Hot, dry weather fuelling bushfires: RFS (AAP)
Hot and dry weather across NSW will intensify existing bushfires and may cause more to ignite in coming days, the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) says.

Alcoa jobs 'safe' in Australia (AAP)
Australian jobs at mining giant Alcoa will not be affected by the company's decision to slash 13,500 jobs globally.

Home sales slump in Qld despite sweeteners (ABC)
Figures show a dramatic drop in new home sales in Queensland, despite an increase in the first home owners grant and a drop in official interest rates.

Man tried to burn girlfriend: police (AAP)
A man has been charged with attempted murder after he threw petrol over his girlfriend and tried to set her on fire with a lighter.

Police arrest three over bloody brawl (AAP)
Three people have been arrested over a massive brawl in Sydney's south-west that resulted in a number of people receiving gunshot and stab wounds.

Garrett urged to decide zinc mine's fate (AAP)
The Country Liberals are urging federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett to make a "swift" decision on the future of one of the world's largest zinc mines.

South Africa 4-139 at lunch at SCG (AAP)
A controversial catch to dismiss South Africa's heavyweight Jacques Kallis has put Australia in a strong position at lunch on day five of the third Test.

Three wickets put Aussies in box seat (ABC)
Australia took a massive stride towards winning the third Test by taking three South African wickets in the first session on the final day at the SCG.

Warner warming to top of the order (ABC)
New South Wales batsman David Warner says he is making the most of a move up the order after a spectacular display in the Blues' four-wicket Twenty20 win over South Australia on Tuesday night.

Villegas and Kim eager for their share of the spotlight (Reuters)
KAPALUA, Hawaii, Jan 6 (Reuters) - The hotly anticipated return of Tiger Woods to competitive golf is likely to be the year's biggest storyline, but young guns Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas are certain to command some of the limelight.

Pasfield signs with North Qld Fury (AAP)
A-League newcomers North Queensland have confirmed the capture of Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Justin Pasfield on a two-year deal.

Aussie snowboarder climbs to career high (AAP)
Australian snowboarder Joh Shaw has climbed to a career-high world ranking of five after finishing in fourth place in a World Cup event in Kreischberg, Austria.