Australia

For thousands of years it was thought impossible to regenerate the spinal cord. Now we know it's both possible and safe, thanks to the pioneering work of Professor Alan Mackay-Sim.

The ABC's triple j Hottest 100 has kicked off for 2017, counting down Australians' favourite songs of the past year.

Malcolm Turnbull says he is confident the Government's refugee resettlement deal with the US will go ahead despite concessions from senior cabinet ministers that the arrangement is not set in stone.

Today means something different to everyone, some celebrating, some are protesting and others are being welcomed as new citizens.

Those opposed to Australia Day do so because of the historical significance, but I celebrate on January 26 because Australia is a great country to live in, writes Anthony Dillon.

Australian history is full of great moments, which could serve as alternative dates for Australia Day, including April 7, when the most Australian movie ever made — The Castle — was released, writes Ben Pobjie.

A Tanzania-born doctor who stared down racism in a NSW country town is honoured.

Since the death of her daughter Clea in 2005, Francis Rose has inspired many Canberrans through the difficult experience that is being a victim of serious crime.

A trial of publicly funded home births in the ACT sees its first delivery.

Sportspeople, musicians, business leaders and humanitarians are among the New South Wales people to receive 2017 Australia Day honours.

One of Sydney's favourite live music venues — The Sando in Newtown — claims the city's "regulatory climate" has made their business unsustainable.

Two men in Sydney are charged following the largest seizure of illegal abalone in 20 years.

Meet some of the Territorians recognised in this year's Australia Day honours list.

A community backlash leads to the NT Police Commissioner announcing the front counter of the Alice Springs police station will stay open 24 hours a day.

About 300 workers lose their job at Darwin's Inpex LNG plant, after a stoush between contractors following construction delays and cost blowouts.

For thousands of years it was thought impossible to regenerate the spinal cord. Now we know it's both possible and safe, thanks to the pioneering work of Professor Alan Mackay-Sim.

South-east Queensland prawn farmers decimated by white spot disease will receive Federal Government emergency funding, which includes $1.74 million to fight the virus.

Queensland's first female premier Anna Bligh is among 121 people across the state to be recognised in the Australia Day honours list.

Hundreds of sculptures transform the foreshore at one of Adelaide's most popular beaches to raise money for the local surf lifesaving club.

A rock lover, two gold medallists and a mum doing all she can to find a cure for her son's rare bone marrow disease are just some of the South Australians honoured with Australia Day awards.

Julia Gillard is among those receiving Australia Day honours but says a gender imbalance remains in how the gongs are distributed.

Tasmanian fruit growers launch a plan to grow their $180 million industry, with an aim to create new markets and jobs.

Iraqi-born refugee Heetham Hekmat reflects on the worst night of his life — when he and his family were herded into their house before it was set alight — as he prepares to become an Australian citizen.

From quiet achievers to the state's Governor, more than 20 Tasmanians are honoured in this year's Australia Day honours.

Four more teenage escapees who broke out of the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre yesterday are recaptured, with three remaining on the run.

Emerging Melbourne musician Tash Sultana says her love for music dragged her from drug problems to the top of the Australian music scene.

A resurgent Rafael Nadal moves through to the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time in three years via a gritty straight-sets win over Milos Raonic on Rod Laver Arena.

The 64 West Australians recognised in this year's Australia Day honours come from diverse backgrounds, including an outdoor adventurer, an expert in dementia and a genomics researcher.

Falling sheep numbers in Western Australia spark concerns the state will not be able to capitalise on rising international demand, unless a deliberate push is made to grow flock sizes.

Health authorities confirm lead levels in the QEII Medical Centre's water were above the Australian drinking standard in early January.