers," she said.

World number two Karolina Pliskova barrelled into the Australian Open second round on Tuesday as she chases her first Grand Slam crown. [ Karolína Plíšková (Courtesy: Twitter Handle @KaPliskova) ] Pliskova, whose best Grand Slam appearance was defeated by Angelique Kerber in the final of the 2016 US Open, called it a "tough test" against 41st-ranked Mladenovic.

World number two Karolina Pliskova barrelled into the Australian Open second round on Tuesday as she chases her first Grand Slam crown. [ Karolína Plíšková (Courtesy: Twitter Handle @KaPliskova) ] Pliskova, whose best Grand Slam appearance was defeated by Angelique Kerber in the final of the 2016 US Open, called it a "tough test" against 41st-ranked Mladenovic. Also Read: Karolina Pliskosva closes gap on world number one Barty The 27-year-old Czech defeated France's Kristina Mladenovic 6-1, 7-5 and plays Germany's Laura Siegemund or American wildcard CoCo Vandeweghe next in Melbourne. We had some good matches in the past and it was tough mentally in the second set," said Pliskova, who beat Naomi Osaka on the way to winning the Brisbane title this month. Pliskova, a semi-finalist in Melbourne last year, said the Brisbane triumph had no bearing on the next fortnight. "It's a new beginning here so weeks before do not count and nobody remembers," she said.

Second seed Pliskova starts Melbourne title tilt with win

Australia was struck by lightning, rain, flash flooding, golf ball-sized hail and fire overnight as a severe thunderstorm made its way over much of the state.

Australia's freak weather: Golf ball-sized hailstones hit towns

Australia is going through one of it's worst bushfires in decades, the human death toll reached to 24 now, and it is said that a staggering number of 500 million animals have died due to these fires. Nearly 2000 houses have been destroyed.

As the damage assessment begins, donations have poured in from across the globe.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fierce-wildfires-fuelled-by-searing-temperatures-new-blazes-and-high-winds-in-australia-271558">Fierce wildfires fuelled by searing temperatures, high winds in Australia continue to rage</a>

Australian cricketing legends Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne have decided to temporarily come out of retirement and play a fund-raiser T20 match called the 'Bushfire Cricket Bash'. 
 
The star-studded match is going to be played as a curtain-raiser to the Big Bash League's finals which will be held on February 8. Looking at the points table where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../melbourne-stars-marcus-stoinis-becomes- highest-run-getter-in-big-bash-league-after-smashing-147-runs-against-sixe...">Melbourne Stars</a> and Sydney Sixers are trying to book the top spot, predictions are that the final could be played in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bushfire-shane-warnes-baggy-green-cap-sold-for-over-a1-million-273347">Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman</a>

Shane Warne's baggy green cap broke records, he took to twitter to thank his bidder.

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Thankyou so much to everyone that placed a bid &amp; a huge Thankyou / congrats to the successful bidder - you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations ! The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/vyVcA7NfGs">pic.twitter.com/vyVcA7NfGs</a>
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1215413839614763008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;These big grounds are likely to attract a massive crowd. The two teams will be led by Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne. The venue will be confirmed on January 31 after the confirmation of the Top Two finalists. 
 
It is not the first time Cricket Australia has worked for a cause, in a Boxing Day tsunami charity match in January 2005 that attracted a crowd of 70,101 to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, they&nbsp;raised A$14.5 million. 
 
The unpredictable fire rage has burnt more than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land and continues to spread despite volunteer firefighters stepping in.&nbsp;Australia's economy has faced a major setback.

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'The Bushfire Cricket Bash' is going to feature players like Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Alex Blackwell, and Micheal Clarke. Steve Waugh and Mel Jones will be involved but in a non-playing capacity. 
 
Alex Blackwell had&nbsp;just retired months ago from the Women's Big Bash League. 
 
Australia’s women’s team will begin the day with a T20I clash against India at the Junction Oval, this contest will be followed by the Bushfire Cricket Bash, and then Big Bash League finals will be played. 
 
“It is going to be a huge and special day. It’s nice to be part of it,” Ponting told reporters on Sunday.

Australia is going through one of it's worst bushfires in decades, the human death toll reached to 24 now, and it is said that a staggering number of 500 million animals have died due to these fires.

Australia is going through one of it's worst bushfires in decades, the human death toll reached to 24 now, and it is said that a staggering number of 500 million animals have died due to these fires. Nearly 2000 houses have been destroyed. As the damage assessment begins, donations have poured in from across the globe. Also see: Fierce wildfires fuelled by searing temperatures, high winds in Australia continue to rage Australian cricketing legends Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne have decided to temporarily come out of retirement and play a fund-raiser T20 match called the 'Bushfire Cricket Bash'. The star-studded match is going to be played as a curtain-raiser to the Big Bash League's finals which will be held on February 8. Looking at the points table where Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers are trying to book the top spot, predictions are that the final could be played in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Also read: Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman Shane Warne's baggy green cap broke records, he took to twitter to thank his bidder. Thankyou so much to everyone that placed a bid & a huge Thankyou / congrats to the successful bidder - you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations ! The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vyVcA7NfGs — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 9, 2020 × These big grounds are likely to attract a massive crowd. The two teams will be led by Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne. The venue will be confirmed on January 31 after the confirmation of the Top Two finalists. It is not the first time Cricket Australia has worked for a cause, in a Boxing Day tsunami charity match in January 2005 that attracted a crowd of 70,101 to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, they raised A$14.5 million. The unpredictable fire rage has burnt more than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land and continues to spread despite volunteer firefighters stepping in. Australia's economy has faced a major setback. × 'The Bushfire Cricket Bash' is going to feature players like Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Alex Blackwell, and Micheal Clarke. Steve Waugh and Mel Jones will be involved but in a non-playing capacity. Alex Blackwell had just retired months ago from the Women's Big Bash League. Australia’s women’s team will begin the day with a T20I clash against India at the Junction Oval, this contest will be followed by the Bushfire Cricket Bash, and then Big Bash League finals will be played. “It is going to be a huge and special day. It’s nice to be part of it,” Ponting told reporters on Sunday.

Bushfire Cricket Bash: Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne to come out of retirement to raise funds

After weeks of criticism over the handling of the&nbsp;bushfires&nbsp;scorching Australia, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-thousands-take-streets-to-call-for-climate-action-demands-pms-resgination-273496">Scott Morrison</a> said on Sunday he will propose a national review into the&nbsp;response&nbsp;to the disaster, as the fires claimed another firefighter's life.

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We will continue to do whatever is needed to support those Australians affected and traumatised by these bushfires by rebuilding communities and helping people in need to recover ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/krEd48rwyF">https://t.co/krEd48rwyF</a>
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1216178671658004481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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With the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-thousands-take-streets-to-call-for-climate-action-demands-pms-resgination-273496">bush burning</a> for nearly three months now, killing 28 people, claiming 2,000 homes and raging across millions of acres of land and wildlife, the crisis is becoming increasingly political.

Morrison said he would propose a powerful judicial&nbsp;enquiry, known as the Royal Commission, into the handling of the fires.

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[ A burnt tree is seen outside Mallacoota, Victoria, Australia (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

"There is obviously a need for a national review of the&nbsp;response," Morrison said in an interview with ABC television.

Asked whether it should be a Royal Commission, Morrison said, "I think that is what would be necessary and I will be taking a proposal through the cabinet to that end, but it must be done with consultations with the states and territories."

Cooler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-cooler-temperature-and-rainfall-ease-conditions-ahead-of-rough-night-273517">weather conditions</a> have brought a temporary respite for many of Australia's burning areas over the weekend, but a firefighter died on duty in Victoria, where new flames sparked and authorities said lives and homes are still under threat.

Authorities said the risk was far from over and more hot weather is expected.

Facing increasing pressure to do more to tackle climate change, Morrison, who has so far been defiant in rejecting any links between his government's conservative climate policies and the&nbsp;bushfires, said his government will look into improving its performance on curbing emissions.

"We want to reduce emissions and do the best job we possibly can and get better and better and better at it," he said. "I want to do that with a balanced policy which recognises Australia's broader national economic interests and social interest."

While his office earlier on Sunday said that more mental health services will become available to the people affected by the fires, Morrison rejected criticism that his government had not done enough before the bushfire season started.

But he admitted that once the fires started, some&nbsp;responses could have been different.

"There are things I could have handled on the ground much better," he said. "These are sensitive environments, there are very emotional environments; prime ministers are flesh and blood too in how they engage with people."

After weeks of criticism over the handling of the bushfires scorching Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday he will propose a national review into the response to the disaster, as the fires claimed another firefighter's life.

After weeks of criticism over the handling of the bushfires scorching Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday he will propose a national review into the response to the disaster, as the fires claimed another firefighter's life. We will continue to do whatever is needed to support those Australians affected and traumatised by these bushfires by rebuilding communities and helping people in need to recover ➡️ https://t.co/krEd48rwyF — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 12, 2020 × With the Australian bush burning for nearly three months now, killing 28 people, claiming 2,000 homes and raging across millions of acres of land and wildlife, the crisis is becoming increasingly political. Morrison said he would propose a powerful judicial enquiry, known as the Royal Commission, into the handling of the fires. [ A burnt tree is seen outside Mallacoota, Victoria, Australia (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "There is obviously a need for a national review of the response," Morrison said in an interview with ABC television. Asked whether it should be a Royal Commission, Morrison said, "I think that is what would be necessary and I will be taking a proposal through the cabinet to that end, but it must be done with consultations with the states and territories." Cooler weather conditions have brought a temporary respite for many of Australia's burning areas over the weekend, but a firefighter died on duty in Victoria, where new flames sparked and authorities said lives and homes are still under threat. Authorities said the risk was far from over and more hot weather is expected. Facing increasing pressure to do more to tackle climate change, Morrison, who has so far been defiant in rejecting any links between his government's conservative climate policies and the bushfires, said his government will look into improving its performance on curbing emissions. "We want to reduce emissions and do the best job we possibly can and get better and better and better at it," he said. "I want to do that with a balanced policy which recognises Australia's broader national economic interests and social interest." While his office earlier on Sunday said that more mental health services will become available to the people affected by the fires, Morrison rejected criticism that his government had not done enough before the bushfire season started. But he admitted that once the fires started, some responses could have been different. "There are things I could have handled on the ground much better," he said. "These are sensitive environments, there are very emotional environments; prime ministers are flesh and blood too in how they engage with people."

Australian PM Scott Morrison proposes high-powered inquiry into bushfires response

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-and-nadal-rally-for-merger-of-atp-cup-and-davis-cup-271915">Novak Djokovic</a> said Australian Open organisers should consider delaying the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-cup-2020-tennis-innovative-24-team-tournament-to-begin-from-january-3-271406">Grand Slam</a> of the year if haze from bushfires raging around the country threatens players' health.

The opening major of 2020 is due to start at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuelled-by-high-temperatures-and-strong-winds-australian-bushfires-continues-rage-272114">Melbourne</a> Park on January 20 and the city was blanketed by smoke from blazes burning to the east on Saturday, compromising air quality.

Djokovic, president of the ATP players council, said in the early hours of Sunday that any delay would be a last resort, but it needed to be discussed.

"I mean, it's fair from you to say that (ask the question)," he said when pressed on the matter in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-cup-kicks-off-with-shapovalov-win-271903">Brisbane</a>, where he is playing for Serbia in the inaugural ATP Cup team event.

"Obviously, you have to always&nbsp;because of some extreme weather and conditions, you just have to consider it.

"But I think that's probably the very, very last option for anything. I think they're going to try to do anything to not delay in terms of days and when it starts.

"I mean, and I understand why, but if it comes down to those conditions affecting the health of players, I think we should definitely consider it."

Catastrophic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">bushfires</a> have been raging in Australia for weeks, leaving 24 dead and hundreds of properties destroyed.

Tennis officials last week took the unprecedented decision to relocate the Canberra International, an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-cup-2020-tennis-innovative-24-team-tournament-to-begin-from-january-3-271406">ATP</a> Challenger 125 event and on the women's ITF World Tennis Tour, which serves as a stepping stone to the full tour.

They said play would not have been possible in the Australian capital which has been choked by smoke, with the tournament now due to start Monday at Bendigo in Victoria state.

Djokovic said he had experienced air quality issues at tournaments in China, but the bushfires had created an unprecedented situation.

The Serbian superstar said he not spoken to Tennis Australia chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-prize-pool-jumps-to-49-million-biggest-gains-for-early-rounds-269945">Craig Tiley</a> "but people from my team have".

"They're obviously tracking the situation every single day as it's evolving and hopefully calming down with the smoke and fires," he said.

"I think they will, if it continues the same way and if the quality of air is affected.&nbsp;I think Tennis Australia probably will be forced to, I think, create some rules about it.

"I mean, it's tough for them because scheduling has to be respected in terms of play and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sharapova-to-return-next-month-as-brisbane-wildcard-271149">Australian Open</a> starts at a certain time, so there's a lot of different things involved.&nbsp;

"But health is a concern for me and for anybody."

He said the ATP players' council was due to meet before the Australian Open and the issue would be on the agenda.

Novak Djokovic said Australian Open organisers should consider delaying the first Grand Slam of the year if haze from bushfires raging around the country threatens players' health.

Novak Djokovic said Australian Open organisers should consider delaying the first Grand Slam of the year if haze from bushfires raging around the country threatens players' health. The opening major of 2020 is due to start at Melbourne Park on January 20 and the city was blanketed by smoke from blazes burning to the east on Saturday, compromising air quality. Djokovic, president of the ATP players council, said in the early hours of Sunday that any delay would be a last resort, but it needed to be discussed. "I mean, it's fair from you to say that (ask the question)," he said when pressed on the matter in Brisbane, where he is playing for Serbia in the inaugural ATP Cup team event. "Obviously, you have to always because of some extreme weather and conditions, you just have to consider it. "But I think that's probably the very, very last option for anything. I think they're going to try to do anything to not delay in terms of days and when it starts. "I mean, and I understand why, but if it comes down to those conditions affecting the health of players, I think we should definitely consider it." Catastrophic bushfires have been raging in Australia for weeks, leaving 24 dead and hundreds of properties destroyed. Tennis officials last week took the unprecedented decision to relocate the Canberra International, an ATP Challenger 125 event and on the women's ITF World Tennis Tour, which serves as a stepping stone to the full tour. They said play would not have been possible in the Australian capital which has been choked by smoke, with the tournament now due to start Monday at Bendigo in Victoria state. Djokovic said he had experienced air quality issues at tournaments in China, but the bushfires had created an unprecedented situation. The Serbian superstar said he not spoken to Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley "but people from my team have". "They're obviously tracking the situation every single day as it's evolving and hopefully calming down with the smoke and fires," he said. "I think they will, if it continues the same way and if the quality of air is affected. I think Tennis Australia probably will be forced to, I think, create some rules about it. "I mean, it's tough for them because scheduling has to be respected in terms of play and the Australian Open starts at a certain time, so there's a lot of different things involved. "But health is a concern for me and for anybody." He said the ATP players' council was due to meet before the Australian Open and the issue would be on the agenda.

ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze

Over 1,000 residents and vacationers who had been stranded on a beach by bushfires in southeastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-wildfires-developing-their-own-weather-systems-authorities-272116">Australia</a> landed near Melbourne on Saturday after a 20-hour journey on two ships, relieved to escape terrifying smoke and fire.

Teenagers, couples, seniors and families, plus dozens of pets,113 dogs from dachshunds to Alsatians, three cats, a rabbit and a bird, arrived on the naval ships Sycamore and Choules at a port of Hastings. They were then transferred in buses to two relief centres.

“For someone who’s never been in a fire, it’s very, very, frightening. I’m so happy to be here,” said Emily Wellington, a 16-year-old from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuelled-by-high-temperatures-and-strong-winds-australian-bushfires-continues-rage-272114">Melbourne</a> who had been in Mallacoota on a two-week holiday with family friends.

She and two other 16-year-olds were among the first 58 evacuated from the smoke-filled town as they have asthma. “They wanted us to get out so we don’t get sick,” Wellington said.

They spoke to reporters outside a relief centre about 65 kilometres (40 miles) southeast of Melbourne shortly after getting off the Sycamore at Hastings.

The Choules, a much bigger ship, arrived on Saturday afternoon with 1,025 evacuees on board.

Two hundred of them headed by bus to Melbourne’s convention centre. Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp greeted them on the bus to let them know they would have access to food, drink, showers, insurance services and Red Cross help.

“I’m sorry you’ve been through such a terrible time,” she said, to applause.

James Corrigan spent a harrowing 24 hours packed with eight friends in a sport utility vehicle on the beach in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">Mallacoota</a> when fires roared through the town on New Year’s Eve. He said it was a relief to be back in Melbourne.

“It was pretty scary. The night before the fire hit, no one got any sleep at all,” he said. “It was pitch black during the day.”

The friends feared for their lives, while they sought shelter near water, he said.

“We were worried the fire would be really hot with embers coming through,” Corrigan told media by phone from the bus.

“There was a period of not knowing how we’d get out,” he said, referring to the days after the fires died down.

One of the teens on the first ship, Darcy Brown, lost her family home in Mallacoota. They had moved in there just a month ago.

“It was so devastating to see. All the tin is flat to the ground. Some of the bricks are still standing,” Brown told reporters.

Vacationers left cars and caravans behind in Mallacoota, not knowing how they will get them back, while some have stayed there while sending children back to Melbourne.

Authorities have said it might take weeks to reopen the one road out of Mallacoota.

One traumatised elderly woman, Rosa, choked up as she talked to reporters about the fires.

“It was terrible. I will never go back,” she said.

But like many others, she praised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">Australian navy</a> and all the volunteers in the relief effort for bringing them safely back to Melbourne.

“It was so comfortable on the ship,” said teenage evacuee Wellington..

Back in Melbourne, everyone was eager to shower and put their smoke-tainted clothes in the wash. What were they going to do first?

“Hug my parents, definitely,” Wellington said.

Over 1,000 residents and vacationers who had been stranded on a beach by bushfires in southeastern Australia landed near Melbourne on Saturday after a 20-hour journey on two ships, relieved to escape terrifying smoke and fire.

Over 1,000 residents and vacationers who had been stranded on a beach by bushfires in southeastern Australia landed near Melbourne on Saturday after a 20-hour journey on two ships, relieved to escape terrifying smoke and fire. Teenagers, couples, seniors and families, plus dozens of pets,113 dogs from dachshunds to Alsatians, three cats, a rabbit and a bird, arrived on the naval ships Sycamore and Choules at a port of Hastings. They were then transferred in buses to two relief centres. “For someone who’s never been in a fire, it’s very, very, frightening. I’m so happy to be here,” said Emily Wellington, a 16-year-old from Melbourne who had been in Mallacoota on a two-week holiday with family friends. She and two other 16-year-olds were among the first 58 evacuated from the smoke-filled town as they have asthma. “They wanted us to get out so we don’t get sick,” Wellington said. They spoke to reporters outside a relief centre about 65 kilometres (40 miles) southeast of Melbourne shortly after getting off the Sycamore at Hastings. The Choules, a much bigger ship, arrived on Saturday afternoon with 1,025 evacuees on board. Two hundred of them headed by bus to Melbourne’s convention centre. Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp greeted them on the bus to let them know they would have access to food, drink, showers, insurance services and Red Cross help. “I’m sorry you’ve been through such a terrible time,” she said, to applause. James Corrigan spent a harrowing 24 hours packed with eight friends in a sport utility vehicle on the beach in Mallacoota when fires roared through the town on New Year’s Eve. He said it was a relief to be back in Melbourne. “It was pretty scary. The night before the fire hit, no one got any sleep at all,” he said. “It was pitch black during the day.” The friends feared for their lives, while they sought shelter near water, he said. “We were worried the fire would be really hot with embers coming through,” Corrigan told media by phone from the bus. “There was a period of not knowing how we’d get out,” he said, referring to the days after the fires died down. One of the teens on the first ship, Darcy Brown, lost her family home in Mallacoota. They had moved in there just a month ago. “It was so devastating to see. All the tin is flat to the ground. Some of the bricks are still standing,” Brown told reporters. Vacationers left cars and caravans behind in Mallacoota, not knowing how they will get them back, while some have stayed there while sending children back to Melbourne. Authorities have said it might take weeks to reopen the one road out of Mallacoota. One traumatised elderly woman, Rosa, choked up as she talked to reporters about the fires. “It was terrible. I will never go back,” she said. But like many others, she praised the Australian navy and all the volunteers in the relief effort for bringing them safely back to Melbourne. “It was so comfortable on the ship,” said teenage evacuee Wellington.. Back in Melbourne, everyone was eager to shower and put their smoke-tainted clothes in the wash. What were they going to do first? “Hug my parents, definitely,” Wellington said.

'I will never go back': Traumatised bushfire evacuees land in Melbourne

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-as-bushfires-continue-to-rage-one-more-firefighter-dies-2-others-injured-271059">bushfires</a> ravaging Australia are generating so much heat that they are creating their own weather systems including dry lightning storms and fire tornadoes.

On Saturday, the New South Wales <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-thousands-trapped-as-bushfires-encircles-coastal-town-271141">Rural Fire Service</a> (RFS) warned that a fire on the coast was generating its own weather system 287 km (178 miles) south of Sydney.

"A fire-generated thunderstorm has formed over the Currowan fire on the northern edge of the fire near Nowra. This is a very dangerous situation. Monitor the conditions around you and take appropriate action," the RFS said on social media.

The weather conditions are the results of the formation of pyrocumulonimbus clouds. They have been recorded all over the world but as the global climate changes, they may become a more frequent occurrence for Australians, the country's Climate Council said in a 2019 report.

An&nbsp;RFS firefighter was killed on Monday by a fire tornado caused by the collapse of a pyrocumulonimbus cloud formation that rolled over the fire truck he was in.

Shane Fitzsimmons, the NSW RFS commissioner, pointed to that death when asked about the fire-induced weather patterns.

"That extraordinary event resulted in cyclonic-type base flipping over a 10-tonne truck. That is the volatility and danger that exists," he said.

The pyrocumulonimbus clouds are essentially a thunderstorm that forms from the smoke plume of fire as intense heat from the fire causes air to rise rapidly, drawing in cooler air, according to information from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-australia-records-hottest-day-southern-town-expected-to-near-50-degrees-268999">Australian Bureau of Meteorology</a>.

As the cloud climbs and then cools in the low temperatures of the upper atmosphere, the collisions of ice particles in the higher parts of the cloud build up an electrical charge, which can be released as lightning.

These can cause dangerous and unpredictable changes in fire behaviour, making them harder to fight as well as causing lightning strikes that could ignite new fires.

The rising air also spurs intense updrafts that suck in so much air that strong winds develop, causing a fire to burn hotter and spread further.

The bushfires ravaging Australia are generating so much heat that they are creating their own weather systems including dry lightning storms and fire tornadoes. On Saturday, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) warned that a fire on the coast was generating its own weather system 287 km (178 miles) south of Sydney.

The bushfires ravaging Australia are generating so much heat that they are creating their own weather systems including dry lightning storms and fire tornadoes. On Saturday, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) warned that a fire on the coast was generating its own weather system 287 km (178 miles) south of Sydney. "A fire-generated thunderstorm has formed over the Currowan fire on the northern edge of the fire near Nowra. This is a very dangerous situation. Monitor the conditions around you and take appropriate action," the RFS said on social media. The weather conditions are the results of the formation of pyrocumulonimbus clouds. They have been recorded all over the world but as the global climate changes, they may become a more frequent occurrence for Australians, the country's Climate Council said in a 2019 report. An RFS firefighter was killed on Monday by a fire tornado caused by the collapse of a pyrocumulonimbus cloud formation that rolled over the fire truck he was in. Shane Fitzsimmons, the NSW RFS commissioner, pointed to that death when asked about the fire-induced weather patterns. "That extraordinary event resulted in cyclonic-type base flipping over a 10-tonne truck. That is the volatility and danger that exists," he said. The pyrocumulonimbus clouds are essentially a thunderstorm that forms from the smoke plume of fire as intense heat from the fire causes air to rise rapidly, drawing in cooler air, according to information from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. As the cloud climbs and then cools in the low temperatures of the upper atmosphere, the collisions of ice particles in the higher parts of the cloud build up an electrical charge, which can be released as lightning. These can cause dangerous and unpredictable changes in fire behaviour, making them harder to fight as well as causing lightning strikes that could ignite new fires. The rising air also spurs intense updrafts that suck in so much air that strong winds develop, causing a fire to burn hotter and spread further.

Australian wildfires developing their own 'weather systems': Authorities

Australian&nbsp;authorities on Wednesday confirmed a third person had died in devastating&nbsp;bushfires&nbsp;that engulfed the southeast coastal region this week and said a fourth person was missing and feared dead.

Fanned by soaring temperatures, columns of fire and smoke-blackened entire towns on Monday and Tuesday, forcing thousands of residents and holidaymakers to seek shelter on beaches. Many stood in shallow water to escape the flames.

In total, there have been 12 fire-related deaths across Australia since blazes broke out a few months ago, including three volunteer firefighters, after a three-year drought in large parts of the nation created tinder-dry conditions.

Huge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-thousands-trapped-as-bushfires-encircles-coastal-town-271141">bushfires</a>&nbsp;have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (10 million acres) an area larger than Japan and new blazes are sparked almost daily by extremely hot and windy conditions and, most recently, dry lightning strikes created by the fires themselves.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australia-wildfires-trap-thousands-in-coastal-town-271185#forced-to-head-to-waterfront-271170">Also read: How tourists, residents battling wild fires in Australia</a>

Cooler conditions on Wednesday gave the country a moment to count the cost of the fires, although there were still more than 100 blazes in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-record-air-pollution-numbers-recorded-in-new-south-wales-sydney-chokes-263757">New South Wales</a> (NSW) state alone and thousands of firefighters on the ground.

The body of a man was found in a burnt car early on Wednesday on the south coast of New South Wales after emergency workers began reaching the most damaged areas, according to the state's Rural Fire Service (RFS).

The death toll is likely to rise, NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.

<img alt="Bushfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76075a35-6f13-4d6f-af94-d2cfff3e5d86" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2843%29_3.jpg" />

"We still have grave concerns for (another person)," he told reporters in Sydney.

There is "limited access to the remote area to try to identify and confirm one way or the other the status of that person."

NSW police did not identify the missing man but said he was 72 years old and authorities have been unable to reach his home.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australian-wildlife-battles-to-survive-as-bushfires-rage-271041">Also read: The struggles of Australian wildlife to survive as bushfires rage</a>

Several fires continue to burn in the area, making assessments difficult, though local lawmaker Fiona Phillips said she estimates as many as 200 homes have been destroyed.

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Locals and tourists holding tight on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mallacoota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mallacoota</a> wharf as the bushfire passes through the popular seaside summer holiday spot <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustraliaBurns?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustraliaBurns</a> (📷 from ‘travelling_aus_family’ on Instagram). <a href="https://t.co/NfQxlwObxv">pic.twitter.com/NfQxlwObxv</a>
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Large-scale livestock and animal casualties are also expected across Australia's east coast, though Mogo Zoo&nbsp;home to Australia’s largest collection of primates, along with zebras, white rhinos, lions, tigers, and giraffes&nbsp;was saved.

The wildlife park was threatened by an out-of-control bushfire, though zookeepers and firefighters managed to save all 200 animals.

In Victoria state, four people remain missing, state Premier Daniel Andrews said, after a massive blaze ripped through Gippsland a rural region about 500 km (310 miles) east of Melbourne.

About 4,000 people in the town of Mallacoota in Victoria headed to the waterfront after the main road was cut off.

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Evacuation on the beach at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/batemansbay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#batemansbay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/abcnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abcnews</a> <a href="https://t.co/qZzOJcOKz1">pic.twitter.com/qZzOJcOKz1</a>
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Mark Tregellas, a resident of Mallacoota who spent the night on a boat ramp, said only a late shift in the wind direction sparred lives.

"The fire just continued to grow and then the black started to descend. I couldn't see the hand in front in my face, and it then started to glow red and we knew the fire was coming," Tregellas told Reuters.

<img alt="Bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="796bb238-1537-42f0-b742-40a19945edec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2842%29_1.jpg" />

"Ash started to fall from the air and then the embers started to come down. At that point, people started to bring their kids and families into the water. Thankfully, the wind changed and the fire moved away."

With thousands of people still stranded, Australia's military has been drafted in to provide supplies and assist with evacuations in areas, many of which have been left without power for hours.

In Ulladulla, a small coastal town about 230 km south of Sydney, many residents and holidaymakers were scrambling to get supplies, leading to long lines outside the few shops open on a public holiday.

Black Hawk helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and naval vessels have all been deployed, along with military personnel.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said authorities were working to restore communications with areas cut off by the fires, and she warned conditions will deteriorate again over the weekend.

"Weather conditions on Saturday will be as bad as they were" on Tuesday, Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

Australia's capital Sydney was blanketed in thick smoke, reaching about 20 times hazardous levels, prompting health warnings.

The smoke has also drifted to New Zealand where it has turned the daytime sky orange across the South Island.

Australian authorities on Wednesday confirmed a third person had died in devastating bushfires that engulfed the southeast coastal region this week and said a fourth person was missing and feared dead.

Australian authorities on Wednesday confirmed a third person had died in devastating bushfires that engulfed the southeast coastal region this week and said a fourth person was missing and feared dead. Fanned by soaring temperatures, columns of fire and smoke-blackened entire towns on Monday and Tuesday, forcing thousands of residents and holidaymakers to seek shelter on beaches. Many stood in shallow water to escape the flames. In total, there have been 12 fire-related deaths across Australia since blazes broke out a few months ago, including three volunteer firefighters, after a three-year drought in large parts of the nation created tinder-dry conditions. Huge bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (10 million acres) an area larger than Japan and new blazes are sparked almost daily by extremely hot and windy conditions and, most recently, dry lightning strikes created by the fires themselves. Also read: How tourists, residents battling wild fires in Australia Cooler conditions on Wednesday gave the country a moment to count the cost of the fires, although there were still more than 100 blazes in New South Wales (NSW) state alone and thousands of firefighters on the ground. The body of a man was found in a burnt car early on Wednesday on the south coast of New South Wales after emergency workers began reaching the most damaged areas, according to the state's Rural Fire Service (RFS). The death toll is likely to rise, NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said. "We still have grave concerns for (another person)," he told reporters in Sydney. There is "limited access to the remote area to try to identify and confirm one way or the other the status of that person." NSW police did not identify the missing man but said he was 72 years old and authorities have been unable to reach his home. Also read: The struggles of Australian wildlife to survive as bushfires rage Several fires continue to burn in the area, making assessments difficult, though local lawmaker Fiona Phillips said she estimates as many as 200 homes have been destroyed. Locals and tourists holding tight on the #Mallacoota wharf as the bushfire passes through the popular seaside summer holiday spot #AustraliaBurns (📷 from ‘travelling_aus_family’ on Instagram). pic.twitter.com/NfQxlwObxv — Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) December 31, 2019 × Large-scale livestock and animal casualties are also expected across Australia's east coast, though Mogo Zoo home to Australia’s largest collection of primates, along with zebras, white rhinos, lions, tigers, and giraffes was saved. The wildlife park was threatened by an out-of-control bushfire, though zookeepers and firefighters managed to save all 200 animals. In Victoria state, four people remain missing, state Premier Daniel Andrews said, after a massive blaze ripped through Gippsland a rural region about 500 km (310 miles) east of Melbourne. About 4,000 people in the town of Mallacoota in Victoria headed to the waterfront after the main road was cut off. Evacuation on the beach at #batemansbay @abcnews pic.twitter.com/qZzOJcOKz1 — Alastair Prior (@alastairprior) December 31, 2019 × Mark Tregellas, a resident of Mallacoota who spent the night on a boat ramp, said only a late shift in the wind direction sparred lives. "The fire just continued to grow and then the black started to descend. I couldn't see the hand in front in my face, and it then started to glow red and we knew the fire was coming," Tregellas told Reuters. "Ash started to fall from the air and then the embers started to come down. At that point, people started to bring their kids and families into the water. Thankfully, the wind changed and the fire moved away." With thousands of people still stranded, Australia's military has been drafted in to provide supplies and assist with evacuations in areas, many of which have been left without power for hours. In Ulladulla, a small coastal town about 230 km south of Sydney, many residents and holidaymakers were scrambling to get supplies, leading to long lines outside the few shops open on a public holiday. Black Hawk helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and naval vessels have all been deployed, along with military personnel. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said authorities were working to restore communications with areas cut off by the fires, and she warned conditions will deteriorate again over the weekend. "Weather conditions on Saturday will be as bad as they were" on Tuesday, Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney. Australia's capital Sydney was blanketed in thick smoke, reaching about 20 times hazardous levels, prompting health warnings. The smoke has also drifted to New Zealand where it has turned the daytime sky orange across the South Island.

Three dead, several missing as Australia counts the cost of devastating bushfires

Residents of two small communities in the southern Australian state of Victoria were told to evacuate on Saturday, as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-wildfires-threaten-sydney-water-supplies-270491">bushfire</a> burned out of control nearby and as temperatures were set to rise.

Authorities said the fire could affect the town of Goongerah, nearly 450 km&nbsp;east of Melbourne with a population of 60 people, and the nearby community of Martins Creek over the next 48 hours and residents should leave now.

"This may be your last opportunity to do so before fire activity increases," VicEmergency said in an alert.

"If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you."

Cooler conditions in many parts of Australia during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firefighters-in-australia-spend-christmas-day-containing-wildfires-270247">Christmas week</a> helped contain some fires but temperatures are forecast to rise, once again challenging firefighters.

Temperatures in parts of South Australia rose above 40 Celsius on Friday, while Victoria's capital of Melbourne is forecast to hit 43C&nbsp;on Monday.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Australia-&nbsp;Sydney, Brisbane residents get rain respite amid wildfire

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Large parts of Australia have suffered through several years of drought, creating tinder-dry conditions and proving stressful to the country's native wildlife population.

A video taken in South Australia during Friday's extreme heat showed a koala guzzling water from a cyclist's drink bottle after it had stopped the group of cyclists by sitting in the middle of the road.

Bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares in five states since September and eight deaths have been linked to the blazes.

Local police said on Saturday they had charged one man for lighting a fire without a permit that caused a 40-hectare wildfire to start and have charged another man for allegedly deliberately lighting two bushfires.

Residents of two small communities in the southern Australian state of Victoria were told to evacuate on Saturday, as a bushfire burned out of control nearby and as temperatures were set to rise.

Residents of two small communities in the southern Australian state of Victoria were told to evacuate on Saturday, as a bushfire burned out of control nearby and as temperatures were set to rise. Authorities said the fire could affect the town of Goongerah, nearly 450 km east of Melbourne with a population of 60 people, and the nearby community of Martins Creek over the next 48 hours and residents should leave now. "This may be your last opportunity to do so before fire activity increases," VicEmergency said in an alert. "If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you." Cooler conditions in many parts of Australia during Christmas week helped contain some fires but temperatures are forecast to rise, once again challenging firefighters. Temperatures in parts of South Australia rose above 40 Celsius on Friday, while Victoria's capital of Melbourne is forecast to hit 43C on Monday. Also Watch: Australia- Sydney, Brisbane residents get rain respite amid wildfire × Large parts of Australia have suffered through several years of drought, creating tinder-dry conditions and proving stressful to the country's native wildlife population. A video taken in South Australia during Friday's extreme heat showed a koala guzzling water from a cyclist's drink bottle after it had stopped the group of cyclists by sitting in the middle of the road. Bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares in five states since September and eight deaths have been linked to the blazes. Local police said on Saturday they had charged one man for lighting a fire without a permit that caused a 40-hectare wildfire to start and have charged another man for allegedly deliberately lighting two bushfires.

Australian bushfire: Residents of small communities told to evacuate as blaze approaches

The&nbsp;prize&nbsp;pool&nbsp;for the 2020&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andreescu-out-of-season-opener-in-auckland-with-knee-issues-269883">Australian&nbsp;Open</a>&nbsp;has been boosted by 14 per cent&nbsp;to A$71&nbsp;million&nbsp;($49.1&nbsp;million), organisers said on Tuesday, with the&nbsp;biggest&nbsp;gains&nbsp;for players exiting in the&nbsp;early&nbsp;rounds.

Players losing in the first round of qualifying at the year's first Grand Slam will take home A$20,000, up by a third from last year, while singles players who exit in the first round of the main draw will earn A$90,000, a jump of 20 per cent.

Before the start of the 2018&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Open, Serb champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-guides-serbia-into-davis-cup-quarter-finals-263723">Novak Djokovic</a> had to distance himself from media reports that he had pushed for a revolt over the way revenues from the four Grand Slams were distributed to help reward a larger group of players.

"We have long been committed to improving the pay and conditions for a deeper&nbsp;pool&nbsp;of international tennis players," tournament director Craig Tiley said in a statement, noting that overall&nbsp;prize&nbsp;money has more than tripled since 2007.

"This year, we pushed to reward players competing&nbsp;early&nbsp;in the tournament in both singles and doubles."

The 2020 women's and men's singles champions will receive smaller increases in&nbsp;prize&nbsp;money, with both winners taking home A$4.12&nbsp;million, up $20,000.

Players can usually secure a main draw appearance in the tournament, which starts on January&nbsp;20, by having a ranking in the top 100.

Naomi Osaka of Japan is the reigning women's singles champion at the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;while Djokovic claimed a record seventh title by defeating great rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-had-nothing-left-to-give-says-rafael-nadal-after-spain-win-davis-cup-264343">Rafa Nadal</a> in the 2019 final.

In a report published last year, an International Review Panel commissioned to address betting-related and other integrity issues said that players in the lowest tiers were susceptible to being corrupted because of the difficulty of making a living, with only 250-350 players earning enough money to break even.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-rout-pakistan-4-0-to-seal-davis-cup-qualifiers-spot-265459">International Tennis Federation</a> last week announced a series of measures as part of its fight against corruption in the sport's lower levels.

The prize pool for the 2020 Australian Open has been boosted by 14 per cent to A$71 million ($49.1 million), organisers said on Tuesday, with the biggest gains for players exiting in the early rounds.

The prize pool for the 2020 Australian Open has been boosted by 14 per cent to A$71 million ($49.1 million), organisers said on Tuesday, with the biggest gains for players exiting in the early rounds. Players losing in the first round of qualifying at the year's first Grand Slam will take home A$20,000, up by a third from last year, while singles players who exit in the first round of the main draw will earn A$90,000, a jump of 20 per cent. Before the start of the 2018 Australian Open, Serb champion Novak Djokovic had to distance himself from media reports that he had pushed for a revolt over the way revenues from the four Grand Slams were distributed to help reward a larger group of players. "We have long been committed to improving the pay and conditions for a deeper pool of international tennis players," tournament director Craig Tiley said in a statement, noting that overall prize money has more than tripled since 2007. "This year, we pushed to reward players competing early in the tournament in both singles and doubles." The 2020 women's and men's singles champions will receive smaller increases in prize money, with both winners taking home A$4.12 million, up $20,000. Players can usually secure a main draw appearance in the tournament, which starts on January 20, by having a ranking in the top 100. Naomi Osaka of Japan is the reigning women's singles champion at the Australian Open while Djokovic claimed a record seventh title by defeating great rival Rafa Nadal in the 2019 final. In a report published last year, an International Review Panel commissioned to address betting-related and other integrity issues said that players in the lowest tiers were susceptible to being corrupted because of the difficulty of making a living, with only 250-350 players earning enough money to break even. The International Tennis Federation last week announced a series of measures as part of its fight against corruption in the sport's lower levels.

Australian Open prize pool jumps to $49 million, biggest gains for early rounds

The Australian government said on Saturday it is increasing the number of visas for skilled workers willing to migrate to the country's regions in a bid to ease pressure on major cities, where populations are growing twice as fast as elsewhere.

The government will increase the intake under its regional migration programme to 25,000 from 23,000, according to a statement issued by Prime Minister Scott Morrison's office.

That does not mean, however, that Australia will be taking more immigrants.

Morrison's conservative government cut the annual immigration intake to 160,000 people as of July 1, versus 190,000 before. The 25,000 visas for those willing to live in smaller cities and regions are part of the annual migration cap.

Nearly a third of Australia's resident population were born overseas, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Australia, a highly urbanised country with one of the highest population growth rates in the OECD, has about two-thirds of its population living in the capitals of states and territories, according to the 2016 government census data.

Between 2017 and 2018 the number of people living in those cities increased at twice the rate the number of people living outside them, recent government data show. Capital city growth accounted for 79 per cent&nbsp;of Australia's total population growth.

"We're using our migration programme to back our regions to grow to take the population pressure off our major capital cities and by supporting strong regions we're creating an even stronger economy for Australia," Morrison said.

Migrants willing to live in locations outside of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will have access to priority processing and international university graduates who live in these locations will be eligible to apply for more time in Australia on a post-study work visa.&nbsp;

The Australian government said on Saturday it is increasing the number of visas for skilled workers willing to migrate to the country's regions in a bid to ease pressure on major cities, where populations are growing twice as fast as elsewhere.

The Australian government said on Saturday it is increasing the number of visas for skilled workers willing to migrate to the country's regions in a bid to ease pressure on major cities, where populations are growing twice as fast as elsewhere. The government will increase the intake under its regional migration programme to 25,000 from 23,000, according to a statement issued by Prime Minister Scott Morrison's office. That does not mean, however, that Australia will be taking more immigrants. Morrison's conservative government cut the annual immigration intake to 160,000 people as of July 1, versus 190,000 before. The 25,000 visas for those willing to live in smaller cities and regions are part of the annual migration cap. Nearly a third of Australia's resident population were born overseas, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Australia, a highly urbanised country with one of the highest population growth rates in the OECD, has about two-thirds of its population living in the capitals of states and territories, according to the 2016 government census data. Between 2017 and 2018 the number of people living in those cities increased at twice the rate the number of people living outside them, recent government data show. Capital city growth accounted for 79 per cent of Australia's total population growth. "We're using our migration programme to back our regions to grow to take the population pressure off our major capital cities and by supporting strong regions we're creating an even stronger economy for Australia," Morrison said. Migrants willing to live in locations outside of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will have access to priority processing and international university graduates who live in these locations will be eligible to apply for more time in Australia on a post-study work visa.

Australia to settle more immigrants outside major cities

Prosecutors&nbsp;have urged Australia's High Court to refuse to hear a&nbsp;final&nbsp;appeal&nbsp;by former&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;treasurer George Pell against his convictions for sexually abusing two 13-year-old boys in the late 1990s.

In opposing arguments put by Pell's lawyers to Australia's highest court,&nbsp;prosecutors&nbsp;said there was no error in the approach taken by the Victorian state Court of&nbsp;Appeal.

The state appellate court upheld <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-vatican-treasurer-pell-loses-appeal-against-sex-abuse-convictions-to-stay-in-jail-244529">Pell's convictions</a>, in a 2-1 ruling in August, on five charges of abusing the two boys at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne when he was archbishop there.

"The&nbsp;appeal&nbsp;raises no question of law of public importance," the&nbsp;prosecutors&nbsp;said in a filing to the High Court on Tuesday. The facts of the case were "carefully and thoroughly&nbsp;explored by the majority of the Court of&nbsp;Appeal", they said.

Pell's lawyers have seven days to respond, after which a panel of High Court judges will decide whether to hear the&nbsp;appeal, a High Court spokesman said. That decision can be made just on the submitted applications or following a hearing.

The earliest the case could be heard would be in 2020, should the court decide to take on the&nbsp;appeal.

Pell is the highest-ranking Catholic worldwide to be convicted of child sex&nbsp;offenses. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-vatican-treasurer-pell-jailed-for-six-years-for-sexually-abusing-choir-boys-202976">He was jailed in March for six years</a> and will be eligible for parole in October 2022, when he will be 81.

Two of the three judges at the Victorian&nbsp;appeal&nbsp;court ruled that "it was open to the jury to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Cardinal Pell was guilty of the offenses charged".

Pell's lawyers&nbsp;argued at his trial that it was impossible for him to have committed the offenses in light of all the activity that went on after mass in the priests' sacristy area of the cathedral, where the offences were said to have occurred.

Pell's lawyers said in his leave to&nbsp;appeal&nbsp;to the High Court that the Court of&nbsp;Appeal's majority, in believing his accuser, had incorrectly shifted the burden of proof to the defense to show that the offenses were impossible.

Prosecutors&nbsp;said in response "there was little evidence that approached what could be described as an 'alibi'" and the account of Pell's accuser was backed by evidence, including his detailed description of the priests' sacristy, which was off-limits to choirboys.

Prosecutors have urged Australia's High Court to refuse to hear a final appeal by former Vatican treasurer George Pell against his convictions for sexually abusing two 13-year-old boys in the late 1990s.

Prosecutors have urged Australia's High Court to refuse to hear a final appeal by former Vatican treasurer George Pell against his convictions for sexually abusing two 13-year-old boys in the late 1990s. In opposing arguments put by Pell's lawyers to Australia's highest court, prosecutors said there was no error in the approach taken by the Victorian state Court of Appeal. The state appellate court upheld Pell's convictions, in a 2-1 ruling in August, on five charges of abusing the two boys at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne when he was archbishop there. "The appeal raises no question of law of public importance," the prosecutors said in a filing to the High Court on Tuesday. The facts of the case were "carefully and thoroughly explored by the majority of the Court of Appeal", they said. Pell's lawyers have seven days to respond, after which a panel of High Court judges will decide whether to hear the appeal, a High Court spokesman said. That decision can be made just on the submitted applications or following a hearing. The earliest the case could be heard would be in 2020, should the court decide to take on the appeal. Pell is the highest-ranking Catholic worldwide to be convicted of child sex offenses. He was jailed in March for six years and will be eligible for parole in October 2022, when he will be 81. Two of the three judges at the Victorian appeal court ruled that "it was open to the jury to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Cardinal Pell was guilty of the offenses charged". Pell's lawyers argued at his trial that it was impossible for him to have committed the offenses in light of all the activity that went on after mass in the priests' sacristy area of the cathedral, where the offences were said to have occurred. Pell's lawyers said in his leave to appeal to the High Court that the Court of Appeal's majority, in believing his accuser, had incorrectly shifted the burden of proof to the defense to show that the offenses were impossible. Prosecutors said in response "there was little evidence that approached what could be described as an 'alibi'" and the account of Pell's accuser was backed by evidence, including his detailed description of the priests' sacristy, which was off-limits to choirboys.

Australian prosecutors argue no grounds for ex-Vatican treasurer's final sex crimes appeal

Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge to the election of Prime Minister James Marape on September 20, a lawyer for opposition leader Patrick Pruaitch, who took the issue to court, said on Friday.

The case adds to political turmoil that has delayed progress on two important resources projects in PNG this year, a $13 billion plan to double its gas exports, led by Exxon Mobil Corp and Total SA, and plans to build a major new gold mine, Wafi-Golpu, led by Newcrest Mining.

Marape was voted in by parliament as prime minister in May, days after his predecessor, Peter O'Neill, quit after losing support from his own party over a range of grievances, including a gas deal with France's Total.

During the process of electing a new prime minister, opposition leader Pruaitch nominated O'Neill for the post but the nomination was withdrawn by the speaker of Parliament.

Pruaitch referred the issue to the Supreme Court, contending that the nomination process was improperly handled, invalidating Marape's election.

"The court declared yesterday that Pruaitch has the standing to bring such constitutional challenge and given the urgency of the matter, we asked the court to have the matter fixed as a special fixture for hearing," said Phillip Tabuchi, a lawyer for Pruaitch said in an email to Reuters.

The hearing has been fixed for September 20 before the full bench of PNG's Supreme Court, he said.

Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge to the election of Prime Minister James Marape on September 20, a lawyer for opposition leader Patrick Pruaitch, who took the issue to court, said on Friday.

Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge to the election of Prime Minister James Marape on September 20, a lawyer for opposition leader Patrick Pruaitch, who took the issue to court, said on Friday. The case adds to political turmoil that has delayed progress on two important resources projects in PNG this year, a $13 billion plan to double its gas exports, led by Exxon Mobil Corp and Total SA, and plans to build a major new gold mine, Wafi-Golpu, led by Newcrest Mining. Marape was voted in by parliament as prime minister in May, days after his predecessor, Peter O'Neill, quit after losing support from his own party over a range of grievances, including a gas deal with France's Total. During the process of electing a new prime minister, opposition leader Pruaitch nominated O'Neill for the post but the nomination was withdrawn by the speaker of Parliament. Pruaitch referred the issue to the Supreme Court, contending that the nomination process was improperly handled, invalidating Marape's election. "The court declared yesterday that Pruaitch has the standing to bring such constitutional challenge and given the urgency of the matter, we asked the court to have the matter fixed as a special fixture for hearing," said Phillip Tabuchi, a lawyer for Pruaitch said in an email to Reuters. The hearing has been fixed for September 20 before the full bench of PNG's Supreme Court, he said.

Papua New Guinea prime minister's election faces court challenge

Vienna has been declared the number one city in the annual Global Liveability Index for the second year in a row, narrowly beating Melbourne.

World's most liveable cities 2019: Vienna again tops the list

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