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 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Australians could, in the future, be required to show proof of vaccination to enter pubs, grocery stores and sports stadiums, under a plan being considered by the national cabinet.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week said state and territory leaders are in talks about the idea, which would take place under phase B of Australia’s COVID-19 exit plan, when 80% of the population is vaccinated.

With the conclusion of the Olympic Games, there is a push to recognise and support the mental health of Australia’s elite athletes as they transition out of the high-stress competition and cope with the aftermath. 

A study by various Sydney and Melbourne university researchers into the experiences of athletes during the post-Olympic phase aims to bring the challenges of these athletes into focus.