‘You never switch off’: What Christmas is like as bushfire rages

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

We must acknowledge that the number of people who die - and suffer horrific injuries - on our roads remains far too high.

Readers discuss the Victorian opposition leadership spill and the ousting of John Pesutto.

From this weekend, festival-goers will be able to get their drugs tested confidentially to make sure they are taking what they think they are taking.

World of photos, December 28, 2024

The full extent of the damage is being assessed by authorities, but at least 75,000 hectares have already burnt, causing losses to livestock, fences and sheds. 

The full extent of the damage is being assessed by authorities, but at least 74,000 hectares have already burnt with losses to livestock, fences and sheds. 

The full extent of the damage is being assessed by authorities, but at least 74,000 hectares have already burned with losses to livestock, fences and sheds. 

Firefighters expect the Grampians fire to spread in the worst bushfire conditions since Black Summer and fear other blazes could spark. Follow our live blog.

Readers discuss reasons to be a law abider and not a lawbreaker, and Victoria’s new congestion levy.

Residents near the Grampians National Park have been ordered to take shelter as firefighters battle an out-of-control bushfire threatening their properties.

Fires have ravaged this part of Victoria before, and locals are sanguine under an apocalyptic sky.

Bystanders pulled the man from the water at Balnarring Beach, where paramedics tried to revive him.

Police have warned about the dangers of handling fireworks after a teenager died on Christmas Day.

The Age year in pictures, 2024

Firefighters expect the Grampians fire to spread in the worst bushfire conditions since Black Summer and fear other blazes could spark. Follow our live blog.

Residents of a town south of the Grampians have been ordered to take shelter as firefighters battle an out-of-control bushfire threatening their properties.

Residents of a town south of the Grampians have been ordered to take shelter as firefighters battle an out-of-control bushfire threatening their properties.

Residents of a town south of the Grampians have been ordered to take shelter as firefighters battle an out-of-control bushfire threatening their properties.

A Victorian man is dead after a firework incident on Christmas Day in Melbourne’s outer north.

Age readers react to the battle for the leadership of the state Liberal Party.

Jewish leaders say it has been a tough year but the arrival of Hanukkah – on the same day as Christmas – is helping to lift spirits.

International traveller Rikard Reardon is part of a community of people celebrating Christmas Day away from family. He says it can be quite a joyful way to spend the holiday.

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

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.

Tuesday’s mild conditions allowed Halls Gap residents a brief window to return to their homes – but temperatures and wind will soon contribute to extreme fire danger.

Tuesday’s mild conditions allowed residents a brief window to return to their homes before temperatures and the wind rise to extreme levels.

The news comes after The Age revealed IBAC is combing through WorkCover bills, not just TAC invoices, as part of its probe into a handful of surgeons at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

From emergency services, to hospital workers, hospitality and vets they are the Christmas angels forgoing festivities for others.

The Federal Court appointed former National Union of Workers general secretary Charlie Donnelly as interim administrator.