Remote Kindies Expand into 30 New Schools
Queensland’s Remote Kindergarten Program will be expanded among Queensland state schools over the next two years, as Education Minister Grace Grace announced today.
This year, a number of remote schools are prescribed to deliver a Remote Kindergarten Program, with 109 children currently participating across 30 schools.
Mt Coot-tha Zip-line Concerns Continue
A proposed zipline project at Mt Coot-tha, which promises to have community and economic benefits has come under fire from locals who have concerns about excessive noise, traffic, land clearing, and various environmental impacts.
India Celebrates First Legal Pride March
India’s gay community celebrates its first legal pride march today after its Supreme Court decriminalised homosexuality in September.
The Section 37 law carried a sentence of 10 years in jail and was used to harass and intimidate the gay community since it was introduced in the colonial era.
Marchers say the fear factor is gone but predict it will take another generation to be free of social stigma.
Death Toll Rises After Party Boat Capsizes
The death toll is rising as Ugandan diving teams recover over 30 bodies from a capsized party boat in Lake Victoria, near Uganda's capital, Kampala.
Local authorities say the boat had been grounded for some time and was not in suitable condition to support the 90 passengers it threw overboard.
Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, says those found responsible will be charged with criminal negligence and manslaughter.
New Species Discovered in the Great Australian Bight
A new collaborative report reveals 400 new species of invertebrates have been discovered in The Great Australian Bight’s waters.
The study’s took place between 2011 and 2017, with the Australian Government granting several exploration permits in the immediate area.
The paper’s lead author Dr Hugh Macintosh says it gave the participants full autonomy and the ability to report back to stakeholders, with the goal of assisting in informed decision making.
Acclaimed Dance Group Wins Top Prize
An internationally acclaimed Aboriginal dance troupe have won a $20 000 prize at a dance competition held in Sydney this past weekend.
The group, who are traditional custodians of the Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Stradbroke and Gold Coast regions, competed against 14 other groups.
The competition is held annually at the The Sydney Opera House’s forecourt, with more than 300 First Nation Australian performers attending this year.
New Treatment Options For OCD Sufferers
There's new hope for people who suffer Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as Australian researchers begin trials of a promising new treatment based in Brisbane.
Scientists hope a simple vitamin could ease the suffering of almost 500,000 Australians living with OCD and will investigate the effectiveness of an amino acid supplement known as NAC.
Clinical Research Fellow, Professor Jerome Sarris, hopes the trial may lead to an alternative treatment option for people with the debilitating condition.
Local Student Receives University Offers
Brisbane student Soumi Gopalakrishnan said she is excited to receive university scholarship offers, which brings her closer to her goal of becoming a doctor.
The young Sri Lankan Tamil and asylum seeker was dux and school captain at St James College this year, but her refugee status meant she was not eligible for a domestic government-supported HECS position at uni.
With her family fighting deportation, the scholarship offers Ms Gopalakrishnan has received from ASU and ANU are her only hope.
French President Continues With Unpopular Tax Increase
French President Emmanuel Macron says he will push on with plans to increase taxes on fuel despite significant protests across the country.
Thousands of protesters gathered at the Champs Elysees on Saturday to call for Macron’s resignation after his policies caused widespread financial hardship.
The protest turned violent after barricades were set on fire, with twenty-four people injured and 130 arrested.
Indian Police Attempt to Recover Body of American Missionary
Indian police are consulting with anthropologists to determine whether they can recover the body of American missionary Jonothan Chau after he was killed by the isolated Adaman tribespeople on North Sentinel Island.
Police expect an opportunity to arise when the tribespeople dig up the body and hang it from bamboo poles overlooking the Indian ocean, as they did in the case of two fishermen who trespassed in 2006.