COVID-19 update

Latest COVID update

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the Queensland government is worried about the virus travelling further north from the outbreak in Sydney and Newcastle.

Ms Palaszczuk says those aged 16-59 should register to get their COVID-19 vaccine as the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre becomes a mass vaccination clinic.

The taxi driver in Cairns is suspected of acquiring the virus from a passenger, a marine pilot who tested positive last week.


 

Jalang - 'Satau'

Jalang (formerly Lái) play fast-paced and danceable D-beat punk, propelling the band’s ferocious vocals into the face of the listener. Vocalist Alda’s lyrics are delivered in Bahasa Indonesia and English, engaging with both her own and collective narratives that explore politics, religion, feminism and queer rights in South East Asia, and the diaspora in so-called Australia. Timmy (Extinct Exist, Pisschrist, Schifosi) on guitar and Tessa (Ubik, Masses) on bass were joined by Kyle (Sheer Mag) on drums in 2021. ‘Jalang’ in Bahasa Indonesia is one of those ‘odd’ words: when describing the masculine it means wild, feral, undomesticated; while for feminine figures it translates as promiscuous, slutty or evil — something the band aims to reclaim as a mark of feminine pride. Jalang invokes the band members’ diasporic and queer narratives through hardcore punk, mixing ideas and personal experiences that often inter-connect but also continue to conflict with the world around us. Recorded by Jason Fuller (Goatsound) at Tender Trap Studios in Melbourne, Santau is 11 tracks of incandescent punk energy from this supergroup of Melbourne underground music, tackling real world issues of politics, power and protest. Next-level musical performances, inspirational song writing and the relentless fury of Alda’s vocals combine to produce one of the most intelligent, crucial and viscerally exciting Australian punk releases in years.

Calls to recognise Indigenous languages

August 9, the annual International Day of Indigenous Peoples 2021, warns the COVID-19 pandemic is exposing more than 476 million Indigenous peoples in 90 countries to further inequities from poverty, illness, discrimination, and other instability.

Flinders University communications expert Andrew Butcher says connection to country, culture and community is intrinsically linked to teaching and retaining Indigenous languages.

Australia could be a trial location for Moderna's COVID vaccine

Australia has been named a potential location for Moderna’s COVID vaccine trial on children aged 6 months to 12 years.

Mick Coatsworth, former deputy chief medical officer, has welcomed the idea on behalf of a nation he considers a world-leader in medical and scientific trials.

Mr Coastworth says, “We certainly need more information on vaccinating children under 12, the more evidence we have, the better it will be for our community.

Rural Queenslanders concerned of illegal border crossings

Residents in Queensland’s rural border-town of Hebel are concerned the dirt mound they have to pay for will do little to prevent illegal border crossings into or from New South Wales.

The dirt mound, among other border measures, has cost the council more than $250,000, but with many back tracks along the border, it may be to no avail.

This indicates just another ongoing problem rural towns, especially border towns, are facing 17 months into the pandemic, and without enough financial support or proper solutions. 


 

Protests call for a change to travel exemptions

Protesters rally in non-locked down Australian cities in their call for a change to travel exemptions so the parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents can enter the country.

Earlier this year, a petition with 70,000 signatures was tabled in parliament by independent MP Zali Steggall calling for changes to allow parents of Australians to enter the country and reunite with their children and grandchildren.

Tokyo Olympics historical event for LGBTQ community

As the Tokyo Olympics came to an end on Sunday it is being seen as a historical event for LGBTQ community. The games had at least 168 openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and queer athletes competing in Tokyo. It is a 300 percent jump from the number of athletes that competed in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

A facility was opened for the athletes and their allies in the Olympic Village as Pride House.

Sunnybank church minister's resignation shows signs of deeper disagreements

Leaders of two of Australia’s largest church networks, the Uniting Church and the Anglican Church, are spreading the message “don’t get upset about same-sex marriages” to orthodox Christians.

Lulu-OHa’angana Senituli, the minister at Sunnybank Uniting Church, resigned after several complaints were raised against him after the congregation joined a conservative group within the UCA, the Assembly of Confessing Congregations.

For both the Uniting and Anglican churches, the basic issue is similar.

End of SEQ lockdown brings relief for businesses, but uncertainty remains

Thousands of businesses and Queenslanders enjoyed freedom last night after the lockdown ended at 4pm.

While the South-East’s re-opening is promising, and gives businesses a chance to support themselves and their staff, many are still worried that the Delta variant could lead to another lockdown in coming weeks.

The uncertainties of looming lockdowns and tight restrictions means that for many businesses every day that they are allowed to be open is a relief.