Indigenous leaders in remote and regional communities across Queensland are petitioning for authorities to not let covid 19 spread to their regions when the borders reopen.

First Nations artist and leader, Djambawa Marawili is pleading with the government to protect the community and warns that Indigenous elders are more likely to die from the virus which could wipe out culture and languages.  

Only 57.5 per cent of First Nations people over the age of 15 years have received their first dose of the vaccine.

A Brisbane program is helping refugees overcome trauma and learn to swim.

The Aqua English program is socially inclusive and is designed to decrease the number of people from non-English speaking backgrounds drowning. 

33,000 refugees and migrants have enrolled in the Aqua English swimming program which is held at the Acacia Ridge Pool on Brisbane's southside

Afghanistan war veterans in Australia have been honoured by a new memorial garden in Brisbane

A memorial honouring those who served and lost their lives in Australia's longest war has now opened in Milton, off Chippendale Street.

A not for profit organisation 42 For 42 aimed at supporting veterans, raised funds and designed and built the memorial to those Australian soldiers who served in Afghanistan.

International vaccine passports will be available tomorrow for those who are fully vaccinated and are wanting to go overseas or return home. 

The passport is a part of the Federal Government's new technology that proves COVID-19 vaccine status around the world and is a major milestone in the nation's recovery plan. The new certificate is compatible with COVID-19 travel apps and can be accessed via smart phones.

In a joint statement, the federal government said “the vaccine passport will enable fully vaccinated Australians to travel overseas.”

The Seven West Media company has filed documents with the Federal Court directed at popular convenience franchise 7-11. 

The documents request 7-Eleven removes a series of trademarks registered in Australia over concerns they could confuse and deceive the public.

Seven West Media argues that use of the trademarks by 7-Eleven puts a legal and practical disadvantage to its well-established local reputation.

Despite promises to honour minority rights, Afghanistan's ethnic Hazaras community are being evicted from their land by Taliban and Islamic State militants.  

Since the Taliban took power on August 15, hundreds of Hazara families have been ordered out of their homes and off their farmlands.

After most houses burned down or were blown up with explosives, resulting in many now living in tents or sheltering under trees.

There are hopes for new treatments as researchers discover key markers in blood associated with migraines. 

Professor Dale Nyholt from the Queensland University of Technology Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health is hoping the findings will result in better therapies after discovering three overlapping markers in blood readings of migraine sufferers. 

Migraines affect three times as many women as men, with Professor Nyholt saying “Despite migraines being very prevalent and having a large cost to society, it's really underfunded”.

The Bunnings vaccination weekend was a success following the race to get more Queenslander vaccinated ahead of the NSW border opening. 

After vaccination sites opened at Bunnings along with pop-up jab sites Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young says “We’re in the home stretch”.

Dr Young says for the borders to reopen, every Queenslander aged 12 and over should get vaccinated. Deputy Premier Steven Miles confirmed the border reopening should take place once the target of 70-80 percent double dosed is reached.

Queensland has imposed tough border restrictions for Tasmanians entering the state. 

The new border rules which came into effect yesterday demands travellers from southern Tasmania to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. 

The border measures have been introduced after Tasmania entered a snap three-day lockdown, caused by an infected NSW man who entered the state.