An ABC investigation has found a group of taxpayer-funded aged care homes funnelled $31 million into one of Australia’s largest churches.

The homes include St. Basil’s in Melbourne where 45 residents died from a COVID outbreak. It was found St. Basil’s paid over $22 million in rent to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. A commercial real estate agent says this is double the rental market rate.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate announced a plan to establish a sister-city relationship with Queenstown in New Zealand. 

Mackay Conservation Group led the community in holding a Rally at Bluewater Quay yesterday, calling for the Queensland government to reject the Clive Palmer-owned Central Queensland Coal Project.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch launched the Queensland Music Trails today – a program which will bring musicians to outback Queensland. 

Minister Enoch said the project is part of the Government’s plan to support the arts and cultural sector through its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors in Brazil have investigated allegations that illegally mined gold has been exchanged for coronavirus vaccines on an indigenous reserve. 

The Hutukara Association, which represents the Yanomami people from the Amazon region, reported a health worker for dealing vaccines to illegal miners. 

South Australia has recorded its first case of the tick-borne disease canine ehrlichiosis.

The disease, which can be fatal to dogs, was believed not to exist in Australia until a case was recorded in Western Australia in May last year.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced Australia’s remaining 80 troops will pull out of Afghanistan by September.

This move echoes the withdrawal of American troops by US president Joe Biden, signalling the end of a conflict that started in 2001 following the 9/11 attack. 

Australia’s largest medicinal marijuana farm will be built in the outskirts of Toowoomba.

Construction on the facility will begin within the next six months; the completed farm is expected to produce 500 tonnes of marijuana per year.

Tweed Heads Shire Council has announced a Plan of Management to ensure land at the Jack Evans Boat Harbour precinct will serve as a recreational and tourism point for the Tweed Heads region.

The plan describes the future planning and management of the precinct, including several parklands and sections of the waterway.