Deadline for First Jab As Government Rushes to Get Queenslanders' Double Vaccinated

Yesterday marked the deadline for Queenslanders to get their first jab and be fully vaccinated before infected interstate travellers enter across the border. 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk set Sunday as the deadline for Queenslanders to get their first jab if they wanted to ensure they were fully protected when the border restrictions ease on December 17. 

As of yesterday the total number of residents aged 16 and older who had received one vaccine dose stood at 77.3 per cent, while 63.5 per cent were fully vaccinated.

 

CHO Jeanette Young Steps Down, Sworn in as Governor

Today marks a significant changing of the guard as Dr Jeannette Young has officially stepped down as leader of the state’s pandemic response and is sworn in as the 27th Governor of Queensland. 

Following Dr Krispin Hajkowicz’s shock decision last week to decline the role of chief health officer, Queensland has appointed Dr Peter Aitken to act in the role until a permanent replacement is appointed.. 

In a statement, Health Minister Yvette D'Ath says for personal reasons Dr Krispin Hajkowicz will not begin the job on Monday.

 

Melbourne City Backs Black Parliament Proposal

There are plans underway for a First Nations precinct in Melbourne. 

Melbourne City Council and the First Peoples of Victoria are backing a proposal for a multimillion- dollar development in the heart of the CBD that could house the nation’s first “Black Parliament” and become a keeping place for repatriated artefacts and serve as a symbol of reconciliation. 

The idea is supported by First Nations groups and a Victorian government official says state involvement in the project is also being considered. 

Fears Pollution Will Destroy Ancient Rock Art

There are growing fears that within 100 years, pollution will destroy the world's biggest collection of rock art. 

Scientists around Australia believe the findings of a new report claiming industrial pollution has no effect on ancient rock art, are patently wrong and could have disastrous ramifications. 

Rock conservationists Ian MacLeod and Warren Fish recently published a paper which suggests there is no adverse impact on the engraved rock art of Murujuga from industrial pollution. 

Deaths as Large Scale Protests Continue in Sudan

Tens of thousands of Sudanese civilians have taken to the streets across the country in what is being called the largest pro-democracy protest yet since the military seized control last week.

Three protesters have been killed and dozens more injured as security forces opened fire in several locations. 

Pro-democracy groups called for protests to demand the reinstating of a deposed transitional government and the release of senior political figures from detention.

 

Clinical Trials For Covid Vaccination Patches Begin Next Year

Clinical trials for needle free vaccine patches are set to begin mid next year, led by an Australian biotech firm. 

Vaxxas, a Brisbane based ​​biotechnology company hopes the technology can boost Australia’s future vaccination rollout. 

The clinical trials follow successful animal studies conducted by the University of Queensland in partnership with Vaxxas. 

UQ's Dr David Muller says "the research shows a strong and effective immune response".

 

Jonathon Thurston Leads Initiative To Empower Young Girls

A new initiative has been launched by a rugby league legend which is designed to empower Indigenous girls in remote Queensland communities. 

Jonathan Thurston, a former professional rugby league player, created the JTLeadLikeAGirl program which aims to equip remote communities with access to learning and mentorship workshops, online and in person.

Mr Thurston kicked off the initiative in the remote community of Doomadgee in Cairns where he said quote “The program has one focus: to inspire young women to be confident, bold, and goal-oriented”