Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Detection Cameras are live, right across Queensland, and they don’t miss a trick. So, if you or your passengers aren’t wearing seatbelts or not wearing them properly, or if you’re using your phone illegally while driving, tough penalties apply.
You will also receive double demerits if you are caught again within 12 months. This means you could lose your licence. Is it worth it?
The penalties
Illegal mobile phone use and failing to wear a seatbelt contribute significantly to the number of lives lost and serious injuries on Queensland roads each year. Tough penalties apply.
“Yes I am Student” is a story which revolves around a boy who leaves his motherland and goes to another country in search of a better future. While trying to fit in another country as an immigrant he experiences a lot of difficulties incurred by people of the same background making it difficult for a newcomer. Still He overcomes all the odds to prove himself as an individual. Lastly, we try to convey a message to people from all ages to support each other as one, without any discrimination and help each other in need as their brothers and sisters.
If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B or hepatitis C these are some of the things you should know.
For Hepatitis B:
Unfortunately, at this time there is no Cure for Hepatitis B but there is effective treatment
Not everyone with the hepatitis B infection needs treatment but everyone needs regular check-ups by a doctor.
Treatment is prescribed either by a Liver or Infectious Disease Specialist or a GP who has undertaken specialised training to prescribe the medications. For a list of accredited GPs go to https://www.ashm.org.au/PrescriberListing/.
If you are prescribed medications for hepatitis B you will need to take it for the rest of your life.
Medication for hepatitis B reduces the amount of virus in your blood which helps reduce the risk of developing liver damage and liver cancer.
The two main treatments currently available in Australia are Entecavir and Tenofovir. Your doctor will discuss with you which is most appropriate for you based on your full health assessment.
Any person who usually takes the Brand name medication called “Baraclude (entecavir)” should know that this Brand is no longer available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
You will be given generic brand medications with the same effectiveness.
For Hepatitis C:
There is a cure for hepatitis C for any person diagnosed with hepatitis C in Australia.
The medications are highly subsidised by the Australian Government for Medicare Card holders.
The two main medications currently available are Epclusa (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir) and Maviret (Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir).
These medications are highly effective and treatment is for either 12 or 8 weeks. The medication prescribed will depend on your individual health assessment by your doctor.
Some people may need to be referred to a Liver or Infectious Diseases Specialist – your GP will let you know if this is required.
You will need a blood test 3 months after completing the treatment so you can find out if you are cured.
If you have any questions or concerns about the medications that you are taking you should talk to your doctor.
If you have never been or don’t know if you have ever been tested for hepatitis B or hepatitis C you should ask your doctor for a specific hepatitis B or hepatitis C blood test to check. There are many people living in Australia who are undiagnosed and could be at risk of liver damage, liver cancer and even death that could be prevented with appropriate management and treatment.
ECCQ’s Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program provides free Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and STIs information, resources and support in different languages. Please contact us at:
OPEN FOR WORLDWIDE REGISTRATION 11– 16 NOVEMBER 2021
The 3rd Asia Pacific Screen Forum, presented from Australia’s Gold Coast, honours cinematic excellence and inspires new connections, generating discussion and new models for filmmaking across Asia Pacific.
Presented as both a physical and globally streamed event, the Forum’s theme TheInfluence Of Production On Story is explored via a series of panels, in conversations and case studies. Open to the screen industry and featuring APSA Jury, nominees and Academy Members, the 6-day event is designed to spark lively screen culture discussions with themes of inclusion, accessibility, authenticity, excellence in craft, and connection.
With Jack Thompson AM PhD as President of the Academy, the event is presented by the Asia Pacific Screen Awards’ prestigious Academy of filmmakers, one of the largest and most diverse film Academies in the world.
Bringing together the most extraordinary talent, the 2021 Asia Pacific Screen Forum has grown in its 3rd year. Officially opening on Thursday November 11 with the gala Asia Pacific Screen Awards to be held at HOTA on the Gold Coast, Australia, the Forum sessions will commence on Friday November 12 with a program of three significant panel discussions featuring some of the most influential leaders in their field, and encompassing some of the biggest issues faced by the storytellers of Asia Pacific and beyond.
Covering the politics and logistical challenges of filming in politically unsafe environments, the Filmmaking in Hostile Environmentspanel will bemoderated by Professor Peter Greste (award-winning correspondent and author, The First Casualty) with panel guests Granaz Moussavi(Iranian born and Australian based Director/Producer of When Pomegranates Howl set in Afghanistanand nominated for APSA 2021 Best Youth Feature Film), Shawkat Amin Korki (Director of Iraq’s Official Academy Awards® Submission for Memories on Stone (2014) & Winner of the APSA 2014 UNESCO Award), Rachel Leah Jones (Winner of APSA 2019 Best Documentary Feature for Advocate) and Sam Ho (Member of the APSA Youth, Animation, Documentary International Jury in 2015).
First and second-time directors represent almost half of the APSA nominated films for 2021 and Reel Connections featuring keynote speaker Yeo Siew Hua, (winner of the 2018 APSA Young Cinema Award for his Locarno winningfilmA Land Imagined) is an offering for like-minded emerging filmmakers to share ideas, stories and experiences.
Meet the Sales Agents connects filmmakers to the deal makers! Hear from Paul Wiegard (Madman Entertainment Managing Director, Exec Producer Nitram), Pearl Chan (Good Move Media), and Alberto Alvarez Aguilera (Pyramide Films).
Exploring informal and formal co-production strategies, theCreativity and Financing panel discussion is steered by some of the best producers in the region including Nick Batzias, with a background in acquisitions, business affairs and production and producer of Nitram (Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor APSA 2021), andMeiske Taurisia the producer ofVengeance Is Mine, All Others Pay Cash (Nominated for Achievement in Cinematography APSA 2021).
Exploring themes of representation, accessibility and authenticity, the Maintaining Authenticity In Production panel representatives hail from a diverse and esteemed background. Writer/director of Fiji’s first feature film The Land Has Eyes, and specialist in indigenous storytelling, art and cultural identity, Vilsoni Herenikowill be joined byAna Tiwary ofindiVisual films who specialises in multicultural stories for global audiences as well as acclaimed filmmaker Tran Anh Hung. This panel will explore how to navigate the demands of production to deliver authentic stories in cultural and diaspora film.
Join Man Booker International Prize Nominee Eka Kurniawan (Vengeance is Mine, All Others Pay Cash)whodiscusses the process of development for writing, direction and producing From Page To Screen: Adaptations for Film. Eka is joined by the multi-talented Leah Purcell(Writer/Director and APSA 2021 Best Actress nominee for The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson) and one of New Zealand’s most celebrated writers Briar Grace-Smith (Director – Cousins).
These events add to the previously announced powerhouse lineup of events featuring Palme d’Or and APSA Best Film winner Apichatpong Weerasethakul, together with APSA FIAPF Award winning producer at the forefront of the Thai independent cinema movement, Soros Sukhum, a Conversation with Jeremy Chua (Singapore) andBina Paul (India), plus a stacked global line-up for the popular Meet the Programmers session. Additionally, global personalised networking is made available via Random Connections which is a virtual replication of the all-important networking and connections achieved by attending festivals, awards and screen events where chance meetings can result in creative collaboration, knowledge transfer and support.
The week-long series of events will be accessible online to participants right across the vast region as well as in person at Home of the Arts (HOTA) on the Gold Coast. The events will take place November 11-16 in the lead up to the previously announced Award Presentation on the evening of Thursday, November 11.
A screening program will complement the Forum with both industry and public able to attend advance screenings of Cannes Jury Prize winner Memoria (starring Tilda Swinton and directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul), Rehana (starring Azmeri Haque Badhon – Best Performance by an Actress) &A Land Imagined (APSA 2018 Winner Young Cinema Award – Siew Hua Yeo).
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says “The Asia Pacific Screen Forum underscores our city’s commitment to this global industry.”
Chair of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy Tracey Vieira:
“The Asia Pacific Screen Forum has grown from strength to strength, embracing the need to increase support for the filmmakers of Asia Pacific with more opportunities to connect, network, learn and develop. We have crafted an event rich in talent and diversity, with over 30 expert industry speakers from 17 countries and areas of Asia Pacific and beyond.
The opportunity for screenmakers to hear from some of the world’s top decision-makers for festivals, sales agents, broadcasters and distributors provides unprecedented access to these gate-keepers to reach an audience, and provides an insight into how these decisions are made.
APSA continues to identify, support and amplify the careers of emerging storytellers throughout Asia Pacific, with 18 of the 38 nominated films by first or second feature directors, and the annual presentation of the Young Cinema Award in partnership with NETPAC and GFS. The Forum presents specially crafted events to speak directly to these emerging voices.
The Asia Pacific Screen Academy is thrilled to present the 3rd Asia Pacific Screen Forum, and we invite the participation of filmmakers across the region and beyond to join us in November.”
Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich:
“Each year, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards shines a light on inspirational talent from the region, including Queensland’s diverse and creative local content creators. As host for the Awards and the Forum, our state is positioned as an important screen hub for the wider Asia Pacific region. Screen Queensland is proud of our ongoing support of the event, which allows Queensland practitioners to connect and collaborate with industry counterparts from across the Asia Pacific.”
The Forum is presented by the Asia Pacific Screen Academy, with the support of the City Of Gold Coast, Screen Queensland, Netflix, Motion Picture Association, Griffith University Griffith Film School.
ABOUT THE ASIA PACIFIC SCREEN AWARDS & ASIA PACIFIC SCREEN ACADEMY
The Asia Pacific Screen Academy proudly presents the region’s highest accolade in film, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Established in 2007, APSA ignites and honours the cinematic excellence and cultural diversity of the world’s fastest growing film region: comprising 70 countries and areas, 4.5 billion people, and responsible for half of the world’s film output.
APSA and its Academy is committed to its ongoing global partnerships with UNESCO, FIAPF, the European Film Academy (EFA), the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Premios Platino del Cine Iberoamericano, NETPAC (the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema), the Asia Pacific Screen Lab (APSL) and Griffith Film School.
All APSA nominees, Nominations Councils Jury members are inducted into the prestigious APSA Academy presided over by Australian screen legend Jack Thompson AM PhD. The Academy boasts over 1300 of the region’s leading filmmakers and provides exclusive networking, development and funding opportunities available to Academy members through the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund, and Academy mentoring opportunities for the next generation of Asia Pacific filmmakers through the Asia Pacific Screen Lab.
Kairali Brisbane Inc is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious community and cultural organization, established by Malayalees in Queensland. It is a voluntary organization established to enable its members both individually and corporately to preserve, promote the culture and traditions of Kerala and the Malayalam language. The Association values the unique heritage of the members ancestral links, cultural and traditional ties with Kerala, India.
Kairali Brisbane celebrated Onam festival on 11th September 2021 which is a symbol of King Mahabali’s annual homecoming. In Kerala, it is believed that King Mahabali’s reign was the most prosperous time for the state.
The event held at Unidus community centre was a testament to the hard work of the committee in the deliverance of such a high standard function. From the outset, one could feel the vibrancy and the welcoming nature of the event organizers. From registration to seating everything was managed professionally. As per the COVID19 restrictions, limited numbers of patrons could be served lunch at a time and that was managed by color-coding the tickets.
The traditional meal (Onam Sadhya) was served in its true manner and the service by the committee members was second to none and the food was in plentiful.
Overall, a highly successful event very professionally organized and managed.
Kairali Brisbane extends their sincere thanks to Satheesh, Kairali Brisbane’s Maveli 2021-22. They also thanked Roby J Thomas for the beautiful make up of Maveli.
KARAWATHA, on Saturday September 18th, the Islamic Council of Queensland organized their 3rd citizenship ceremony at the Islamic college of Brisbane in Karawatha.
The function began with the welcome address by Habib Jamal President of the Islamic Council of Queensland. Aunty Betty McGrady from Logan elders and Queensland Multicultural Council did the formal acknowledgement to country and paid respect to elders past, present, and emerging.
Jim Chalmers MP Federal Member of Rankin was the presiding officer and he congratulated the new citizens and thanked Islamic Council of Queensland for facilitating the citizenship ceremony.
A message from Hon. Alex Hawke MP Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrants Services and Multicultural Affairs was read. This citizenship pledge was taken by both oath and affirmation.
On behalf of new citizens, Zahra Abdul Qayum delivered a speech thanking Australian government and the organizers of the citizenship ceremony.
The new citizens were asked to open the certificates signifying the handing of the certificates to them. As due to COVID19 all individual’s recipient could not be called upon the stage. After the ceremony the voluntary Australian Citizenship Affirmation was conducted. The affirmation reads, “As an Australian citizen I affirm my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey”.
The event concluded with the refreshment being served to new citizens and invited dignitaries.
BRISBANE Rotary Club of Brisbane International (RCBI) presented another blockbuster full house of enjoyable, thrilling and exciting evening on Saturday 4th September at the Unidus Community Centre. Dubbed as Bulawood, typically a fusion of Pacific Island culture and vibes, had over 320 guests making the most of the relaxed COVID-19 restrictions in Queensland. Being the flagship fundraiser of the club for the year, the community is guaranteed to support our planned International project ‘Project Tatana’ as the major beneficiary of the profits. Project Tatana is the brainchild and ‘My Why’ project of club member Sabi Koregai. A fully equipped library with two computers will see students of Tatana village in PNG build on their educational resources leading to better educational outcomes.
An event of this magnitude also supports various other local projects that continuously require injection of funds from the club to continue to make a difference in the lives of people. The evening indulged in a fusion of traditional PNG performance, Fijian Meke – a dance and Lovo or ‘Hungi’- food, fused with energetic and exhilarating Bollywood performance and sumptuous Indian cuisine. Of course, like in previous years, the performance by members was superbly choreographed by member Neelam Naidu. Well done event of Rotary Club of Brisbane International!
We are forever thankful to the wider community for embracing our club events and coming out in large supporting in whatever way it can. If you have missed out on this event be sure to follow our Facebook page (@turningconversationsintoactions) to know more about our next event.
Event Chairperson: Abdul Azam, Club President: Subhashni Singh
BRISBANE celebrated the first anniversary of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (“IA-CEPA”), Brisbane Indian Time and Australian Indian Radio had attended the inaugural of IndOz Business Conference with the other businesses and government representatives from all over Australia and Indonesia. It was held in Brisbane on Thursday, 16 September 2021.
IndOz Business Conference was established following the success of IndOz Festival and IndOz Business Networking Dinner, which is the most prestigious Indonesian event in Australia since 2013. IndOz Business Conference was the first Indonesia-Australia hybrid conference and was the true reflection of a more collaborative relationship between Indonesia and Australia. The Conference has provided an opportunity to learn from key players in Indonesia-Australia space, benefited from IA-CEPA, practical ways to enter into the “next door” market and most importantly to build a valuable network. Notable speakers included representatives from both Indonesian and Australian government representatives and business leaders who have successfully established their businesses in the neighbouring market.
The format of the Conference was hybrid, facilitated the participation from Indonesian Government as well as to allow Indonesian businesses to participate in the conference. Participants in Australia were encouraged to attend and network in person in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, which is also known as the Sunshine State.
BRISBANE, Vedanta Centre of Sydney Brisbane Chapter hosted their 17th annual function on Saturday, October 3rd, 2021 at Coorparoo Secondary School. The function began with the traditional Karela drums by Chenda Melam, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by invited dignitaries.
The formal acknowledgement to country was conducted by Uncle Steve C Coghill, an indigenous elder who compared the customs and traditions of Indian community to that his own indigenous community.
Dr Ashim Majumdar vice president delivered his formal welcome speech and highlighted the activities of Vedanta Centre of Sydney Brisbane Chapter. He appreciated the support of the community and volunteers in the day to day activities of the centre.
Hon. Leanne Linard MP, Minister Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs could not be present but sent a message of congratulations and appreciations to the centre.
The highlight of the event was a keynote address by Swami Sridharananda by a video link. He mentioned how he missed being here in person due to COVID restrictions. His message was on the oneness of society, oneness of religion, and the true meaning of multicultural society. A very powerful message delivered with divine conviction.
Senator Paul Scarr, senator for Queensland spoke highly of the centre and showed his appreciation for the work done by all volunteers and devotees under the guidance of Swami Atmeshananda. He mentioned that being based in Springfield he has got to know the centre very well and appreciates the work done specially in the field of community unity.
Mrs Archana Singh, Honorary Consul for India in Queensland thanked Uncle Steve C Coghill for his wonderful welcome to country and for his comparison on the synergies of Indian and Indigenous communities. She showed her appreciations for all the stage items and made a special mention for the play done by Bala Sangha and Yuva Sangha as it was reflective of current conditions and also in tune with the philosophies of Vedanta.
The stage items included Bharatanatyam dance by students of Nadananjali School of Dance, a powerful skit by Bala Sangha and Yuva Sangha based on the problems with COVID19. Taking everyone to another level with his high pitch singing and audience interactions was Tenzin Choegyal a Tibetan singer and song writer. The Thai culture and language school performed a delightful and melodies traditional Thai dance. From the latin culture Danza Flamenca duo performed foot tapping numbers. The cultural performance finished off with Thiruvathira Kali.
Dr Unnikrishnan Nair moved vote of thanks for the known and unknown behind the scene workers. Overall, a very well planned and presented program.
From registration to seating everything was managed professionally. As per the COVID19 restrictions, limited numbers of patrons could be served lunch at a time and that was managed by color-coding the tickets.
IndOz Business Conference was established following the success of IndOz Festival and IndOz Business Networking Dinner, which is the most prestigious Indonesian event in Australia since 2013. IndOz Business Conference was the first Indonesia-Australia hybrid conference and was the true reflection of a more collaborative relationship between Indonesia and Australia. 
The Conference has provided an opportunity to learn from key players in Indonesia-Australia space, benefited from IA-CEPA, practical ways to enter into the “next door” market and most importantly to build a valuable network. Notable speakers included representatives from both Indonesian and Australian government representatives and business leaders who have successfully established their businesses in the neighbouring market.
The format of the Conference was hybrid, facilitated the participation from Indonesian Government as well as to allow Indonesian businesses to participate in the conference. Participants in Australia were encouraged to attend and network in person in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, which is also known as the Sunshine State.
BRISBANE, Vedanta Centre of Sydney Brisbane Chapter hosted their 17th annual function on Saturday, October 3rd, 2021 at Coorparoo Secondary School. The function began with the traditional Karela drums by Chenda Melam, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by invited dignitaries.
Dr Ashim Majumdar vice president delivered his formal welcome speech and highlighted the activities of Vedanta Centre of Sydney Brisbane Chapter. He appreciated the support of the community and volunteers in the day to day activities of the centre.
Senator Paul Scarr, senator for Queensland spoke highly of the centre and showed his appreciation for the work done by all volunteers and devotees under the guidance of Swami Atmeshananda. He mentioned that being based in Springfield he has got to know the centre very well and appreciates the work done specially in the field of community unity.
The stage items included Bharatanatyam dance by students of Nadananjali School of Dance, a powerful skit by Bala Sangha and Yuva Sangha based on the problems with COVID19. Taking everyone to another level with his high pitch singing and audience interactions was Tenzin Choegyal a Tibetan singer and song writer. The Thai culture and language school performed a delightful and melodies traditional Thai dance. From the latin culture Danza Flamenca duo performed foot tapping numbers. The cultural performance finished off with Thiruvathira Kali.