The Andrews Labor Government is helping diverse communities come together in a COVIDSafe way to celebrate their culture and traditions.
Acting Minister for Multicultural Affairs Shaun Leane today opened the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program, inviting organisations to apply for funding for events to be held between March and June this year.
The funding recognises the important role of community connection and celebration and will support events held either in person or in a digital format.
Any in-person event must adhere to the COVIDSafe Public Events Framework.
With the entertainment and events industry one of the hardest hit because of the pandemic, this funding will help bring more life and colour to the state, celebrating our vibrant cultural diversity, whilst ensuring the health and safety of all Multicultural Festivals.
In March, Victoria’s Greek community will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Greek independence – a significant occasion on the cultural calendar.
Delivering on an election commitment, the Labor Government is investing $200,000 to support celebrations.
Victoria is home to the largest Greek population in the world outside of Greece.
This year’s funding also includes $50,000 to support organisations holding Hindu celebrations, events and festivals.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Multicultural Affairs Shaun Leane
“We have much to celebrate here in Victoria and this funding will ensure that, after such a challenging year, festivals and events are supported to take place.”
“Projects funded will celebrate our rich cultural diversity whilst supporting the revitalisation of Victoria’s economy.”
“I can’t wait to see Victorians out celebrating the 200th anniversary of Greek independence in March, our dedicated $200,000 funding will help it be COVIDSafe but importantly, a milestone to remember.”
As Ex-Tropical Cyclone Imogen continues to track across the Cape York Peninsula, disaster assistance is available to local councils to recover and rebuild from major flooding in its wake.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the DRFA assistance will provide financial support to aid recovery in Carpentaria, Croydon, Etheridge and Mornington Shires.
“These remote councils up in Gulf Country have reported impacts from the floods such as uprooted trees, road damage from swollen rivers and isolation due to flooded access points, which has required a multi-agency response,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The joint Commonwealth and State funded DRFA will provide financial support for counter disaster operations and restoration of essential public assets, so these communities can get back on their feet sooner.”
Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said clean-up operations were ongoing in flood-affected regions across the north of the state.
“SInce Tropical Cyclone Imogen made landfall on Sunday night just north of Karumba and slowly travelled across Cape York, many impacts have been felt by residents of the Far North,” Minister Ryan said.
“Normanton airport recorded 259mm overnight on Sunday, with 186mm falling in just three hours.
“The heavy and persistent rainfall driven by the now Ex-Tropical Cyclone Imogen has caused widespread flooding, with damage to public infrastructure and road closures across much of North Queensland.
“This DRFA funding will assist with the recovery from this latest event and alleviate the financial burden on these impacted councils.
“The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments are working together to ensure all impacted communities receive the recovery support they need.”
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.
Attribution: Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services The Honourable Mark Ryan
Article Includes United States Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC), Vishal Amin, issued the United States Annual Intellectual Property Report for 2020. Read Below
Extra Administration Issues Annual Intellectual Property Report
The report details the actions and activities taken over the past year by the United States to promote, protect, and prioritize our great competitive advantage – our Nation’s innovative economy. In 2017, the Trump Administration adopted a four-part intellectual property strategy that has provided a framework for sound intellectual property policy to advance innovation and creativity and ensure effective intellectual property protection and enforcement domestically and abroad.
“From day one, the Administration has had a singular focus on strengthening and growing our Nation’s innovative economy,” stated Coordinator Amin. “The actions that we have taken to protect American intellectual property have helped set the United States on a path to remain not only an economic leader, but a powerhouse of innovation, invention, and creativity for decades to come.”
Learn more about the Annual Intellectual Property Report here.WhiteHouse.gov
Given the risk of COVID-19 transmission on the Northern Beaches and across Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), the following adjustments are being made.
From midnight tonight, the southern zone of the Northern Beaches will be subject to the same restrictions as Greater Sydney.
Restrictions for the northern zone of the Northern Beaches remain the same with stay at home orders in place until 9 January 2021;
No visitors to the home.
Five northern zone residents can gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone.
Non-essential businesses remain closed.
Given the general risk in Greater Sydney, new measures are required to reduce the transmission potential of COVID-19 while maintaining economic activity.
The following measures for Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) are effective from midnight tonight:
Face masks will be mandatory in the following indoor settings:
shopping (retail, supermarkets and shopping centres)
public/shared transport, indoor entertainment (including cinemas and theatres)
places of worship
hair and beauty premises.
Face masks will also be mandatory for all staff in hospitality venues and casinos and for patrons using gaming services.
Compliance will start from Monday, 4 January 2021 with $200 on the spot fines for individuals for non-compliance. Children under 12 are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
Gym classes reduced to 30 people.
Places of worship and religious services limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people per separate area.
Weddings and funerals limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people.
Outdoor performances and protests reduced to 500 people.
Controlled, outdoor gatherings (seated, ticketed, enclosed) reduced to 2,000 people.
Night clubs not permitted.
People are still encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings and reduce their mobility where possible to further minimise the risk of transmission in the community.
Whilst these measures do not apply to areas outside Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), we urge all residents and visitors across the State to practise COVID safe behaviours and get tested even if symptoms are mild.
We thank the community for their patience and understanding.
Our priority is always to protect the health and safety of the community.
Media Release Statement from Gladys Berejiklian and Brad Hazzard
Big tech censorship isn’t going to let up any time soon. In fact we can expect it to get worse. However the means to bypass these companies already exists. It’s time to start developing new strategies and migrate off of their platforms.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed that the internet isn’t what it used to be these days. Social media platforms that used to provide for the free exchange of information and the means of organizing resistance, have anointed themselves arbiters of truth, on a mission to protect our fragile minds from any ideas and opinions that they happen to disagree with. Controversial posts are now ‘fact checked’, restricted or flat out removed. Those who dare speak outside the lines are subject to temporary or permanent banishment.
Unfortunately this trend isn’t likely to reverse any time soon. In fact it’s going to get worse. Calling them out or petitioning for change isn’t going to work. These people feel validated and justified. And they are supported by a highly vocal contingent of the population that believes that dangerous ideas should be silenced, and that heretics should not be allowed any platform whatsoever to speak their minds. As such it is imperative that we develop new strategies for exchanging ideas and organizing that do not depend on their technology.
In this video I’m going to describe a media strategy to bypass Facebook, Twitter and Youtube that makes use of Telegram, however the same principles can be applied to other apps.
Telegram is an encrypted messaging app which ties to a cellphone number much like Whatsapp. However it has much more features than Whatsapp, including channels and multi-level admin controls for groups. It also has a desktop version for Mac and Windows that make it much easier to work with.
Working with Telegram as a tool for activism is very different than old school social media because you don’t have direct access to open pools of users that can find you in a search. However the fact that Telegram distributes all messages directly to your channel subscribers or group members without censorship and without limiting distribution algorithmically, makes the potential reach of this platform much more significant.
Telegram also has secret chats which provide a means of communication for activists that intelligence agencies cannot monitor. Given the level of access that social media companies grant to the NSA and other entities this extremely important. And if you think this is a conspiracy theory, you might want to look into the Edward Snowden revelations.
Once you have Telegram installed, setting up channels and groups is easy. Click the pen icon in the top right corner and choose new group or new channel. When you create a new channel or group you will be given the chance to set it as public or private and choose a custom URL. It’s also worth noting that you can create a custom username for your account so that people can contact you without knowing your phone number.
Once you’ve created a channel you’ll want to enable comments by connecting a discussion group. This is done by double clicking the channel name and scrolling down to the discussion link. Follow the instructions and a group will be created that allows your followers to comment on posts in the channel and have conversations among themselves.
Both Telegram groups and channels provide the ability to pin multiple posts. This can be used for setting discussion rules or to list links to resources.
In addition to text messages you can post photos, videos, or polls by clicking the paperclip icon to the left of the text field. All of these media types can be embedded into web pages to share with a wider public.
Now you can get your groups and channels jumpstarted by sending invite links to your contacts, or sharing them online. These links can also be converted to QR codes which can then be printed onto posters, business cards or stickers. You can also create location based groups in the phone version of the app by clicking contacts, find people nearby, then create local group. This will make your group visible to anyone who has location services enabled in the area.
So imagine you are trying to organize resistance to a government policy and Facebook and Twitter have made it clear that speaking out against this policy will not be tolerated on their platforms. Rather than trying sneak past them (which is not likely to work), you create Telegram channel. In that channel you pin your manifesto or information about your event to the top and send an invite link to your contacts. You also make a post to your normal social media profiles sending people to the channel. Next you make posters, business cards and stickers with your message plus a QR code. You also post pdfs for these print outs into the channel, and encourage your subscribers to distribute them.
You then create a network of local and regional groups moderated by people you trust. This enables people to organize their own events in their respective towns.
Rinse and repeat and your movement will grow. Social media companies won’t be able to stop you. In fact they won’t even have information about your activities. They will be completely out of the loop. And that’s a good thing, because it also cuts government surveillance out of the loop.
Now the StormCloudsGathering channel has survived the social media purge so far because we’ve been very careful not to cross certain lines. There are certain things we cannot talk about here, or we’ll be taken down. However in this next phase some of these lines need to be crossed, and we’ll be crossing them on Telegram. We’re going to be posting content there which will not be available on our other platforms. In fact if you join the @StormCloudsGathering channel on Telegram today you’ll find a new video that will never, ever, be posted on Youtube or Facebook.
This content is creative commons. You have permission to share far and wide, If you want to help StormCloudGathering pull this project forward you can donate here.
As President of the United States it is my responsibility to protect the people of our country from the economic devastation and hardship that was caused by the China Virus.
I understand that many small businesses have been forced to close as a result of harsh actions by Democrat-run states. Many people are back to work, but my job is not done until everyone is back to work.
Fortunately, as a result of my work with Congress in passing the CARES Act earlier this year, we avoided another Great Depression. Under my leadership, Project Warp Speed has been a tremendous success, my Administration and I developed a vaccine many years ahead of wildest expectations, and we are distributing these vaccines, and others soon coming, to millions of people.
As President, I have told Congress that I want far less wasteful spending and more money going to the American people in the form of $2,000 checks per adult and $600 per child.
As President I am demanding many rescissions under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. The Act provides that, “whenever the President determines that all or part of any budget authority will not be required to carry out the full objectives or scope of programs for which it is provided, or that such budget authority should be rescinded for fiscal policy or other reasons (including termination of authorized projects or activities for which budget authority has been provided), the President shall transmit to both Houses of Congress a special message” describing the amount to be reserved, the relevant accounts, the reasons for the rescission, and the economic effects of the rescission. 2 U.S.C. § 683.
I will sign the Omnibus and Covid package with a strong message that makes clear to Congress that wasteful items need to be removed. I will send back to Congress a redlined version, item by item, accompanied by the formal rescission request to Congress insisting that those funds be removed from the bill.
I am signing this bill to restore unemployment benefits, stop evictions, provide rental assistance, add money for PPP, return our airline workers back to work, add substantially more money for vaccine distribution, and much more.
On Monday the House will vote to increase payments to individuals from $600 to $2,000. Therefore, a family of four would receive $5,200. Additionally, Congress has promised that Section 230, which so unfairly benefits Big Tech at the expense of the American people, will be reviewed and either be terminated or substantially reformed.
Likewise, the House and Senate have agreed to focus strongly on the very substantial voter fraud which took place in the November 3 Presidential election.
The Senate will start the process for a vote that increases checks to $2,000, repeals Section 230, and starts an investigation into voter fraud.
Big Tech must not get protections of Section 230!
Voter Fraud must be fixed!
Much more money is coming. I will never give up my fight for the American people!
The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Victorians struggling with anxiety and distress get the support they need.
Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria will receive an extra $200,000 to provide surge capacity for their specialist OCD and anxiety helpline, which has experienced a 232 percent rise in demand this year.
This comes following a $250,000 investment to ARCVic earlier this year, to improve access to support and ongoing care for people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and other anxiety conditions.
Since the start of the pandemic, the service has recruited 70 more volunteers and extended its operating hours, so more Victorians can access the support they need, when they need it. This funding will deliver the new CARES 4ME program to be run by ARCVic, that caters to those who require ongoing support.
CARES 4ME program matches clients to trained volunteers with lived experience of anxiety. Volunteers provide emotional support and practical guidance to help people work through their individual needs and to develop anxiety management strategies.
This initiative continues to fill the gaps in the system during the pandemic and ensuring Victorians get the specialised support they need, by providing regular check-ins.
The Victorian Budget 2020/21 is investing $868.6 million in the recent budget, to ensure Victorians get the mental health support they need when they need it. This investment will fund the rollout of the interim recommendations from the Royal Commission into Mental Health.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Labor Government has invested more than $220 million into mental health services, to help Victorians reaching out for help with stress, isolation and uncertainty during and after the coronavirus pandemic.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
“Victorians experiencing anxiety will get the mental health supports that address their specific needs.”
“This vital funding will ensure that we meet the demand of Victorians reaching out for help with OCD and other anxiety conditions, during and after the pandemic.”
Quotes attributable to ARCVic CEO, Michelle Graeber
ARCVic is here to let you know you don’t need to be alone. We are only a phone call away; we understand anxiety and can provide people with the strategies and knowledge that will help them on the journey to recovery.”
“We are all dealing with unprecedented uncertainty and major changes to the way we live our lives as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Having to adapt in ways that are completely new and with mounting uncertainty can bring unwanted anxiety, stress and worry.”
Queensland online shoppers are being warned about the number of vehicle scams being carried out on social media trading platforms.
Acting Attorney-General Mick de Brenni said Queenslanders online marketplaces can sometimes hide the true identity of the seller and may not always be the best option when it comes to making a significant purchase such as buying a car.
“We know online marketplaces are becoming increasingly popular for buying everything from pot plants to a used car,” Mr de Brenni said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is helping consumers to be aware of the risks when using these platforms, especially when transferring money for significant purchases.
“Between 1 January and 30 November 2020, Scamwatch received more than 250 reports of Queenslanders being scammed when trying to buy a vehicle, caravan or motorhome.
“One Queensland consumer lost $39,000 when they tried to buy a vehicle via a popular online marketplace. Despite the regular vehicle checks appearing normal, the car was never delivered and the seller could not be contacted.
“Scammers will lure you in with a fantastic deal so our advice is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
The Minister said these steps could help consumers stay safe:
avoid buying a car from someone who is unwilling to meet you face to face or can only be reached by email
never buy a car that you have not seen in person and had inspected by a professional
don’t let someone put you under pressure by insisting on completing the transaction as quickly as possible
avoid payments that are international money orders, wire transfers, pre-loaded cards, cryptocurrency and cheques.
RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie urged motorists in the market for a new vehicle to do their research and be on the lookout for any suspicious behaviour.
“Don’t buy sight unseen and be wary if the seller wants to meet you in places such as shopping centre car parks, or they offer to bring the car to you. This might mean they don’t want you to know where they live,” Ms Ritchie said.
“Ask plenty of questions. If the seller is genuine, they’ll be able answer questions about the car off the top of their head. Be suspicious if they avoid questions, are vague on the detail, or the story just doesn’t sound right.
“Always get a car history check and very carefully compare details against the car. If there are any discrepancies at all or something feels off, walk away. It’s not worth the risk.”
The Minister said scammers can also use fake emails claiming to be from a secure payment provider.
“Another Queenslander thought they had purchased a car advertised through an online marketplace and was advised not to reply to the advert but to email as the car was being sold for a relative,” Mr de Brenni said.
“The seller said that due to COVID-19 and previous bad experience they would use a third party company to collect payment so the buyer deposited $5,500 with the company.
“The buyer didn’t hear back and contacted the third party payment company who said the payment link was not theirs.
“The buyer then saw the same car a week later re-advertised with the same photos and story with a slightly different email, and another car being advertised with the same story.”
Additionally, consumers should also consider having a pre-purchase mechanical and vehicle history check completed by a reputable organisation and a REVS check which tells you if the vehicle has money owing on it from a previous owner.
For more information about scams in general, including how you can report a scam, visit the OFT website or Scamwatch.
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and ProcurementThe Honourable Mick de Brenni
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has announced that from 1 am Sunday 20 December, anyone entering Queensland from New South Wales will need to have a border pass declaration.
The online system will be live by 8 pm tonight.
The new passes are the latest addition to the Palaszczuk Government’s nation-leading COVID response.
From 1 am this morning (Saturday 19 December) anyone travelling from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, including returning Queenslanders, must go into mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine.
The Health Minister said anyone entering Queensland from Greater Sydney or the Central Coast should get tested on entry to the state and self-quarantine until they receive their result.
“We’re adding additional measures to keep Queenslanders safe and we’re encouraging anyone in Queensland who has COVID symptoms, whether they’ve been travelling or not, to get tested,” she said.
“I’d also urge anyone in Queensland to reconsider travel plans to New South Wales.“New South Wales is doing a great job and we hope this cluster is contained to the Northern Beaches area, but if we start to see spread into Sydney and surrounds, we will not hesitate to implement extra hotspots,” she said.
“We hope not to have to do that, but my message to Queenslanders is, now is not the time to be in Sydney.
“I thank Queenslanders and travellers to our great state for coming forward for testing and following the health advice.”
Over the past week, there has been traces of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) detected in wastewater on the Gold Coast, North Cairns, Townsville and Cleveland.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said any wastewater detections highlight the importance of getting tested if you have symptoms of Greater Sydney Queensland COVID-19 restrictions on Sydney andVictoria travellers, You will be turned away at the border.
“With the current situation in New South Wales and these positive wastewater results, I really need anyone who has any symptoms to come forward for testing,” she said.
“We can’t be complacent here – we might be doing well in Queensland, but that can all change really quickly, as we’ve seen in other states.
“Please, keep getting tested, and keep following the health advice around maintaining distance, putting your contact details down at venues, and washing your hands.”
Anyone with any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, should get tested immediately. Stay home and isolate until you get the results and your symptoms resolve.
In addition, please follow the advice that applies in all instances:
Stay 1.5 metres away from other people—think two big steps.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitiser after physical contact with other people or commonly touched surfaces.
Sneeze or cough into your arm or a tissue. Then put the tissue in the bin and wash or sanitise your hands.
To help limit any potential risk to Queenslanders, some restrictions have also been introduced for visitors to aged care facilities, disability accommodation services and hospitals.
A public health alert is currently active for the following locations in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast as well as a Virgin Australia flight between Sydney and Brisbane:
As Commander in Chief, I send my best wishes to the men and women of the United States Space Force on its first birthday!
Over 50 years ago, Americans produced one of history’s most triumphant achievements by taking “one small step for man” and “one giant leap for mankind.” As our beautiful American Flag was planted on the Moon’s surface, it was clear what had brought humans to this new and wondrous frontier—the American spirit. One year ago, we opened another chapter in the extraordinary history of American leadership in space, and strengthened America’s heritage as the world’s greatest arsenal of democracy. Today, I commend the brave Americans who have taken their oath and joined the Space Force’s ranks, and the many more yet to join, for taking another giant leap toward a brighter future for all.
Now, we stand at the birth of a new era. As space exploration and commercialization continues to increase, our Nation’s boundless future will be built upon the success of the Space Force and its members. True to their motto, “Always Above,” the Guardians of the United States Space Force ensure our Nation continues to maintain peace through strength by securing the farthest reaches of humanity. These 21st-century pioneers keep watch around the world by detecting missile launches, providing strategic advantages to our military and intelligence community, and propelling our Armed Forces into the future.
The United States has the most capable military on Earth, and today, we celebrate the Space Force for extending our safety and security beyond it. May God protect all those who serve our great Nation in uniform, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.
Donald J Trump
