2024: A year of defining moments for Australia

The past year brought unforgettable moments to Australia, from heartbreaking losses to inspiring triumphs, protests that sparked change, and achievements that united the nation.

Here's a look back at the defining stories of 2024.

A sunny April afternoon in Bondi Junction turned into three minutes of terror as Joel Cauchi made his way through the busy Westfield shopping mall, fatally stabbing six people and injuring 10 others.

Ashlee Good, 38, was one of six people killed in the incident. Her last act was to save her nine-month-old daughter, Harriet, who was also stabbed and left fighting for her life in an intensive care unit. Her father, Dan Flanagan, expressed his gratitude at the time for the overwhelming support his family had received.

"The kindness and generosity we've received in the wake of our unimaginable loss has been beyond words," Flanagan said.

"There are so many people to thank for their support, strength, and kindness over the past months – from emergency service workers to doctors, nurses, family, friends, and kind strangers."

Sydney's horror was to continue only weeks later in the suburb of Wakeley when a teenager armed with knife attacked bishop Mari Emmanuel during a live streamed sermon. The terror attack triggered riots outside the church, forcing New South Wales Police to barricade themselves with the attacker inside.

"I need you to act Christ-like, the lord Jesus never taught us to fight," Emmanuel pleaded to his followers.

The suspected methanol poisoning deaths of Melbourne teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones in Laos devastated their families and sent shockwaves through the country.

"We miss our daughters desperately," said Mark Jones, Bianca’s father, as both families called for justice for the six lives lost and stricter safety warnings for travellers.

Perth brothers Jake and Callum Robinson were executed in Mexico after a robbery spiralled out of control. Their deaths highlighted the risks faced by Australians abroad, prompting calls for better travel safety education.

The search for Melbourne mother Samantha Murphy, whose accused killer remains uncooperative, continued to grip the nation. Her family’s desperate pleas for answers underscored the pain of unresolved cases.

Erin Patterson, dubbed the "mushroom killer", captured headlines as she pleaded not guilty to charges related to the deaths of her in-laws after a suspected poisoning. Her highly publicised trial is set for next year.

Former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon was charged with the double murder of TV presenter Jesse Baird and his boyfriend, flight attendant Luke Davies. Their tragic deaths — and the chilling discovery of their bodies in surf bags — shocked the nation.

Australians took to the streets en masse this year, rallying for a wide range of causes. From protests about ongoing events in the Middle East to demonstrations demanding better pay for nurses and stronger measures against gendered violence, 2024 was a year defined by activism.

Across the Tasman, the controversial deportation of 501s reignited tensions. Revelations that over 60% of deportees reoffended in New Zealand added urgency to calls for reform.

Australia led the way with bold new policies, introducing a world-first social media ban for under-16s and the "right to disconnect" law, which gave employees relief from after-hours work communications.

The mass exodus of Kiwis to Australia showed no signs of slowing this year. From police officers to nurses and even pilots, many New Zealanders crossed the ditch for better salaries and working conditions, sparking concern about the impact on New Zealand's workforce.

The Penrith Panthers dominated the NRL, winning their fourth consecutive Grand Final in a stunning display of skill and consistency.

Australia was near the top of the medal tally at the Paris Olympics, solidifying its reputation as a sporting powerhouse.

Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras tour and King Charles III’s royal visit delighted Australians, though their absence from New Zealand disappointed fans across the ditch.

Julian Assange’s historic return to Australia as a free man made headlines around the world, sparking debate over freedom of speech and the cost of whistleblowing.

In a shock move, Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci stepped down from his role, making waves in Australia’s retail sector. His departure followed increased scrutiny over company policies and controversies during his tenure, culminating in him storming out of an interview with ABC’s Four Corners programme after being questioned on price gouging.

The musical Wicked brought its magic to Australian audiences with a blockbuster Sydney premiere, celebrating the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of Oz.

Kiwi pilot Michael Adair saved a couple stranded in crocodile-infested waters on his first day as a Queensland rescue pilot. His bravery captured hearts across both nations.

New Zealand ingenuity left its mark on Australia, from Kiwis leading Sydney's Vivid Light Festival to UBCO electric bikes revolutionising Australia Post’s delivery services.