Friday's headlines

17 Jan 2014

Bushfire threat remains in south-east Australia as temperatures continue to soar in Victoria and South Australia. In entertainment news, Oscar nominations have been announced with several Aussies on the list.

Bushfire threat continues in heatwave

In parts of Victoria’s Northern Grampians, residents are being told to seek shelter immediately as a bushfire continues to burn out of control. Dozens of bushfires are burning in Victoria and South Australia as temperatures are set to soar above 40 degrees Celsius again today. Read more.

Missing Australian’s body found in the US

US authorities have found the body of a missing Australian soldier. Captain Paul McKay disappeared on New Year’s Eve after catching a bus to a remote town on the Canadian border and attempting to walk into the Adirondack Mountains. Conditions were freezing. Captain McKay’s body was found near the trail. ABC News has the full story.

Cate Blanchett leads Australia’s Oscar hopes

Australian actor Cate Blanchett leads Australia’s Oscar hopes after the announcement of her nomination, along with a number of other Aussies. Favoured for Best Picture, 12 Years a Slave has picked up nine nominations. Sydney costume designer Michael Wilkinson is nominated for American Hustle, as is Catherine Martin for her work on The Great Gatsby. Read more and see the full list of Oscar nominations.

Man searches for person who saved his life

A man whose life was saved by a total stranger six years ago is looking for the good Samaritan to say thanks. Johnny Benjamin was standing on Waterloo Bridge, suffering from a schizoaffective disorder, when a kind stranger stopped to talk to him and told him it would be okay. Johnny has launched a worldwide campaign to find the man. Read more.

Mother pens thank you note to seatmate on plane

Shanell Mouland was travelling on a US Airways flight between Philadelphia and Maine with her autistic daughter. Instead of rolling his eyes or complaining about the three-year-old’s behaviour, the fellow passenger kept the young girl occupied and engaged throughout the flight. Read what the appreciative mother had to say on News.com.au