Formula One ventures into the unknown zone of a long-awaited revamped and high-speed era under new American ownership this weekend when the engines roar into life at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

The Australian government has confirmed it has launched its first air strikes inside Syria against targets of the so-called Islamic State (IS).

Former cricketer Shane Warne has written an open letter to tennis player Nick Kyrgios, telling his fellow Australian not to waste his talent.

"Everest", an account of a 1996 disaster on the world's most famous mountain, got the 72nd Venice film under way on a high note.