The LGBTI support service Switchboard have been told by the federal government in late December, they would lose two-thirds of its funding under the Community Visitors Scheme.

The scheme aims to have volunteers visit those in residential or community-based aged care to reduce loneliness, often being the only visits the clients receive.

Joe Ball, chief executive of Switchboard, has voiced fears and concerns from staff and clients, whilst attempting to fundraise the $310,000 required to maintain the service, however, failure to do so will see clients abandoned.

A Victorian driver who survived being hit by a road sign on a Melbourne freeway is considering filing a lawsuit against VicRoads and TransUrban after suffering physical injuries and mental trauma.

Nella Lettieri was travelling along the road earlier this month when a five by four metre sign fell and crushed her car, leaving her with neck and hand injuries, and continuing headaches as a result of a steel plate on the sign being installed incorrectly.

A German study has found a simple blood test could predict if a patient will develop Alzheimer’s, up to 16 years before symptoms appear.

Researchers believe a rise in the levels of a protein in the blood called neurofilament light chain, could be an early sign of the disease, as the protein is a marker which gives an indication of nerve cell loss in the brain.

There is currently no effective treatment for the disease, or test to conclusively determine whether someone will contract it, but researchers believe the test will be very important for more clinical studies.

Zimbabwe soldiers have been accused of systematic torture after unrest broke out in the country due to a sharp rise in fuel prices.

Reports have emerged saying at least 12 people have been killed and boys as young as 11 beaten while laying on the ground.

The news has raised concerns over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s control over the military, although he has promised that violence against civilians will not be tolerated.

Brisbane City Council has approved a multi-purpose precinct development application submitted in mid 2018 for an abandoned, graffiti covered skate rink in Inala.

Originally a centre for youth activity in the region, the skate rink has lain vacant since 2007,  and is now a hotspot for squatters and local crime.

The proposed precinct will host 17 tenancies including a gym, supermarket and health services.

The US’ largest school district and the LA teachers union have reached a tentative contract deal after a week long strike that involved 30 000 Los Angeles teachers.

Nearly half a million students experienced class disruptions throughout the strike, with teachers walking off the job in their first strike in three decades demanding higher pay, smaller classes and the hiring of more support staff.

Two of Japan’s biggest convenience store chains will remove sexually explicit content from their shelves, ahead of two major sporting events that will bring a massive influx of tourists to the country.

7-Eleven Japan and Lawson Inc will stop selling pornographic magazines in August, ahead of the Rugby World Cup in November, and Olympic Games in 2020.

A spokesperson from 7-Eleven says the measure is intended to make all customers feel comfortable in their stores.

A Perth nightclub owner who said female staff that did not wish to wear the club’s tight, low cut uniform should “find employment elsewhere” has publicly apologised after receiving a wave of criticism online.

Nightclub Amplifier Capitol first came under fire when screenshots were shared of a post from its private Facebook group, in which the Duty Manager criticised female employees for opting to wear the men’s high neck t-shirt, instead of the low-cut women’s shirt.

Uber drivers and AirBnb hosts who avoid paying tax are the subject of a proposed new income reporting regime.

Treasury will release plans on Wednesday to ensure those in the gig sharing economy are paying their fair share of tax, however the reforms will focus on those working in the sector, and not the companies themselves.

Assistant minister for treasury, Zed Seselja, says the sharing economy has seen significant growth in Australia, but the government is committed to ensuring all individuals are paying their fair share of tax.