News: Molly Meldrum off life support

The beloved Australian music industry legend took a significant step in his road to recovery: he was taken off the ventilator yesterday morning and is now responding to requests from doctors.

Family told the Herald Sun he was slowly becoming aware of his surroundings, but still remained tired and sore.

SHOPPERS expected to splurge $1.1 billion today in largest Boxing Day sales in several years.

With stores opening their doors from 5am, bargain-hungry consumers will provide much-needed relief to retailers struggling to stay afloat after what has been described as the worst sales year on record.

The outlets likely to reap the greatest profits this season are those selling luxury and designer goods. “Consumers have changed their behaviour. Previously they’d go out and spend up big on credit cards but we’re more selective with our spending,” IBIS World senior analyst Ian MacGowan said.

Are you heading to the sales? What will you be buying?

Christmas wild weather lashes Australia

Storms pelted Victorians with hailstones as big as billiard balls during a wild Christmas Day barrage. The damage bill could run into tens of millions of dollars after hundreds of cars were bombarded, windows in homes and businesses were smashed and roofing was torn away.

The State Emergency Service was called to more than 2500 jobs when a series of storm cells intensified dramatically in Melbourne in the afternoon. The worst was a tornado that hit Fiskville, near Bacchus Marsh, west of Melbourne.

Meanwhile, gusts of up to 140km/h are expected to hit Australia’s Top End, as Tropical Cyclone Grant lashes the coast. Darwin residents may experience gale force winds today as the storm passes through, the weather bureau  said. Yesterday was the 37th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, which destroyed much of Darwin in 1974, killing 49 people and a further 22 who perished at sea.

Ricky Nixon pops the question at McDonald’s

Former AFL player manager Ricky Nixon has announced his engagement to Tegan Gould over Twitter. Nixon posted the news to his Twitter followers at about 8.30pm on Christmas Eve. He tweeted, “Ricky Nixon & Tegan Gould wish to announce that they are engaged”.

Nixon popped the question over a meal at McDonald’s in Moe, in Gippsland, Victoria.

Over to you – what’s on your mind today?