The first whales of the year have been spotted off Fraser Island.

A mother and calf pilot whale were seen just north of Eli Creek by a scenic flight, and four more were sighted later in the day closer to Fraser.

It’s quite early to be seeing whales, with the season usually going from July to November.

Prominent American lawyer and gay rights activist David Buckel has died after setting himself on fire at a New York park to protest damage being done to the planet.

Mr Buckel was pronounced dead after he self-immolated at Brooklyn's Prospect Park early on Saturday.

Mr Buckel wrote that he had used fossil fuel to symbolize what was happening to the planet and expressed the hope that his death would serve as a call to action.

If you or anyone that you know needs help, please call Lifeline 13 11 14.

No charges will be laid by the Australian Federal Police following an investigation into the loss of hundreds of sensitive cabinet documents contained in The Cabinet Files.

The investigation was launched after ABC journalists obtained documents revealing secret cabinet deliberations, from a source who purchased two locked filing cabinets at a second-hand furniture sale in Canberra.

Thousands of South African people turned out at Orlando Stadium in Soweto for the funeral of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on Saturday.

The politician and ex-wife of the former South African President, Nelson Mandela, was considered a heroine of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.

The huge crowd sang and danced tributes and anthems to support those fighting for freedom in South Africa through decades of oppression.

The “mother of the nation” passed away at age 81 after a battling a long illness.

Growing vegetables and herbs vertically in shipping containers is a trend catching on in Australia, with the aim of reducing food waste and food miles.

The Canadian company Modular Farms Co. launched its first vertical hydroponic farm in Brisbane last month, and not only supplies fresh produce to vendors at the Eat Street Northshore markets, but also assists food rescue organisations like OzHarvest to provide food for people in need.

A brisbane man is fighting for his life after he was hit by two cars while walking on the Warrego Highway in the Toowoomba.

The 30-year-old victim was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital where he was left fighting for life.

The Forensic Crash Unit investigations are ongoing.

Brisbane’s increasing number of hotels has led to cheaper, more vacant hotel rooms.  

Brisbane has opened up 4000 new hotel rooms since 2014, with another 1500 expected to open before the year ends, and at least 1600 more available by 2022.

However, Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind says it’s very difficult to smoothly match supply and demand as the fluctuating number of tourists are a challenge for existing hotels.