In a major boost in  the fight against coronavirus in New South Wales, the state is on track to hit a new vaccine milestone.

The state is on the verge of reaching 70% of single dose vaccines from today, the first in the country to do so.

Unaccompanied children were among those who were evacuated from Afghanistan's capital on Australian rescue flights, the federal government has confirmed. 

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said on Wednesday that less than 10 minors are currently in Australia, all who are believed to be aged over 10 years old. 

An open letter signed by 80 of Australia's biggest businesses has called on state premiers to stick to the country's national reopening plan.

Doubt has arisen over the likelihood of lockdowns ending once the national vaccination rate reaches 80 per cent, despite all states and territories agreeing to a unified plan as part of the National Cabinet.

Wangan and Jagalingou Cultural Custodians have marked one week of continuous presence at ‘Waddananggu’ - their ongoing cultural ceremony at the edge of Adani’s Carmichael mine site.

Wangan and Jagalingou man Coedie McAvoy said, “We are holding this space, by practicing our culture. It’s exciting to be here on our own Country, protecting it from this destructive and manipulative company.”

According to the co-author of IPCC’s next report on the impacts of climate change,

“South-east Queensland is at risk from more extreme weather events as a result of climate change, and they’re starting to compound.”

It is believed the state will be subject to stronger tropical storms, bringing heavier flooding and coastal erosion. 

Some specialist mental health workers are closing their books to new patients due to overwhelming demand for support during the pandemic.

There has been a shortage of psychiatrists in Australia for many years, but increased demand due to the pandemic has exacerbated the issue.

Almost a third of the world’s tree species are at risk of extinction, while hundreds are on the brink of being wiped out, according to a new report.

The landmark study, published by Botanic Gardens Conservation International on Wednesday, said some 17,500 tree species are at risk of extinction, while 440 species have fewer than 50 specimens left in the wild.

Afghans who worked for British troops will be entitled to indefinite leave to stay and a right to apply for UK citizenship in the future, as hundreds of those eligible for evacuation remain in Afghanistan.

Dubbed ‘Operation Warm Welcome,’ the British government unveiled on Wednesday, Afghans arriving in the UK will receive the vital support needed to rebuild their lives.

Water restrictions are set to impact south-east Queensland by the end of the year as the Wivenhoe dam drops close to its lowest level since the last drought to grip Brisbane. 

The dwindling supply at the Wivenhoe dam sits at 41.8% while the combined drinking water dams in the region sits at 58.1%.

Overdose prevention advocates are pleading for wider use of Naloxone, a drug that can stop drug overdoses leading to deaths.

Naloxone, or Narcan, its registered trademark name, is a drug available from pharmacies as a preloaded syringe or nasal spray which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.