Today is Remembrance Day. A day that is dedicated to the signing of the peace agreement that ended World War I at 11:00am, November 11, 1918. It’s also a day where we reflect on those who fought in the war to end all wars and the wars that happened after. We honour our current soldiers who we hope will never need to march to battle again.
Here’s what’s happening regarding 2022’s Remembrance Day and some other important headlines:
How Australia Is Embracing Remembrance Day
In NSW, the Sydney Opera House was illuminated with a projection of red poppies. These flowers were the first to bloom in the World War I battlefields of northern France and Belgium. They are a symbol of remembering wars fought and a hope for peace to come.
Meanwhile, the South Australian town of Renmark has been adorned with an artwork of around 20,000 handmade red poppies. This project was coordinated by local Sherrie Axon.
“I see this as a mark of respect. We can pay our respects to everyone who has served. But most definitely to those who have fallen or have come home wounded,” said Axon.
It’s worth noting that the aforementioned displays aren’t the only way Australians are commemorating Remembrance Day. There will be a ton of veteran reunions and meetups taking place across this date.
For instance, at every RSL across the Australia there will be a moment of silence at 11:00am. This moment is to remember those who’ve served our country and those who are currently in our military.
Lest we forget.
Queensland’s Been Smashed With a Fourth COVID Wave
In other news, Queensland is now battling against its fourth wave of the COVID pandemic. Over the course of the past week, hospitalisation levels have more than doubled, with 205 people needing support. Since the beginning of October, around 21,761 new cases have been officially recorded.
“Queensland is entering a new wave, so our COVID-19 traffic light system will switch from green to amber from tomorrow on advice from the Chief Health Officer,” said the Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“It is recommended that we wear masks in healthcare settings, on public transport and rideshares, indoors where you cannot socially distance, if you’re older or at risk, and if you are around a vulnerable person.”
Queensland’s Health Minister, Yvette D’Ath, has been asking everybody to make sure that their booster shots are up-to-date. This is because being sufficiently vaxxed can save lives, prevent serious illness, and slow down the virus.
As D’Ath said, “For most people under 30, it means having three shots. If you’re 50 and over you need, for any person who hasn’t had their third or fourth dose and is eligible, to do so. I implore them to head down to the local GP or pharmacy and protect themselves.”
Related: Who Needs to Get The New Omicron Booster Vaccine
Related: No, You Shouldn’t Be Using Antibiotics to Treat COVID
VIC’s Young Australian of the Year Has Been Announced
Proud Gunaikurnai man, Darcy McGauley-Bartlett, has a story worth telling. This is because he was an A+ Aboriginal community liaison officer for the Victorian Police Force. During his time there, he helped alter policies to make sure that fewer First Nations folks entered the justice system.
Additionally, McGauley-Bartlett’s now running Victoria’s first Aboriginal Youth Cautioning Program. This scheme makes sure that when a young Indigenous person comes into contact with the justice system for the first time, they’re eligible for a caution.
Because of this brilliant work, McGauley-Bartlett has been named the Victorian Young Australian of the Year.
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