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.

The Federal Government has paid Luritja artist Harold Thomas more than $20 Million to secure copyright for the usage of his Aboriginal Flag design. 

Efforts to “free the flag” from intellectual property laws have long been campaigned for by first nations peoples, however there are now fears free public usage of the flag could lead to further misuse and appropriation. 

Two dozen personnel on Australian navy ships carrying humanitarian supplies to Tonga have been tested positive to COVID-19. 

The news has set uncertainty to Australian’s latest aid mission, which previously was an effort along with several other countries to send crucial supplies to Tonga in wake of last week’s huge volcanic eruption and tsunami. 

The Federal government has today opened a Hypersonic Research Precinct at Eagle Farm. 

Defence minister Peter Dutton launched the $14 million precinct which provides a location for defence, industry, universities and international partners aimed to assist hypersonic technology through flight test vehicles. 

The research centre was helped developed by the University of Queensland, and hopes to ‘better defend against the malign use of technology’ and deter aggression against Australia’s national interests. 

A Gold Coast funeral home claims it has run out of room to accommodate deceased persons, and are struggling to find a solution due to COVID related staff shortages.

Rowan Steer from Integrity Funerals says his business has required assistance from competitors to take care of a number of planned funerals, as isolation requirements have left him without staff.

While the lack of staff has not only impacted business output, Mr. Steer’s greatest concern is the delays on funeral services, with some families having to wait weeks to say their farewells.

Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission boss Alan MacSporran has resigned after a parliamentary committee found he failed to ensure the watchdog “acted independently and impartially”. 

This comes as criticisms of the CCC in the past weeks have led to a series of failed prosecutions, with the Parliamentary committee recommending a commission of inquiries into the CCC following failed prosecution of eight Logan city councillors.