18 Aug 2021

While this weeks news stories have been bleak to say the least, there have been some 'light at the end of the tunnel' news if you will.

Stories about current affairs, education, enlightening revelations and the social issues that are important to you. Without further ado... 🥁 here is some news you should care about from the past week! 

International News: Meme account raises $7 million to evacuate people from Afghanistan

An Instagram meme account @quentin.quarantino (um, fab word play name) has raised $5 million US to help people in Afghanistan via a GoFundMe. The Emergency Afghan Rescue Mission was set as a $550,000 to fully fund two airplanes but has had an overwhelming amount of support with hundreds of humanitarian members and charities getting behind this.

 

Just starting out as an alias, the 25-year-old’s account was created last year when the pandemic hit as a way for people to cope and gained a following from his quality memes. Since then, he has raised money for Planned Parenthood, Childhood Cancer, the India covid crisis, It Gets Better Project for LGBTQ+ youth and more.

What Does Australia Really Think About… show premiers on SBS

This three-part doco series on SBS is getting to the bottom of what Australians really think about disability, the elderly and obesity. Combined with survey data, hidden camera stings exposing discriminatory behaviour and their own personal experiences, this eye-opening series investigates the stigma and prejudice that impact the lives of millions. 

 

Watch the first episode ‘What Does Australia Really Think About Disability’ on SBS On Demand!

$20m Mt Isa university hub proposal to reduce students from relocating for tertiary education

In the regional town of Mount Isa in Queensland, the city council is seeking $20 million in state or federal funding to develop a campus-like university centre to support students completing tertiary degrees. 

Providing for both post-high school and postgraduate students, it’s a good opportunity for students to study in their hometown as opposed to the expense behind relocating. How good is a push for education?

Pfizer available for 16-39 year olds in LGA’s of concern - where to book ‘ye appointment

Yes, Pfizer vaccines have become available to people living in those 12 affected local government areas, to be given priority access as of Thursday 19 August. If you fall in this age group and area, have a geeze here to find a clinic to get vaccinated.

22-year-old becomes comedian in lockdown, using humour to create moments of joy

The arts industry was one of the hardest hit amidst the pandemic but that did not stop Ciang Ajeic from putting time into his comedy career. While it might seem like an odd time, being positive with humour and laughter is how he has been dealing with the world around him and according to his following online, they feel the same way too. 

 

Ciang has also taken part in ‘Pandemicland’, a documentary following young Aussie’s as they come of age during this global crisis and how he is ready to get back to stand up open mic nights the country gets back to normal.

Beloved pet returned after alleged ‘dognapping’

A five-year-old Japanese Spitz named Atlas was taken from the front yard of a home in Sydney’s south-west - police found CCTV footage of the dognapper, was on the six o’clock news and Atlas was ruined with her owners just before midnight. SO GLAD YOU’RE HOME, DOGGO ATLAS!

Cleaner laid off in lockdown wins the $80 million Powerball

If this isn’t the greatest news story to cheer ya up, I don’t know what is (maybe not for all the people that missed out though). 

A cleaner that has struggled to make ends meet since losing his job due to the pandemic was the only one division one winner in last week's $80 million jackpot. He is the third-biggest lottery winner in Australia’s history. That amount of cashola is bloody unbelievable and life-changing - he has spoken and said that he’s “keen to pay off the mortgage and other bills”, sir the limits are endless. Live that life you’ve always wanted!

Anyway, that’s it from me folks! See y'all next week!