Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Quick march to the Leeds Armed Forces Festival

    Source: City of Leeds

    The Leeds Armed Forces Festival is back for a second year with an extravaganza of themed activities taking place leading up to Armed Forces Day itself at the end of next month.

    The festival, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, is a chance for everyone to show their support for the men and women who make up our armed forces community, from currently serving troops and service families, to reservists, veterans, and cadets.

    Everyone in Leeds is invited to participate, and there is something to suit all tastes.

    Highlights of the festival include the Lotherton Hall 1940’s weekend, special exhibitions at the Royal Armouries; a Commonwealth War Graves tour; Tea and Talk at Temple Newsam; a curator talk and object handling event at Leeds Discovery Centre, and various social history club events at Leeds Museum at various time s and dates in June, July and August.

    Returning for a second year is the popular special tour of the Thackray Museum of Medicine, focusing on the building’s role as a military hospital in the First World War and the ever-popular singing group, the D-Day Darlings, will also be presenting their explosive new show for VE and VJ Day at City Varieties.

    The centrepiece of the festival will be the main Armed Forces Day event on Sunday, June 29.

     The event will start with the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag in Victoria Gardens at 10:30am, before military personnel, veterans, and cadets, parade through the city’s streets to the main event space on Briggate, where the Lord Mayor will take the salute, all accompanied by the West Yorkshire Police band.

    The day’s main activities will be on Briggate between 11am-4pm, and will be packed with family-friendly activities, parades, stalls, exhibitions, and music. Weather permitting, there will also be a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s (BBMF) C47 Dakota/Skytrain aircraft.

    Lord Mayor Elect, Councillor Dan Cohen, said: “Leeds has a long tradition of supporting our armed forces in both war and peace, and I look forward to continuing that tradition during my year as Lord Mayor.

    “This year, Armed Forces Day has added significance as we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day; remembering, reflecting, and commemorating those who fought, worked, and sacrificed to allow us our way of life today.

    “While a fun and engaging day for all the family, the Armed Forces Festival is also an incredible way to say thank you to the men and women of the armed forces community, past, present, and future.

    “I would like to extend an invitation to everyone in Leeds, and I look forward to seeing as many people at the different events as possible.”

    For more information on the Armed Forces Festival and Armed Forces Day, visit: https://www.millsqleeds.com/leeds-armed-forces-day/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: Coalition split puts Victorian and NSW Nationals Senate seats at high risk

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The Victorian and NSW Nationals senators due to face the voters at the 2028 election will struggle to hold their seats if the former partners do not re-form the Coalition before then.

    Under usual Coalition arrangements, Bridget McKenzie, from Victoria, who is Nationals Senate leader, and Ross Cadell, from NSW, would have been set to be number two on the joint Senate ticket in their respective states. This would have assured them of re-election.

    But if they have to run on separate Nationals Senate tickets, it will be hard for them to garner enough votes to be re-elected. One reason is the Nationals would not have candidates in urban lower house seats, and so their Senate how-to-vote tickets wouldn’t be handed out in those areas.

    As Liberals reeled after the Nationals’ sudden desertion of the Coalition on Tuesday, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley is working on her all-Liberal opposition frontbench, to be announced Thursday or Friday.

    Senior Victorian Liberal Dan Tehan said: “We’re all still in a state of shock of the outcome. I don’t think people have really come to terms with it.”

    Nationals MP Darren Chester, from Victoria, urged negotiations between the parties to continue. He warned “if we go to the next sitting of parliament being two divided party rooms we are giving a free pass to the prime minister”.

    Nationals leader David Littleproud continued to defend his party’s shock decision to split the Coalition.

    He told the ABC “plenty of political commentators” were taking potshots.

    “Well, good luck, they don’t understand what it is to be a Nat. What it is to live and to know and to hear the stories of people who are in danger because of mobile phone towers. Young families that can’t afford their mortgage because they can’t go back to work, because they can’t find a childcare place, because there are none.”

    Asked if the Nationals were prepared to stay on the backbench indefinitely if the Liberals didn’t meet their demands, Littleproud said, “Well, if we get to a juncture after the next election where we can form a government with the Liberal Party, then obviously we’re going to support the Liberal Party. But there will be conditions, and the conditions are about those things that are core to making the lives of those people that we represent better”.

    Former prime minister Tony Abbott joined John Howard in urging an early rapprochement. Abbott said, “I deeply regret the Coalition split and hope that it can be re-formed as soon as possible. History shows that the Liberals and the Nationals win together and fail separately.” On Tuesday  Howard warned of the negative consequences of the split.

    Liberal deputy leader Ted O’Brien said the Nationals’ decision was “more than disappointing”.

    He said the parties were “stronger together” and he hoped over time the Nationals will “draw the same conclusion that we are better together than we are apart”.

    With three-cornered contests one issue now the parties are not in coalition, McKenzie was asked whether she would be relaxed about the Liberals running in all Nationals seats.

    “This is one of the serious risks of the decision we took yesterday,” she said, adding it had been “part of our thinking as went forward”.

    “We also see it as an opportunity to put a very strong proposition for rural and regional Australia to those communities.

    “At the end of the day, though, Coalition arrangements are matters for our state parties – so the LNP in Queensland, the NSW state Nationals and also the Victorian Nationals.”

    Michelle Grattan 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.

    ref. View from The Hill: Coalition split puts Victorian and NSW Nationals Senate seats at high risk – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-coalition-split-puts-victorian-and-nsw-nationals-senate-seats-at-high-risk-256456

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The 44th Young Designers’ Exhibition Kicks Off in 2025: Diverse Creativity Envisions the Future

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    The opening ceremony of the 44th Young Designers’ Exhibition (YODEX) 2025, was held on May 9 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 2, Mr. Chin-Tsang Ho, the Deputy Minister of Ministry of Economic Affairs and other distinguished guests are officially opening the events. The exhibition, running from May 9 (Friday) to May 12 (Monday), is jointly guided by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), and organized by the Industrial Development Administration (IDA), and executed by the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI).

    With the theme “Preferred Future”, YODEX 2025 presents a rich woven tapestry of perspectives on future living through the lens of design. This year’ s events feature participation from 59 domestic schools, 122 departments, nearly 10,000 young designers, and approximately 3,500 design works. Additionally, 10 schools from seven countries- including the United States, Thailand, Japan, Mexico, India, and Australia-have joined the showcase. The event also highlights the outcomes of 11 industry-academia cooperation projects, emphasizing the interwoven synergy between design talents and industry. The public is warmly invited to experience firsthand the bold yet pragmatical imagination and creativity of Taiwan’ s next generation of designers.

    Beyond an exhibition, YODEX is also a key platform for industry-academia cooperation and a talent pipeline for enterprises seeking outstanding creatives. This year’ s YODEX Industry-Academia Collaboration Program features participation from seven companies and institutions-including Gamania Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd., FAMICA INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD., and the NEW TAIPEI CITY DESIGN CENTER-under the themes of “Future Education”, “Future Health”, and “Future Entertainment”. A total of 365 student teams submitted proposals, with 19 teams selected for six months of co-creation with industry partners.

    To promote regional talent development, this year also witnessed the expansion of YODEX Industry-Academia Cooperation, with four companies-YEE CHAIN INTERNATIONAL CO., Ltd., Tair Chu Enterprise Co, Ltd, KENDA RUBBER INDUSTRIAL Co.,Ltd. and SLICETHINNER MANUFACTURING COMPANY Ltd.-partnering with nine universities. A total of 105 students worked on solutions tailored to local industry needs, encouraging local employment and retention of design talent.

    This year’ s upgraded Professional Day features cross-disciplinary professionals, student pitch sessions, and corresponding matchmaking. A record of 14 industry forums cover topics like IP licensing, packaging, education, sustainability, and tech, deepening industry-academia collaboration.

    The 2025 44th Young Designers’ Exhibition gathers Taiwan’s design schools and industry resources to explore the future of design. Through cross-disciplinary collaborations and international exchanges, it showcases diverse aspects of design education and practice. Welcome to this events from May 9 to May 12 to eyewitness how the young designers creatively imagine and project the issues like environment, technology, and humanity while exploring the possible future living.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free and low-cost things to do over May half term

    Source: City of Leeds

    From gnomes galore at Abbey House Museum to Woolfest at Leeds Industrial Museum – check out our highlighted free and low-cost things to do in Leeds with your family over the May half term break.

    Gnomes Galore at Abbey House Museum
    Help! The museum’s cheeky gnomes have escaped and are hiding all over the Victorian Streets, grab a trail sheet and see who you can find! Be sure to come and join the mischief and also take part in craft activities inspired by our cheeky friends.
    Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Gnomes Galore at Abbey House Museum

    Kirkstall Abbey Scarecrow Festival
    Explore the historic ruins of Kirkstall Abbey whilst looking for fun scarecrows during the Scarecrow Festival! You might find a Hungry Caterpillar in the Kitchen, a ladybird in the library or a horse in the hospital! Wander through the park and woodlands and take a leisurely stroll beside the River Aire whilst learning about the historic Abbey.
    Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Kirkstall Abbey Scarecrow Festival

    Love Your Zoo Week at Lotherton
    Take part in Love Your Zoo Week at Lotherton and celebrate all the animals in Wildlife World. Follow the ‘amazing animals’ trail, hop on board their famous tractor trailer for a deer park tour, get crafty in the House and find out more about the wildlife in the zoo.
    Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission (crafts and tractor tour are additional costs)
    Find out more: Love Your Zoo Week at Lotherton

    Find Your Happy at Temple Newsam House
    In the big house you will find crafts and activities all inspired by the theme of happiness. Families will be able to enjoy joyful crafts, dreamy dressing up, not so tricky trails and more! There is also a brand new exhibition by Leeds Fine Artists which is on display in different rooms throughout the house. See if you can spot the newest paintings and objects on display and how the artists have been inspired by the country house.
    Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Find Your Happy at Temple Newsam House

    Love Your Zoo Week at Tropical World
    Celebrate Love Your Zoo Week by visiting Tropical World and meeting their new sulcata tortoises. Take part in Tank’s Tortoise Trail, experience keeper talks, take part in craft activities, and treat yourself to a tasty snack in the café.
    Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Love Your Zoo Week at Tropical World

    Half term at Kirkgate Market
    Visit Kirkgate Market over half term to experience pop-up events and free family activities including giant games, colouring, Lego crafts, and Duplo building.
    Saturday 24 May to Friday 30 May, cost: free
    Find out more: Half term at Kirkgate Market

    Half term at the Royal Armouries Museum
    Over half term, the Royal Armouries Museum will be shining a light on the Second World War – with live presentations, battle stories and weapon talks. And experience their new display, Objects in Focus, which marks the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory in Japan (VJ) Day.
    Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, 10am to 5pm, cost: free
    Find out more: Half term at the Royal Armouries

    Miffy Crafts at Leeds City Museum
    Delve into the world of Miffy books and create your own bold, colourful Miffy artwork. Come to the museum for Miffy-themed arts and crafts during the half term. There’ll also be finger puppets and Miffy ears for little bunnies to decorate. Activities are suitable for all ages, designed for families to have a go together.
    Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, and Thursday 29 May, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, cost: free
    Find out more: Miffy Crafts at Leeds City Museum

    These Are My Rocks with Bethan Woollvin at Leeds Libraries
    Do you collect anything? Everyone collects something! Join award-winning author/illustrator Bethan Woollvin at one of our libraries for an exciting workshop based on her brand-new picture book These Are My Rocks, which is all about the joy of collecting things.
    Tuesday 27 May to Friday 30 May (locations and times vary), cost: pay what you decide
    Find out more: These Are My Rocks with Bethan Woollvin

    Turn Back the Clock at Leeds Discovery Centre
    In this family workshop, come and take a closer look at some of the amazing clocks in the discovery centre’s collection and have a go at making your own wall clock to take home.
    Wednesday 28 May, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, cost: give what you can – bookings required via the website
    Find out more: Turn Back the Clock at Leeds Discovery Centre

    Woolfest at Leeds Industrial Museum
    Celebrate the wonder of wool with craft stalls, workshops, live demonstrations, a pop-up tea room and loads more – the city’s original festival of wool is back with a bang in 2025! We have it all from packed out crafting markets to expert demonstrations, talks, performances, tea room pop-ups and loads more. Whether you’re a natty knitter or crackers about crochet, it’s a great day out for all ages.
    Saturday 31 May, 10am to 5pm, cost: £5 for adults, £2.90 for children
    Find out more: Woolfest at Leeds Industrial Museum

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pedestrian in critical condition after Devonport crash

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Pedestrian in critical condition after Devonport crash

    Wednesday, 21 May 2025 – 4:56 pm.

    A 75-year-old woman seriously injured when hit by a car in Devonport on Wednesday morning remains in a critical condition in Royal Hobart Hospital.
    The crash happened about 8.55am at the intersection of William and Best streets, Devonport, with initial investigations indicating the female pedestrian was attempting to cross the intersection at the lights when she was struck by a black Lexus.
    The crash was witnessed by a several people, who provided assistance at the scene.
    The woman was initially transported to Launceston General Hospital for treatment however, her condition deteriorated and she was then transported by helicopter to RHH.
    Any witnesses who saw the incident or drove past the area and may have dash-cam footage are asked to call police on 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information to Crime Stoppers can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: Prosafe SE: Operational update – April 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    21 May – Fleet utilisation for April 2025 was 58 per cent.   

    Safe Zephyrus and Safe Eurus operated at full capacity during April, achieving 100 per cent commercial uptime.  

    Safe Notos had 92 per cent commercial uptime due to required repairs. 

    Safe Caledonia has been re-activated for UK contract with start 01 June. Safe Boreas is in process of being transported to Singapore ahead of contract in Australia. 

    Safe Scandinavia has been sold for recycling and been delivered to the buyer.  

    Prosafe is a leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation vessels. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker code PRS. For more information, please refer to https://www.prosafe.com  

    For further information, please contact:  

    Terje Askvig, CEO 

    Phone: +47 952 03 886 

    Reese McNeel, CFO 

    Phone: +47 415 08 186 

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: NSW is copping rain and flooding while parts of Australia are in drought. What’s going on?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, Associate Professor in Climate Science, ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, The University of Melbourne

    Emergency crews were scrambling to rescue residents trapped by floodwaters on Wednesday as heavy rain pummelled the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.

    In some areas, more than 200 mm of rain has fallen in 24 hours. At the town of Taree, low-lying areas are flooded as the Manning River reached record levels, passing the 1929 record of six metres.

    At the same time, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia are in drought amid some of the lowest rainfall on record.

    So what is going on, and when will the wet weather end?

    Why is NSW so wet?

    The wet weather in NSW is due to a combination of factors.

    A trough is sitting over the Mid North Coast and stretching offshore. Troughs are areas of low pressure and can bring rain and unstable conditions. This trough is bringing extensive cloud and rain to the affected region.

    In addition, winds from the east are also bringing moisture to the coast.

    Since Sunday, all this has been compounded by a “cut-off low” in the upper atmosphere. These low-pressure systems are separated from the main westerly flow of winds, and often move slowly.

    The combination of the trough near the ground, and low pressure at higher levels in the atmosphere, can cause air to converge and rise. As air rises it cools, moisture condenses and rain occurs.

    In the next few days, the cut-off low will move away but is likely to be replaced in the same region by another upper-level low-pressure system moving in from the southwest. This will likely mean heavy rain over the east coast region in the coming days and into Friday.

    On top of all this, a persistent high pressure system in the Tasman Sea is also pushing cloud onto the NSW coastline.

    An upper-level low with a high in the Tasman is a typical set of conditions for flooding on the NSW Mid North Coast. Those conditions are also forecast to persist for the coming days.

    One-week rain totals over Australia ending May 21. Green represents heaviest rainfall.
    Bureau of Meteorology

    So why are parts of Australia in drought?

    The NSW north coast was quite wet in March and April – partly due to a hangover from Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

    That meant the ground was already wet and full when rain began falling this week. So instead of soaking in, the water more easily turned to runoff and became floodwater.

    This is in contrast to much of Australia, which was unseasonably dry and warm in March and April.

    But the differences are not unusual. Australia is a big place, and rainfall dynamics are quite localised. It’s fairly common to see very wet conditions in one area and very dry conditions in another.

    Unfortunately the current heavy rain in NSW probably won’t make a huge difference to drought-stricken areas. The moist air flows are likely to dry out as they cross the Great Dividing Range. But a change in weather patterns means from Sunday, rain may fall in some areas of Victoria and South Australia suffering from drought.

    A weather update on May 21 from the Bureau of Meteorology.

    Is climate change causing this?

    As the planet warms, scientists are very confident that Earth’s average surface temperature will warm, and heatwaves will get worse. However, rainfall projections are much less certain.

    Projecting all types of precipitation is difficult. The water cycle is complex. Climate models – while powerful – can struggle to accurately simulate local rainfall patterns. And these patterns vary considerably over time – a natural phenomena that can make the climate trend hard to identify.

    So what does this mean for autumn rainfall projections for Australia in future? None of the rainfall projections show a strong signal, and so scientists do not have high confidence in the results.

    Having said this, there’s a hint of a drying trend across southwest Western Australia and parts of western Victoria and southeast South Australia, where conditions are dry now.

    And for the Mid North Coast of NSW, currently experiencing heavy rain and flooding, autumn rainfall projections hint at slightly at heavier extreme rainfall.

    Andrew King receives funding from the ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather and the National Environmental Science Program.

    Andrew Dowdy receives funding from University of Melbourne and is supported by the Australian Research Council.

    ref. NSW is copping rain and flooding while parts of Australia are in drought. What’s going on? – https://theconversation.com/nsw-is-copping-rain-and-flooding-while-parts-of-australia-are-in-drought-whats-going-on-257235

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI China: SCIO briefs media on Yangtze River Economic Belt development in Chongqing

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    SCIO briefs media on Yangtze River Economic Belt development in Chongqing

    China SCIO | May 21, 2025

    The State Council Information Office (SCIO) recently organized a media trip to southwestern China’s Chongqing municipality, bringing together over 40 journalists — including foreign correspondents from the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Iraq, Qatar, and Japan — to observe the progress of high-quality development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

    A press briefing was held Monday during the trip, where Hu Henghua, deputy secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and mayor of the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government, briefed the media and answered questions.

    On May 19, 2025, the State Council Information Office holds a press briefing in Chongqing about the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. [Photo by Liu Jian/China SCIO]

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    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Counts in Bradfield and Calwell become clearer, while Jacqui Lambie faces a possible problem in the Tasmanian Senate

    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

    Counting in several extremely close seats continues, but some results have become clearer. In Liberal-held Bradfield, Teal candidate Nicolette Boele has taken the lead, while the Calwell distribution of preferences indicates an independent is on track to pass the Liberals and benefit from their preferences against Labor. Meanwhile, Jacqui Lambie may have a problem in the Tasmanian Senate contest.

    Labor has won 93 of the 150 House of Representatives seats, the Coalition 43, all Others 12 and two remain undecided (Bradfield and Calwell). After Tuesday’s split between the Liberals and Nationals, the ABC has the Liberals on 28 seats and the Nationals on 15, with the Liberals to form the official opposition.

    The Australian Electoral Commission has 18 Liberals, nine Nationals and 16 seats won by Queensland’s Liberal National Party. LNP members can caucus with either the Liberals or Nationals, so they are splitting 10–6 to the Liberals.

    I will continue to use Coalition in my coverage of this election, as the Liberal and National parties contested the election as the Coalition. It would be difficult to split the LNP vote into its Liberal and National components.

    In the close seats, Boele leads the Liberals by 43 votes in Bradfield. She had trailed by 43 votes before the final votes were counted on Monday. The Poll Bludger said the last 181 formal postals counted favoured Boele by 125–56, giving her 69% of that batch.

    Of the just over 14,000 total formal postal votes counted in Bradfield, the Liberals have won by 56.4–43.6. But late postals are often much better for the left than early ones.

    What’s happening now in Bradfield is a full distribution of preferences, in which candidates are excluded from the bottom up on primary votes. If the margin after this distribution is complete is under 100 votes, there will be an automatic recount.

    In Goldstein, Teal incumbent Zoe Daniel’s late surge has fallen short, as she trails Liberal Tim Wilson by 135 votes with everything counted, in from a 292-vote deficit last Thursday.

    As with Bradfield, there will now be a full distribution of preferences in Goldstein. If the margin after this distribution is under 100 votes, there will be a recount. Daniel could also request a recount, but even if there is a recount, Wilson is very likely to win.

    In Labor-held Calwell, which has 13 candidates, final primary votes were 30.5% Labor, 15.7% Liberals, 11.9% for independent Carly Moore, 10.7% for independent Joseph Youhana, 8.3% for the Greens and 6.9% for independent Samim Moslih.

    The danger for Labor is that either Moore or Youhana overtake the Liberals on the distribution of preferences, then beat Labor at the final count on Liberal preferences. The AEC has a page that is updated with each exclusion in the preference distribution.

    After six exclusions, the totals are 32.8% Labor, 17.1% Liberals, 14.7% Moore, 12.1% Youhana, 9.9% Greens, 7.9% Moslih and 5.6% One Nation (to be excluded next). Analyst Kevin Bonham says Moore needs 7.5% more than the Liberals to make the final two, and 67% of overall preferences to beat Labor. For Youhana, these figures are 13.4% and 69%.

    Lambie may have a problem in the Tasmanian Senate contest

    I have previously covered the Senate count. There have only been minor changes to the primary votes since that May 9 article. The Poll Bludger has modelled the state Senate contests using 2022 election preference flows.

    According to this model, Labor will win the last seat in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, but only narrowly in WA. In Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie and the Liberals would edge out Labor. As I wrote previously, this result would give Labor 30 of the 76 total senators, the Coalition 27, the Greens 11, One Nation two and others six.

    For a state a quota is one-seventh of the vote or 14.3%. In Tasmania Labor has 2.48 quotas, the Liberals 1.65, the Greens 1.13, Jacqui Lambie 0.51, One Nation 0.35 and Legalise Cannabis 0.24. One Nation will be the last exclusion, and whichever of Labor, the Liberals or Lambie is last after One Nation’s preferences are distributed loses.

    There’s evidence that One Nation’s preferences have become better for the Coalition at this election than in 2022. In Capricornia, which had a One Nation primary vote of 15.5%, the LNP share of overall preferences increased nine points since 2022 to 62%.

    Lambie wants the salmon farming industry to stop farming in Macquarie Harbour and says they should move offshore. This stance could cost her preferences from One Nation and other right-aligned parties.

    I expect One Nation and other right-wing preferences in Tasmania to go strongly enough to the Liberals to give the Liberals one of the last two undecided seats, with the final seat between Labor and Lambie.

    Labor is pro-salmon farming, so perhaps Lambie could benefit from Greens and Animal Justice preferences (the Greens have a small surplus over one quota and Animal Justice has 0.09 quotas).

    Tasmanian poll and upper house elections

    A Tasmanian state EMRS poll, conducted May 13–17 from a sample of 1,000, gave Labor 31% of the vote (up one since February), the Liberals 29% (down five), the Greens 14% (up one), the Jacqui Lambie Network 6% (down two), independents 17% (up five) and others 4% (up one).

    Tasmania uses a proportional system for its lower house elections, so a two-party estimate is not applicable. Incumbent Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s net favourability was down four points to +6, while Labor leader Dean Winter’s was down one to +5. Rockliff led Winter by 44–32 as preferred premier (44–34 previously).

    Every May two or three of Tasmania’s 15 upper house seats are up for election for six-year terms. The Poll Bludger said Tuesday that current upper house standings are four Liberals, three Labor, one Green and seven independents. On Saturday there will be elections in Liberal-held Montgomery, Labor-held Pembroke and independent-held Nelson.

    European elections wrap

    I covered Sunday’s European elections in Romania, Portugal and Poland for The Poll Bludger. In Romania the centrist defeated the far-right candidate by 53.6–46.4, but the left had a dismal result in Portugal. I also covered recounts in the April 28 Canadian election and polls ahead of the June 3 South Korean presidential election.

    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.

    ref. Counts in Bradfield and Calwell become clearer, while Jacqui Lambie faces a possible problem in the Tasmanian Senate – https://theconversation.com/counts-in-bradfield-and-calwell-become-clearer-while-jacqui-lambie-faces-a-possible-problem-in-the-tasmanian-senate-257122

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fire restrictions extended into winter

    Source:

    CFA has further extended the Fire Danger Period (FDP) in parts of northeast Victoria as underlying dryness continues to elevate fire risk.

    With an average rainfall of 41mm and only 2mm reaching the far northeast in April, the area is susceptible to fire ignition which could be challenging for firefighters to control.

    As a result, the fire restriction has been extended for Towong Shire Council until 1:00am on 23 June 2025.

    All other Victorian municipalities fire restrictions have been lifted.

    District 24 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brett Myers said the decision to extend restrictions was necessary to protect communities while dry conditions persisted.

    “While cooler days are arriving, the landscape remains dry enough to allow fires to start and spread quickly if a burn-off gets out of control,” Brett said.

    Residents within Towong Shire Council are reminded that burning off remains prohibited unless a valid permit is obtained.

    Since 1 April to 20 May, CFA has responded to 178 escaped burn-offs across the state.

    “Escaped burn-offs continued to cause significant concern,” Brett said.

    “By extending the fire restrictions, we’re hoping to avoid preventable fires caused by complacency or misunderstanding.

    “Escaped burns tie up our resources and present a real danger to both the community and our volunteers.”

    Brett also urged landowners to help reduce unnecessary callouts, by registering their burn-offs.

    “We’re asking all landowners in areas without fire restrictions to register their burn-offs online, to help prevent false alarms which divert resources from other emergencies,” Brett said.

    Under the CFA Act, penalties for lighting an open-air fire without a permit during the Fire Danger Period can include fines of up to $23,710, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.

    Landowners can apply for a permit to burn off at firepermits.vic.gov.au.

    Burn off safety checklist:

    • Obtain a permit if required and check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind.
    • Postpone your activity if high fire risk conditions develop. 
    • Notify your neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke. 
    • Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
    • Ensure you have enough water on hand (10 litres for small fires).
    • Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration.
    • Ensure there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn effectively.
    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: Wix Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Strong start to year with Q1’25 total bookings of $511 million, up 12% y/y, with very robust top of funnel demand in the quarter and new cohort strength continuing through April and early May
    • Q1’25 total revenue of $474 million exceeded expectations, up 13% y/y, driven by accelerating Self Creators growth accompanied by solid Partners momentum as Studio adoption continued to ramp healthily
    • Launched Wixel, a new standalone AI-powered visual design platform that brings the most advanced creative tools into a single intuitive interface and puts complete visual editing control into the hands of everyone – marking Wix’s milestone foray into creation beyond websites
    • Achieved FCF margin of 30% in Q1’25 as we continued to maintain a resilient operating cost structure amidst robust top-line performance
    • Increased share repurchase board authorization to a total of $400 million under current program

    NEW YORK — Wix.com Ltd. (Nasdaq: WIX) (the “Company”), the leading SaaS website builder platform1, today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2025. In addition, the Company provided its outlook for the second quarter and an updated outlook for full year 2025. Please visit the Wix Investor Relations website at https://investors.wix.com to view the Q1’25 Shareholder Update and other materials.

    “This year we are setting out to reimagine and expand the online creation experience and have set the bar high with the milestone release of Wixel, which I believe will democratize digital creation,” said Avishai Abrahami, Wix Co-founder and CEO. “We have been transforming web development since 2006 and are now organically extending our user-first design expertise, AI leadership and focus on accessibility to beyond websites. What you see today is the first version of our standalone next-gen visual design platform, representing the culmination of years of development in advanced design and AI and unifying the best models, intuitive UI, and powerful high-end features into one cohesive platform. Importantly, with Wixel, anyone, regardless of skill level, can now create beautiful visuals with just a few clicks. We have an ambitious roadmap for Wixel ahead and I’m excited to see how Wixel starts to reshape the design world.”

    Lior Shemesh, CFO at Wix, added, “Our strong first quarter results demonstrate the critical value of the Wix platform to anyone and everyone requiring an online presence globally amid an ever evolving macro environment, particularly SMBs. Top of funnel demand was very strong with Q1’25 new user cohort bookings finishing 12% higher than the bookings generated by the Q1’24 cohort in its first quarter. This acceleration in new cohort growth was almost entirely driven by better fundamentals, particularly an increased number of users, as well as product innovation. Encouragingly, these strong cohort trends have continued through April and early May, bolstering confidence in 2H bookings and revenue growth acceleration as additional cohorts layer on through the year. As a result of this new cohort strength and healthy existing user behavior, bookings grew a solid 12% y/y and revenue growth of 13% y/y finished above expectations in Q1. Durability was broad based across our segments with our Partners business delivering 24% y/y revenue growth, fueled by ongoing market share gains driven by Studio, as well as another consecutive quarter of Self Creators growth acceleration as AI continued to remove friction for more users in the website creation journey.”

    Q1 2025 Financial Results

    • Total revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $473.7 million, up 13% y/y
    • Creative Subscriptions revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $337.7 million, up 11% y/y
      • Creative Subscriptions ARR increased to $1.373 billion as of the end of the quarter, up 10% y/y
    • Business Solutions revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $136.0 million, up 18% y/y
      • Transaction revenue2 was $58.9 million, up 19% y/y
    • Partners revenue3 in the first quarter of 2025 was $171.6 million, up 24% y/y
    • Total bookings in the first quarter of 2025 were $510.9 million, up 12% y/y
      • Creative Subscriptions bookings in the first quarter of 2025 were $369.5 million, up 10% y/y
      • Business Solutions bookings in the first quarter of 2025 were $141.4 million, up 15% y/y
    • Total gross margin on a GAAP basis in the first quarter of 2025 was 68%
      • Creative Subscriptions gross margin on a GAAP basis was 83%
      • Business Solutions gross margin on a GAAP basis was 30%
    • Total non-GAAP gross margin in the first quarter of 2025 was 69%
      • Creative Subscriptions gross margin on a non-GAAP basis was 84%
      • Business Solutions gross margin on a non-GAAP basis was 31%
    • GAAP net income in the first quarter of 2025 was $33.8 million, or $0.61 per basic share and $0.57 per diluted share
    • Non-GAAP net income in the first quarter of 2025 was $93.9 million, or $1.69 per basic share and $1.55 per diluted share
    • Net cash provided by operating activities for the first quarter of 2025 was $145.5 million, while capital expenditures totaled $3.1 million, leading to free cash flow of $142.4 million
    • In January, we completed $200 million of share repurchases, repurchasing 868,026 Wix ordinary shares in total at an approximate volume-weighted average price per share of $230.41
    • Total employee count at the end of Q1’25 was 5,275

    Increase to Share Repurchase Program

    Wix’s Board of Directors has authorized an increase to its program to repurchase the Company’s securities (ordinary shares and/or convertible notes) by an additional amount of up to $200 million, on top of the $200 million previously approved by the Board on February 26th, 2025 (which has not been used to date). This approval brings the repurchase authorization under the program to a total amount of up to $400 million.

    ____________________
    1 Based on number of active live sites as reported by competitors’ figures, independent third-party data and internal data as of Q3 2024.
    2 Transaction revenue is a portion of Business Solutions revenue, and we define transaction revenue as all revenue generated through transaction facilitation, primarily from Wix Payments, as well as Wix POS, shipping solutions and multi-channel commerce and gift card solutions.
    3 Partners revenue is defined as revenue generated through agencies and freelancers that build sites or applications for other users (“Agencies”) as well as revenue generated through B2B partnerships, such as LegalZoom or Vistaprint (“Resellers”). We identify Agencies using multiple criteria, including but not limited to, the number of sites built, participation in the Wix Partner Program and/or the Wix Marketplace or Wix products used (incl. Wix Studio). Partners revenue includes revenue from both the Creative Subscriptions and Business Solutions businesses.

    Financial Outlook

    Healthy first quarter results demonstrate impactful product innovation and disciplined execution of our key growth initiatives, including Studio, AI and our focus empowering Self Creators. Notably, new cohort strength remains robust through April and early May against a dynamic macro backdrop. We expect new cohort strength to continue and drive top-line growth acceleration in 2H as additional cohorts layer on throughout the year.

    While we are encouraged by our strong Q1 results and robust top of funnel, we are maintaining full year bookings outlook of $2,025 – 2,060 million, up 11-13% y/y. This reflects conservatism due to macro uncertainty, specifically in our Business Solutions segment, with potential volatility offset by fully dissipating FX headwinds.

    With these same considerations, we are also maintaining our full year revenue outlook of $1,970 – 2,000 million, up 12-14% y/y.

    We expect total revenue in Q2 2025 to be $485 – 489 million, up 11-12% y/y.

    For the full year 2025, we continue to expect non-GAAP total gross margin of ~70% and non-GAAP operating expenses to be 47-48% of revenue for the full year.

    We continue to expect to generate free cash flow of $590 – 610 million, or ~30-31% of revenue.

    As a result, we remain on track to achieve Rule of 45 in 2025 at the high end of our outlook.

    Conference Call and Webcast Information

    Wix will host a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025. A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be accessible from the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at https://investors.wix.com/.

    About Wix.com Ltd.

    Wix is the leading SaaS website builder platform1 to create, manage and grow a digital presence. Founded in 2006, Wix is a comprehensive platform providing users – self-creators, agencies, enterprises, and more – with industry-leading performance, security, AI capabilities and a reliable infrastructure. Offering a wide range of commerce and business solutions, advanced SEO and marketing tools, the platform enables users to take full ownership of their brand, their data and their relationships with their customers. With a focus on continuous innovation and delivery of new features and products, users can seamlessly build a powerful and high-end digital presence for themselves or their clients.

    For more about Wix, please visit our Press Room
    Media Relations Contact: PR@wix.com

    Share Repurchase Program

    Under the Board authorized repurchase program, Company securities may be repurchased from time to time using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, all in accordance with U.S. securities laws and regulations, including Rule 10b-18 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Company may also, from time to time, enter into plans that are compliant with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act to facilitate repurchases of its securities under this Board authorization. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of securities, and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion. Repurchases under the repurchase program may begin after conclusion of the 30-day period for creditors of the Company to object to the Company’s intent to perform the distribution by way of repurchase in accordance with the Israeli Companies Regulations (Relief for Public Companies Whose Securities are Traded on Stock Exchanges Outside of Israel), 5760-2000 and the Israeli Regulations (Approval of Distribution), 5761–2001. The actual timing, number and value of securities repurchased depend on a number of factors, including the market price of the Company’s ordinary shares, general market and economic conditions, any objections received by the Company from its creditors, the Company’s financial results and liquidity, and other considerations. The Company expects to fund repurchases with cash on hand and future cash generated from its operations.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Operating Metrics

    To supplement its consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Wix uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: bookings, cumulative cohort bookings, bookings on a constant currency basis, revenue on a constant currency basis, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss) per share, free cash flow, free cash flow on a constant currency basis, free cash flow, as adjusted, free cash flow margins, non-GAAP R&D expenses, non-GAAP S&M expenses, non-GAAP G&A expenses, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP cost of revenue expense, non-GAAP financial expense, non-GAAP tax expense (collectively the “Non-GAAP financial measures”). Measures presented on a constant currency or foreign exchange neutral basis have been adjusted to exclude the effect of y/y changes in foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Bookings is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated by adding the change in deferred revenues and the change in unbilled contractual obligations for a particular period to revenues for the same period. Bookings include cash receipts for premium subscriptions purchased by users as well as cash we collect from business solutions, as well as payments due to us under the terms of contractual agreements for which we may have not yet received payment. Cash receipts for premium subscriptions are deferred and recognized as revenues over the terms of the subscriptions. Cash receipts for payments and the majority of the additional products and services (other than Google Workspace) are recognized as revenues upon receipt. Committed payments are recognized as revenue as we fulfill our obligation under the terms of the contractual agreement. Bookings and Creative Subscriptions Bookings are also presented on a further non-GAAP basis by excluding, in each case, bookings associated with long term B2B partnership agreements. Non-GAAP gross margin represents gross profit calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization, divided by revenue. Non-GAAP operating income (loss) represents operating income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, amortization, acquisition-related expenses and sales tax expense accrual and other G&A expenses (income). Non-GAAP net income (loss) represents net loss calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, amortization, sales tax expense accrual and other G&A expenses (income), amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs and acquisition-related expenses and non-operating foreign exchange expenses (income). Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share represents non-GAAP net income (loss) divided by the weighted average number of shares used in computing GAAP loss per share. Free cash flow represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow, as adjusted, represents free cash flow further adjusted to exclude one-time cash restructuring charges and the capital expenditures and other expenses associated with the buildout of our new corporate headquarters. Free cash flow margins represent free cash flow divided by revenue. Non-GAAP cost of revenue represents cost of revenue calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP R&D expenses represent R&D expenses calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP S&M expenses represent S&M expenses calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP G&A expenses represent G&A expenses calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP operating expenses represent operating expenses calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP financial expense represents financial expense calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for unrealized gains of equity investments, amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs and non-operating foreign exchange expenses. Non-GAAP tax expense represents tax expense calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for provisions for income tax effects related to non-GAAP adjustments.

    The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes that these measures provide useful information about operating results, enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making.

    For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the reconciliation tables provided below. The accompanying tables have more details on the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures and the related reconciliations between these financial measures. The Company is unable to provide reconciliations of free cash flow, free cash flow margin, free cash flow, as adjusted, bookings, cumulative cohort bookings, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, and non-GAAP tax expense to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort because items that impact those GAAP financial measures are out of the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. Such information may have a significant, and potentially unpredictable, impact on our future financial results.

    Wix also uses Creative Subscriptions Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) as a key operating metric. Creative Subscriptions ARR is calculated as Creative Subscriptions Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) multiplied by 12. Creative Subscriptions MRR is calculated as the total of (i) the total monthly revenue of all Creative Subscriptions in effect on the last day of the period, other than domain registrations; (ii) the average revenue per month from domain registrations multiplied by all registered domains in effect on the last day of the period; and (iii) monthly revenue from other partnership agreements including enterprise partners.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This document contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements may include projections regarding our future performance, including, but not limited to revenue, bookings and free cash flow, and may be identified by words like “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “aim,” “forecast,” “indication,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “subject”, “project,” “outlook,” “future,” “will,” “seek” and similar terms or phrases. The forward-looking statements contained in this document, including the quarterly and annual guidance, are based on management’s current expectations, which are subject to uncertainty, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, our ability to attract and retain registered users and partners, and generate new premium subscriptions and additional business solutions as we continuously adjust our marketing strategy and customer care; maintenance of our brand and reputation, and generation of revenue from sources other than premium subscriptions; risks associated with international operations and the use of platform in various countries; risks related to the macroeconomic environment and ongoing global conflicts; security risks and payment risks and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; failures of third-party hardware, software and infrastructure on which we rely, or failure to manage the operation of our infrastructure; adverse market conditions, including inflation, interest rates and other adverse developments that may adversely affect our cash balances and investment portfolio; our history of operating losses and inability to achieve sustained profitability; downturns or upturns in sales are not immediately reflected in full in our operating results; our ability to repurchase our ordinary shares and/or 0.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 pursuant to our repurchase program; our ability to raise capital when needed or on acceptable terms; risks related to acquisitions and investments, pricing decisions, pandemics, natural disasters and other catastrophic events; our ability to develop and introduce new products and services, as well as maintain third-party products and are ability to keep up with rapid changes in design and technology; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; our ability to attract a diversified customer base and increased competition; our ability to maintain compatibility of our platform and solutions with changes in third-party applications and changes to technologies used in our solutions; our ability to acquire and service small business users; risks related to security breaches and unauthorized access to data, cyberattacks; our expectation regarding the uncertain future relationship between the United States and other countries with respect to trade policies, taxes, government regulations, and tariffs; our ability to comply with the regulations applicable to our operations, including new governmental regulations regarding the internet, consumer protection, artificial intelligence (“AI”), privacy and data protection laws and regulations, as well as contractual privacy and data protection obligations; risks relating to intellectual property, including infringements, litigation and claims, and our ability to maintain and protect our intellectual property rights and proprietary information; our expectations regarding the outcome of any regulatory investigation or litigation, including class actions; risks related to the development and integration of AI, generative AI, agentic AI, machine learning, and similar tools into our offerings, and comply with the regulatory environment impacting AI and AI-related activities; risks related to activities of registered users or content of their websites, and risks related to domain names and industry regulations; risks related to compliance with laws and regulations, including those related to economic sanctions, tariffs, export controls, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, anti-trust, and consumer protection, and changes in these laws and regulations; risks related to tax, including application of indirect taxes, tax laws, changes in tax laws or changes in provision for income tax and examination of income tax returns; risks related to ordinary shares, activist shareholders, and our status as a foreign private issuer; risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel, including conflicts in the area; our expectations regarding future changes in our cost of revenues and our operating expenses on an absolute basis and as a percentage of our revenues; our planned level of capital expenditures and our belief that our existing cash and cash from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future; and our ability to enter into new markets and attracting new customer demographics, including our ability to successfully attract new partners and large enterprise-level users and to grow our activities, including through the adoption of our Wix Studio product, with these customer types as anticipated and other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2025. The preceding list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all of our forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date hereof. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS – GAAP
    (In thousands, except loss per share data)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Revenues      
    Creative Subscriptions $ 337,676     $ 304,293  
    Business Solutions   135,975       115,483  
        473,651       419,776  
           
    Cost of Revenues      
    Creative Subscriptions   56,067       54,803  
    Business Solutions   95,725       82,494  
        151,792       137,297  
           
    Gross Profit   321,859       282,479  
           
    Operating expenses:      
    Research and development   127,497       124,245  
    Selling and marketing   111,563       107,234  
    General and administrative   45,394       41,330  
    Total operating expenses   284,454       272,809  
    Operating income   37,405       9,670  
    Financial income, net   5,832       18,884  
    Other income, net   64       211  
                   
    Income before taxes on income   43,301       28,765  
    Income tax expenses   9,535       4,763  
    Net income $ 33,766     $ 24,002  
           
    Basic net income per share $ 0.61     $ 0.43  
                   
    Basic weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share   55,708,670       56,098,997  
           
    Diluted net income per share $ 0.57     $ 0.41  
                   
    Diluted weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share   60,384,510       58,647,238  
           
    Wix.com Ltd. 
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
    (In thousands) 
           
      Period ended
      March 31,   December 31,
        2025       2024  
    Assets (unaudited)   (audited)
    Current Assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 653,276     $ 660,939  
    Short-term deposits   112,078       106,844  
    Restricted deposits   793       773  
    Marketable securities   304,555       338,593  
    Trade receivables   47,328       44,674  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   59,132       128,577  
     Total current assets   1,177,162       1,280,400  
           
    Long-Term Assets:      
    Prepaid expenses and other long-term assets   31,343       27,021  
    Property and equipment, net   125,450       128,155  
    Marketable securities   6,183       6,135  
    Intangible assets, net   20,680       22,141  
    Goodwill   49,329       49,329  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   395,513       399,861  
     Total long-term assets   628,498       632,642  
           
     Total assets $ 1,805,660     $ 1,913,042  
           
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficiency      
    Current Liabilities:      
    Trade payables $ 38,032     $ 47,077  
    Employees and payroll accruals   78,983       143,131  
    Deferred revenues   698,343       661,171  
    Current portion of convertible notes, net   573,674       572,880  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   79,546       63,246  
    Operating lease liabilities   29,369       27,907  
    Total current liabilities   1,497,947       1,515,412  
    Long Term Liabilities:      
    Deferred revenues   96,461       89,271  
    Deferred tax liability   1,066       1,965  
    Other long-term liabilities   19,414       16,021  
    Operating lease liabilities   359,389       369,159  
    Total long-term liabilities   476,330       476,416  
           
     Total liabilities   1,974,277       1,991,828  
           
    Shareholders’ Deficiency      
    Ordinary shares   107       107  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,923,576       1,840,574  
    Treasury shares   (1,225,165 )     (1,025,167 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   641       7,242  
    Accumulated deficit   (867,776 )     (901,542 )
    Total shareholders’ deficiency   (168,617 )     (78,786 )
           
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficiency $ 1,805,660     $ 1,913,042  
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (In thousands)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
    Net income $ 33,766     $ 24,002  
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:      
    Depreciation   6,137       6,442  
    Amortization   1,461       1,483  
    Share based compensation expenses   60,261       58,142  
                   
    Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs   794       790  
    Changes in accrued interest and exchange rate on short term and long term deposits   (224 )     880  
    Amortization of premium and discount and accrued interest on marketable securities, net   3,557       597  
                   
    Remeasurement loss (gain) on Marketable equity         (3,367 )
    Changes in deferred income taxes, net   1       (5,011 )
    Changes in operating lease right-of-use assets   4,803       5,024  
    Changes in operating lease liabilities   (8,763 )     (3,652 )
    Loss (gain) on foreign exchange, net   (2,006 )     553  
    Decrease (increase) in trade receivables   (2,654 )     1,119  
    Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current and long-term assets   58,289       (12,568 )
    Decrease in trade payables   (9,338 )     (2,123 )
                   
    Decrease in employees and payroll accruals   (64,148 )     (2,429 )
                   
    Increase in short term and long term deferred revenues   44,362       41,319  
                   
    Increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities   19,193       2,635  
                   
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 145,491       113,836  
    INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
                   
    Proceeds from short-term deposits and restricted deposits   107,780       823  
                   
    Investment in short-term deposits and restricted deposits   (112,810 )     (30,162 )
    Investment in marketable securities   (27,693 )     (27,847 )
    Proceeds from marketable securities   58,292       52,805  
                   
    Purchase of property and equipment and lease prepayment   (2,629 )     (7,715 )
    Capitalization of internal use of software   (421 )     (410 )
    Proceeds from sale of equity securities         22,148  
    Proceed from realization of investments in privately held companies   417        
                   
    Purchases of investments in privately held companies   (750 )     (550 )
                   
    Net cash provided by investing activities $ 22,186       9,092  
    FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
                   
    Proceeds from exercise of options and ESPP shares   22,654       22,628  
    Purchase of treasury stock   (200,000 )     (241,302 )
                   
    Net cash used in financing activities $ (177,346 )     (218,674 )
    Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash   2,006       (553 )
                   
    DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (7,663 )     (96,299 )
                   
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of period   660,939       609,622  
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period $ 653,276     $ 513,323  
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS
    (In thousands)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Creative Subscriptions   337,676       304,293  
    Business Solutions   135,975       115,483  
    Total Revenues $ 473,651     $ 419,776  
           
    Creative Subscriptions   369,469       334,637  
    Business Solutions   141,436       122,644  
    Total Bookings $ 510,905     $ 457,281  
           
    Free Cash Flow $ 142,441     $ 105,711  
                   
    Free Cash Flow excluding HQ build out $ 142,441     $ 111,073  
    Creative Subscriptions ARR   1,372,670     $ 1,244,264  
           
           
     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF REVENUES TO BOOKINGS
    (In thousands)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Revenues $ 473,651     $ 419,776  
    Change in deferred revenues   44,362       41,319  
    Change in unbilled contractual obligations   (7,108 )     (3,814 )
    Bookings $ 510,905     $ 457,281  
           
    Y/Y growth   12 %    
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Creative Subscriptions Revenues $ 337,676     $ 304,293  
    Change in deferred revenues   38,901       34,158  
    Change in unbilled contractual obligations   (7,108 )     (3,814 )
    Creative Subscriptions Bookings $ 369,469     $ 334,637  
           
    Y/Y growth   10 %    
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Business Solutions Revenues $ 135,975     $ 115,483  
    Change in deferred revenues   5,461       7,161  
    Business Solutions Bookings $ 141,436     $ 122,644  
           
    Y/Y growth   15 %    
     
     
     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF COHORT BOOKINGS
    (In millions)
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
           
    Q1 Cohort revenues   9     $ 9  
    Q1 Change in deferred revenues   27       23  
    Q1 Cohort Bookings $ 36     $ 32  
           
           
     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF REVENUES AND BOOKINGS EXCLUDING FX IMPACT
    (In thousands)
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Revenues $ 473,651     $ 419,776  
    FX impact on Q1/25 using Y/Y rates   4,225        
    Revenues excluding FX impact $ 477,876     $ 419,776  
    Y/Y growth   14 %    
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Bookings $ 510,905     $ 457,281  
    FX impact on Q1/25 using Y/Y rates   7,775        
    Bookings excluding FX impact $ 518,680     $ 457,281  
    Y/Y growth   13 %    
           
           
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS GAAP TO NON-GAAP
    (In thousands)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
    (1) Share based compensation expenses: (unaudited)
    Cost of revenues $ 3,320     $ 3,590  
    Research and development   31,491       31,102  
    Selling and marketing   9,177       10,483  
    General and administrative   16,273       12,967  
    Total share based compensation expenses   60,261       58,142  
    (2) Amortization   1,472       1,483  
    (3) Acquisition related expenses         5  
    (4) Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs   794       790  
    (5) Sales tax accrual and other G&A expenses   699       121  
    (6) Unrealized loss (gain) on equity and other investments   (42 )     (3,367 )
    (7) Non-operating foreign exchange income   (3,079 )     (4,663 )
    (8) Provision for income tax effects related to non-GAAP adjustments         774  
    Total adjustments of GAAP to Non GAAP $ 60,105     $ 53,285  
           
           
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP GROSS PROFIT
    (In thousands)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Gross Profit $ 321,859     $ 282,479  
    Share based compensation expenses   3,320       3,590  
    Amortization   667       667  
    Non GAAP Gross Profit   325,846       286,736  
           
    Non GAAP Gross margin   69 %     68 %
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Gross Profit – Creative Subscriptions $ 281,609     $ 249,490  
    Share based compensation expenses   2,367       2,669  
    Non GAAP Gross Profit – Creative Subscriptions   283,976       252,159  
           
    Non GAAP Gross margin – Creative Subscriptions   84 %     83 %
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Gross Profit – Business Solutions $ 40,250     $ 32,989  
    Share based compensation expenses   953       921  
    Amortization   667       667  
    Non GAAP Gross Profit – Business Solutions   41,870       34,577  
           
    Non GAAP Gross margin – Business Solutions   31 %     30 %
           
           
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING INCOME TO NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME
    (In thousands)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Operating income $ 37,405     $ 9,670  
    Adjustments:      
    Share based compensation expenses   60,261       58,142  
    Amortization   1,472       1,483  
    Sales tax accrual and other G&A expenses   699       121  
    Acquisition related expenses         5  
    Total adjustments $ 62,432     $ 59,751  
           
    Non GAAP operating income $ 99,837     $ 69,421  
           
    Non GAAP operating margin   21 %     17 %
           
           
     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME AND NON-GAAP NET INCOME PER SHARE
    (In thousands, except per share data)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Net income $ 33,766     $ 24,002  
    Share based compensation expenses and other Non GAAP adjustments   60,105       53,285  
    Non-GAAP net income $ 93,871     $ 77,287  
           
                   
    Basic Non GAAP net income per share $ 1.69     $ 1.38  
                   
    Weighted average shares used in computing basic Non GAAP net income per share   55,708,670       56,098,997  
           
    Diluted Non GAAP net income per share $ 1.55     $ 1.29  
                   
    Weighted average shares used in computing diluted Non GAAP net income per share   60,384,510       60,073,986  
           
           
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO FREE CASH FLOW
    (In thousands)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 145,491     $ 113,836  
    Capital expenditures, net   (3,050 )     (8,125 )
    Free Cash Flow $ 142,441     $ 105,711  
           
           
    Capex related to HQ build out         5,362  
                   
    Free Cash Flow excluding HQ build out $ 142,441     $ 111,073  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Buys a View: Trump Tower Dubai Embraces Cryptocurrency Payments via Deus X Pay

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VILNIUS, Lithuania, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Deus X Pay, a licensed institutional stablecoin payment solution setting new standards across the luxury sectors, is now enabling crypto payments for property purchases at the new Trump Tower Dubai, the first Trump International Hotel to be built in the Middle East.

    The new $1 billion Trump Tower Dubai, unveiled through partnership with London-listed Dar Global, marks a breakthrough in global luxury real estate. Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organisation and son of US President Donald Trump, has recently announced that Bitcoin and other digital currencies will be accepted for condo sales.

    Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, said the Trump Tower Dubai is among the most ambitious Trump-branded residential towers globally, reflecting the project’s magnitude, stature, and symbolic significance in the region and internationally.

    Trump previously told Gulf Business that Dubai is where luxury real estate and financial innovation intersect, and projects like Trump Tower Dubai are leading the way. By embracing technologies like stablecoins, buyers gain a faster, cheaper and more transparent way to secure exclusive, high-end properties while reshaping how luxury transactions are conducted.

    Deus X Pay, a licensed Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in Lithuania, offers institutional stablecoin payment solutions, enabling luxury sectors such as real estate, aviation and yachting to capitalise on this new era of finance. Deus X Pay CEO, Richard Crook, highlights that Dubai has created an environment where stablecoins can flourish as a practical, secure tool for international transactions (with Crypto Watch reporting that crypto adoption in the UAE is expected to surge 210% in 2025), giving premium buyers faster, frictionless access to high-value assets.

    “Dubai’s forward-thinking stance has unlocked a whole new economy, and the gold standard for transactions of high-value assets. International buyers seek faster settlements, fewer cross-border complications and seamless access to premium developments. This project is a defining moment — not just for Deus X Pay, but for the global real estate sector. We are thrilled to deliver the regulated rails that make it possible for premium property buyers to transact instantly, compliantly and without the traditional delays or friction.”

    The Trump Tower Dubai, an 80-story architectural icon, offers the highest international standards for ultra-high-net-worth travellers and long-stay residents. The exclusive building boasts 2-3 bedroom apartments and 4-bedroom penthouses valued at over AED 73 million, the highest outdoor swimming pool in the world, and has views of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

    This new skyscraper is part of an expanding trend across private aviation, superyachts, and luxury collectables as high-end sectors embrace digital assets as a payment option to future-proof legacy industries.

    For media enquiries, contact:
    Sarah Tran
    Head of Marketing
    media@deusxpay.com

    About Deus X Pay
    Deus X Pay is a regulated provider of institutional stablecoin payment solutions, revolutionising the authorisation, clearing, and settlement of cryptocurrency payments. We enhance global payment options for institutions, businesses, and corporations by seamlessly merging traditional finance with advanced digital payment infrastructure, enabling faster, more cost-effective, and secure transactions.

    Fully compliant and regulated as a Virtual Asset Service Provider, Deus X Pay operates under a license in Lithuania, supervised by the Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT), the Czech Republic, supervised by the Financial Analytical Office (FAU), and in Canada, supervised by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).

    As a part of the innovative crypto investment firm Deus X Capital, we equip organisations with state-of-the-art financial tools aimed at fostering growth and success in today’s dynamic market.

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Deus X Pay. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4da4d9a6-74af-4322-b030-f4ed0f09eb4f

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Prosafe SE: First-quarter results 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    (Figures in brackets refer to the corresponding period last year)

    21 May 2025 – Prosafe SE reported EBITDA of USD 4.6 million (USD 7.2 million) for the first quarter of 2025. The company had four active vessels during the quarter.

    Operations and HSSE

    • Good operating performance
    • Safe Zephyrus extended with Petrobras to Q3 2027
    • Sale of Safe Concordia and Safe Scandinavia
    • Safe Caledonia re-activated for UK contract with start 1 June
    • Safe Boreas in transit to Singapore ahead of Australia contract
    • Safe Notos declared winner of Brazil 4-year tender

    Q1 financials

    • Revenues of USD 33 million (USD 34 million) and EBITDA of USD 4.6 million (USD 7.2 million)
    • Cash flow from operations of USD 28.4 million (negative USD 1.4 million) including contract prepayments for Safe Boreas and Safe Caledonia
    • Capex of USD 21.2 million (USD 1.7 million) due to reactivation of Safe Boreas and Safe Caledonia
    • Liquidity position of USD 54 million, compared to USD 46.8 million at year-end 2024

    Recapitalisation

    • Terms agreed for equitisation of USD 193 million of debt for 90% of the shares in the company
    • Supported by lenders representing the USD 250 million and the USD 93 million loan facilities and approved by Prosafe shareholders at the extraordinary general meeting on 16 May
    • Existing shareholders to retain 5% ownership with penny warrants for further 5% at EUR 0.01 per share
    • Transaction provides a sustainable capital structure and sufficient liquidity to meet capital expenditure and working capital needs for the foreseeable future
    • Estimated post recapitalization net debt of USD 220 million
    • Expected completion in Q3 2025

    Market and outlook

    • Ongoing Petrobras tenders confirm strong market fundamentals in Brazil
    • North Sea operators continue to plan for future campaigns with focus on 2027 and beyond
    • Increased backlog, improved market and recapitalisation positions Prosafe for improved earnings

    Please see the Q1 2025 presentation for further details.

    Terje Askvig, the CEO of Prosafe, says, “Operationally, we maintain high utilisation on our active fleet, while making good progress on preparing for new contracts in Australia and the UK. We also continue to build backlog with Safe Notos recently named winner, subject to final contract, of a 4-year tender with Petrobras in Brazil. We are also very pleased with the support shown by our lenders and shareholders through the agreed refinancing which will create a sustainable capital structure going forward and ensure that Prosafe continues to be the world’s leading provider of floating accommodation vessels and Units for Maintenance and Safety (UMS).”

    Presentation

    Terje Askvig, CEO, and Reese McNeel, CFO, will present the results at Pareto Securities, located at Dronning Mauds gate 3, 0115 Oslo, on 21 May 2025 at 10:00 CEST.

    This presentation is open to the public and will be live-streamed on Prosafe’s website.

    https://wwww.prosafe.com

    It will be possible to ask questions during the presentation by using the Q&A tool embedded in the audiocast. These questions will be answered after the presentation.

    A replay of the audiocast will be made available on Prosafe’s website shortly after.

    The Q1 2025 press release and presentation is attached and can be downloaded from https://www.prosafe.com and www.newsweb.no (https://www.newsweb.no). The 2024 annual report was published on 30 April 2025.

    Prosafe is a leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation vessels. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker code PRS. For more information, please refer to www.prosafe.com (https:///www.prosafe.com)

    For further information, please contact:

    Terje Askvig, CEO Phone: +47 952 03 886

    Reese McNeel, CFO Phone: +47 415 08 186

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: A sculpture made from 80 tonnes of sand, Mirrorscape is remarkable – but too much is left unsaid

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Clarke, Senior Lecturer in English, University of Tasmania

    Mirrorscape (detail), 2025, Théo Mercier.

    Photo credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and the Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

    The first impulse is to kick it. After all, it’s a sand sculpture. And as everyone who has grown up near a beach appreciates, if it’s made of sand, then it’s asking to be kicked. But for the wall-high protective glass, Mirrorscape, by the French artist Théo Mercier, may not have survived my visit to MONA.

    On a low, curved stage sits a scene of mundane wreckage. Two utility vehicles serve as centrepieces. One is upturned, its front chassis exposed. It rests on the carcass of a two-seater lounge. A mattress is draped over the upper side of the wreck, a broken log, a signifier of the non-human world in this otherwise secular scene of anthropocentric waste, rests against the lower side.

    The other vehicle is upright but seriously damaged. Another mattress rests against it. A bundle of electrical conduit spills out of the tray. A worker’s boot limps over the bedding like a deflated balloon.

    It’s as though a couple of ute loads of tradies have smashed into a Derwent Park bungalow.
    Photo credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and the Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

    Strewn around the battered wrecks are pieces of domestic infrastructure and appliances: bricks, cracked concrete slab, a washing machine, broken joists and beams, snarled corrugated iron sheets.

    It’s as though a couple of ute loads of tradies have smashed into a Derwent Park bungalow and scampered off.

    This scene is framed by a curved wall of brushed metal panelling, lit above by fluorescent light panels, and sealed behind a wall of glass. This glass is both a protector of the delicate eroding sculpture, and another contrasting visual metaphor employing the work’s foundational element, sand.

    Commitment to realism

    Mercier is a sculptor and a stage director, and the controlled composition of this scene of chaos attests to his multiple talents.

    The team of sculptors – Kevin Crawford, Enguerrand David, Sue McGrew and Leonardo Ugolini – have crafted a remarkable piece.

    The commitment to realism is impressive, from the quilting in the mattresses, to the indentations on the utes’ bodywork, to the creases in the sofa cushions, and the sly joke of a finely crafted sandshoe as if discarded by one of the artists as they stepped from the sculptural into the spectatorial space.

    Looking closer, the human objects – utes, mattresses, sofas – merge into or out of sandstone rock faces, like those found along Derwent River, including the peninsula upon which MONA stands.

    The commitment to realism is impressive.
    Photo credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and the Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

    What are we to make of the deliberate collapsing of the “natural” and “human-made” in this piece?

    Mercier styles Mirrorscape as a “diorama of catastrophe”. He describes it as:

    a sculpted dystopian landscape […] using 80 tonnes of compacted sand […] inspired by different dark forces, such as tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, wars, bulldozers – the powers of destruction.

    The conflation of “natural” and “man-made” here, and in the composition of the work, grates. While Mirrorscape may reflect a “man-made” landscape of disaster, precisely whose landscape is it, and who ultimately is responsible for it?

    A work about class

    Mirrorscape is superficially a work about class. Its blunt appropriation of the signifiers of working-class labour and domesticity contradicts the claim that the scene is an archetypal landscape, or humanity’s refuse.

    Mirrorscape might be appreciated as a witty piece reflecting on the kind of “treasures” of our age that future archaeologists might excavate in a local tip. But I found it provided little connection to the contemporary subjects of our present-day disasters.

    Mirrorscape is haunted, so to speak, by the figures who drove the wrecked utes, slept on the wasted mattresses. But their identities and complex lives, very much of our own time, are rendered invisible.

    As a meditation on catastrophe and the “powers of destruction,” Mirrorscape offers a conservative reckoning: that the contemporary human tragedies of inequality, alienated labour, class division and the waste these produce are the “natural” order of things.

    Mirrorscape is haunted by the figures who drove the wrecked utes, slept on the wasted mattresses.
    Photo credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and the Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

    This is evident in the way the human objects merge into and out of the rock faces, each designed to erode to the common element: sand.

    In interviews, Mercier stresses the work’s debt to locality, and his engagement with the working-class suburbs neighbouring MONA:

    It was really important to me that everything was really strongly locally grounded, so that you can actually see your own mattress, your own car, your own catastrophe […] it’s a landscape that mirrors you.

    But really, how local is this scene, and what value is there in the reflections it provokes? There is little in this sculpture that relates it directly to the place where it is displayed.

    The images Mercier has chosen, while unconventional, are nevertheless generic. This dulls the potential for the kind of reflection on catastrophe that might impel a change in the minds of its viewers.

    Will MONA’s well-heeled attendees recognise their implication in the human catastrophe this work seeks to capture? Will visitors from the suburbs that neighbour MONA appreciate the reflection that Mirrorscape offers?

    If art is to play any role in motivating us to confront the catastrophes that are now upon us, it needs to go beyond the kind of slowly eroding stasis that is Mirrorscape’s defining quality.

    Mirrorscape is at MONA, Hobart, until February 16 2026.

    Robert Clarke 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.

    ref. A sculpture made from 80 tonnes of sand, Mirrorscape is remarkable – but too much is left unsaid – https://theconversation.com/a-sculpture-made-from-80-tonnes-of-sand-mirrorscape-is-remarkable-but-too-much-is-left-unsaid-256813

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Woodside’s Browse carbon dumping plans referred to WA EPA by leading environment groups

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    PERTH, Monday 19 May 2025 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific and the Conservation Council of WA today confirmed they had lodged a joint referral of Woodside’s high-risk Browse carbon dumping project – also referred to as carbon capture and storage (CCS) – to the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

    The environment groups state that the ongoing seismic blasting from the carbon dumping project, and risk of CO2 blowouts, would have immediate impacts on Scott Reef and the surrounding ecosystem. They argue that projects posing significant risk of harm to WA’s environment must be referred to the WA EPA for proper assessment. 

    In October 2024, Woodside referred its carbon dumping plans to the federal government but bypassed the WA EPA. Last week the WA EPA announced it would reopen Woodside’s revised Browse gas proposal for public comment — the amended proposal did not include Woodside’s carbon dumping plans. 

    Geoff Bice, WA Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “Carbon dumping is an expensive distraction corporations use to greenwash their emissions, and a diversion from real action to slash climate pollution.

    “Woodside has tried for years to push through carbon dumping for its highly polluting Browse gas proposal, but the federal environment department highlighted the risks of the new technology to our oceans and marine life, as well as the risk of the injection site failing.

    “Woodside’s carbon dumping plans pose a serious risk to the pristine and fragile Scott Reef and its marine life. It is unacceptable for Woodside to bypass state assessment of its carbon dumping plans given the threat to the WA environment — its plans must be properly assessed by the WA EPA.

    “Ultimately, if we are serious about tackling the climate crisis we must stop emissions before they are produced — carbon dumping has not been proven to work at scale anywhere in the world and must be called out for the false promise it is.”

    Matt Roberts, Executive Director of the Conservation Council of WA, said: “By evading proper, robust environmental assessment of the potential risk this project would pose to the WA marine environment in WA state waters, Woodside is simply attempting to fast-track its approval and bypass due process.”

    “Even in light of revised plans before the WA EPA lodged by Woodside, they are simply tinkering around the edges. In reality, nothing has changed.

    “Carbon dumping is a failed technology — we’ve seen this with Chevron’s Gorgon project where less than 3% of total emissions have been sequestered successfully.There are no examples of carbon pollution dumping that have met dumping targets or been delivered on time or on budget. 

    “Failed offsets should not be used to support the development of new gas projects like Browse. We need much stronger commitments to abate carbon pollution, not false promises of dumping. The only safe way to prevent catastrophic climate change is to phase out the use of fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy.”

    Scott Reef is already subject to multiple environmental pressures, including marine heatwaves, coral bleaching and cyclone activity, driven by the burning of fossil fuels like gas. Woodside’s proposed carbon dumping and gas extraction activities threaten the long-term viability of the reef and the endangered species that rely on it.

    The EPA’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) process is designed to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of proposals, including both direct and indirect (secondary) effects. The WA EPA is required to assess the environmental acceptability of any proposal likely to have a significant effect on the WA environment.

    ENDS

    For more information or interviews, contact Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI: CoinShares Expands XBT Provider Platform with Seven New Physical Crypto ETPs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    May 21, 2025 | SAINT HELIER, Jersey | CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares” or “the Group”) (Nasdaq Stockholm: CS; US OTCQX: CNSRF), a leading global investment company specializing in digital assets with over $6 billion in AUM, announces the expansion of its Swedish XBT Provider Platform with the launch of seven new physically-backed crypto Exchange Traded Products (ETPs).

    CoinShares is leveraging its well-established and respected Swedish platform, CoinShares XBT Provider AB, to offer investors access to new digital assets with best-in-class structuration, cost-effective management fees, and staking rewards for proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies. Each product employs physical replication, meaning the underlying cryptocurrencies purchased and directly held in a regulated custodian.

    The seven new products, all denominated and traded in SEK and listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, include:

    Name Management Fees Staking Reward
    CoinShares XBT Litecoin 1.50% p.a. Not a proof of stake crypto
    CoinShares XBT Chainlink 1.50% p.a. Not a proof of stake crypto
    CoinShares XBT Polkadot Reduced to 0.00% p.a. 5.0% p.a.
    CoinShares XBT Solana Reduced to 0.00% p.a. 3.0% p.a.
    CoinShares XBT Cardano Reduced to 0.00% p.a. 2.0% p.a.
    CoinShares XBT XRP 1.50% p.a. Not a proof of stake crypto
    CoinShares XBT Uniswap 1.50% p.a. Not a proof of stake crypto

    Jean-Marie Mognetti, CEO of CoinShares, commented on the launch: “We are glad to reinvigorate the CoinShares XBT Provider platform, which made history as the world’s first open-ended crypto ETP when created in 2015 and subsequently acquired by CoinShares in 2016. With this product extension, we’re enabling Swedish investors to access an expanded range of tokens through a pioneering and time-tested crypto ETP platform. The XBT Provider platform has consistently demonstrated its reliability and has become the trusted choice for Swedish investors seeking exposure to digital assets.

    This expansion represents our commitment to developing the Swedish market, providing institutional-grade investment vehicles that can help bridge the adoption gap that currently exists compared to other European markets. By offering these innovative products on a trusted platform, we aim to accelerate digital asset integration within Sweden’s sophisticated financial ecosystem.”

    “We are happy to see CoinShares expand their offering on our markets. The demand for ETPs is continuing to grow and this is an important step for the Swedish market in meeting that demand. With a broader range of locally listed ETPs, we give investors the opportunity to take advantage of cost-effective, transparent investment opportunities.” says Adam Kostyál, President, Nasdaq Stockholm

    About CoinShares 

    CoinShares is a leading global digital asset manager that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading and securities to a wide array of clients that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals. Founded in 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Stockholm, the UK, and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, in the US by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.

    For more information on CoinShares, please visit: https://coinshares.com 
    Company  | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com 
    Investor Relations | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com 

    PRESS CONTACT

    CoinShares
    Benoît Pellevoizin
    bpellevoizin@coinshares.com

    M Group Strategic Communications
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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: Interest rates are coming down. Here’s what homeowners should know about refinancing

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ama Samarasinghe, Lecturer, Financial Planning and Tax, RMIT University

    doublelee/Shutterstock

    On Tuesday, the Reserve Bank of Australia cut the target cash rate by 0.25 percentage points. It now sits at 3.85% – the lowest since May 2023.

    Australia’s big four banks were all quick to announce they would be passing the cuts on to borrowers. If you’ve got a mortgage, you might be wondering if this is your cue to act.

    Refinancing your home loan – whether by negotiating a better deal with your current lender or switching to a new one – could save you thousands over the life of your loan.

    However, it won’t be the right decision for everyone. And there are some important things to know about how the process works – including hidden costs and risks.

    What is refinancing?

    Refinancing simply means replacing your existing home loan with a new one – either from your current lender or a different one. The goal? To take advantage of better loan terms.

    If you’re on a “variable rate” loan, your lender may already be passing on some or all of the recent rate cut (though you may have had to opt in).




    Read more:
    RBA cuts interest rates, ready to respond again if the economy weakens further


    But if you’re on a “fixed rate” loan, your repayments will stay the same until your fixed term ends – meaning you might not benefit from the cut unless you refinance (though break costs could apply).

    Switching to a loan with a lower rate can mean smaller monthly repayments. Or, by keeping repayments the same size but with a lower interest rate, you could potentially pay off a loan faster and save in the long term.

    Refinancing activity has been trending up since 2021, with external refinancing (switching banks) rising significantly among both owner-occupiers and investors. That’s a clear sign many borrowers are chasing better deals.

    Refinancing activity could increase further after this month’s rate cut.
    Zivica Kerkez/Shutterstock

    Can refinancing save you money?

    Yes – if it’s right for you and you do it right. Switching to a lower interest rate could slash thousands off your yearly repayments.

    If you’ve built up equity, you might be able to release funds to reinvest or improve your property. Some lenders also offer refinancing cashback deals – one-off payments to attract new customers.

    There are some important things to consider – including some traps to avoid – if you’re thinking about refinancing your home loan.

    1. Be mindful of your loan-to-value ratio

    Loan-to-value ratio (LVR) is the amount you borrowed as a percentage of the property’s value or purchase price.

    If your LVR is above 80%, you probably paid lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) on your original loan, designed to protect the lender in case you default.

    If your current loan still exceeds 80% of your home’s value (based on the new lender’s valuation), you might need to pay LMI again. That cost could wipe out any benefit from a lower rate.

    2. Careful how you compare

    When comparing rates and repayments, make sure you’re comparing apples with apples.

    If you’ve already paid five years on a 30-year loan, you have 25 years left. But when you ask a new lender for a quote, they may show repayments based on a full 30-year term – which could make the monthly repayment look much lower.

    To make a fair comparison, ask for quotes based on your remaining loan term. If you decide to switch, aiming for a loan with the same term can help you avoid paying more interest in the long run.

    3. Factor in all associated costs

    Refinancing comes with costs. These may include:

    • break fees if you’re leaving a fixed-term loan early
    • settlement fees for your current lender to close out the loan
    • application and valuation fees with the new lender
    • ongoing monthly fees that might not seem large but can add up over time.

    Also, if you’re applying to multiple lenders to compare offers, be aware requesting multiple credit checks in a short space of time can negatively impact your credit score.

    4. Consider renegotiating with your existing lender first

    Lenders rarely offer their best deals to existing customers – unless you ask. In fact, they often reserve the most attractive deals for new customers.

    Consider picking up the phone and asking for a rate review. If you have a better offer from another bank, you may be able to use that as leverage.

    Staying with your current lender can have advantages. It may be quicker and easier than refinancing with another lender. But don’t let loyalty cost you – especially if better rates are on the table elsewhere.

    5. Don’t assume your repayments will drop automatically

    For borrowers on variable loans, some banks don’t automatically reduce your repayments after a rate cut. You may need to manually adjust them through your bank’s app or website, or “opt in”.

    Alternatively, keeping your repayment amount the same could help you pay off your loan faster and reduce interest costs.

    Banks don’t always automatically adjust variable loan repayments after a rate cut.
    David Lade/Shutterstock

    6. Check your credit score before applying

    Your credit score can play a key role in refinancing. Lenders use it to assess how risky it is to lend to you – and it can affect the interest rate you’re offered.

    If your score has dropped since you first took out your loan, you may not qualify for the best deals.

    Check your score through your bank or a free online service before you apply. If it’s low, take time to improve it before refinancing to boost your chances of approval and better rates.

    For an estimate of your potential savings from refinancing, try the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)’s MoneySmart mortgage switching calculator.


    Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is not intended as financial advice. Before acting on any information, consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.

    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.

    ref. Interest rates are coming down. Here’s what homeowners should know about refinancing – https://theconversation.com/interest-rates-are-coming-down-heres-what-homeowners-should-know-about-refinancing-257116

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: What’s the obscure Australian online safety standard Elon Musk’s X is trying to dodge in court? An expert explains

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Cover, Professor of Digital Communication and Director of the RMIT Digital Ethnography Research Centre, RMIT University

    In its most recent battle with authorities in Australia, X (formerly Twitter) has launched legal action in the Federal Court, seeking an exemption from a new safety standard aimed at preventing the spread of harmful material online.

    The standard in question is known as the Relevant Electronic Services Standard. It came into effect in December 2024, but won’t start being enforced by Australia’s online regulator, eSafety, until June this year.

    Compared with the social media ban for under-16s, this standard has been a side issue in the broader topic of online safety. So what exactly is it? And will it be effective at preventing the spread of harmful material online?

    What is the standard?

    The Relevant Electronic Services Standard contains criteria to help address the pervasiveness of harmful and illegal material distributed online. It is particularly focused on child sexual exploitation content, depictions of extreme violence, illegal drug material, and pro-terror content.

    Relevant electronic services (RES) are digital services that enable user-to-user content. This includes instant messaging, email and chat platforms. The legal definition also includes some online gaming services.

    Under Australia’s Online Safety Act 2021, the communications minister may exempt some services or platforms from being defined as an RES. The minister can also set conditions on the service for exemption, such as having a robust moderation service, or being a messaging service for internal employees of a company.

    Some social media platforms, such as Facebook and X, may be defined as RES. That’s because they also offer user-to-user messaging services. It is sensible, then, for the Federal Court to determine whether they fall under social media codes or RES standards, or both.

    The standards require RES to implement systems, processes and technologies to detect and remove child sexual abuse and pro-terror material from their services, and to actively deter end-users from distributing this material.

    There are consequences for services that fail to comply. The eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, can issue a formal warning or infringement notice, or have the courts apply a civil penalty.

    What does the standard do?

    The Online Safety Act 2021 imposes obligations on RES providers, particularly regarding the handling of harmful material. This material is categorised into several classes, including Class 1A and Class 1B content.

    Class 1A material typically means child exploitation and pro-terror content. Class 1B material refers to extreme violence, promotion of crime, and illegal drug-related content.

    The class of content is determined by referring to the National Classification Scheme. This scheme sets standards for the ratings of films.

    Class 1A and 1B material is content, texts and images that would be “refused classification” under the scheme. That is, it would be material that is usually not allowed to be distributed at all. Class 2 material is what we usually consider X-rated or 18+ material.

    At the moment, the eSafety commissioner can ask a RES to remove Class 1 or Class 2 content, or the service can be penalised. However, the next step has been to work with industry to develop codes that require service providers to be more proactive in preventing Class 1 content being shared between their users.

    Will the standard be effective?

    X wants its platform to be treated as exempt, and governed by the similar but less stringent Social Media Code instead. Whatever the Federal Court decides, however, there are other issues to consider.

    Part of the difficulty with the scheme is that it relies on harmful content coming to the attention of the eSafety commissioner. This usually happens when an end-user makes a complaint.

    But our recent research, which surveyed 2,520 representative Australians and will be published later this year, found that only about 10% of users who were the target of digital harms reported them to the eSafety commissioner. Among those who had witnessed harmful content or behaviour, only 6% reported. About 40% of Australians don’t believe reporting will make any difference.

    Another issue with the industry standards raised by digital rights activists is that it may require services to investigate user messages even when end-to-end encryption of messages is used. That may have serious privacy implications.

    New global treaties could help address the problem of online harm.
    nexus 7/Shutterstock

    A global treaty could help

    This ties into broader problems with the online safety framework.

    Much of the focus has been on managing platforms and getting platforms to police users and content – a necessary approach to avoid penalising individuals and overwhelming courts.

    However, service provider policing often fails to meet the norms of due process, such as transparency and the right to appeal decisions.

    It also makes platforms and messaging providers the “arbiters” of free speech and censorship, instead of governments, courts and communities.

    While setting standards on platforms is one part of the solution, we need to continue developing remedies to protect users. This may include global agreements and multilateral treaties, similar to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, so all countries can share the burden locally for digital harms that occur across jurisdictions, and ensure due process and the protection of privacy.

    Rob Cover receives funding from the Australian Research Council

    ref. What’s the obscure Australian online safety standard Elon Musk’s X is trying to dodge in court? An expert explains – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-obscure-australian-online-safety-standard-elon-musks-x-is-trying-to-dodge-in-court-an-expert-explains-257222

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Analysis – Asia-Pacific card payments market to reach nearly $25 trillion in 2025, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    The Asia-Pacific (APAC) card payments market is expected to growth by 4.3% to reach $24.7 trillion in 2025 supported by growing preference for electronic payments. 

    Strong growth in markets like China, South Korea, Japan, and Australia is complemented by rising adoption in emerging economies, supported by infrastructure improvements, regulatory initiatives, and expanding financial inclusion across the region, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics reveals that the card payment value in APAC registered a growth of 5.8% in 2023, driven by the rise in consumer spending. The value registered an estimated growth of 4.8% in 2024 to reach $23.7 trillion.

    Ravi Sharma, Lead Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “China, South Korea, Japan and Australia have a robust card payments market with high card payments value. Other markets within the region are also catching up supported by improving payment infrastructure, rising middle-income population, growing financial awareness, and banks offering lucrative benefits in terms of reward programs and instalment facilities.”

    The APAC card payments market is dominated by China, which is expected to grow by 3.7% in 2025 to reach $20.3 trillion. It is distantly followed by South Korea with expected card payments value of $984.5 billion, Japan with $866.1 billion, and Australia with $731.4 billion in 2025.

    However, card usage is comparatively low in the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Vietnam. This is mainly due to the limited financial awareness for card payments, inadequate POS infrastructure, and growing popularity of QR-based mobile payments.

    These countries are also gradually pushing card adoption through various financial awareness campaigns as well as by introducing favorable regime. For instance, the central bank of Indonesia capped the credit card interest rate at 1.75%, effective from 1 July 2021, reducing it from existing 2% per month to drive credit card usage.

    Similarly, in India, the government’s move to abolish merchant service fees on RuPay cards (domestic card) effective from 1 January 2020, encouraged the acceptance of RuPay cards among merchants, thereby pushing debit card usage.

    However, high cost involved in POS infrastructure for merchants and high preference for digital wallets among consumers remain challenge for faster growth in card payments in the region. Many consumers in the region leapfrogged from cash to digital wallets skipping card payments. The availability of low-cost smartphones, rising Internet penetration, growing awareness of mobile payments and the proliferation of digital wallets have resulted in Asian countries shifting from cash transactions to mobile digital payments.

    Sharma concludes: “Looking ahead, the total card payments market in APAC is expected to continue its upward trajectory, driven by ongoing government initiatives, improving payment infrastructure and a consumer shift towards electronic payments. However, high preference for mobile payments remains a challenge for their faster adoption. Overall, the card payments value in APAC is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% between 2025 to 2029 to reach $31.1 trillion in 2029.”

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Nhill welcomes new light tanker and field command vehicle

    Source:

    Nhill Fire Brigade has officially received the keys to their new light tanker and field command vehicle, celebrating the additions to the engine bay alongside fellow members.

    Nhill Captain Robert Schneider who has been involved with the brigade for 18 years, said it’s a real privilege to receive two vital appliances to our fleet.   

    “These vehicles are more than just an upgrade, they are a direct investment in the safety and resilience of our community,” Robert said.  

    The light tanker is a low-profile and lightweight firefighting vehicle, equipped with up-to-date safety features and a generous water carrying capacity of 2000 litres.  

    “We often get called out to spots where the terrain is rugged, areas are narrow, and access is tricky,” Robert said.   

    “The new light tanker will help us move safely and comfortably across the challenging landscapes we are often called to, in a timely manner.”  

    “The stability and reliable handling of the tanker also improves our response to incidents.” 

    The replacement Field Command Vehicle (FCV) is a four-wheel-drive, off road vehicle built for effective operation in bush environments.  

    “It’s a massive upgrade to our fleet. It’s purpose-built, reliable and suited to support us in the tough conditions we work in,” Robert said.  

    “It gives us the ability to direct our fire trucks to get right where we need to be.” 

    “This will support us in doing what matters most, which is serving our community in critical moments.”  

    District 17 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Eagle congratulated the brigade on their new additions.   

    “With Nhill’s dense trees and challenging terrain, the features of both vehicles will assist with greater and efficient incident response,” Chris said.  

    “Both vehicles will be valuable assets for incident response and in keeping our members and community safe for years to come.”  

    The new light tanker and field command vehicle were made possible through the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) and significant contributions from the community.  

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: “A devastating record”: New Greenpeace analysis reveals almost half a million blue sharks caught as ‘bycatch’ in Central and Western Pacific in 2023

    Source: Greenpeace

    TASMAN SEA – A new analysis of the latest fisheries data by Greenpeace Australia Pacific has revealed widespread slaughter of sharks in the Pacific Ocean by industrial longline fishers. The analysis estimates that almost half a million blue sharks were caught as bycatch in the region in 2023, the highest number in recorded history since 1991.
    Greenpeace estimates that around 438,500 near-threatened blue sharks, almost 50 million kilograms, were caught as bycatch in the region in 2023 from Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WFCPFC) data. The figure is double the 2015 numbers.
    The analysis of shark bycatch data also revealed that the Lord Howe Rise and South Tasman Sea areas between New Zealand and Australia had some of the highest rates of birds caught on fishing lines – 13% of bycatch from longliners were seabirds like albatross.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa oceans campaigner Juan Parada says, “This rampant destruction of critical ocean life in the high seas between New Zealand and Australia highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to protect the oceans.”
    “The Tasman Sea faces multiple threats from industrial fishing. We’ve recently seen firsthand the destruction caused by bottom trawlers in a similar area of the high seas, where we witnessed graveyards of destroyed coral. Now we see that almost half a million blue sharks were unnecessarily killed in the West and Central Pacific in 2023. That’s so many sharks that if stacked nose to tail, they would reach the International Space Station and back.
    “The international waters between New Zealand and Australia are globally renowned precisely because of the range and variety of ocean life that lives there, from deep sea corals growing on seamounts to sharks, seabirds and migrating whales. 
    “It’s such a significant place that Greenpeace and allies are calling for it to be one of the world’s first global ocean sanctuaries and it must be protected from longlining and bottom trawling so ocean life can thrive,” says Parada.
    The incident happened on Lord Howe Rise, a region renowned for diverse marine life including corals, sponges, whales and seabirds.
    Parada says, “While some countries are working constructively towards protecting the high seas, New Zealand is actively blocking meaningful ocean protection. Shockingly New Zealand is the only country still bottom trawling these waters.
    “To protect the Tasman Sea, New Zealand must stop bottom trawling and get on with helping to create global ocean sanctuaries so all the life that lives there can thrive.” Scientists agree that to help stave off the worst of the climate crisis at least 30% of the world’s oceans must be protected from industrial harm by 2030.
    Creating global ocean sanctuaries in international waters like the Tasman Sea, those areas outside of any one country’s jurisdiction, will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. In 2023 the world won the Global Ocean Treaty, which provides the legal framework for these sanctuaries, but first it must be passed into law.
    Parada says, “Now is the time for cooperation in ocean protection. Every day that passes without the Global Oceans Treaty in force, marine species are being pushed closer to the brink of extinction by the industrial fishing fleet in the high seas.”
    Greenpeace Australia Pacific spokesperson Georgia Whitaker says of the shark bycatch data, “The data is deeply disturbing – it’s a devastating record and a testament to the destructive nature of the industrial fishing industry. Sharks and other animals dying by the hundreds of thousands a year in this one patch of ocean, brutally killed by a legal and indiscriminate fishing practice like longlining. This is an appalling legacy our global leaders are leaving while the blue lungs of our planet are already facing chronic decline. Industrial fishing is sucking our ocean dry, fuelling the biodiversity crisis, and pushing prehistoric animals like sharks to the brink of extinction. Healthy shark populations are central to a healthy ocean – this is a loss we can’t afford.”
    Ahead of the United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France, in June, Greenpeace is calling on governments to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty. Both New Zealand and Australia have signed the treaty but have yet to bring it into force.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: “A devastating record”: New Greenpeace analysis reveals almost half a million blue sharks caught as ‘bycatch’ in Central and Western Pacific in 2023

    Source: Greenpeace

    TASMAN SEA – A new analysis of the latest fisheries data by Greenpeace Australia Pacific has revealed widespread slaughter of sharks in the Pacific Ocean by industrial longline fishers. The analysis estimates that almost half a million blue sharks were caught as bycatch in the region in 2023, the highest number in recorded history since 1991.
    Greenpeace estimates that around 438,500 near-threatened blue sharks, almost 50 million kilograms, were caught as bycatch in the region in 2023 from Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WFCPFC) data. The figure is double the 2015 numbers.
    The analysis of shark bycatch data also revealed that the Lord Howe Rise and South Tasman Sea areas between New Zealand and Australia had some of the highest rates of birds caught on fishing lines – 13% of bycatch from longliners were seabirds like albatross.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa oceans campaigner Juan Parada says, “This rampant destruction of critical ocean life in the high seas between New Zealand and Australia highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to protect the oceans.”
    “The Tasman Sea faces multiple threats from industrial fishing. We’ve recently seen firsthand the destruction caused by bottom trawlers in a similar area of the high seas, where we witnessed graveyards of destroyed coral. Now we see that almost half a million blue sharks were unnecessarily killed in the West and Central Pacific in 2023. That’s so many sharks that if stacked nose to tail, they would reach the International Space Station and back.
    “The international waters between New Zealand and Australia are globally renowned precisely because of the range and variety of ocean life that lives there, from deep sea corals growing on seamounts to sharks, seabirds and migrating whales. 
    “It’s such a significant place that Greenpeace and allies are calling for it to be one of the world’s first global ocean sanctuaries and it must be protected from longlining and bottom trawling so ocean life can thrive,” says Parada.
    In October last year a New Zealand bottom trawler, t he Tasman Viking, pulled up several types of deep-sea coral while trawling in international waters of the Tasman Sea.
    The incident happened on Lord Howe Rise, a region renowned for diverse marine life including corals, sponges, whales and seabirds.
    Parada says, “While some countries are working constructively towards protecting the high seas, New Zealand is actively blocking meaningful ocean protection. Shockingly New Zealand is the only country still bottom trawling these waters.
    “To protect the Tasman Sea, New Zealand must stop bottom trawling and get on with helping to create global ocean sanctuaries so all the life that lives there can thrive.” Scientists agree that to help stave off the worst of the climate crisis at least 30% of the world’s oceans must be protected from industrial harm by 2030.
    Creating global ocean sanctuaries in international waters like the Tasman Sea, those areas outside of any one country’s jurisdiction, will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. In 2023 the world won the Global Ocean Treaty, which provides the legal framework for these sanctuaries, but first it must be passed into law.
    Parada says, “Now is the time for cooperation in ocean protection. Every day that passes without the Global Oceans Treaty in force, marine species are being pushed closer to the brink of extinction by the industrial fishing fleet in the high seas.”
    Greenpeace Australia Pacific spokesperson Georgia Whitaker says of the shark bycatch data, “The data is deeply disturbing – it’s a devastating record and a testament to the destructive nature of the industrial fishing industry. Sharks and other animals dying by the hundreds of thousands a year in this one patch of ocean, brutally killed by a legal and indiscriminate fishing practice like longlining. This is an appalling legacy our global leaders are leaving while the blue lungs of our planet are already facing chronic decline. Industrial fishing is sucking our ocean dry, fuelling the biodiversity crisis, and pushing prehistoric animals like sharks to the brink of extinction. Healthy shark populations are central to a healthy ocean – this is a loss we can’t afford.”
    Ahead of the United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France, in June, Greenpeace is calling on governments to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty. Both New Zealand and Australia have signed the treaty but have yet to bring it into force.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Attention all trustees: Top 5 EOFY checklist!

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    As the 30 June deadline for trust resolutions approaches, it’s crucial for trustees and their advisers to be clear about their obligations. Our end of financial year (EOFY) checklist will help you avoid basic trust errors that can arise if you don’t fully understand your obligations or take reasonable care to get things right.

    1. Understand how income is defined for the trust estate.

    Trustees must be familiar with their trust deeds and accurately determine the income of the trust estate for each financial year. Common errors include actions that are inconsistent with the deed, mistaking accounting profit for distributable income, and misinterpreting trustee powers. To avoid these errors, trustees should:

    • review the trust deed and distribute income according to each beneficiary’s entitlements
    • review the trust deed to understand how it defines income.
    1. Identify the trust’s beneficiaries.

    Trustees need to correctly identify the beneficiaries of their trust. Errors often occur when trustees fail to read the deed, distribute to non-beneficiaries, or distribute outside the family group when a family trust election (FTE) or interposed entity election (IEE) is in place. To prevent these mistakes, trustees should:

    • identify beneficiaries as per the trust deed
    • ensure all entitled beneficiaries quote their TFN and are notified of their entitlement.
    1. Understand resolutions and present entitlement.

    Trustees must make valid resolutions to appoint or distribute income to beneficiaries by

    30 June of the relevant tax year. If resolutions aren’t made by this date, the trustee may be liable for all income of the trust and taxed at their marginal rates. Errors such as invalid resolutions and back-dated resolutions can be avoided by:

    • reading the trust deed
    • making clear and timely resolutions.
    1. Identify any family trust elections (FTE) or interposed entity elections (IEE).

    A family trust is a trust where the trustee has made a valid FTE. Family trusts can access tax concessions but, distributions made outside the family group will trigger family trust distributions tax (FTDT). This is a specific 47% tax payable by the trustee on the distribution. The Commissioner has no discretion with FTDT once it is triggered. Therefore, trustees should be vigilant about existing FTEs or IEEs in place and maintain accurate records.

    We’re seeing an increase in trustees distributing outside the family group triggering FTDT. To limit FTDT risks, trustees should:

    • be aware of all FTE or IEEs made and their family group
    • keep copies of all elections.
    1. Maintain clear and accurate records.

    Poor record keeping is the most common cause of issues related to trusts. Trustees need to understand that they’re personally liable for the debts of the trusts they administer. Keeping complete and accurate records can prevent unforeseen tax liabilities falling upon the trustee.

    More resources

    You can also use our Trust tax-time toolkit for more useful information, checklists and tips to ensure you correctly meet your trust tax obligations.

    We also recommend you favourite or bookmark our comprehensive web Trustscontent so you can access it whenever you need it.

    Keep up to date

    We have tailored communication channels for medium, large and multinational businesses, to keep you up to date with updates and changes you need to know.

    Read more articles in our online Business bulletins newsroom.

    Subscribe to our free:

    • fortnightly Business bulletins email newsletterExternal Link
    • email notifications about new and updated information on our website – you can choose to receive updates relevant to your situation. Choose the ‘Business and organisations’ category to ensure your subscription includes notifications for more Business bulletins newsroom articles like this one.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Philippine, U.S., Australian forces conduct combined training on Palawan

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines — U.S. Marines from 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), Australian Army Soldiers with the 5th/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR), Australian Defence Force (ADF), and Philippine Marines from the 3rd Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), executed a high-tempo, trilateral simulated airfield insertion during a maritime key terrain security operation (MKTSO) for Exercise Balikatan 25, May 4, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Karl Stefanovic, Today, Channel 9

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    Karl Stefanovic:

    Jim, good morning. Nice to see you. Looks like you just got out of the shower my man.

    Jim Chalmers:

    A couple of hours ago, Karl. Good morning. How are you?

    Stefanovic:

    The Coalition is taking a bath this morning. I mean, could you get more lucky?

    Chalmers:

    It’s obviously a mess on the former Coalition side of the parliament, but it’s really not our focus. As you said in your introduction, we saw interest rates cut yesterday for the second time in 3 months. We’re getting inflation down, we’re getting wages up, we’re keeping unemployment low. And that’s because our focus will continue to be on providing stable, responsible, considered, methodical economic leadership. And we saw some of the dividends of that yesterday when rates were cut again.

    Stefanovic:

    You’re restraining yourself from talking about it. I see that in your eyes, Jim. I’m sure it’s the scuttlebutt around town. Look, the makeup of the parliament we looked at it this morning, you guys weren’t that bloody good.

    Chalmers:

    We’re very grateful for the magnitude of the victory that we saw a few Saturdays ago. We’ve made it really clear we’re grateful for the support that was shown by the Australian community. I think they did go for that stability and that responsible economic management. We’ll hear more about that later today when our campaign director fronts the National Press Club.

    But we don’t want to waste the day. We’re grateful for the opportunity. We know that a second term is an opportunity to build more homes and roll out more renewables, make our economy more productive, get on top of this inflation challenge, help with the cost of living. And so that’s been our focus, really, throughout the first term, throughout the campaign, and it will be the major focus of our second term too.

    Stefanovic:

    Have you spoken to the PM about the Coalition dramas? I mean, as Phil Coorey points out this morning: the Prime Minister may as well do another couple of laps of the sun.

    Chalmers:

    I haven’t spoken to him about the Coalition. Obviously, we’ve had some interactions while he’s been overseas, but not about that. And on the second part of your question, I genuinely believe that things change quickly in politics. We’re not getting ahead of ourselves. Our working assumption is that elections are typically close in this country. The last one, notwithstanding, was a better result than what most people were anticipating. But we don’t underestimate our political opponents, and we don’t focus on them.

    Yesterday was a big event, it was a shambles, it was a mess, but it wasn’t our focus. My focus yesterday was on this interest rates decision which will provide welcome relief for millions of Australian families. We’ll continue to focus on the things that really matter to people, even while our political opponents continue to focus on themselves.

    Stefanovic:

    You’re expecting more mortgage relief later in the year. There are – plenty of speculation this morning that’s going to drive prices through the roof. How much of a concern is that?

    Chalmers:

    I don’t make predictions about future decisions taken by the independent Reserve Bank. Certainly the market and the economists expect that there will be more interest rate cuts to come and that won’t be the only factor when it comes to house prices. House prices are usually a combination of a whole range of factors. And so our focus is on continuing to put this downward pressure on inflation, keep unemployment low, get wages growing again, roll out our cost‑of‑living help and also build more homes because we want people to be able to access more affordable options.

    Stefanovic:

    All right. Finally, we now know Australia’s biggest super funds asked you to reconsider the super tax. They’ve had no luck with that. You’re staying stubborn on that, you will not change it?

    Chalmers:

    First of all, they said that publicly a couple of years ago. They made a public submission to, when we did one of the 3 rounds of consultation we did on these changes. We haven’t changed our policy that we took to the election. The policy that we announced a couple of years ago. I listen respectfully when people have got a range of views about this policy or indeed any policy, but we’ve made it clear what our priority is here and that’s how we intend to progress.

    Stefanovic:

    Can you fix the train network in Sydney this morning for us just before we go?

    Chalmers:

    I just saw that story on your news a bit earlier on. I hope people can get safely to work and that those issues can be resolved as quickly as possible.

    Stefanovic:

    Good on you, Jim. Always good to talk to you.

    Chalmers:

    Thanks Karl, you too.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Budget delivers record boost for frontline service delivery

    Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

    21/05/25

    The Victorian Budget 2025–26 delivers $11.1 billion to strengthen Victoria’s public health system – supporting frontline staff, expanding access to care, and improving health outcomes across the state. This includes a $9.3 billion boost for hospitals.

    The additional funding means Victoria is investing a record $31 billion in our healthcare system this year.

    The Budget focuses on delivering practical support for services that communities rely on, ensuring Victorians can access timely, high-quality care close to home. Supporting hospitals and expanding capacity

    Supporting hospitals and expanding capacity

    The budget supports expanding and operationalising hospitals, and supporting workforce across Victoria to keep delivering world-class care. This includes:

    • $634.3 million to open and operationalise nine new or upgraded hospitals, including the new Footscray Hospital, Frankston Hospital redevelopment, Maryborough and District Hospital, and community hospitals in Cranbourne, Craigieburn, and Phillip Island Community Hospitals.
    • Additional investments to modernise and future-proof our hospitals include:
    • $57+ million for essential building upgrades at the Royal Melbourne Hospital
    • $61.8 million for the Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program
    • $52.3 million for the Medical Equipment Replacement Program.
    • An additional $95 million will support nurses, midwives, and healthcare workers through clinical placements and professional development at all stages of their careers.

    Better, faster care in an emergency

    To help more Victorians access emergency care faster:

    • $437 million to expand the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, increasing its capacity to 1,750 calls per day by 2028–29
    • $48.2 million will support Urgent Care Clinics and expand the Community Pharmacist Program, allowing pharmacists to treat a broader range of conditions for free.
    • $84.2 million will strengthen rural and regional ambulance services through 15 dual paramedic crews, four peak-period units, and four 24-hour services
    • $58.4 million will improve patient flow through emergency departments.

    Expanding mental health and wellbeing care

    Funding in this year’s Budget will give Victorian mental health services the resources they need to care for more Victorians and focus on prevention and early intervention, especially for young people and our regional and rural communities.

    Key investments include:

    • $34.5 million to expand Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, with seven new locations joining the existing 15 sites. These services provide free care without a referral or Medicare card for all Victorians aged 26 and over
    • $48.5 million for early intervention programs like the Perinatal Emotional Health Program, Rainbow Door, Responder Assist, Koori Mental Health Liaison Officers and more
    • Over $300 million to maintain access to mental health beds, across emergency, hospital, and in-home settings
    • Continued rollout of the Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
    • Opening of three Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) services in regional areas from July 2026
    • $47 million for workforce development including junior psychiatry rotations and registrar training
    • $10.1 million to support lived experience and peer-led services, including young carers through the Satellite Foundation and consumer leadership through the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council
    • $7.5 million for suicide prevention initiatives like HOPE, Yarning Safe n Strong, Strong Brother Strong Sister, and LGBTIQA+ aftercare services
    • $10 million for the Mental Health Capital Renewal Fund to help services provide safe and therapeutic environments for recovery
    • The Budget invests $44 million in alcohol and other drug services to expand the pharmacotherapy program, support outreach programs and strengthen residential rehabilitation services.

    Strengthening specialist and community care

    The Budget also supports Victorians with complex, chronic or long-term health needs by delivering services that help people live safely and independently in their communities. This includes:

    • $22 million to support the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People and provide allied health assessments to support NDIS access
    • $2.7 million to enhance the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program
    • $34.6 million for public sector residential aged care services to continue delivering high-quality care and $7.5 million to improve facilities across the sector
    • $7.6 million to support safer medication management in aged care
    • $38.3 million to Local Public Health Units to maintain safe drinking water and operate the thunderstorm asthma early warning system
    • $8.1 million to support our world-class cancer services, including the Victorian Cancer Biobank and Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium.

    Inclusive and culturally safe care

    To ensure our health system supports all Victorians, the Budget includes:

    • Funding of over $13 million will support Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-Operative Limited fund an upgraded, modern facility to deliver clinical, social and wellbeing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Melbourne’s south east
    • $15.8 million for ten Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to provide culturally safe pregnancy and postnatal care
    • $15.3 million for targeted LGBTQIA+ health initiatives.

    Find out more

    For more information, visit the Victorian Budget websiteExternal Link or read the Premier’s media release.External Link

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Homegrown pioneer first project funded for Solar Sunshot

    Source: Ministers for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

    Australian solar pioneer 5B has been selected as the first project to receive funding from the Australian Government’s $1 billion Solar Sunshot Program to help expand Australia’s solar manufacturing industry.  

    Funding of up to $46 million will go to the Australian based company to increase manufacturing capacity of its highly innovative ‘Maverick’ – an automated solar deployment system using prefabricated, prewired panels. The technology has the potential to drastically speed up and scale up the roll out of solar farms, reducing the cost and labour intensity of current methods.  

    ARENA CEO Darren Miller said ARENA is excited to be announcing 5B as the first project under the Solar Sunshot Program to support solar manufacturing in Australia to accelerate the renewable energy transition.   

    “This project represents the best of homegrown Australian technology and innovation in solar and we are proud to support 5B’s goals of making solar deployment faster, cheaper, safer and more efficient.  

    “ARENA has a vision of reaching 1 terawatt of installed solar PV in Australia by 2050 to achieve our renewable energy ambitions. Projects like this are what we need to get there.” 

    “Today represents a step towards building Australia’s resilience in the solar value chain as the global demand for renewable energy technologies, products and knowledge intensifies.”  

    5B CEO David Griffin said this funding would drive down 5B’s Australian production costs by 25% and accelerate 5B’s ability to offer large customers lower cost energy alongside the safety, speed and land efficiencies unique to the 5B Maverick solution.  

    “It means we can further strengthen our team, creating opportunities from the factory floor, in our field deployment crews, and specialists working on gigawatts of solar farm designs.”  

    The funding will support the expansion of 5B’s Australian manufacturing capacity in solar to produce at least 200 MW of Maverick units at their Adelaide manufacturing facility over the next three years. The Maverick systems will support the demand for increased deployment of large-scale solar across Australia. 

    About Solar Sunshot  

    The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is delivering the $1 billion Solar Sunshot Program to support innovation in Australia’s solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry.   

    Solar Sunshot was announced by the Australian Government in March 2024 and aims to uncover and support innovation to drive scale and diversity in a critical industry.    

    Australia benefits from strong renewable energy potential, high-quality, abundant raw materials, and a long track record of excellence in research and development.   

    Solar Sunshot aims to harness these advantages so that Australia can strengthen and diversify its supply chains and create economic opportunities.    

    Round 1A offers $500 million of capital and production-linked funding for solar PV manufacturing innovation, with a focus on modules, inputs to modules and deployment systems (closed). 

    Round 1B offers $50 million of funding to support solar PV manufacturing studies, including feasibility and engineering studies (remains open).  

    Funding to 5B has been awarded under Round 1A of the Program. 

    Learn more at https://arena.gov.au/funding/solar-sunshot/   

    ARENA media contact:

    media@arena.gov.au

    Download this media release (PDF 151KB)

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Win tickets to fly Bendigo to Sydney as Bendigo Airport celebrates milestone

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Bendigo Airport is buzzing with excitement as it celebrates a major milestone – over 100,000 passengers have enjoyed the QantasLink Bendigo to Sydney flight service.

    To mark this incredible achievement, Bendigo Airport is launching an exciting competition with four Qantas return flight tickets to Sydney up for grabs.

    Bendigo Airport Manager Vicki Bayliss said the 100,000-passenger milestone illustrated the growing success of the regional airport service.

    “In April 2019, the city welcomed the arrival of QantasLink and regular passenger flights between Bendigo and Sydney,” Ms Bayliss said.

    “Despite the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the airport’s growth for a time, the community returned when borders opened to support this important service, and I would like to thank you for contributing to the airport’s continuing success.

    “It is clear word is out about the advantages of flying from Bendigo Airport’s new terminal.

    “It is a stress-free experience when you choose Bendigo Airport, with ample cheap parking close to the new terminal building, a seamless and quick check-in, and great customer service from our dedicated staff.

    “The service is proving popular with the business community and holidaymakers.

    “There were just over 5,000 passengers when the service first started in 2019 and six years on it has increased to 100,000 which is significant growth.

    “To have an airport in central Victoria is so convenient and important for Greater Bendigo residents and for people living in surrounding shires.

    “It means less time commuting to Melbourne and more time enjoying your trip. Flying direct to Sydney from Bendigo Airport takes less than two hours and provides connection access to more than 100 destinations across Australia and internationally.

    “Flights between Bendigo and Sydney can now carry more people with a faster flight time after the introduction of Qantas’s expanded Dash 8-400 fleet last October.”

    To celebrate the milestone of 100,000 passengers, Bendigo Airport, in collaboration with Qantas, is launching an exciting competition in the City of Greater Bendigo’s free GB magazine. The autumn edition is hitting mailboxes this week. There is also a digital version on the City’s website for residents who do not have access to a printed copy.

    For your chance to win one of four return flight tickets from Bendigo to Sydney on QantasLink, complete the entry form and enter a code. The competition is open until 11:59 PM (AEST) Friday, May 30. Terms and Conditions apply.

    “Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity. Enter the GB magazine competition now and you might be one of four lucky GB magazine readers who will soon be flying up and away from Bendigo Airport,” Ms Bayliss said.

    To view the digital version of GB magazine, visit:

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s lesser-known destinations draw more inbound tourists

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    .

    Basking in the sunshine, John Jammet and his wife sat in the courtyard of a traditional house in the historic Pingyao County of north China’s Shanxi Province, with coffee in hand. Their trip seemingly offered them a glimpse into the lives of Chinese back in the day.

    “Last night we traveled in the main streets and the lanterns were very beautiful,” said the man from France. “What attracted me most were a lot of young girls and boys wearing traditional clothes. It showed that they love their culture and history.”

    Fascinated by the video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” Jammet became interested in the culture behind it, and thus decided to come to China and have a look. The couple carefully planned their trip, with it including China’s capital Beijing, Pingyao, the ancient capital Xi’an in northwest China and the picturesque Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China, reflecting their quest to see “both modern cities and traditional culture.”

    “In the Western world, I think there is misunderstanding about China, because our countries are different,” he explained. “It is important to see with our own eyes what’s the truth about China. For me, China is safe and clean, people are kind and helpful.”

    At the mention of China, images that immediately jump into the minds of many foreign tourists are normally the Great Wall, giant pandas and the many skyscrapers in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai in east China.

    Thanks partly to China’s eased visa policies, an increasing number of foreign tourists are now also turning their attention to lesser-known destinations to delve deeper into Chinese history and culture, just like Jammet and his wife.

    Foreign tourists learn to make traditional wheaten food at a homestay in Pingyao, north China’s Shanxi Province, May 15, 2025. (Photo by Qiao Yan/Xinhua)

    OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

    As of the beginning of May, China has granted unilateral visa-free entry to people from 38 countries, and has extended its visa-free transit period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries.

    In 2024, China recorded 64.88 million border crossings by foreign nationals, an 82.9-percent increase year on year. In the first quarter of 2025, this number stood at 17.44 million, up 33.4 percent compared to the same period in 2024.

    During the five-day May Day holiday, the most recent vacation in China for family outings and tourism, statistics regarding air ticket bookings on Chinese travel services platform Qunar showed that in addition to the megacities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, the lower-tier cities of Chengdu, Xiamen, Nanjing, Chongqing and south China’s Haikou were also among the top-ranking destinations for non-Chinese tourists. In addition, hotel bookings made by foreign passport holders in Zhuhai, east China’s Qingdao and central China’s Wuhan grew by 70, 60 and 50 percent respectively.

    Hotels, restaurants and even hairdressers in residential areas not very close to traditional attractions in Beijing are beginning to greet foreign tourists, while small cities and counties are also seeing more inbound visitors.

    Zachary Iziah Smith, an American travel blogger, poses for a photo at Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China’s Gansu Province, April 11, 2025. (Xinhua)

    Kang Mobei is general manager of a shop affiliated to the Gansu Provincial Museum, which sells creative cultural products inspired by items in the museum, like a green fluffy toy based on the iconic copper galloping horse.

    Notably, Gansu Province in northwest China is home to many historical sites, including the Mogao Grottoes UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the May Day holiday, she found more foreign tourists in her shop, many of whom came from countries like Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan.

    “Some of them had already been to the museum, and a few even showed me pictures they found on social media platforms like ‘rednote’ when asking for products,” said Kang, who observed that some customers had fluffy toys from other creative cultural product shops dangling from their bags.

    With overseas customers in mind, the store installed POS machines for international bank cards and carried out language training for their staff.

    A foreign visitor (L) learns how to make matcha beverage at a tea industrial park in Jiangkou County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, April 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

    EASIER, FASTER, BETTER KNOWN

    To meet this increasing demand from foreign customers for niche tourist destinations, Chen Wanni and Chen Min last year founded China Explorer Tour (CET), a tour operating company specializing in authentic food, adventure and cultural-immersion themed retreats and experiences across China.

    “It was more successful than we had expected,” said Chen Wanni, admitting that she was prepared for a loss in the first year, but surprisingly they managed to break even. The referral rate of the tourist routes reached 60 percent, with many customers recommending to their friends to come back, while quite a few have come more than once.

    “Tourism is not only an industry, but also a window for overseas travelers to learn about China,” she said.

    Chen Min informed Xinhua that more and more overseas tourists are expressing interest in China’s lesser-known destinations, in addition to the traditional attractions, representing the maturity of the nation’s tourism industry in recent years.

    Tom Peacock-Nazil from Britain last September booked a 10-day tour with CET, and visited not only Beijing and Xi’an but also southwest China’s Guizhou Province, where he saw both the stunning beauty of nature and various ethnic cultures.

    “I realized I had massively underestimated China,” he said. “I think I’ve fallen in love with China. That’s mainly because we’ve been off the beaten track. I’m dying to come back and I’ve been learning about other provinces. I’ve got plans already.”

    Tom Peacock-Nazil (2nd R) and other tourists pose for a photo in Leishan County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, in September 2024. (China Explorer Tour/Handout via Xinhua)

    Sun Weili, a regional manager with the Chinese travel platform Trip.com Group, noted that the surge in foreign tourists for in-depth tours in China is a result of combined efforts. “Along with eased visa policies, they can also feel the convenience in terms of payment and traffic, as well as more diversified tours,” he said.

    For instance, a 16-day luxury train tour from Chengdu to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has attracted overseas visitors, which promises to take them to an in-depth journey to the northwestern region. So far tickets for all the 10 trips between May and October have been sold out, with 70 percent of the customers inbound tourists.

    Meanwhile, thanks to movies, video games and social media, Chinese culture is better promoted across the world, luring more curious overseas visitors to have a closer look. “We are more open and confident,” Sun said.

    Zhang Jun, who is with a travel agency in Datong in Shanxi, has worked as a tour guide for 18 years. He has noted the huge development of inter-city transportation which has made self-guided tours possible. “For instance, we used to sit in overnight trains and transfer to reach Pingyao from Beijing. But now the journey takes less than four hours.”

    John Jammet this time traveled in China for 15 days, which he found not enough to explore the country. “China is big,” he said. “I might need to spend a month here.”

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 21, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 21, 2025.

    Australian para sport has issues everywhere – here’s what must be fixed ahead of the Brisbane Paralympics
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katherine Raw, Lecturer, Sport Management, Swinburne University of Technology Bratislav Kostic/Shutterstock Australia’s underwhelming performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics has raised serious questions about how well our adaptive sport system is working. The Paris games returned our lowest medal tally since 1988, from our smallest team since

    What’s the difference between skim milk and light milk?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Margaret Murray, Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Swinburne University of Technology bodnar.photo/Shutterstock If you’re browsing the supermarket fridge for reduced-fat milk, it’s easy to be confused by the many different types. You can find options labelled skim, skimmed, skinny, no fat, extra light, lite, light, low fat, reduced fat,

    AI is now used for audio description. But it should be accurate and actually useful for people with low vision
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Locke, Associate Researcher in Digital Disability, Centre for Culture and Technology, Curtin University Chansom Pantip/Shutterstock Since the recent explosion of widely available generative artificial intelligence (AI), it now seems that a new AI tool emerges every week. With varying success, AI offers solutions for productivity, creativity,

    NZ Budget 2025: science investment must increase as a proportion of GDP for NZ to innovate and compete
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicola Gaston, Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Shutterstock/Olivier Le Queinec A lack of strategy and research funding – by both the current and previous governments – has been well documented, most comprehensively in the first report

    Starvation of Gaza – a distressing continuation of a decades-old plan
    SPECIAL REPORT: By Jeremy Rose Reading an NBC News report a couple of days ago about a Trump administration plan to relocate 1 million Gazans to Libya reminded me of a conversation between the legendary Warsaw Ghetto leader Marek Edelman and fellow fighter and survivor Simcha Rotem that took place more than quarter of a

    Spotify continues to change music. What’s next – will AI musicians replace music made by humans?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Spotify was started, according to its official claims, because its founders “love music and piracy was killing it”. In Mood Machine, music journalist Liz Pelly argues this is rewriting history. In fact, she

    Feats of the human body behind Tom Cruise’s stunts in Mission: Impossible movies
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol He’s leapt from cliffs, clung to planes mid-takeoff and held his breath underwater for as long as professional freedivers. Now, at 62, Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt for one final mission – and

    After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham After a two-hour phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on May 19, US president Donald Trump took to social media to declare that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations” towards a ceasefire and an end to

    The public service has a much smaller gender pay gap than the private sector. It’s a big achievement
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leonora Risse, Associate Professor in Economics, University of Canberra NDAB Creativity/Shutterstock After two years of publishing the gender pay gaps of Australia’s private-sector companies, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency has released public-sector employer data for the first time. The report shows a stark contrast between the private

    For making stars, it’s not just how much gas a galaxy has that matters – it’s where it’s hiding
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Barbara Catinella, Professor and Senior Principal Research Fellow, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), The University of Western Australia One of the galaxies mapped by WALLABY: the red shade shows the atomic hydrogen gas content of the galaxy, overlaid on an optical image showing the stars.

    The Queensland melioidosis outbreak is still growing. What’s keeping this deadly mud bug active?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Jeffries, Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, Western Sydney University ap-studio/Shutterstock The outbreak of the deadly “mud bug” melioidosis in north Queensland has not yet abated since it began at the start of this year. So far there have been 221 cases and 31 deaths from the disease

    ‘Outdated and irrelevant’: what do young Australians think of their schooling?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jun Eric Fu, Senior Research Fellow, Youth Research Collective, The University of Melbourne LBeddoe/Shutterstock Australia’s school system – and whether it is doing its job – is often under the microscope from politicians, experts and parents. The most recent NAPLAN results in 2024 triggered a wave of

    Culture at the core: examining journalism values in the Pacific
    ANALYSIS: By Birte Leonhardt, Folker Hanusch and Shailendra B. Singh The role of journalism in society is shaped not only by professional norms but also by deeply held cultural values. This is particularly evident in the Pacific Islands region, where journalists operate in media environments that are often small, tight-knit and embedded within traditional communities.

    The band is breaking up: has the Coalition stopped making sense?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Visitor, School of History, Australian National University I remember seeing footage, several years ago, of a jubilant Malcolm Turnbull, then prime minister and Liberal leader, speaking in Tamworth to loyal members of the National Party. These were the rank and file who had spent weeks

    Health chief ‘conductor of an orchestra who’s never played an instrument’
    ANALYSIS: By Ian Powell In February 2025, Dr Diana Sarfati resigned, not unexpectedly, as Director-General of Health after only two years into her five-year term. As a medical specialist, and in her role as developing the successful cancer control agency, she had extensive experience in New Zealand’s health system. However, she did not conform to

    Victorian budget has cash to splash on health, transport but new levies, job cuts, rising debt signal pain ahead
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University There was not a lot of cheer in the media reporting ahead of the 2025/6 Victorian budget released on Wednesday. Debt and deficits dominated the coverage. All eyes turned to new treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, to see if in

    RBA cuts interest rates, ready to respond again if the economy weakens further
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock speaks at a forum during the World Bank/IMF meetings in Washington in April. Jose Luis Magana/AP The Reserve Bank of Australia cut the official interest rate for the

    The Coalition is on a break, but the Nationals risk finding their former partner doesn’t want them back
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Botterill, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University In the weeks since the federal election, there’s been much speculation about the future of the Coalition agreement. In their soul-searching, it seemed possible the Liberals might pull the pin, given the degree of their

    Israel slammed over ‘cynical’ sidestep of global rulings on Gazan humanitarian aid
    Asia Pacific Report Israel has been accused of “manipulation” and “cynical” circumvention of global decisions calling for unrestricted humanitarian aid access to the besieged Gaza enclave. “In a clear act of defiance against international humanitarian obligations, the occupying state has permitted only nine aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip — covering both the devastated

    Keith Rankin Analysis – The Aratere and the New Zealand Main Trunk Line
    Analysis by Keith Rankin. Government-owned Kiwirail is supposed to be presiding over the New Zealand Main Trunk (Railway) Line, from Auckland to Invercargill. As such it runs a ferry service (The Interislander) between New Zealand’s North and South Islands. We are being told by Kiwirail (and see today’s report on Radio NZ) that the only

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz