Ambassador speaks with Australian professor detained in Myanmar
An Australian ambassador has spoken with an Australian academic detained in Myanmar.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia has been working hard to secure the release of Professor Sean Turnell, who has served as a consultant to deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi since December.
Zeahorse: Let's Not (And Say We Did)
<p><span><span>- Sydney-based four-piece Zeahorse return with their third album, the first in over four years - <em>Let’s Not (And Say We Did)</em>. It’s been precisely two years since the earliest look-in: initial single <em>20 Nothing </em>called to account a generation of “selfie-aware” solipsists back in February of 2018.
New Zealand receives COVID vaccines ahead of schedule
COVID vaccines in New Zealand have arrived a month ahead of schedule, with border staff to be vaccinated from next week.
Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said hundreds of thousands of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines were arriving far ahead of their expected delivery in March.
New Zealand has ordered 15 million doses of the COVID Vaccine from four different sources. After covering the country’s population of only 5 million, the remaining vaccines will be distributed throughout the pacific.
Ethiopia shuts down refugee camps housing Eritreans
Ethiopia has shut down two camps housing Eritrean refugees in its Tigray region, after residents reported attacks.
The residents of both camps have been relocated to other camps in the region, but decisions to relocate must be voluntary, safe and dignified, said UNHCR spokesman Chris Melzer.
Seafood exporters struggle under China trade tensions
Queensland seafood exporters are struggling as trade tensions between Australia and China worsen.
The Lunar New Year is usually a peak period for the seafood industry, with exported lobsters fetching up to $70 per kilogram. They’re now going for as little as $30 per kilogram.
Green tree frog population leaps up across the South East
Reports are showing green tree frog numbers have been leaping up exponentially across the South East.
A wetter than average summer has helped increase the frog population, with sightings even reported in built up areas including West End.
Residents are urged to reduce pesticide use to help increase food sources for the animal.
12th Feb 10am Zedlines
Your 10am Zedlines with Beth & Tina.
Image: Creative Commons/John Englart
Refugee in serious condition after hit and run on Nauru
Unconfirmed reports say a refugee is in a serious condition following a hit and run incident on Nauru late last night.
The 36-year-old man was riding his motorcycle when he was hit by a car, whose occupants fled the scene after stealing his motorcycle, said the Refugee Action Coalition.
Romance scams cheat Australian victims of $37 million
Romance baiting scams are on the rise with a record $37 million lost last year.
The Australian Competition and Consumer commission has stated the new scam technique known as ‘romance baiting’ is on the rise.
Scammers use dating apps to meet victims, and after establishing a relationship over a number of weeks the conversation is then taken to encrypted chat sites.
The ACCC said scammers begin asking victims for money, or begin encouraging investment opportunities.
South Australia funds free sanitary products in public schools
The South Australian Government has announced $450,000 of funding over the next three years for free pads and tampons across all public schools.
The new program announced on Thursday will see money divided between public schools based on the number of students enrolled in year five and above.
South Australia will become the second state to provide free sanitary products to state school students following on from Victoria's lead last year.