08/ 04/ 2009
ZEDLINES

Federal parliament is conducting an inquiry into grocery stores accused of selling rotting groceries at exorbitant prices in towns across northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, largely in Indigenous communities.

A nurse in the Northern Territory says she paid $11 for off fruit and vegetables and out of date sour cream. While the Best Price Directory website shows on average tomatoes cost under a dollar and lettuce a maximum of $5.

Lockhart River community in Cape York says the high prices are due to transport costs.

The Federal Government’s National Broadband Network contract was going to a private company but now the majority of the share will be held by the Government itself and only part privately owned.

A sex education website aimed at 12-year-olds is getting a mixed reaction.

The Hormone Factory teaches students about sex, birth control and the perils of puberty.

The website has been not surprisingly, talked about on call-back radio, with many parents saying it isn’t age appropriate and is in bad taste.

Some claim the site is pro-abortion, as it says “termination can be very sad… but also a relief.”

But Family Planning Queensland are praising the Hormone Factory, saying it will help young people to talk about sex with parents.

Princess Theatre in Woolloongabba to be restored.

Used for church services, all-ages live music gigs and drama productions, management from Aisle 6 productions are keen to renovate the aging concert hall and realise its full potential as a major Brisbane venue.

Aisle 6 productions want to repair the interior and revamp the architectural features, making the Princess into a traditional-yet-new venue like The Tivoli or The Powerhouse.

The Princess features antique artwork, a high ceiling, plaster pillars and old red velvet curtains.

The Starlight Foundation is officially a victim of the global financial crisis, saying it won’t be able to grant as many wishes to sick children this year.

The Starlight Foundation is anticipating a $2 million drop in donations, after noting a drop in donating Australia-wide.

The foundation is hoping to not cancel granting wishes altogether, but rather delay them until a more financially viable time.

They’re also forced to cut back the opening hours in Starlight Express Rooms in paediatric hospitals and the Starlight Escapes program.

Donations can still be made to the Starlight Foundation through their website.

Reported by Ellie
Blogged by Emma