There have been calls for improved accessibility for people living with disabilities in regional tourist zones.

Laura McCarthy, living with a functional neurological disorder which causes mobility issues, was unable to access shops and tourist attractions when she recently visited Gympie.

Ms McCarthy was disappointed when her companion card, which allows carers into participating venues and public transport for free, was rejected at the Mary Valley Rattler. 

Disability support can be harder to enforce in areas where there is a volunteer workforce.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced increased freedoms for fully vaccinated residents could be expected when the state reaches its vaccine target.

Mr Andrews says, “We’re going to move to a situation where, to protect the health system, we are going to lock out people who are not vaccinated and can be.”

Regional Victoria, showing lower infection rates, will be the first area to test out this ‘vaccine passport’.
 

Women holding peaceful demonstrations in Kabul have been confronted by Taliban forces.

The protest was held at the Afghan Defence Ministry to demand equal rights for women as they fear the new Taliban rule will target women.

The Taliban force reacted to the protests by running into the crowd and firing their weapons in the air.

Taliban has promised and inclusive government and a moderate form of islamic rule than when they last ruled the country from 1996 to 2001.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young’s ‘extraordinary powers’ have been extended for a second time to help battle the pandemic.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the state has gone hard and early and the outstanding response from the Queensland health system has ensured clusters have been stamped out before widespread community transmission.

Dr Young will have the power to enforce lockdowns, restrictions and border closures across the state until April 2022.

Another Australian first clinical trial is to be soon underway at the University of the Sunshine Coast to investigate a combined Covid-19 and Influenza vaccine.

The study will assess the levels of response to the NovaVax covid-19 vaccine and NanoFlu influenza vaccine individually and combined.

Researchers said they are expecting to see great results from the trial with expected advantages over current vaccines.