Methylmethcathinone passed off as plant food

A dangerous drug passed off as plant food is being used by Australians.

The relatively new psychoactive drug 4-methylmethcathinone also known as mephedrone is being imported into Australia.

4-methylmethcathinone is a stimulant that affects the human cardio system with several negative side affects including paranoia, anxiety and depression.

Due to the drugs recent popularity it isn’t listed on the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, or the Centre for Population Health.

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Banning potential pub weapons

There are concerns that makeshift weapons are being used against paramedics in pubs and clubs.

Kroy Day from the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union has expressed concerns that drunken patrons use pool cues and ashtrays when turning violent.

The General manager of the Chalk hotel in Wooloongabba Jason Titman is against the violence but believed that removing potential weapons is not the answer, rather the responsibility is on the individual.

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Saffron to treat eye disease

The herb saffron could be used to treat one of the commonest causes of vision loss in old age Age-related Macular Degeneration or AMD, say scientists from universities in Rome.

A trial was conducted using pills with concentrated amounts of saffron and found that the herb helped protect the eye from sunlight and was active in preventing genetic sight-related illnesses.

AMD affects a majority of the population as they age, and is a major cause of blindness in the elderly.

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Aussie charity fighting SE Asia trafficking

Australian charity Grey Man is launching its first mission to Thailand this year to save child sex slaves from southeast Asian brothels.

John Curtis, the president and founder of the Brisbane based charity said that the traffickers generally carry weapons and that the Thai police authorized his team to carry pistols.

A former Sydney policeman under the alias Tony arranged an undercover operation which resulted in two men being arrested, and a 10 and 14 year girl placed in the care of a British aid agency.

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Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month starts Monday

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month commences on the 1st of February. Alice Collins of Insight Communications said it is important for women to learn the symptoms of ovarian cancer, including abdominal pain, gastro-intestinal symptoms, and unexplained weight loss or gain.

Ms Collins said, “Contrary to popular belief, a pap smear does not detect the disease, nor is the disease silent. There are symptoms. We want to alert all women that they can take a proactive approach to ovarian cancer by learning the symptoms so they can recognise them, and then follow up with a GP or gynecologist.”

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Need for Aboriginal interpreters critical

A Port Augusta magistrate says that the court urgently requires full time Aboriginal interpreters.

The court system currently relies on a few casual employees, who are often unavailable or unable to attend court on short notice.

Magistrate Clive Kitchin says the lack of interpreters results in some Aboriginal defendents not receiving fair hearings and being kept in custody longer than required.

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Landy bins “creative failures”

British artist Michael Landy has transformed the South London art gallery into a giant bin for the disposal of artworks.

Michael Landy, famous for destroying over 7000 of his possessions in 2001, said he hopes the bin will gradually fill to become,“a monument to creative failure.”

The bin currently holds pieces both from unknown and famous artists, including Tracy Emin and Damien Hirst.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers Association

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers will be provided by the government $1.2 million dollars over three years to establish the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers Association.

The Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon said the nation’s 1,600 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers are a key part of the health workforce.

The association will provide advocacy, mentoring and support for indigenous health workers.

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Algester Community Centre

A4 Community Center is now open at Algester. In charge of the small foodbank Lorrie Heffernan said we’re all about helping pensioners and people with low incomes in need of a lot of food for a small amount of money.

There are a wide range of goods available including canned drinks, frozen goods, biscuits, pasta and some fresh bread.

The community center is located 36 Leroyd Road, Algester and is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays at 10.00am to 12pm.

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Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month commences on the 1st of February. Alice Collins of Insight Communications said its is important for women to learn the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

The symptoms include abdominal pain, gastro-intestinal symptoms, tiredness and appetite loss and unexplained weight loss or weight gain.

“Currently, there is no early detection screening test and contrary to popular belief, a Pap smear does not detect the disease. Nearly all sufferers of ovarian cancer have symptoms, and if they are detected in the early stages the majority of women will be alive and well after five years. Currently, 75% of sufferers are diagnosed in the advanced stages, when it is too late,” Alice Collins said.

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