NSW's COVID crisis reaches a new low after authorities announce a record 825 new infections and Premier Gladys Berejiklian urges citizens to "accept that Delta is here".

Police say 218 people were arrested and six officers were hospitalised after today's violent anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne. Similar, but less violent, rallies were held in cities across the country.

A key figure involved in the infamous Snowtown murders applies to be released from jail early for a second time — but families of the victims believe he should serve his full sentence.

A mix of surprise, stoicism and anger greet today's snap regional lockdown as case numbers go up in Shepparton.

The federal government is describing the situation in Afghanistan as uncertain, dangerous and difficult, after another evacuation of 80 people from Kabul airport.

South Australians will need a specific exemption to return home from Victoria from 6:00pm Sunday as the COVID-19 situation deteriorates, the state's Police Commissioner says.

A regional lockdown is now in force and childcare centres will be closed to all but essential workers as the state's COVID-19 outbreak worsens.

The 5,000km home delivery to one of the remotest places on Earth – Antarctica – that involves dodging penguins, an air-to-air refuelling and more than three months of planning. 

The ACT now has 102 active cases of the virus more than a week into Canberra's lockdown. But health authorities say all eight new cases are linked to other known infections and were not infectious in the community.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard says the state's health system is stretched and healthcare workers are being put in a precarious position by COVID restriction rule-breakers. 

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says a rise in cases is unsurprising given the hyper-infectious nature of the Delta strain of COVID-19.

The Lions look to boost their percentage to get a top-four spot against West Coast, after Alastair Clarkson's final game as Hawks coach ends in a draw and the Swans beat the Suns. Follow our live AFL ScoreCentre for all the scores, stats an...

The Knights take on cellar-dwellers the Bulldogs at Robina, looking to embed themselves in the eight, and later it's Eels vs Cowboys after the Sharks down Wests Tigers. Follow our ScoreCentre for all the live scores and stats.

Many view Afghanistan and are left asking: how did we get here? Analysts say the answer lies somewhere between the Taliban's refusal to quit and America's desperation to get out.

The gut wrenching scenes out of Kabul and endless reports as the situation in Afghanistan deteriorates under the Taliban's control have left many feeling helpless. But there are some things you can do.

The NBA team says exceptions can be made in certain situations, but the stability of the live events industry depends on vaccinations. The mandate comes amid a new surge of coronavirus infections as the Delta variant infects children. ...

Australia, like other Western countries, has muttered darkly about how the Taliban need to behave well. The question is, how is that going to work exactly, writes Laura Tingle.

Want to keep across all the coronavirus updates but only have five minutes to spare? We've got you covered. 

Dogs with spinal injuries are back on their paws enjoying walks thanks to the determination of a rescue centre in Ukraine.

Trevor Hines works full time, but this week, he and his family will be left to live on $150 after paying rent. He is not alone. 

The Buchan Football Netball Club says its members have pretty much lost hope of playing finals for a second straight year as Country Victoria locks down again.

As coronavirus continues to ravage Indonesia, there are fears that thousands of children who have lost at least one parent could be facing an increased risk of being forced into child marriage or child labour.

Making vaccines mandatory for travel within Australia may be unpopular initially, but will eventually be inevitable, an expert says.

The brumbies of Kosciuszko National Park have been the cause of division and debate for decades. Tensions are running high in the NSW high country, as their fate is decided. 

Amnesty reports Taliban massacres against minority groups as US President Joe Biden rejects criticism of the United States' chaotic exit from Afghanistan.