FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enovix Corporation (“Enovix”) (NASDAQ: ENVX), a global high-performance battery company, today announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 10,416,667 shares of its common stock for total gross proceeds of $100 million before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by Enovix. The offering is expected to close on November 1, 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. All of the shares of common stock in the offering will be sold by Enovix.
Enovix has granted the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,562,500 shares of its common stock offered in the public offering, at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.
Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering.
The underwriter may offer the shares from time to time for sale in one or more transactions on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, in the over-the-counter market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
Enovix intends to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with its existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, for general corporate purposes, and for working capital and capital expenses to achieve high-volume manufacturing at its high-volume production facility “Fab2” in Penang, Malaysia.
The securities described above are being offered by Enovix pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3, including a base prospectus, that was filed on August 9, 2023 and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 18, 2023. The offering is being made only by means of a written prospectus and prospectus supplement that form a part of the registration statement. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering were filed with the SEC and are available on the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering, when available, may also be obtained from Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Attention: Capital Markets, 110 East 59th Street, 6th Floor, or by email at prospectus@cantor.com.
This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification thereof under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About Enovix
Enovix is on a mission to deliver high-performance batteries that unlock the full potential of technology products. Everything from IoT, mobile, and computing devices, to the vehicle you drive, needs a better battery. Enovix partners with OEMs worldwide to usher in a new era of user experiences. Our innovative, materials-agnostic approach to building a higher performing battery without compromising safety keeps us flexible and on the cutting-edge of battery technology innovation.
Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding Enovix’s anticipated public offering. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “achieve,” “intend,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “seek,” “predict,” “future,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “target” and similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.
Any forward-looking statements in this press release, such as the intended offering terms, are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, uncertainties related to market conditions, the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all and satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the proposed offering. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in greater detail in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Enovix’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024. In addition, any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent the Enovix’s views only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Enovix explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Enovix Corporation Robert Lahey Email: ir@enovix.com
November is the 200th anniversary of the Great Gale of 1824. It killed nearly 100 people and destroyed villages along the south coast of England.
There is a free public exhibition about the impacts of the Great Gale on the Dorset coast.
The Environment Agency, Dorset Coast Forum and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council are raising awareness of extreme weather and flooding as they mark the 200th anniversary of the 1824 Great Gale.
On the night of 22 November 1824, a devastating storm struck England’s south coast and raged for two days. Winds reached hurricane force, with gusts exceeding 100 mph, causing widespread damage. Houses were severely flooded, whole villages destroyed, ships lost at sea and nearly 100 people were tragically killed.
Trail of destruction
The Dorset coast was hardest hit, but the storm’s impact stretched from Land’s End to Dover. Inland communities did not escape devastation from wind damage and it took many years for affected communities to recover.
At Plymouth, the storm sunk 22 vessels and swept away over 200,000 tons of stone from the city’s new breakwater which was under construction. While, at Abbotsbury, seawater surged over Chesil Beach, reaching astonishing depths of up to 6.9 metres.
Watch our animation about the Great Gale’s trail of destruction Great Gale of 1824.
Rare combination created Dorset’s worst storm
The Great Gale, considered the most destructive storm ever to strike the Dorset coastline, was caused by a rare combination of factors. Hurricane force winds, spring high tides, extreme low pressure and towering waves created unprecedented conditions for the storm. Its severity was so extreme it is estimated to have a 1 in 10,000 chance of recurring each year.
Recent events like Storm Boris in Europe, Typhoon Yagi in Asia and Hurricanes Helene and Milton in North America highlight the ongoing threat of severe weather – and, as climate change increases the energy driving these storms, the importance of being prepared.
How to prepare for extreme weather
This post is nearly 7m high and shows the 1824 storm’s high water mark which reached 22ft 8in at the Swannery, Abbotsbury, Dorset.
Andrea Summers, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk manager for Wessex, said:
As we remember those who tragically lost their lives 200 years ago, this anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the devastating impact flooding can have on communities.
Needless to say, we are much more resilient now than we were then, with major innovations in forecasting, warning and defence systems. But our climate is changing, sea levels are rising and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.
The Environment Agency is investing to better protect people from flooding and extreme weather. The £200m Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes is working in partnership with local authorities nationwide to develop, test and implement innovative ways of improving resilience and adapting to the impacts of flooding, coastal erosion and climate change.
Additionally, the new Floods Resilience Taskforce is driving government efforts to accelerate the development of flood defences and bolster the nation’s resilience to extreme weather events.
How to see The Great Gale of 1824 exhibition
As part of the bicentenary commemorations, the Environment Agency has worked with Dorset Coast Forum and BCP Council to bring together a free public exhibition to explore the impacts the Great Gale left on the Dorset Coast. For more information, including dates and venues, please visit the Dorset Coast Forum website.
Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association
Headline: Media Release: Australia wins bid to host 2026 global carbon capture conference – Australian Energy Producers
The Australian oil and gas sector’s leadership in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) – a key emissions reductions technology – is set to be showcased on the world stage.
Australian Energy Producers is pleased to announce it will co-host the world’s leading CCUS conference in Perth in 2026, in partnership with the CSIRO, CO2CRC and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
The Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies (GHGT) Conference, run by the IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme, brings together over 1,000 CCUS researchers, industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss and share the latest developments with the technology.
Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said Australia’s selection to host GHGT-18 reinforced its standing as a global leader in CCUS research, development and deployment.
“Australia has two of the largest carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects operating globally – Chevron’s Gorgon Project and the Santos and Beach Energy joint venture Moomba Project,” she said.
“These projects are today storing emissions equivalent to taking one million cars off the road each year.
“CCUS is a key technology in efforts to reach net zero in Australia and the region.
“The International Energy Agency, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and CSIRO have all found that there is no pathway to net zero without CCUS.”
The 2026 event will be the third time Australia has hosted the global conference, having hosted it in Cairns in 2000 and Melbourne in 2018.
The announcement last week in Canada during the closing session of GHGT-17 coincided with a major CCUS milestone for Australia, with the Moomba CCS Project achieving first injection and full ramp up.
“Australia has a comparative advantage in CCUS, with world class geology, industry experience, and strong links with regional trading partners looking to collaborate on CCUS,” Ms McCulloch said.
“Scaling up CCUS is an opportunity to not just reduce emissions but also create new jobs and attract new investment.”
Australia’s hosting of the conference is supported by Business Events Perth, reflecting the opportunity for GHGT-18 to amplify Western Australia’s global standing as a premier destination for impactful global events.
As a three-day fact-finding mission from a group of Pacific leaders drew to a close in New Caledonia, and with the outcomes report not expected before next year, the visit to the riot-hit French Pacific territory seems to have triggered a new sense of awareness locally about the values of Pacific regional mechanisms of “talanoa” embodied by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
Local President Louis Mapou stressed on several occasions during the visit that New Caledonia’s situation was the “subject of much attention” in the Pacific region.
He suggested that one of the reasons for this could be because of a potential “spillover” effect that could “jeopardise cohesion in the Pacific”.
However, Mapou also stressed that he had received the message conveyed by the PIF “Troika-Plus” group that “they’re ready to take part in [New Caledonia’s] reconstruction”.
‘New Caledonia’s regional integration in its region’ Mapou said that one of the recurrent themes during the PIF visit was “New Caledonia’s regional integration in its region”.
“Whatever might be said, in many ways, New Caledonia does not know its [Pacific] region very well. Because it has this affiliation relationship to Europe and France that has prevailed over all these years,” he told local media.
“So, in a certain way, we’re just discovering our region. And in this process, the Pacific Islands Forum could bring a sort of leverage,” he said.
Kanaky New Caledonia, as well as French Polynesia — both French Pacific entities — became full members of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2016, after several years of “associate members” status.
Mapou said New Caledonia’s current status vis-à-vis France was mentioned during talks with the PIF mission.
“I spoke with them about obstacles that should be removed, that are directly related to our current status. This is part of topics on which we should be working in future,” he said.
“They’re very open-minded, they don’t have any preconceived ideas, they’re happy to talk equally about the concepts of independence, just as they are for keeping [New Caledonia] within the French Republic,” he revealed.
One of the unexpected outcomes, beyond the specific fact-finding mission that brought this PIF “Troika-Plus” leaders’ delegation to New Caledonia, seems to have underlined the values of regionalism, as well as New Caledonia’s long-awaited and genuine integration in its “regional environment”.
These values seem to have been recognised by all sides of New Caledonia’s political spectrum, as well as all walks of life within the civil, economic, educational and religious society.
PIF’s “Troika-Plus” leaders meet with Southern Province President Sonia Backès (third from left) at SPC headquarters last Monday. Image: PIF/RNZ Pacific
Pacific diversity in status During the past few days, informal exchanges with the Pacific leaders have also allowed New Caledonia’s authorities to share and compare possible ways forward regarding the territory’s political status.
“They readily exchanged their own experiences with our government. The Cook Islands, which is a self-governing state in ‘free association’ with New Zealand; Tonga, which has never been colonised; and the Solomon Islands, who have also undergone inter-ethnic conflicts and where the young population was also involved. And Fiji, which obtained independence (in 1970), had decided to withdraw from the Commonwealth and is finally re-discussing its link with Great Britain,” Mapou briefed local media on Tuesday.
The leaders spent three days (October 27-29) in the French Pacific territory to gather information on the ground, after destructive riots broke out in May, resulting in 13 deaths and extensive economic damage estimated at €2.2 billion.
During the three days, the PIF leaders met a wide range of political, business, religious, and civil society leaders to get a first-hand account of the situation.
On Tuesday, the “plus” component of the troika, Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, reiterated the mission’s assigned mantra in a manner of conclusion to their mission.
“We were here to understand and make recommendations. We have heard many extremely different attitudes. We hope it will be possible to find a solution for the people and the government,” Rabuka told religious leaders.
Bitterness from civil society The long series of talks, within a particularly tight schedule, also allowed groups within New Caledonia’s civil society — including traditional chiefs, youth, human rights activists, educationists, mayors and women — to express their views directly during the Pacific leaders’ visit.
Some of these groups also took the opportunity to point out that they were not always listened to in other circumstances.
“Today, peace has just been through a rough episode. And we, women, are being asked to help. But when was the last time we were heard?
“We’ve already said women should be part of all levels of decision-making, including on matters of dealing with violence and access for women to economic empowerment.
“We were ignored. And then, when fire breaks out, we’re being asked for help because this is the foundation of Pacific values,” said Sonia Tonga, the president of the Oceania Union of Francophone Women, which groups women’s groups from New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis-and-Futuna and Vanuatu.
Talking about the youth, she said there was an “ill-being”, “they don’t recognise themselves in this system, including for education. We’re trying to fit an Oceanian society into a framework that has not been designed for them.
“When will we be heard in our country?”.
As part of talks with church leaders, it was also pointed out that there were benefits from sharing experiences with Pacific leaders.
“I’ve been many times in Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and other Pacific islands. They too have had their hard times.
“And they too are familiar with the experience of violence which is difficult to bring back to a path of dialogue,” said 80-year-old Nouméa Catholic Archbishop Michel-Marie Calvet, a respected figure.
In terms of earlier crises in the Pacific region, among PIF member island states, in the early 2000s, civil unrest occurred in both Fiji and the Solomon Islands, with shops being targeted and looted.
Under Pacific Islands Forum mechanisms, especially the declaration of Biketawa, this prompted in 2003 the setting up of “RAMSI” (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands), with mostly Australia and New Zealand military and police as its main contributors, with additional input from other Pacific island countries.
In Fiji, the mission to defuse the crisis, associated with an attempted coup and a MPs hostage situation within Parliament buildings in May 2000, was mainly achieved by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) through protracted negotiations and without violence.
Forum “Troika-Plus” leaders in New Caledonia conducting a fact-finding mission to assess the situation on ground. Image: X /@ForumSEC/RNZ Pacific
Supporting Pacific dialogue In the political sphere, there was a recognition of the benefits of a Pacific perspective.
“There is a Pacific tradition of dialogue and talanoa. So, I think [the PIF leaders] can invite pro-independence parties to come to the [negotiating] table,” said New Caledonia’s Mayors’ Association president Pascal Vittori.
“We’re actually expecting PIF will back this notion of dialogue — that’s what’s important now,” he told local media.
Sonia Backès, one of the staunchest defenders of New Caledonia remaining part of France, told reporters on Monday: “We didn’t ask for this [mission]. Now we’re waiting for this (troika) report based on their observing mission.
“We all know that there are biased views on the part of some, one way or the other.
“So we hope the final report will be as fair and neutral as possible so as not to add fuel to the fire.”
Following their visit to New Caledonia and based on the information gathered, the Forum “Troika-Plus” leaders are expected to compile a “comprehensive report” to be submitted to the next annual Forum Leaders’ Summit in the Solomon Islands in 2025.
“The terms of reference of this mission were discussed beforehand between the government of New Caledonia, the Pacific Islands Forum and the (French) State. We all agreed that what was most important was to have an assessment of the situation.
“There is a need to provide information to the public so that it is an informed opinion leader. It’s important in those times of misinformation and manipulation from one side or the other,” French ambassador for the Pacific Véronique Roger-Lacan told public broadcaster NC la 1ère TV on Tuesday evening.
Business sector now needs Pacific market overtures Even the business sector now seems to believe that, as a result of the widespread destruction caused by the riots, which has left more than 800 companies burnt down and looted, as well as thousands jobless, the wider Pacific region has now become a new potentially attractive market.
“Our local market has just shrunk considerably and so we will need to find new openings for our products. In that perspective, our cooperation with the Pacific is very, very strategic”, said business leaders association MEDEF-NC president Mimsy Daly.
She had once again presented a detailed view of the widespread devastation caused by the recent riots and those who took part.
“‘Were they aware of what they were doing?’ is one of the questions I was asked,” she wrote on social networks after her encounter with the “Troika-Plus”.
“A logical question when you know that what has been destroyed equals about 70 percent of the GDP of the Cook Islands, 100 percent of the GDP of the Solomon Islands and 40 percent of the GDP of Fiji.”
But she admitted the response to this complex question was “primordial” and “every light will have to be shed on the matter”.
In a wrap-up of the three days, President Mapou held a final meeting with the group on Tuesday.
Wide circle of ‘concertation’ needed French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, after a final meeting with the delegation, said: “They have come here to seek the profound causes of what happened on May 13. They have been listening very closely.
“I understand their view is that a wide circle of concertation [cooperation] will be required to reach an agreement,” he said.
He elaborated, saying that the Pacific Forum leaders seemed to place a lot of hope in the notions of “trust”, the “necessity of living together” and the PIF’s “will to help, while saying that, at the same time, the solution lies in the hands of New Caledonia”.
French President Macron (right) with New Caledonia’s President Louis Mapou (left) and former New Caledonia Congress President Roch Wamytan (centre) earlier this year. Image: RNZ Pacific
Next: another ‘concertation and dialogue’ mission Following the PIF “Troika-Plus” mission, another visit is expected in New Caledonia in the next few days — this time coming from Paris.
This new high-level visit will be headed by the presidents of both houses of Parliament in France (Senate and National Assembly), respectively Gérard Larcher and Yaël Braun-Pivet, from November 9-14.
They will lead what is described as a “mission of concertation and dialogue”.
The dates come as a top-level meeting took place last week, presided by French Head of State Emmanuel Macron and attended by French minister for Overseas François-Noël Buffet (who had just returned from New Caledonia), French PM Barnier, Larcher and Braun-Pivet.
The objective, once again, was to reinforce the signal that the time had come to resume political dialogue.
Macron indicated earlier that he still intended to host a meeting in Paris sometime in November.
Buffet was also in New Caledonia earlier this month for four days to assess the situation and try to restore a path to dialogue between all political stakeholders, both pro-independence and pro-France.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Two decades ago, the fight against climate change was often framed as a personal choice. You might try to reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding flights or change your buying habits to avoid meat or reduce plastic.
But this approach lost popularity, as it shifted responsibility from producer to consumer. The carbon footprint, for instance, was famously popularised by oil company BP. In 2008, well-known American climate activist Bill McKibben pointed out the impotence of individual action without collective action.
Behavioural researchers also began finding a seeming paradox – many of us expressed strong interest in taking individual action on climate, but our actual behaviours barely changed.
Much focus shifted to top-down efforts such as government incentives for clean energy and commitments at a national level to cut emissions.
But there is still a role for individuals – especially around demonstrating what clean alternatives actually look like. For instance, the more solar panels are installed on rooftops in your neighbourhood, the more likely you are to consider it. This neighbourhood effect also affects uptake of electric vehicles and e-bikes. This is especially important if we are to see clean alternatives go mainstream rather than stop at a small fraction of the population.
Of course, individual actions can only go so far. As our research on sustainable consumption has shown, individual actions can be magnified with a backdrop of institutional support.
The neighbourhood effect has influence on solar and electric vehicle uptake. zstock/Shutterstock
What we say and what we do
Humans are complicated. We often say we want to make greener choices – but in reality, we act differently.
Individual climate action sounds great in theory. If many of us chose electric vehicles or bikes, installed solar panels and built energy efficient houses, our actions in aggregate could contribute to wider emissions goals. Then there are choices such as reducing dairy and meat, installing LED lights and buying produce with less packaging.
Everyday actions can contribute too, such as washing clothes in cold water, avoiding putting aircon too low or heating too high, and wearing extra layers of clothes. Recycling, repairing and reusing offer us still more methods to extend the life of our products, reduce waste and save money.
Yet it turns out the reality of individual action on climate is much more complicated – because we are complicated.
When surveyed, a majority of us say we want green, sustainable products. But when we go to the shops, we often don’t actually buy them. My colleagues and I have dubbed this the “Janus faced” consumer phenomenon – we often say one thing but do another.
Why might that be? One reason is many consumers believe green products – whether electric cars or detergents – will perform worse. Green products are also perceived to be more expensive and inconvenient to use.
Then there’s the question of virtue signalling. This is a phenomenon where consumers purchase highly visible green products primarily to signal they’re a person who cares about the environment without necessarily doing so.
Some of these challenges are being overcome. It’s hard to write off modern electric cars as inferior when they can accelerate faster and run much cheaper than fossil fuel cars. While early adopters of solar might once have been seen as virtue-signallers, the main reason Australian households go solar is to save money on the power bill, according to a CSIRO survey.
Individual action can only go so far. For individual action to create sustained impact, it needs supportive policies and institutional backing.
For instance, a 2023 report found many Australian clean energy organisations would like to re-use solar panels for community projects or as a low-cost option for households. This makes sense, given used solar panels are often 80% as good as new ones.
But for consumers to actually act on this, they need institutional scaffolding. If you’re going to buy used solar, you want to make sure they are in good condition. Without a certification process, their willingness will come to nothing.
While many of us say we would consider buying an electric vehicle, the uptake is constrained by things outside our control such as whether there are enough public chargers in cities and rural areas.
You can see the importance of institutional backing clearly in transport. The Melbourne-Sydney flight path is the fifth busiest in the world. That’s because there are no fast green alternatives. If there was high-speed rail as in China or Japan, many of us would choose to avoid the emissions caused by flying. But it doesn’t exist (yet), so our individual choices are curtailed.
Which way forward?
As climate change intensifies, more and more of us say we are willing to act on our beliefs and concerns on an individual level. Even better, more of us are actually doing what we say we will.
Not everywhere, of course. For many Australians, switching from petrol to electric might be easier than giving up meat or a flight to Japan. But some progress is better than none.
This groundswell is encouraging. But our individual efforts can only go so far. To make the most of it, we need institutional scaffolding. Australia has world-beating rooftop solar uptake because state and federal governments used subsidies and incentives to make the emerging technology cheaper. With incentives on offer, millions of us made individual choices to take it up.
We are more than consumers, of course. Our power as individuals isn’t limited to choosing specific products. As citizens, we can push for our governments to provide the essential scaffolding we need to make greener choices.
Sukhbir Sandhu has received research grants from Australian Research Council (Discovery), Green Industries SA, and the European Union.
Unless you’re a moderator for a local community group discussing garbage collections or dog park etiquette, you are unlikely to fully understand the sheer volume and scale of abuse directed at people online.
But when social media moderation and community management is part and parcel of your daily work, the toll on people and their loved ones can be enormous. Journalists, often early in their careers, can be on the receiving end of torrents of abuse.
If they come from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds, that reluctance to report can be even higher than other colleagues.
There’s growing employer concern about how moderating confronting content can affect people’s wellbeing. Employers also have a duty to keep their staff safe at work, including online.
The ABC wanted to understand what this looked like in practice. Its internal survey data shows just how bad the problem has become for moderators who are employed to keep audience members safe when contributing to online discussions.
What did the ABC find?
In 2022, the ABC asked 111 staff who were engaged in online moderation as part of their jobs to self-report the frequency of exposure to potentially harmful experiences.
First it was important to understand just how long people were spending online moderating content. For those who had to moderate content every day, 63% they did it for less than an hour and a half, and 88% moderated for less than three hours.
The majority of staff surveyed saw potentially harmful content every week.
71% of moderators reported seeing denigration of their work weekly, with 25% seeing this daily.
Half reported seeing misogynistic content weekly, while more than half said they saw racist content weekly.
Around a third reported seeing homophobic content every week.
In the case of abusive language, 20% said they encountered it weekly.
It’s a confronting picture on its own, but many see more than one type of this content at a time. This compounds the situation.
It is important to note the survey did not define specifically what was meant by racist, homophobic or misogynistic content, so that was open to interpretation from the moderators.
Some people employed by Facebook to filter out the most toxic material and have gone on to take the company to court.
In one case in the United States, Facebook reached a settlement with more than 10,000 content moderators that included U$52 million (A$77.8 million) for mental health treatment.
In Kenya, 184 moderators contracted by Facebook are suing the company for poor working conditions, including a lack of mental health support. They’re seeking U$1.6 billion (A$2.3 billion) in compensation.
In Australia, moderators during the height of the COVID pandemic reported how confronting it could be to deal with social media users’ misinformation and threats.
A 2023 report by Australian Community Managers, the peak body for online moderators, found 50% of people surveyed said a key challenge of their job was maintaining good mental health.
What’s being done?
Although it is not without its own issues, the ABC is leading the way in protecting its moderators from harm.
It has long worked to protect its staff from trauma exposure with a variety of programs, including a peer support program for journalists. The program was supported by the Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma Asia Pacific.
But as the level of abuse directed at staff increased in tone and intensity, the national broadcaster appointed a full-time Social Media Wellbeing Advisor. Nicolle White manages the workplace health and safety risk generated by social media. She’s believed to be the first in the world in such a role.
As part of the survey, the ABC’s moderators were asked about ways they could be better supported.
Turning off comments was unsurprisingly rated as the most helpful technique to promote wellbeing, followed by support from management, peer support, and preparing responses to anticipated audience reactions.
Turning off the comments, however, often leads to complaints from at least some people that their views are being censored. This is despite the fact media publishers are legally liable for comments on their content, following a 2021 High Court decision.
Educating staff about why people comment on news content has been an important part of harm reduction.
Some of the other changes implemented after the survey included encouraging staff not to moderate comments when it related to their own lived experience or identity, unless they feel empowered in doing so.
The peer support program also links staff others with moderation experience.
Managers were urged to ensure that self-care plans were completed by staff to prepare for high-risk moderation days (such as the Voice referendum). These includes documenting positive coping mechanisms, how to implement boundaries at the end of a news shift, debriefing and asking staff to reflect on the value in their work.
Research shows one of the most protective factors for journalists is being reminded that the work is important.
But overwhelmingly, the single most significant piece of advice for all working on moderation is to ensure they have clear guidance on what to do if their wellbeing is affected, and that seeking support is normalised in the workplace.
Lessons for others
While these data are specific to the public broadcaster, it’s certain the experiences of the ABC are reflected across the news industry and other forums where people are responsible for moderating communities.
It’s not just paid employees. Volunteer moderators at youth radio stations or Facebook group admins are among the many people who face online hostility.
What’s clear is that any business or volunteer organisation building a social media audience need to consider the health and safety ramifications for those tasked with maintaining those platforms, and ensure they build in support strategies.
Australia’s eSafety commissioner has developed a range of publicly available resources to help.
The author would like to acknowledge the work of Nicolle White in writing this article and the research it reports.
Alexandra Wake is a member of Dart Asia Pacific, having previously served as a director of its Board. She is currently a joint recipient of an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant, Australian Journalism, Trauma and Community.
The world’s first international standard for stem cell data, ISO8472-1, has been officially released, the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said Wednesday. This standard is expected to enhance global stem cell data management and make contributions to the advancement of stem cell research and applications, according to the institute. As biotechnology advances rapidly worldwide, stem cell data is proliferating. However, the lack of international standards for stem cell data has resulted in issues such as unregulated data management and low efficiency in data sharing and application. ISO8472-1, co-formulated by experts from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and other countries, stipulates a framework for the interoperability of stem cell data. It is applicable to related databases, data management systems, web interfaces, and more in the field of stem cell research. The release of ISO8472-1 will provide standard and guidance for data management in the field of stem cells and offer a systematic framework for the development of subsequent international standards for stem cell data, said Qiao Gexia, director of the Institute of Zoology.
Wellington drivers are reminded to be ready for upcoming roadworks on State Highway 1 on the Kāpiti Coast next week.
The Raumati Straights on State Highway 1, north of Mackays Crossing, will undergo significant improvements from Sunday, 3 November, until early December.
A road rebuild will be carried out on two kilometres of the left northbound lane, making this section of the highway smoother and safer.
Road crews will be working at nights when traffic volumes are lower and to minimise disruption as much as possible.
A single northbound lane will remain open at night, and southbound lanes will be open as usual.
During the day, both northbound lanes will be open but under a temporary speed limit.
The scope of the work involved means some traffic delays are likely.
Drivers are asked to obey the speed limits and traffic management in place. This protects the road work site, keeps drivers safe, and prevents vehicle damage.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank drivers for their patience and understanding while this essential state highway maintenance is completed.
Works schedule and location:
Sunday, 3 November to Thursday, 6 December. Sunday to Thursday nights, 9 pm to 4:30 am (these works are weather-dependent, and schedules may change)
SH1 Raumati Straights between the Paekākāriki interchange and Raumati South
Northbound will be down to one lane at night under a temporary speed limit of 30 km/h
During the day, both northbound lanes will be open under a temporary speed limit of 50 km/h.
The southbound lanes will be open at all times
Traffic management will be set up from 8 pm, so drivers may experience delays from then. Two lanes will be open again by 5.30 am
Wellington’s state highway summer maintenance programme will be coming to Upper Hutt next week, with road resurfacing and safety barrier repairs planned for the route.
The work will require one southbound and two full closures of State Highway 2 Upper Hutt, weather permitting.
Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, it is needed for road resurfacing and other maintenance works to be carried out on the highway from Silverstream to Totara Park Road between Wednesday, 6 November and Wednesday, 13 November.
“This is a busy section of State Highway 2, which carries around 19,000 vehicles daily. It must be kept well maintained for road users.”
Ms Hilliard says that in addition to resurfacing works, around six median barriers and traffic signal sensors between Whakatiki Street and Gibbons Street will be repaired on Sunday, 10 November. It will mean a longer detour for this night only.
“Median barriers are essential for preventing head-on crashes, which are the leading cause of death on state highways. Keeping the barriers in good condition means they can do their job effectively and help protect drivers.”
“The traffic signal sensor works will make traffic flows more efficient at the State Highway 2/Gibbons Street intersection,” Ms Hilliard says.
Work will happen at night between 9 pm and 4.30 am. Scheduling works at night when there is less traffic on the road keeps disruption to a minimum. Traffic management will start at 8 pm, so drivers may experience delays while this is underway.
Ms Hilliard says three separate local road detours will be available via Fergusson Drive.
“They will take longer to travel, so drivers must allow extra time for their journeys.
“This is especially important for people with escorted crossings booked for the State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill night closures. Please make sure you get there on time,” Ms Hilliard says.
Works schedule and detour routes
Road resurfacing – Silverstream to Whakatiki Street
Wednesday, 6 November, 9 pm – 4.30 am
SH2 CLOSED to southbound traffic between, Whakatiki Street and Fergusson Drive at Silverstream
Detour via Whakatiki Street and Fergusson Drive
Riverstone Terraces residents will need to detour via Whakatiki Street, Fergusson Drive, take the Silverstream exit to turn right back onto SH2 towards Riverstone Terraces.
Research shows median barriers virtually eliminate head-on crashes and reduce deaths and serious injuries from run-off-road crashes by around 40 to 50 percent.
Head-on crashes are the leading cause of death on state highways and account for approximately half of all deaths recorded. Safety barriers offer a second chance. They help reduce the chance of a simple mistake costing lives and destroying families.
Safe, resilient, reliable state highways are the priority across Tairāwhiti, as the summer maintenance season ramps up in addition to cyclone recovery work.
The 2024/25 summer maintenance season is now underway.
During the course of the maintenance season, which typically runs from now until March when the weather is warmer and drier, it’s anticipated that approximately 11.8 lane kilometres* of state highway in the region will be renewed.
Renewing the road involves removing the existing road surface and underlying structure and replacing it with new materials.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Rua Pani says this summer is set to be one of the biggest roadwork seasons the region has seen.
“Summer, with its warmer, drier, calmer weather, is always a better time to renew and reseal roads.
“This year, the annual renewals programme includes major road renewal work on both State Highway 2 and State Highway 35.
“Renewing a road is the best way to boost the resilience and durability of a road. When we talk about renewing a road during the summer maintenance season, it’s not redesigning the road, rather it involves removing the existing road surface and underlying structure and renewing it with new materials.
“Undertaking a higher number of road renewals is a key priority in the region. This is how we improve road conditions long-term,” says Ms Pani.
NZTA crews will be working alongside Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance crews who are currently carrying out other cyclone recovery work throughout the region, alongside local contractors.
TREC project spokesman Richard Bayley says there’s a whole raft of activity underway, in addition to the summer maintenance programme.
“Crews are continuing repair and recovery work on cyclone damaged sections of the highway – stabilising areas to help prevent slips, restoring the Rotokautuku (Waiapu) Bridge and other bridges, and preparing to start larger projects such as replacing Hikuwai Bridge No.1.
“Work to finish Connecting Tairāwhiti programme sites is also continuing – installing slow vehicle bays, laybys and other resilience work,” says Mr Bayley.
“It’s a busy time of year for the region as a whole, with lots of different events planned.
“We all like to get to our destination as quickly and safely as possible. We’re mindful that this work is going to be diusruptive for local communities, for road users and businesses.
“It’s the support from the region’s communities since the cyclone which has helped us get to this point. We’re doing what we can to schedule work in a way that minimises delays. However, road users will notice longer travel at times, as a result of the summer works.
“We’re strongly urging people to expect those delays and plan ahead.
“Ultimately all this work will lead to more efficient travel and safer, more resilient roads,” says Mr Bayley.
Seven road renewals are scheduled for SH35 until January, starting in Hicks Bay and working towards Mangatuna.
Resealing is also planned, with the majority of sites between Te Puia Springs and Gisborne.
On other parts of the highway, crews will be working on recovery projects designed to safeguard the road and bridges from erosion and repairing several underslips. Key areas include Awatere Gully, Rotokautuku Bridge, Jeru Straight, Makarika Valley, Kopuaroa Hill, Ihungia Road, and Whakaari Bluff.
Subject to consents and design, work on enabling works for Hikuwai Bridge No.1 is expected to start by early 2025. People may notice crews carrying out investigation works in the area and on the highway through the Mangahauini Gorge.
State Highway 2
Two road renewals are scheduled on SH2 north of Gisborne. One near Matawai in mid-November and one near Waihuka in early-January.
Two road renewals are scheduled on SH2 south of Gisborne, one near Tarewa (starting late November) and the other near Bartletts Hill (mid-January).
Almost half of SH2 north of Gisborne will also be resealed this summer.
Drivers will see a lot of activity around the Otoko Hill area where TREC crews are working to upgrade drainage and culverts and strengthen and stabilise areas around the highway.
The season’s work is funded through the State Highway Maintenance and Pothole Prevention activity classes in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).
Roading crews will be on site at Mōrere on State Highway 2 from tomorrow (31 October) to renew and reseal a stretch of the highway.
The work will take place over 3-4 days, with crews onsite between 6am and 6pm each day except Sunday. Sealing is expected to take place next Tuesday.
Stop/go traffic management will be place between Maraenui Rd and Tunanui Rd and delays of up to 15 minutes should be expected.
System Manager for Hawke’s Bay / Tairāwhiti Martin Colditz says the work we’re about to do will make the road safer and more efficient for all road users.
“The work involves removing the underlying road structure and rebuilding the road surface which will make the road safer and more efficient for all road users.”
“Drivers should plan their journeys accordingly and expect these delays over the coming days. We want to thank everyone for their patience and support.”
The work is weather dependent.
Current road condition of Mōrere on State Highway 2.
The NSW Government has made appointments to the board of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), including a deputy chairperson and two new members.
Associate Professor Amelia Thorpe and Nicholas Nichles have been appointed following a rigorous public expression of interest selection process. Additionally, existing member Chris Honey has been appointed deputy chairperson.
ILGA is a statutory decision-maker responsible for a range of liquor, registered club, and gaming machine regulatory functions including determining licensing and disciplinary matters.
The appointments follow the end of the term of appointment for outgoing deputy chairperson Sarah Dinning, and also fill vacancies that existed on the board.
Mr Honey, who was appointed a member of ILGA earlier in 2024, has been named deputy chairperson until the end of his current appointment term (11 February 2027). Mr Honey has extensive experience in the advisory and restructuring field, including working extensively in highly regulated sectors.
Associate Professor Thorpe and Mr Nichles have both been appointed for four years commencing 6 November 2024.
Associate Prof Thorpe is with the Faculty of Law & Justice at the University of New South Wales and an Acting Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Mr Nichles was previously a Consul General and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Australian Government agency Austrade, based in the US.
The new appointments bring the ILGA board membership to seven.
The new appointments will join chairperson Caroline Lamb, new deputy chairperson Mr Honey and current members Cathie Armour, Jeffrey Loy APM and Dr Suzanne Craig.
“I would like to thank Sarah Dinning for her contribution to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, including during her service as deputy chairperson.
“ILGA has an important role to play as the administrative decision-making authority for liquor, registered club and gaming machine licensing decisions in NSW.
“An exhaustive selection process was undertaken for these new appointments in accordance with legislative requirements and including the engagement of an independent probity advisor.
“Chris Honey has brought significant expertise to the board since his appointment and Amelia Thorpe and Nicholas Nichles will bring their substantial experience, expertise and leadership to ILGA.”
ILGA chairperson Caroline Lamb said:
“Mr Honey joined the ILGA board earlier this year and has proven himself to be an invaluable board member with his energy and considerable skills and experience in the advisory and restructuring field.
“The ILGA board also welcomes A/Prof Thorpe and Mr Nichles to the board.
“People appointed to the ILGA board must be of the highest integrity and promote fair, transparent and efficient decision-making.”
Released by: Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Minister for Transport, Minister for Women
The NSW Government has released results from its annual Women in Construction survey, highlighting the need for stronger efforts to promote gender diversity across the sector.
With over 1000 responses from NSW construction workers and businesses, the survey revealed a positive trend: the number of women entering the industry has risen by 12.5% in the past year, and of the businesses surveyed women now make-up 20% of the construction workforce.
Key challenges identified by both men and women, include a lack of work-life balance (62%), lack of flexible working hours (51%), and insufficient mentoring and leadership training (47%).
The survey also showed that achieving work-life balance and flexible work options are critical for staff retention, with 40% of workers considering leaving jobs due to difficulties balancing their work and personal responsibilities.
Some concerning statistics were highlighted, with 69% of women reporting some form of gender-based discrimination in the past year, and 33% experiencing workplace sexual harassment.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to creating safer and more respectful workplaces, and the SafeWork NSW Respect at Work strategy continues to drive efforts to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace through education and enforcement.
To address these issues, the NSW Government is leveraging its procurement power to ensure contractors introduce flexible workplace policies and encourage development of mentoring programs to support women’s long-term success in the industry.
Through the Culture in Construction Taskforce, several major infrastructure projects including Transport for NSW, Mulgoa Road Upgrade Stage 1 and Health Infrastructure NSW, Randwick Children’s Hospital Redevelopment are piloting the Culture Standard which includes capped working hours and a five-day week. Initial findings of the piloted projects suggest improvements to recruitment and retention of women in construction.
In addition, the NSW Government’s Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program works with industry and contractors to implement flexible workplace and supportive policies, making construction a more appealing career choice for women.
Earlier this year, the government announced $2.2 million in funding to support initiatives to attract and retain women in construction and build more inclusive cultures.
The survey findings will guide the future direction of the government’s Women in Construction program, addressing entrenched issues and ensuring continued progress toward increasing women’s participation in the industry.
“The NSW Government is currently building some of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia, and we want women’s participation in these projects to be a standard in the industry and not the exception.”
“This is an important step in helping all our workers feel respected and valued, listening to what women are calling out for, and showing our commitment to equitable workplaces.
“Government can and should leverage its procurement power to increase women’s participation, and Transport for NSW is implementing this across its projects.
“The workforce delivering Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 enabling works will be supported by wellbeing initiatives from the Culture in Construction Taskforce’s Culture Standard, which include a target for 40% female staff participation during project enabling works, flexible working hours and on-site mental health first aiders.
“It also includes a move to a five-day working week on the construction site, a reduction from the six-day working week that’s a frequent barrier to women entering the industry.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
“We are committed to increasing women’s participation in the construction industry – this is essential for building a workforce that reflects our diverse communities.
“Change doesn’t happen overnight, but this report shows that targeted programs, like Women in Construction, can produce positive results. This report and the feedback I hear generally tells me that we still have a long way to go, across industry, in providing a workplace culture that encourages women to participate. Government is doing good work with industry, particularly large employers, but the change needs to happen in every workplace.
“Let’s continue working together for a stronger, more inclusive construction industry—one where gender equity and progressing women’s careers is at the forefront of progress.”
Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison said:
“The future of our trades industry lies in embracing the diversity and capabilities of all workers. It’s important that we’re creating a safe, inclusive and dynamic workforce that welcomes and supports women in all trade roles.
“The insights gathered from the annual Women in Construction Industry Survey will guide the future direction of our programs, ensuring our actions are informed by the experiences of women in the sector.
“We know there is more work to be done, and the NSW Government is working with industry to ensure we drive change by removing barriers and creating supportive pathways for women to thrive.”
Police in South Auckland have taken another firearm off the streets following a road rage incident in Hampton Downs.
At about 6pm, a member of the public contacted Police stating that a person travelling in a yellow vehicle had allegedly pointed a gun at them while travelling north on State Highway 1.
Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says within minutes Police located the vehicle north of Ramarama and observed it exiting at Drury.
“The Police Eagle helicopter has provided support as ground units initiated an armed vehicle stop on Chichester Drive, Papakura.
“During a search of the car, a loaded shotgun was located along with a number of shotgun cartridges.”
Inspector Hoyes says three people were taken into custody without incident.
“Thanks to the detailed and prompt report made by a member of the public, we were able to act quickly to locate the vehicle of interest and take one more firearm off the street.
“Police work hard to hold offenders to account, especially those with the potential to cause serious harm in our communities.”
If you witness any unlawful activity and it is happening now, please contact Police on 111 as soon as possible with as much information as possible, including descriptions of the offenders, their vehicles, and what direction they may have travelled in.
Alternatively you can report any information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
A 22-year-old man will appear in Papakura District Court today charged with presenting a firearm at a person, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
With outstanding human and natural history, Ōkārito on the South Island’s West Coast, will become the 28th site in the growing Tohu Whenua network.
Representatives from Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, the Ōkārito Community Association, Tohu Whenua, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Toanga, DOC, and Manatū Taonga the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, joined local school students to celebrate the area’s diverse history.
Ōkārito is an important place for Māori, Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio chairman Paul Madgwick says. “Ōkārito holds a special place in the history of Ngāi Tahu and also our earlier whakapapa of Ngāti Wairangi, Patea and Waitaha, and so Ngāti Māhaki are thrilled to be part of this.
“Tohu Whenua is fitting recognition for the mana of this place. Several pā and kāinga here testify to centuries of occupation—and war—plus Ōkārito was renowned far and wide for its whare wānanga for learning the traditions and lore of Te Tai Poutini.”
Manahautū/Chief Executive of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Chair of the Tohu Whenua Governance Group Andrew Coleman says Tohu Whenua sites provide unique opportunities to encounter and interact with the history that has created Aotearoa New Zealand’s story.
“Ōkārito has layers of fascinating history and we are thrilled to welcome it into our growing network.”
DOC South Westland Operations Manager Wayne Costello says the rich human history combined with the stunning natural environment at Ōkārito make it one of the feature spots of Te Wāhipounamu.
“This is a place of harvest, conservation and goldrush. Today—with the area being part of Predator Free South Westland—the mauri of the natural environment is being restored, making it a must-do place for New Zealanders to visit and connect with both nature and our history.”
To learn more about visiting Ōkārito and other sites on the Tohu Whenua itinerary, visit www.tohuwhenua.nz.
There are a number of ways to experience Ōkārito including beautiful walks featuring rimu, rātā and silver pine forests and the popular 4.3km Ōkārito Trig Walk. The Ōkārito Lagoon can be explored via foot, boat or kayak – giving visitors a close experience with over 70 species of birds, including the rare kōtuku/white heron, along with panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
Tohu Whenua will also encourage visits to the iconic Donovan’s Store, Ōkārito Wharf and boatshed. Bookable accommodation includes Ōkārito Community Campground and Ōkārito Schoolhouse – which is managed as a historic asset by DOC.
Tohu Whenua
Tohu Whenua is a free itinerary of places to visit and explore history where it happened. The visitor programme connects New Zealanders with their heritage and enhances their sense of national identity by promoting significant historical and cultural sites.
Tohu Whenua is a partnership between Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai (DOC), and Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Other Tohu Whenua sites in the Te Tai Poutini region include the Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Centre, Historic Reefton, Te Kopikopiko o te Waka and Denniston, Waiuta, and Brunner Mine.
A recent survey commissioned by Tohu Whenua revealed that 78% of New Zealanders surveyed want to learn more about Aotearoa New Zealand history and many indicated a specific interest in Māori heritage.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Strive and Rise Programme starts recruiting third cohort Strive and Rise Programme starts recruiting third cohort ********************************************************
The Strive and Rise Programme has started recruiting 4 000 mentees for the third cohort today (October 31). Secondary One to Secondary Four students from underprivileged families, particularly those living in subdivided units, may submit applications through the Programme’s mobile application starting today and approach their schools or the non-governmental organisations that assist the Government in implementing the Programme (see Annex) for enquiries if more information or assistance is required. Applications will close on November 20. The Programme is formulated and implemented by an interdepartmental task force led by the Chief Secretary for Administration. Through tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community, the Programme provides focused support for Secondary One to Secondary Four students from underprivileged families, particularly those living in subdivided units. The Programme comprises three key elements, namely mentorship, personal development plans and financial support. Through a one-year intensive foundation training that includes mentorship and a structured programme covering orientation, basic training, diverse group activities, Mainland study and exchange tours, etc, the Programme will help mentees broaden their horizons, reinforce self-confidence, develop a positive outlook on life, set goals for the future and strive for upward mobility. In addition, the Programme will provide start-up financial support of $5,000 for mentees to implement their personal development plans under the guidance of their mentors. Upon successful completion of the Programme, a scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded to the mentees for their personal pursuits by applying the financial planning concepts that they have learned. Upon successful completion of the one-year intensive foundation training of the Programme, mentees will automatically become members of the Alumni Club, where they will continue to expand their social network and horizons by participating in diverse activities and job tasting/internship programmes. For more information about the application details of the third cohort and the mobile application of the Programme, please visit the designated website: www.striveandrise.gov.hk.
The Albanese Government is supporting local jobs, tourism and cultural opportunities in regional Victoria, investing $21.5 million to community projects through the $400 million regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.
We are investing $5 million in the Hamilton Community and Cultural Precinct which seeks to boost the visitor economy by taking advantage of underused central locations.
Plans for the development of the CDB, New Hamilton Gallery, and Community and Digital Hub will help shape the precinct for Hamilton.
We are also investing $800,000 in Cobram for the Thompsons Beach and Kennedy Park Precinct Plan to better connect communities by shaping infrastructure developments on the NSW and Victorian border, and support economic and tourism opportunities.
The funding will also support the delivery of precinct infrastructure including $7.7 million for the Mansfield Station Precinct Activation Project.
The Mansfield township has identified the station precinct upgrades as a major priority for the region. The project will include an all-abilities playground, accessible changing facilities and a bicycle pump track.
We are also investing $8 million for the Cowes Foreshore Precinct to improve visitor experiences by connecting the foreshore with retail, dining and accommodation.
Thompson Avenue North and The Esplanade will undergo one-way traffic upgrades and improved landscaping and wayfinding.
The rPPP has already funded $3.8 million for projects across Victoria including in Colac Otway, Bendigo East, and Swan Hill.
Further applications to the program are currently under assessment. For more information on the program visit:infrastructure.gov.au/regional.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“We are listening to communities across regional Victoria and funding the projects they’ve identified as priorities.
“The new Cowes Foreshore Precinct will rejuvenate the township into a premier tourism destination.
“The Mansfield community will be able to enjoy improved facilities suitable for all ages and abilities.
“Our investments are planning and building more liveable and productive precincts across the state through effective local partnerships that provide long-term benefits.”
Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
The ACCC will not oppose the acquisition of Neoen SA by a consortium led by Brookfield Renewable Holdings SAS (Brookfield BidCo), subject to a court-enforceable undertaking to divest Neoen’s existing Victorian renewable electricity generation and storage assets and its development projects in Victoria.
Brookfield Renewable has established Brookfield BidCo for the purposes of the proposed acquisition. Brookfield Renewable is a division of Brookfield Corporation (Brookfield), which is a global asset management business.
Brookfield has a controlling interest in AusNet, that owns and operates Victoria’s monopoly electricity transmission network and parts of the electricity distribution network. AusNet also has two battery energy storage systems and a further two development projects in Victoria.
Neoen specialises in renewable energy projects. Neoen has 15 operating assets in Australia and a further 48 projects in varying stages of development.
The ACCC’s investigation focused on competition in the Victorian markets for the supply of renewable generation, firming capacity and electricity storage services, and Frequency Control Ancillary Services and/or Very Fast Frequency Control Ancillary Services.
The ACCC was concerned that Brookfield, through its control of AusNet, would be able to operate the Victorian transmission network to favour its own generation and storage assets and/or hinder rival generators or storage assets.
The ACCC concluded that the acquisition of Neoen would increase Brookfield’s incentives to engage in such conduct.
“The ACCC has long-standing competition concerns with cross-ownership of monopoly energy network assets and energy generators, due to the potential for the monopoly provider to discriminate against rivals and favour its own operations,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.
“The ACCC considers that, without the divestment, the acquisition would have increased Brookfield’s incentives to delay or increase the cost of connections works on rival projects or operate the AusNet transmission network to benefit Brookfield’s related assets,” Dr Williams said.
“While there are some regulatory protections to limit obvious and blatant conduct disadvantaging rivals, there is still a clear potential for anti-competitive tactics.”
“With these significant concerns in mind, the ACCC has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Brookfield to divest Neoen’s operating assets and development projects in Victoria,” Dr Williams said.
“The ACCC considers that this divestment will reduce Brookfield’s incentives to engage in such conduct as a result of the transaction.”
Brookfield will now be required to divest Neon’s operational assets and six further development projects in Victoria. The operational assets are the Victorian Big Battery, Numurkah Solar Farm, Bulgana Wind Farm and Battery.
Neoen has six development projects in Victoria that will also be divested. The development projects are Navarre Green Power Hub Stage 1 and 2, Kentbruck Green Power Hub Stage 1 and 2, Kentbruck Storage, Moorabool Battery Energy Storage System (also known as Victorian Big Battery Stage 2), Loy Yang Wind, and Bulgana X.
More information can be found on the ACCC’s website at Brookfield – Neoen.
Background
Brookfield is a Canadian global asset manager with approximately US$900 billion assets under management.
In Australia, Neoen has 15 operating generation and storage assets capable of generating ~1.8GW of electricity, and 48 projects in varying stages of development capable of generating ~10GW of electricity once operational.
Brookfield BidCo has been established for the purposes of the proposed acquisition. Brookfield BidCo is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bernabeu Master UK Holdings Limited. Bernabeu Master UK Holdings Limited is ultimately owned by Brookfield Asset Management ULC. Temasek is a member of the consortium.
Brookfield Infrastructure (through Brookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners), with a 45.4% interest, is the largest investor in AusNet. The balance is held by a number of unrelated parties. Brookfield actively manages AusNet. AusNet has two battery energy storage systems and a further two development projects in Victoria.
Source: The White House
The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) intercontinental ballistic missile test. This launch is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. While U.S. INDOPACOM has assessed it did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, this launch needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. It only demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people. We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions and engage in serious dialogue. The national security team is closely coordinating with our allies and partners. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.
Source: The White House
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke by phone today with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The two leaders discussed regional security developments, underscoring the need for further efforts to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region and globally. They welcomed progress in the bilateral partnership, including through the upcoming Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) Intersessional and Indian Ocean Dialogue. They also discussed further opportunities for closer collaboration in key domains, including clean energy supply chains and defense cooperation.
The DTA’s Annual Report for 2023-24 lays out how we’re empowering people, businesses, and government agencies to embrace digital uplift. Our role is to work with all Australian Government sectors to ensure digital solutions add value, boost productivity, and improve outcomes.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (31 October 2024) — New Asian Development Bank (ADB) research finds the impacts of climate change could reduce gross domestic product (GDP) in developing Asia and the Pacific by 17% by 2070 under a high-end greenhouse gas emissions scenario, rising to 41% by 2100.
Rising sea levels and falling labor productivity would cause the greatest losses, with lower income and fragile economies hit hardest. The new research, presented in the inaugural issue of ADB’sAsia-Pacific Climate Report, details a series of damaging impacts threatening the region. If the climate crisis continues to accelerate, up to 300 million people in the region could be threatened by coastal inundation, and trillions of dollars of coastal assets could be damaged annually by 2070.
“Climate change has supercharged the devastation from tropical storms, heat waves, and floods in the region, contributing to unprecedented economic challenges and human suffering,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa. “Urgent, well-coordinated climate action that addresses these impacts is needed before it is too late. This climate report provides insight into how to finance urgent adaptation needs and offers promising policy recommendations to governments in our developing member countries on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at lowest cost.”
The report finds that regional public sentiment supports climate action. In an ADB climate change perception study this year, 91% of respondents across 14 regional economies said they view global warming as a serious problem, with many seeking more ambitious government action.
Adaptation responses need to be accelerated to address growing climate risks, along with an imperative to greatly upscale adaptation-focused climate finance. The report values annual investment needs for regional countries to adapt to global warming at between $102 billion and $431 billion—far exceeding the $34 billion of tracked adaptation finance in the region in 2021–2022. Government regulation reforms and enhanced recognition of climate risks are helping attract new sources of private climate capital, but far greater private investment flows are needed.
On the mitigation front, the report shows the region is well placed to embrace renewable energy in driving a transition to net zero, and that forging ahead with domestic and international carbon markets can help achieve climate action goals cost effectively.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.
The report highlights the region’s climate vulnerability, provides updated estimates of the potential impacts and costs of climate change, and proposes priority actions to accelerate adaptation progress. Policy options for governments to mobilize more private climate capital for both adaptation and mitigation are distilled. Finally, the report identifies how governments in the region can move toward more effective carbon pricing mechanisms to efficiently reduce emissions.
The Australian Government has today announced the appointment of Ms Tina Baum as a member of the National Cultural Heritage Committee for a three-year term.
Alongside the appointment of Ms Baum, the Government has also reappointed Mr Tim Sullivan, Mr Simon Elliott, Ms Jane Stewart and Ms Louise Tegart as members of the Committee each for an additional three years.
The Committee provides advice to the Australian Government on matters of importance to our cultural heritage, and provides guidance on the export of items of cultural significance.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said he was pleased to welcome a member of Ms Baum’s calibre to the Committee.
“Tina brings more than three decades of experience in the arts and cultural heritage sector to the National Cultural Heritage Committee.
“I’m certain the knowledge and passion she brings to the Committee will complement the contributions of the other members’ work.
“She joins a group which is trusted to provide our government with guidance on sensitive matters relating to valued cultural items that tell the stories of our nation.”
Ms Tina Baum is the Senior Curator of First Nations Art at the National Gallery of Australia. A saltwater woman from the Gulumirrgin (Larrakia)/Wardaman/Karajarri peoples of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, Tina has curated national and international exhibitions and advanced First Nations arts leadership throughout her over 35 years of experience in museums and galleries throughout Australia.
Mr Tim Sullivan is a consultant in the museum and heritage fields. Tim has experience serving on numerous boards and advisory committees in the cultural heritage sector, and in a range of executive roles in the museum sector, including as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of The Sovereign Hill Museums Association, and as Assistant Director (National Collection) at the Australian War Memorial.
Mr Simon Elliott is the Deputy Director of Collection and Exhibitions at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. He has previously held senior roles in various Australian public galleries, including the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery.
Ms Jane Stewart is the Manager of Engagement with State Libraries and Archives Tasmania. Prior to taking up this role recently, Jane spent more than 15 years as the Principal Curator (Art) at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. She was also previously the Director of the Devonport Regional Gallery and Manager of the City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection.
Ms Louise Tegart is Director of Australia’s oldest and largest regional gallery, the Art Gallery of Ballarat. She is also the immediate past President of the Public Galleries Association of Victoria Board and has over 30 years’ experience as a director, exhibition manager and curator across a range of galleries and museums nationwide.
Now, emerging research highlights its rising importance for children’s wellbeing. Staying active could be key to safeguarding and enhancing young people’s mental health.
Mood-boosting benefits
One in seven adolescents worldwide has a mental illness. As a result, parents and health-care providers are increasingly seeking effective prevention strategies.
Evidence is accumulating to suggest one surprisingly simple approach: physical fitness.
One recent study reveals even small improvements in fitness were linked to improved teen mental health. When adolescents improved their fitness by just 30 seconds on a running test, their risk of developing anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) dropped by 7-8%.
This suggests something as straightforward as regular exercise could play a crucial role in protecting young people’s mental wellbeing.
For parents and health professionals looking to support adolescent mental health, encouraging participation in team sports could also be an especially effective strategy.
This suggests team sports offer a unique environment for teens’ mental wellbeing, combining physical activity, social connection and structured routines.
Adding more physical activity to the school day — rather than cutting it for academic subjects — can not only boost students’ academic performance but also enhance their overall health and wellbeing.
Getting kids started with fitness and physical activity delivers myriad benefits.
Starting early: when and how
Age considerations
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, experts generally agree it’s never too early to encourage physical activity.
The World Health Organisation recommends children aged 3-4 should engage in at least 180 minutes of physical activity daily, with at least 60 minutes being moderate to vigorous intensity: activities that cause kids to huff and puff, such as running or playing sports.
For school-age children (five to 17 years), the recommendation is at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily, with activities that strengthen muscles and bones at least three times a week.
Getting started
The key to introducing fitness to children is to make it fun and age-appropriate. Here are some strategies:
Incorporate play: for younger children, focus on active play rather than structured exercise. Activities such as tag, hide-and-seek, or obstacle courses can be both fun and physically demanding.
Explore various activities: expose children to different sports and activities to help them find what they enjoy. This could include team sports, dance, martial arts, or swimming. Consider activities that are culturally relevant or significant to your family, as this can enhance their sense of belonging and interest.
Lead by example: children often mimic their parents’ behaviours, observing their actions. By being active yourself, you not only set a positive example but also encourage your children to do the same.
Make it a family affair: encourage physical activity by planning active family outings like hikes, bike rides, or trips to the park to foster a love of exercise in a fun and engaging way.
Limit screen time: Encourage outdoor play and physical activities as alternatives to sedentary screen time, fostering a healthier lifestyle and promoting wellbeing.
Potential risks and how to mitigate them
While the benefits of fitness for children are clear, it’s important to approach it safely. Some potential risks include:
Injuries from overexertion: children eager to push their limits can suffer from overuse injuries, such as sprains or strains. Encourage a variety of physical activities to prevent overuse injuries. Ensure adequate rest during training and competition, and promote proper a warm-up and cool-down.
Heat-related illness: children exercising in hot weather are at risk of heat exhaustion, with symptoms including dizziness and nausea. Emphasise hydration before, during and after exercise. Schedule activities during cooler times and provide shaded areas for breaks, teaching kids to recognise signs of overheating.
Improper technique and equipment: using incorrect form or inappropriate equipment can result in injuries and impede development. It’s essential to provide proper instruction, ensure equipment is size-appropriate, and supervise children during exercise. Programs should be designed to be safe and inclusive, accommodating children with disabilities, ensuring everyone can participate meaningfully without barriers.
Burnout: excessive exercise or pressure to perform can cause physical and mental burnout. This can lead to a loss of interest. To prevent burnout, it is important stick to national and international activity recommendations, ensure adequate rest, and encourage a balance between structured exercise and free play.
A love for movement and activity
The evidence is clear: fit kids are happier, healthier, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
By introducing fitness early and in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, we can set children on a path to lifelong physical and mental wellbeing.
Remember, the goal is to foster a love for movement and activity that will serve children well into adulthood.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne
The United States presidential election will be held next Tuesday, with results coming in Wednesday AEDT. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump by 48.6–47.5, a slight gain for Trump since Monday, when Harris led by 48.6–47.4. Harris’ national lead peaked on October 2, when she led by 49.4–45.9.
The US president isn’t elected by the national popular vote, but by the Electoral College, in which each state receives electoral votes equal to its federal House seats (population based) and senators (always two). Almost all states award their electoral votes as winner-takes-all, and it takes 270 electoral votes to win (out of 538 total).
Relative to the national popular vote, the Electoral College is biased to Trump, with Harris needing at least a two-point popular vote win to be the narrow Electoral College favourite in Silver’s model.
In Silver’s averages, Trump has a 0.6-point lead in Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes), up from 0.3 on Monday. Trump has slightly larger leads of one to two points in North Carolina (16), Georgia (16) and Arizona (11). Harris is narrowly ahead by 0.1 point in Nevada (six) and about one point ahead in Michigan (15) and Wisconsin (ten).
In Silver’s model, Trump has a 54% chance to win the Electoral College, slightly higher than 53% on Monday. There’s a 29% chance that Harris wins the popular vote but loses the Electoral College. The FiveThirtyEight forecast gives Trump a 51% win probability.
Without a major event, there isn’t likely to be much change in the polls before the election, but a polling error where one candidate overperforms their polls could still occur. Silver’s model gives Trump a 22% probability of sweeping the seven swing states and Harris a 12.5% probability.
I wrote about the US election for The Poll Bludger yesterday, and also covered three Canadian provincial elections and Japan’s conservative LDP, which has governed almost continuously since 1955, losing its majority at an election last Sunday.
Biden a drag on Harris and favourability ratings
Joe Biden remains unpopular with a net -16.5 approval in the FiveThirtyEight national aggregate, with 55.8% disapproving and 39.3% approving. As Harris is the incumbent party’s candidate, an unpopular president is a key reason for Trump’s edge.
Biden’s remarks on Tuesday, in which he seemed to call Trump supporters “garbage”, resembled Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” in the 2016 presidential campaign. This won’t help Harris.
Biden is almost 82, Trump is 78 and Harris is 60. Trump’s age should be a factor in this election that favours Harris, but Silver said on October 19 that Democrats spent so much time defending Biden before he withdrew on July 21 that it’s now difficult for them to attack Trump’s age without seeming hypocritical.
Harris’ net favourability in the FiveThirtyEight national aggregate is -1.5, with 47.8% unfavourable and 46.3% favourable. Her net favourability peaked at +1 in late September. Trump’s net favourability is -8.5 with 52.1% unfavourable and 43.6% favourable; his ratings have improved a little in the last two weeks.
While Harris is more likeable than Trump, that’s not reflected in head to head polls. Silver said on October 23 that Trump’s campaign is promoting him as not-nice, but on your side, and as someone who will get things done. They argue Harris’ campaign lacks clear policies.
Harris’ running mate Tim Walz is at +2.6 net favourable, while Trump’s running mate JD Vance is at -6.9 net favourable. In the past few weeks, Vance’s ratings have improved slightly while Walz’s have dropped back.
Congressional elections
I last wrote about the elections for the House of Representatives and Senate that will be held concurrently with the presidential election on October 14. The House has 435 single-member seats that are apportioned to states on a population basis, while there are two senators for each of the 50 states.
The House only has a two-year term, so the last House election was at the 2022 midterm elections, when Republicans won the House by 222–213 over Democrats. The FiveThirtyEight aggregate of polls of the national House race gives Democrats a 46.2–46.1 lead over Republicans, a drop for Democrats from a 47.1–45.9 Democratic lead on October 14.
Senators have six-year terms, with one-third up for election every two years. Democrats and aligned independents currently have a 51–49 Senate majority, but they are defending 23 of the 33 regular seats up, including seats in three states Trump won easily in both 2016 and 2020: West Virginia, Montana and Ohio.
West Virginia is a certain Republican gain after the retirement of former Democratic (now independent) Senator Joe Manchin at this election. Republicans have taken a 5.4-point lead in Montana in the FiveThirtyEight poll aggregate, while Democrats are just 1.6 points ahead in Ohio.
Republicans are being challenged by independent Dan Osborn in Nebraska, and he trails Republican Deb Fischer by 2.3 points. Democrats did not contest to avoid splitting the vote. In Democratic-held Wisconsin, Democrats lead by 2.1 points, while other incumbents are ahead by at least three points.
If Republicans gain West Virginia and Montana, but lose Nebraska to Osborn, and no other seats change hands, Republicans would have a 50–49 lead in the Senate. If Harris wins the presidency, Osborn would be the decisive vote as a Senate tie can be broken by the vice president, who would be Walz. This is the rosiest plausible scenario for Democrats.
The FiveThirtyEight congressional forecasts give Republicans a 53% chance of retaining control of the House, so it’s effectively a toss-up like the presidency. But Republicans have an 89% chance to gain control of the Senate.
Adrian Beaumont does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
Ceremony to be held Nov. 4 at the AMVETS in Bismarck
***Click here to download audio.***
BISMARCK, N.D. – A ceremony will be held on Monday, Nov. 4 in Bismarck to present a Purple Heart medal to honor the service and sacrifice of Private Franklin Joseph DuFrame, who gave his life in service to our nation in World War II. The replacement medal will be presented to Pvt. DuFrame’s son, Donald Franklin DuFrame of Lincoln, who served and enlisted in the Navy Reserve at 18 as a machinist mate 3rd class during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1967.
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate committees on Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs, will present the family with a Purple Heart medal to honor and recognize the sacrifices of Franklin DuFrame. This replaces a previous Purple Heart awarded to Pvt. DuFrame, which had been lost. Cramer will present the family with a flag flown over the United States Capitol in honor of Pvt. DuFrame’s heroic service.
The ceremony will also include the presentation of the Vietnam Commemorative Pin to recognize Donald DuFrame’s service, and a Quilt of Valor by Missouri River Quilts of Valor members.
Purple Heart medals are awarded to service members who are wounded or killed because of enemy action in an armed conflict. It is the nation’s oldest military honor still awarded today, and was established by President George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit in 1782.
“This Purple Heart medal is much more than an award; it’s really a symbol of our nation’s eternal gratitude for Franklin DuFrame’s bravery, and heroism, and sacrifice,” said Cramer. “Private DuFrame gave his life for our country, and it’s really an honor for me to be able to present his family with this replacement medal to recognize his valiant service. It’s a repeated honor that I get to have as a member of Congress to intervene on behalf of a family who lost just a small part, but an important part, of their loved one’s legacy. This award represents that legacy, and it’s something tangible they can hang on to and that they can pass down to generation after generation as they tell the story of dad, of grandpa, of great-grandpa, of great-great-grandpa’s legacy in historical contribution to the freedom of America. It’s just a privilege and a joy.”
Born in August 1920 in Maine, Pvt. DuFrame served in the U.S. Army, C Company, 10th Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division. He was married to Elma Leona Helman DuFrame, and they had three children.
On March 24, 1945, he was wounded in action and transported to an evacuation hospital in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Pvt. DuFrame died of his wounds two days later on March 26 at the age of 24. He was temporarily interned at the military cemetery in Stromberg and permanently laid to rest, at his family’s request, at the Lorraine American War Cemetery in France.
The ceremony, which is open to the public, will be held Monday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. CT at AMVETS Post #9, 2402 Railroad Ave., Bismarck.
Saudi Arabia’s first exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking the Hong Kong equity market debuted Wednesday on the Saudi Stock Exchange.
With an initial size of over 1.2 billion U.S. dollars, the ETF, the Albilad CSOP MSCI Hong Kong China Equity ETF, became the largest ETF in the Middle East upon its listing.
The index fund allows Saudi investors to directly trade Hong Kong stocks across such sectors as consumer goods, healthcare, and technology.
The listing of the ETF provides a convenient investment channel for investors from the Middle East to access markets of the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, promoting the two-way flow of capital between the two sides, and strengthening the connections in their capital markets, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Paul Chan said.
In November last year, Asia’s first ETF tracking shares listed in Saudi Arabia debuted in Hong Kong.
