Teenager's TikTok on Uyghur Muslims goes viral

A US teenager whose TikTok video about the detention of Uyghur Muslims in China went viral says her account has now been blocked by the Chinese-owned social network.

Feroza Aziz managed to have the 40-second video spread across the platform by disguising it as a short make-up tutorial, before accusing China of setting up "concentration camps" and "throwing innocent Muslims in there".

Ms Aziz, whose video was viewed 1.4 million times and like 500,000 times says being blocked from the app won’t silence her. 

 

Royal Darwin Hospital mental health concerns

The Northern Territory’s anti-discrimination commissioner warns of looming dangers with children with mental illness, prisoners and prison guards being forced to mix in Royal Darwin Hospital's secure mental health facility. 

Sally Sievers says the issue of patients mixing together in the Joan Ridley Unit, designed for people with acute psychiatric problems, was a longstanding problem.

Bushfires threaten shire of Murray

A bushfire near Murray, south of Perth is threatening a number of lives and homes. 

An alert issued at 1.30am this Western Australian time by Western Australia’s DFES says the bushfire is out of control and warned residents need to act immediately to survive. 

The shire of Murray has opened up a temporary evacuation centre at Murray Aquatic and Leisure Centre, at 16 Camp Road in Pinjarra. 

Hairdressers train to support elder and domestic violence victims

A Bribie island hairdresser who founded a program aimed at helping people suffering domestic violence and elder abuse wants all hairdressers to undergo mandatory training in how to provide support to victims.

Sonia Colvin has been a hairdresser for 35 years and says she'd helped 139 people since starting Hairdressers for Hearts three years ago.

Brisbane celebrates Christmas for dogs

Federal MP for Oxley, Milton Dick is bringing back his Christmas Party for Dogs after it’s success last year.

Mr Dick says Santa will be there for photos and encourages everyone to bring their four-legged friend along for a treat and a sausage sizzle.

Mr Dick says he is looking forward to seeing everyone there on December 14th for a fantastic community event.

“Last year’s Dog’s Christmas was such a successful event, and I can’t wait to see all the pooches and their owners there," Mr Dick said. 

Russian farm uses VR headsets to reduce anxiety in cows

A Russian farm has provided virtual reality headsets for dairy cows in an effort to reduce their anxiety. 

According to Moscow’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food, a cow’s emotional experience can affect its milk yield.

The ministry says examples of dairy farms from different countries show that in a calm atmosphere, the quantity, and sometimes the quality of milk increases markedly.

 

122 universities in mainland admit Hong Kong students

The Education Bureau (EDB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced the number of Mainland higher education institutions participating in the Admission Scheme will increase to 122.

Under the scheme, 122 higher education institutions from 21 provinces or municipalities and one autonomous region of the mainland will accept applications from candidates sitting for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination in 2020.

Mediterranean diet and lifestyle could prevent dementia

A ground-breaking study of 6,000 Australians is assessing whether diet and exercise can dramatically reduce a person's risk of developing dementia — and potentially reverse some of its symptoms.

The Maintain Your Brain study is assessing people across New South Wales aged between 55 and 77 in an attempt to help prevent cognitive decline, and eventually dementia.

Fate of medevac in Labie's hands

Independent senator Jacqui Lambie says she will vote to repeal the medevac bill if the government accepts her one condition. 

Although Ms Lambie did not reveal her condition, it is understood to relate to national security issues. 

Ms Lambie’s says her position on the legislation has “considerable community interest”, which will determine the fate of the medevac regime.