The New South Wales rail union has dropped eight of its major work bans threatening Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations in a stunning eleventh-hour backdown.

Royal Life Saving Australia has issued an urgent warning to Aussies hitting the beaches and waterways these holidays.

Victorian authorities are again pleading with residents to be prepared for increased bushfire risk on Boxing Day with strong winds and heat forecast across the state.

7NEWS Headlines with Edwina Bartholomew for December 24, 2024.

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