The United States and its NATO allies have begun efforts to sure up military commitments in the Baltics and Eastern Europe as tensions with Russia over Ukraine reach a fever pitch.

Thousands of US troops are on high alert, France has offered to send troops to Romania, Spain is sending a frigate to the Black Sea and Denmark is sending fighter jets to Lituania in an effort to send a signal to Allies of the region that NATO would protect them from Russian aggression. 

Invasion Day rallies are expected to take place across the country this morning, with special consideration being taken to protect attendees from COVID-19.

The Meanjin or So-Called Brisbane rally began at 8 O’Clock this morning at Queen’s Garden in George street, which will then be followed by a March across to South Bank and finish at Musgrave Park.

Event Organiser Sam Watson Jr from Yuggera Nation said that while the Invasion Day rallies usually run with very few issues, they are still requesting attendees keep socially distanced and wear masks when gathered together.

The Queensland Teachers’ Union have demanded a stockpile of tests to be available onsite for teachers at state schools when classes return. 

This comes as the Queensland government is set to release its plan for when school commences from January 31, however Premier Annastacia Palasczuk has already noted this plan will be delayed until Education Minister Grace Grace has made a recovery from COVID-19. 

The union’s president Cresta Richardson has said staff should be able to have access to RAT tests, so they can ensure whether they can work if they have symptoms.

Busloads of Brisbaneites are heading up the coast to the recently flood-ravaged Gympie region in an effort to provide aid to suffering local businesses.

David Rakowski who helped in the cleanup effort as part of the Mud Army, organised the event to offer a different kind of help from people who were not able to assist in the cleanup.

Mr. Rakowski’s tour aims to bring Brisbane locals to pubs and cafes in flood affected towns to help restore some business, and even encourage tourism in the future.

Paralympian and disability advocate Dylan Alcott has been named 2022 Australian of the Year. 

This is the first time in the award’s 62-year history, a person with a disability has been named Australian of the Year, with Alcott saying he would use the role to draw more respect and acceptance for others like him. 

Alcott’s tennis career has seen him be the first male in history to win a golden slam in any form of tennis.