Sandhya Reddy, a law graduate from Telangana, has been elected as Mayor of Sydney's Strathfield municipality.

An alumna of Osmania University, Reddy was elected as the 73rd Mayor of the Strathfield Council in Sydney on Tuesday. She will hold the post for two years.

Hyderabad-born Sandhya Reddy becomes mayor of Sydney council

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced backlash during his visit to a mosque in Sydney on the occasion of Eid. The visit, meant to engage with the Muslim community and mark the festive occasion, was disrupted by protesters who voiced strong concerns over government policies.

Anthony Albanese Faces Backlash During Eid Visit to Sydney Mosque

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with police in Sydney during Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit. Authorities used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse crowds as tensions escalated in the city.


Sydney Pro-Palestinian Protest: Police Resort To Tear Gas, Pepper Spray To Disperse Protesters

#Gravitas Two months after gunmen stormed a Jewish festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach and killed fifteen people, the Australian parliament has passed sweeping new laws to crack down on hate crimes and tighten gun control. 


Australia Hardens Laws on Guns, Hate Speech Amid Rising Extremism

Sydney rang in 2026 with its iconic fireworks over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, transforming the city’s skyline into a canvas of light and colour, just weeks after a brutal terror attack had shaken Australia’s largest city. Hundreds of thousands gathered across vantage points around Sydney Harbour on Tuesday (December 31) night, while millions more watched the spectacle live across the world. Yet this year’s celebrations carried a different emotional weight: a mix of remembrance, resilience, and resolve.&nbsp;Authorities had flagged New Year’s Eve as the first major public test for the city since the attack, prompting one of the largest security operations Sydney has ever seen. Police were deployed in large numbers across the CBD, transport hubs, and harbour foreshore, with visible patrols, barriers, and checkpoints reassuring crowds amid heightened alert levels.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-and-burkina-faso-retaliate-to-trump-s-action-ban-entry-for-us-citizens-1767187487091">Mali and Burkina Faso retaliate to Trump’s action, ban entry for US citizens</a><h2>See the dazzling fireworks in Sydney here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Happy New Year Australia! Here&#39;s the fireworks display at Sydney Harbour Bridge! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewYear?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewYear</a> <a href="https://t.co/QW0fWFGDBP">pic.twitter.com/QW0fWFGDBP</a>&mdash; Untoz (@Untozx) <a href="https://twitter.com/Untozx/status/2006354203669893271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Despite the heavy police presence, the mood on the ground remained calm and reflective rather than fearful. Many attendees said turning up was itself an act of defiance, proof that violence would not dictate how the city lived, gathered, or celebrated. Earlier in the night, organisers incorporated moments of reflection into the programme, acknowledging lives lost and communities affected by recent violence. The gestures were subtle but significant, striking a balance between mourning and moving forward.&nbsp;As midnight approached, Sydney’s world-famous fireworks display unfolded in carefully choreographed stages, illuminating the harbour with bursts of gold, blue, and white. The show celebrated Indigenous culture, unity, and renewal, themes that resonated strongly in a city still processing grief.&nbsp;International broadcasters once again beamed Sydney’s celebrations across time zones, placing the city among the first global capitals to welcome the new year. Images of cheering crowds, illuminated sails of the Opera House, and a glowing Harbour Bridge stood in contrast to the sombre headlines of recent weeks. For many Sydneysiders, the night was not about forgetting what had happened, but about refusing to be defined by it. As 2026 began, the city sent a clear message to the world: it would remember, it would protect, and it would endure.

'WE WILL NOT BE AFRAID': Sydney welcomes 2026 as sky lights up with dazzling fireworks under heavy security weeks after terror attack

Sydney rang in 2026 with its iconic fireworks over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, transforming the city’s skyline into a canvas of light and colour, just weeks after a brutal terror attack had shaken Australia’s largest city. Hundreds of thousands gathered across vantage points around Sydney Harbour on Tuesday (December 31) night, while millions more watched the spectacle live across the world. Yet this year’s celebrations carried a different emotional weight: a mix of remembrance, resilience, and resolve. Authorities had flagged New Year’s Eve as the first major public test for the city since the attack, prompting one of the largest security operations Sydney has ever seen. Police were deployed in large numbers across the CBD, transport hubs, and harbour foreshore, with visible patrols, barriers, and checkpoints reassuring crowds amid heightened alert levels. Also Read: Mali and Burkina Faso retaliate to Trump’s action, ban entry for US citizens See the dazzling fireworks in Sydney here

Sydney welcomed 2026 with iconic fireworks and heightened security, sending a powerful message of resilience just weeks after a terror attack at Bondi Beach

An unarmed fruit seller was hailed as a hero after tackling and disarming a gunman during the Sydney Bondi Beach terror attack, helping save lives at great personal risk.

Bondi Shooting: Surfers & Swimmers Converge at Bondi in Memory of Victims

Australian authorities have charged the gunman linked to the Sydney massacre with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism-related charges. Investigators say the attack shocked the nation and triggered a major security response.

Sydney Massacre: Gunman Charged with 59 Offences Including Murder, Terror 

Australian police charged Naveed Akram with terrorism and 15 counts of murder days after the Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack that killed 16 and injured 40. Authorities say the ISIS-inspired assault targeted the Jewish community; co-accused Sajid Akram was killed at the scene.


Bondi Beach attack: Australian gun laws under scrutiny; gunmen driven by 'Islamic State ideology' 

Bondi Beach attack: Philippines say no evidence of 'terrorist training' 

Bondi Beach attack: Australian police charge Bondi gunman with terrorism, murder

A father and son were driven by "Islamic State ideology" when they fired on crowds at Bondi Beach in one of Australia's deadliest mass shootings, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. Sajid Akram and his son Naveed opened fire on people thronging the famous beach for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah on Sunday evening, killing 16 people and wounding dozens more.


Sydney terror attack: Australia mourns 16 killed in Bondi Beach shooting

In response to inquiries regarding the shooters involved in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, India Police have issued several key statements to news agency Reuters. Sajid Akram, the 50-year-old attacker from India, is reportedly not connected to any radicalisation events linked to India. Indian police confirmed that there were no adverse records regarding Akram in India prior to his departure in 1998. Furthermore, they said that factors leading to his radicalisation have no connection to India.&nbsp;The police clarified that Akram’s family in Hyderabad has no knowledge of his “radical mindset,” nor the circumstances surrounding his radicalisation. Akram had limited contact with his family members, having visited India only six times in the 27 years since he moved to Australia, mainly for family matters. His family was unaware of his evolving views or any activities leading to the attack.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-terror-attack-dashcam-shows-married-couple-died-attempting-to-save-others-during-shooting-video-1765882324859">Bondi Beach terror attack: Dashcam shows married couple died attempting to save others during shooting | VIDEO</a><h2>What Telangana Police said about shooters involved in Bondi Beach terror attack?</h2>Following the mass shooting during a public Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025, which resulted in deaths of 15 people and of one of the attackers, Australian authorities are treating the attack as an act of terrorism. The perpetrators, identified as Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24), were reportedly inspired by ISIS ideology. Australian authorities are continuing to investigate the full scope of their involvement.&nbsp;In a press note released by Telangana police, it says that Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, India, migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment. He married Venera Grosso, an Australian of European origin, and they have two children: Naveed, one of the attackers, and a daughter, both Australian citizens.&nbsp;Although Sajid Akram had limited contact with his family in India, he visited the country on six times after his emigration, mainly for property-related matters and to see his elderly parents. However, he did not return for his father’s funeral. His relatives in India have said they had no knowledge of his radicalisation or ideological shift, nor any connection to events in India that could have influenced his views. Telangana Police confirmed there were no issues or adverse records related to Sajid Akram during his time in India before his move to Australia.&nbsp;The police have reassured that they are fully cooperating with Australian authorities and other relevant agencies, while urging the media and public to refrain from speculation in the absence of confirmed facts.

Bondi Beach terror attack: India police extends full support to Australian authorities

In response to inquiries regarding the shooters involved in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, India Police have issued several key statements to news agency Reuters. Sajid Akram, the 50-year-old attacker from India, is reportedly not connected to any radicalisation events linked to India. Indian police confirmed that there were no adverse records regarding Akram in India prior to his departure in 1998. Furthermore, they said that factors leading to his radicalisation have no connection to India. The police clarified that Akram’s family in Hyderabad has no knowledge of his “radical mindset,” nor the circumstances surrounding his radicalisation. Akram had limited contact with his family members, having visited India only six times in the 27 years since he moved to Australia, mainly for family matters. His family was unaware of his evolving views or any activities leading to the attack. Also Read: Bondi Beach terror attack: Dashcam shows married couple died attempting to save others during shooting | VIDEO What Telangana Police said about shooters involved in Bondi Beach terror attack? Following the mass shooting during a public Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025, which resulted in deaths of 15 people and of one of the attackers, Australian authorities are treating the attack as an act of terrorism. The perpetrators, identified as Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24), were reportedly inspired by ISIS ideology. Australian authorities are continuing to investigate the full scope of their involvement. In a press note released by Telangana police, it says that Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, India, migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment. He married Venera Grosso, an Australian of European origin, and they have two children: Naveed, one of the attackers, and a daughter, both Australian citizens. Although Sajid Akram had limited contact with his family in India, he visited the country on six times after his emigration, mainly for property-related matters and to see his elderly parents. However, he did not return for his father’s funeral. His relatives in India have said they had no knowledge of his radicalisation or ideological shift, nor any connection to events in India that could have influenced his views. Telangana Police confirmed there were no issues or adverse records related to Sajid Akram during his time in India before his move to Australia. The police have reassured that they are fully cooperating with Australian authorities and other relevant agencies, while urging the media and public to refrain from speculation in the absence of confirmed facts.

Indian police confirm Sajid Akram has no record in India before leaving in 1998. Telangana Police clarify there’s no link to radicalisation or India in Bondi Beach shooting

A father and son were driven by "Islamic State ideology" when they fired on crowds at Bondi Beach in one of Australia's deadliest mass shootings, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. Sajid Akram and his son Naveed opened fire on people thronging the famous beach for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah on Sunday evening, killing 15 people and wounding dozens more.


Sydney terror attack: 'Islamic state ideology' drove Bondi Beach gunmen

Australia is mourning after a deadly terror attack in Sydney, with reports confirming the death toll has risen to 16, including a 10-year-old child. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid a floral tribute at Bondi Pavilion as the nation comes together in grief.


Australian PM, US President hail actions of 43-year-old Ahmed who stopped gunman in his tracks

Bondi Beach shooting: Global leaders condemn 'deeply distressing' incident in Australia

Explainer: What to know about Sydney's Bondi Beach shooting

Sydney terror attack: 16 dead in shooting at Bondi Beach Hanukkah event

Naveed Akram, the 24-year-old man identified of carrying out a deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach alongside his father, Sajid Akhtar, has been portrayed by his mother as a quiet and well-behaved individual. Family members were reportedly told that the father and son were heading out on a fishing trip to Australia’s South Coast. Naveed’s mother, Verena, said that she had spoken to her son just hours before the attack unfolded on Sunday (December 14).&nbsp;She recalled that Naveed called her earlier in the day, saying he had gone swimming and scuba diving, and was planning to eat and return home due to the heat. During the conversation, he mentioned that he was in Jervis Bay with his father. Expressing disbelief over the allegations, Verena said she could not accept that her son was capable of violence or had any links to extremist behaviour.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-australia-s-bondi-beach-attack-to-peshawar-school-massacre-10-major-mass-shooting-incidents-that-shocked-the-world-1765791651249">From Bondi Beach attack to Peshawar school massacre: 10 major mass shooting incidents that shocked the World</a>&nbsp;She insisted that Naveed did not own a weapon and led a highly disciplined lifestyle. “He keeps to himself, doesn’t drink or smoke, and doesn’t get into trouble,” she was quoted as saying to The Sydney Morning Herald. “He goes to work, comes home, exercises, and that’s it. Any parent would be proud to have a son like him," she further added.&nbsp;Authorities have confirmed that at least 16 people were killed and more than 40 others injured in the shooting that occurred during the Jewish festival celebrations at Bondi Beach. In a statement issued early on Monday (December 15), New South Wales Police said dozens of victims are hospitalised. Officials have not yet clarified whether the death toll includes one of the alleged attackers, who was also killed during the incident.

'I just went for a swim. Now, we are going to eat' — What Bondi Beach attacker Naveed Akram said to his mom before shooting

Naveed Akram, the 24-year-old man identified of carrying out a deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach alongside his father, Sajid Akhtar, has been portrayed by his mother as a quiet and well-behaved individual. Family members were reportedly told that the father and son were heading out on a fishing trip to Australia’s South Coast. Naveed’s mother, Verena, said that she had spoken to her son just hours before the attack unfolded on Sunday (December 14). She recalled that Naveed called her earlier in the day, saying he had gone swimming and scuba diving, and was planning to eat and return home due to the heat. During the conversation, he mentioned that he was in Jervis Bay with his father. Expressing disbelief over the allegations, Verena said she could not accept that her son was capable of violence or had any links to extremist behaviour. Also Read: From Bondi Beach attack to Peshawar school massacre: 10 major mass shooting incidents that shocked the World She insisted that Naveed did not own a weapon and led a highly disciplined lifestyle. “He keeps to himself, doesn’t drink or smoke, and doesn’t get into trouble,” she was quoted as saying to The Sydney Morning Herald. “He goes to work, comes home, exercises, and that’s it. Any parent would be proud to have a son like him," she further added. Authorities have confirmed that at least 16 people were killed and more than 40 others injured in the shooting that occurred during the Jewish festival celebrations at Bondi Beach. In a statement issued early on Monday (December 15), New South Wales Police said dozens of victims are hospitalised. Officials have not yet clarified whether the death toll includes one of the alleged attackers, who was also killed during the incident.

The Australian police during a press conference confirmed that at least 15 people have been killed and over 40 are injured and are being treated at various hospitals

Hollywood actress Gal Gadot has expressed deep sorrow, saying her “heart is shattered” after a deadly terror attack in Sydney that left 15 people dead. The attack has shocked Australia and drawn condemnation from global figures, with the incident being described as un-Australian violence. 

Bondi Shooting: Gal Gadot Says “My Heart Is Shattered” After Deadly Sydney Terror Attack 

A mass shooting at Bondi Beach in the Australian city of Sydney has killed at least 12 people and wounded 26, including two police officers, police say. One man believed to be one of the shooters has been killed, while a second alleged shooter is in critical condition. Authorities designate shooting “terrorist” incident, say it was “designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah”.


Sydney terror attack: Netanyahu says Australia fanned anti-semitism fire before attack

Bondi Beach shooting: Terror Attack on Jewish festival gathering in Sydney's Bondi Beach

Sydney Terror attack: Police raid home of Pakistani Muslim man suspected of Bondi Beach shooting

Sydney terror attack: World leaders express horror at Bondi beach shooting

Israeli leaders urge Australia to ramp up action against 'anti-semitic' attacks

Bondi Beach shooting: 12 killed, 29 injured in Sydney terror attack, police announce probe

Sydney terror attack: Top Israeli officials accuse Australia of 'ignoring' anti-semitism 

A mass shooting at Bondi Beach in the Australian city of Sydney has killed at least 12 people and wounded 11, including two police officers, police say. One man believed to be one of the shooters has been killed, while a second alleged shooter is in critical condition. Authorities designate shooting “terrorist” incident, say it was “designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah”.


Bondi Beach mass shooting: 12 killed, 29 injured in Sydney terror attack

Bondi Beach shooting: PM Albanese said attack on Jewish Australians is attack on every Australian

At least 10 people have reportedly been killed in a mass shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Australia's Sydney on Sunday. One of the two shooters involved in the firing incident is also among the dead, according to reports. The identity of the shooters has yet not been confirmed.


Bondi beach shooting: Shooting on first night of Hanukkah in Sydney, Australia

NSW Premier: Attack designed to target Sydney's Jewish community