Welcome to the morning live blog, where we bring you the latest updates on crime, traffic, and weather throughout your day. Stay informed with comprehensive coverage of the events shaping Australia.
Cops calling for peaceful Australia Day protests
Police and political leaders across Australia are making urgent pleas for calm and peaceful conduct during Australia Day celebrations, following a summer marked by simmering community tensions. Every major capital city in the nation is set to host Invasion Day protests on Monday, with tens of thousands of participants expected to gather in Sydney and Melbourne.
In addition to the protests, March for Australia rallies have been organised in several key locations, including Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, and Hobart. Authorities in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland have issued stern warnings, promising to come down hard on any individuals engaging in troublemaking or anti-social behaviour.
Strong police presence and warnings
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden has indicated that the police force will adopt a strong tone in response to recent incidents, such as the Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14 and several other alleged hate crimes. Approximately 1500 officers will be deployed across metropolitan Sydney to monitor the competing events and ensure public safety.
Anyone that turns up tomorrow for Australia Day for any activity that engages in any anti-social, threatening, intimidating conduct will be arrested, will be charged and removed from the environment, Mr McFadden stated emphatically.
Meanwhile, Victoria Police has reported no specific intelligence suggesting a heightened risk of violence. However, as a precautionary measure, frontline officers will wear helmets for added protection, following a trial conducted in late 2025. The force has made it clear that it will not tolerate any unruly or anti-social behaviour.
Weather conditions and community impact
As protests unfold, Australians are also bracing for extreme weather conditions. Temperatures are forecast to soar to a scorching 45°C in Adelaide and 37°C in Brisbane. Other cities will experience milder but still warm conditions, with Canberra at 32°C, Melbourne at 30°C, Sydney at 27°C, Hobart at 24°C, and Perth at 23°C.
Motorists in Brisbane have been warned to prepare for rolling road closures due to the protests, although Queensland police anticipate that the city's events will remain peaceful.
Political and public sentiment
January 26 holds deep significance as a day of mourning for many Indigenous Australians, marking the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and the beginning of British colonisation. Despite this, recent polling indicates that support for keeping Australia's national day on January 26 is firming.
The Resolve Political Monitor shows backing for the current date at 68 per cent, up from 56 per cent in January 2024 and 47 per cent in January 2023. A separate survey from Roy Morgan suggests support could be even higher, at 72 per cent.
In a video message, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for unity, stating, Whilst this summer has tested our nation, once again, as ever, in the worst of times, we have seen the very best of the Australian character. As we draw inspiration from that truth, let us look to the year ahead united by pride in our country and faith in each other.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who migrated to Australia with her family at age 13, emphasised the importance of national pride and unity. Speaking at an Australia Day ceremony in Corowa, she said, This year especially, Australians deserve leadership that lifts us up, not voices that seek to divide us. We should be proud of our country, confident in our values, and united in celebrating what brings us together rather than what pulls us apart.
Local councils across the country will also hold citizenship ceremonies and award presentations as part of the day's events, highlighting the diverse ways Australians commemorate the occasion.
Desperate search for missing swimmer
A major search effort is underway for a 12-year-old boy who went missing after swimming at a beach on Victoria's east coast. The boy, named Danny, was last seen in the water at No 4 Beach in Venus Bay around 11.30am on Sunday.
According to police reports, Danny's family lost sight of him and immediately initiated a search with the assistance of members of the public. Emergency services were notified just after 1pm, prompting the launch of a large-scale operation involving multiple agencies.
Extensive search operations
The search has involved Water Police, the Air Wing, Coast Guard, State Emergency Service (SES), and Life Saving Victoria. Despite these concerted efforts, Danny has not yet been located. Authorities have confirmed that the search will resume this morning, with hopes of finding the boy safe and sound.
Danny is described as approximately 170cm tall with a thin build, dark short hair, and dark eyes. He was last seen wearing a navy blue rash vest and navy blue boardshorts with a white stripe.
Anyone with information regarding Danny's whereabouts is urged to contact Wonthaggi Police Station on (03) 5671 4100. The community is coming together in support of the search, reflecting the resilience and compassion that often emerge in times of crisis.
