Not a single country set to achieve gender equality by 2030

According to the Sustainable Development Goals Gender Index, no country in the world is on track to achieve gender equality by 2030.

 

Agreed upon by 193 countries in 2015, the index consists of 17 goals which outline global efforts to end poverty and inequality.

 

Co- chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates told the Guardian the index ‘should serve as a wake-up call to the world’.

iPhone changes announced

Apple has announced major changes to iPhone software at its annual conference in the wake of decreasing company profits.

 

Although still popular, the iPhone is no longer reliably driving Apple’s profits and the company must prepare for further loss of profit if China decides to ban Apple apart of its ‘Trade War’ with the U.S.

 

Apple’s chief executive, Tim Cook, announced changes to video streaming services and privacy updates as well as getting rid of iTunes.

Film Review: Rocketman 2019

Clicking heels, shuffling chairs and a sequined devil confessing to a ‘life of excess’ marks the beginning of the Rocketman story. Elton John as a persona is slowly deconstructed as his character (performed by Taron Egerton), unveils himself from the devil costume before the audience. Listing a series of addictions and issues from cocaine to bulimia, Elton appears non-plus and restless within the support group.

Brisbane school tackles mental health using mindfulness program

Brighton State School on Brisbane’s bayside has started a mindfulness program which has shown an improvement in the wellbeing of students and behaviour.

Listening to calming music encourages students and benefits those who have mental health issues.

The Federal Government has pledged money towards the mindfulness program Smiling Mind as part of a mental health and suicide prevention plan.

Council replaces CityGlider buses

The Brisbane City Council has replaced 10 buses in the Blue CityGlider fleet, which runs routes between West End and Teneriffe.

Public transport chairwoman Krista Adams said the Council are committed to improving bus services to reduce the amount of road traffic.

Ms Adams said they could fund the new buses because the Maroon CityGlider operating costs were lower than unexpected.  

Kimberley region mysteries unravelled

In national news, the mysteries of the Kimberley region, one of Australia’s most bio-diverse habitats, has been documented as part of a multi-million dollar project.

More than 200 scientists worked over five years alongside local Indigenous groups to conduct one of Australia’s largest marine science studies.

Kelly Waples from the Western Australian Marine Science Institution said it has given researchers an unprecedented understanding of the region’s signature reefs and wildlife.

Outback vets push for changes in cattle testing laws

Vets from Outback Queensland have called on the government to change rules regarding cattle pregnancy tests.

Vets are currently required to have additional qualifications before conducting tests, but Agforce Cattle board member Will Wilson said this is unrealistic.

Mr Wilson said vets are often not qualified in time and farmers risk losing business if they cannot meet the high demand.