Neighbours described the stand-off in Victoria Park as “a scene out of Hollywood”.

Esther Davidsson was last seen about 11pm on December 18, and has not been heard from since.

There are fears new fires will start and a large blaze in the state’s west will spread amid 100km/h winds and near 40-degree temperatures predicted for Thursday.

For many residents of towns near the Grampians, festive season plans have had to be abandoned.

The slow rollout of chargers may make electric vehicles less attractive to buyers or prompt owners to take risks powering up their cars.

Here is how Christmas is being celebrated in Australia and around the world.

Trivia buffs: test your knowledge with today’s interactive superquiz.

9News reporter Mike Dalton checks in with air traffic control as Santa weaves his way towards Australia.

Detectives have been called in to investigate a suspicious fire that threatened homes in Adelaide’s south.

Anna Meares oversaw Australia's most successful Olympic campaign in Paris. Now, the chef de mission could be the inspiration Comanche needs to avenge last year's heartbreaking Sydney to Hobart loss.

Ezra Mam is facing a nine-week suspension as details of the breach notice he received from the NRL emerge.

Sam Konstas will make his Test debut at the MCG on Boxing Day while Victoria's Scott Boland will also feature in Australia's XI.

A rideshare driver wants DiDi to take stronger actions to protect its drivers after he was ambushed in Armadale.

The recovery in September of the bodies of six Israeli hostages, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, triggered deep shock in Israel.

Andrew Bogut played several Christmas Day games in the NBA. When he came home, he helped to launch a new tradition with the Sydney Kings.