New SA tourism ad receives backlash from opposition

The South Australian opposition has called a tourism ad “bizarre”, while others have called it “ageist” and “depressing”.

The advertisement, by the South Australian Tourism Commission, is titled ‘Don’t feel sorry for old mate’ and features an older man crying as he walks through well-known South Australian locations.

Viewers have taken to social media to share their (mostly negative) thoughts on the advertisement and the fact that a Victorian Company was commissioned to make it.

Bribie Island bushfire killed over 40 birds

A woman has found 43 dead birds washed up on the Caloundra Beach, believed to have been killed in Bribie Island bushfires.

Leisl Born found a variety of species of burned birds among debris on the beach as she walked her dog last week. 

A scheduled burn of bushland on Bribie Island jumped containment lines and had to be contained by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, causing the evacuation of campers.

Chinese app "The Zao" has triggered the privacy line

A Chinese app that allows users to convincingly exchange their faces with movies or TV characters quickly became one of the most downloaded apps in the country, triggering a privacy line.

The Zao app went viral as Chinese users seized the opportunity to see themselves act out scenes from well-known movies using deepfake technology. This has already prompted concerns elsewhere over potential misuse.

Hong Kong protests on the weekend caused more flight delays and cancellations

Thousands of democratic protesters blocked roads and public transport to the Hong Kong airport on Sunday.

Thousands of flights were cancelled on Sunday, and thousands of democratic activists blocked flights to Hong Kong airports. Protesters and police fought fiercely in some of the most serious violent incidents since the start of the riots three months ago.

The airport website said that at least 16 flights were cancelled and the departure hall was crowded with backlogs of passengers who had been trying to enter the terminal.

"One Belt, One Road" projected to have a devastating environmental impact

China's 'Belt and Road' risks Paris climate goals.

The massive network of ports, railways, highways and industrial parks across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe will invest trillions of dollars in new infrastructure in 126 countries.

The project will see investments from other countries and the private sector, and opponents warn of its devastating environmental impact.

Gold Coast Retirement Home Evacuation

A Gold Coast retirement home suddenly closed in July, causing the evacuation of 68 elderly residents.

The Earle Haven aged care home closure has been added to the range of a Queensland enquiry into palliative and aged care issues.

The closure is being described as a “canary in the mine” situation by the Council on the Ageing Queensland.

The Spokesperson for COTA says that it highlights the areas for attention in business arrangements and state responsibilities regarding the aged care sector.

Brisbane Brewery Expansion

A local Brisbane brewery is expanding to its third site in Ipswich at Springfield Central.

Ballistic Beer Co owner David Kitchen says he was skeptical at first, but the area is under-serviced in non-chain food and drink venues.

Ballistic currently has a Salisbury brewing site and a West End Alehouse and Kitchen, but wants to also focus on offering a full food menu for the new site.

The family-friendly establishment will be moving in to the building of a former pub.

Prime Minister says he cannot allow family facing deportation to stay in Australia

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he cannot “in good conscience” allow a family facing deportation to stay in Australia.

Public rallies over the weekend called for Labor to show “compassion” for the Tamil couple and their Australian-born children, but Scott Morrison says he will not grant an exception in this case.

He says the decision is not about the public mood, but rather what is in "Australia’s national interests to ensure the integrity of our current border protection regime is maintained."