ABC News

Acclaimed Australian author John Marsden, whose young adult novels were read and beloved across the world, died aged 74.

Marsden was best known for writing the Tomorrow series, which sold millions of copies worldwide and was adapted for film and television.

He had no biological children of his own but is said to have raised generations of children through his works and the schools he founded.

Australia is sending urgent assistance to Vanuatu following  a powerful earthquake.

The magnitude-7.3 earthquake caused significant damage with the death toll expected to rise.    

Damage to critical infrastructure such as electricity and phone lines is hampering recovery efforts.        

A suspected Chinese spy with links to Prince Andrew has been named after a secrecy order was lifted.

Yang Tengbo released a statement following the ruling denying he was a spy.  

Prince Andrew says he has ceased all contact with the businessman.

The five remaining members of the Bali Nine have returned to Australia.

They spent nearly two decades in an Indonesian prison over a drug smuggling plot.  

They say they are immensely grateful to the country's new president.  

Australia has marked 10 years since the Lindt Cafe siege in Sydney.      

Eighteen people were taken hostage during the 16-hour incident and two people died.  

The PM Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns have formally recognised the anniversary.          

Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have reportedly fled to Russia where they have been granted asylum.

Assad fled Syria as rebel forces entered the capital Damascus.

It's been described as a 'watershed moment in Syria's history'.