Story Bridge lit teal for dementia awareness

The Story Bridge will be lit up in teal on the 20th of September as a part of Dementia Awareness Month.

The month, themed ‘Small Actions, Big Difference’ aims to positively influence the lives of people living with or affected by dementia, through increased awareness and support.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said “small actions [can] create a big difference for people” and “compassion and understanding can ... change the life of someone living with dementia.”

LASA denies allegations of spending $6 a day on food

Leading Age Services Australia has denied allegations nursing homes are spending as little as $6 a day on food served to residents.

In an interview for ABC Four Corners, CEO Sean Rooney questioned the accuracy of the claim, admitting that spending may be low but not as low as six dollars a day.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a royal commission into the sector.

Greens MP faces backlash over proposed fishing lockout zones

New South Wales Greens MP Justin Field is facing social media backlash over his support for proposed lockout zones to protect dwindling fish stocks along the East Coast.

The proposal, which was abandoned by the state government due to pressure from fishing groups, sponsored the restriction of over 25 recreational fishing spots.

Mr Field believes politicians and fishing personalities contributed to the lack of support and spread of “misinformation” over the proposal.

Oxfam report reveals pharmaceutical brands tax evasion

Top pharmaceutical brands including Band Aid, Centrum and Chapstick are avoiding an estimated $215 million dollars a year in taxes in Australia, according to an Oxfam report.

Oxfam Australian CEO Helen Szoke said the broken global tax system is driving the inequality gap and further deepening poverty in communities.

Dr Szoke is calling on the Australian Government to hold companies to account, so that tax is paid where companies really make profit.

Pussy Riot member in Berlin hospital after suspected poisoning

Anti-Kremlin activist and Pussy Riot member Pyotr Verzilov has been flown to Berlin for medical treatment after falling sick in a suspected poisoning.

Verzilov fell ill following an interview with Al Jazeera on the 14th of September, and has since had trouble seeing, speaking, and moving.

On their official Twitter, Pussy Riot posted a picture claiming they will punish those who poisoned Verzilov.

Brazilian space station to launch commercial rockets

Small commercial rockets could soon be launched from Brazil’s space station near the equator, once US technology is safeguarded by the Brazilian government.

Brazilian Air Force officer Luiz Fernando Aguiar claimed Brazil has aspirations to take part in the lucrative space launch industry, which garners over $300 billion US dollars annually.

The hope is that US companies will be tempted to launch small satellites at a lower cost from the Alcantara base on Brazil’s north coast.

Hundreds of cyclists fined in Queensland

Queensland police have fined hundreds of cyclists for speeding or running red lights.

Mal Lilley, acting inspector from the Queensland Road Policing Command, says cyclists who break the law should expect enforcement action to be taken against them.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport and Main Roads says road rules that apply to motorists also apply to bike riders.

$1 milk responsible for dairy crisis

The Queensland Dairyfarmer’s Organisation says $1 dollar milk is responsible for a $10 billion dollar loss to their industry over the last seven years.

Coles’ introduction of $1 dollar milk has forced processors to reduce their minimum price by 30 cents a litre, and also reduce the price of their branded milks to stay competitive.

QDO’s campaign for a 10 cent per litre Drought Levy has more than 100 000 signatures online, and the support of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, on the condition that Coles participates.

Iron ore mines in Northern Territory spark concerns

Two iron ore mines in the remote Roper Valley region in the Northern Territory are due to restart production, sparking concerns amongst community members.

Locals fear the projects at Sherwin Creek and Roper Bar mine may have detrimental environmental impacts, including destroying dugong, fish, and turtle populations.

The mines are expected to commence production within the next 12 to 18 months.