Images from the new Karratha weather radar are now live on the Bureau of Meteorology’s website and the BOM Weather app.
The new radar was built to replace a temporary radar in Dampier, which was put in place to replace the previous Dampier radar after it was severely damaged by Cyclone Damien in February 2020.
The Karratha radar will provide better image resolution, better visibility of weather systems and less image interference than the temporary radar at Dampier.
It will provide higher quality images during intense rain and storms and improve the image resolution between rain and hail. The new radar will have some areas of overlapping coverage with the Learmonth and Port Hedland radars.
Bureau of Meteorology WA Manager James Ashley said the new dual-polarised Doppler radar is an important tool for observing rainfall and wind conditions in real time across large areas, including approaching tropical cyclones.
“The new Karratha weather radar will benefit communities, emergency services and local industry across parts of the Pilbara region, Dampier Archipelago and surrounding areas,” Mr Ashley said.
“The upgraded radar will eventually replace the temporary Dampier radar.
“The temporary Dampier radar will remain in place for up to 6 months, to ensure continuous radar coverage while the Bureau completes monitoring and optimisation of the new Karratha radar.”
Mr Ashley said construction of the Karratha radar required specialist equipment to reach the new site.
“A self-propelled modular transporter, essentially a giant remote-controlled truck, was needed to get the tower segments to the top of the radar site,” he said.
Radars collect data to feed into the Bureau’s models and forecasts to deliver better rainfall and flood warnings, estimates of accumulated rainfall and stored soil moisture, short-term forecasts of rainfall and severe weather, hail location and strength of wind changes.
The Karratha radar is one part of the Bureau’s comprehensive weather observation network of more than 11,000 assets including satellites, upper atmosphere monitoring, automatic weather stations, ocean buoys and flood warning networks.
Together these enable industry to make better decisions when preparing for severe weather, help farming businesses make timely decisions, such as movement of stock, chemical and fertiliser application, sowing and harvesting, and increase the accuracy of forecasts every year.
The Karratha radar upgrade is part of the Bureau’s ongoing work to enhance and improve the Australian radar and observation network.
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), members of the Senate Committee on Finance, introduced the bipartisan Child Care for American Families Act to strengthen the employer-provided child care credit and expand support for small and rural businesses:
“Many families across Tennessee and America are struggling to find reliable and affordable child care, and we need to incentivize businesses to invest in child-care services for their employees,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our Child Care for American Families Act would help alleviate the financial burden of child-care costs by expanding and modernizing the Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit.”
“Child care costs are rising nationwide, and countless families lack access to affordable, high-quality child care. This makes things that much harder for working parents, strains families’ budgets, and adds undue stress for families with young children,” said Senator Bennet. “The Child Care for American Families Act will help increase our country’s child care supply and reduce the number of Americans in child care deserts.”
BACKGROUND
According to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, 48 percent of Tennessee residents live in a child care desert, with disproportionate impacts felt by rural and low-income communities.
The Bipartisan Policy Center found that 31.7 percent of children below the age of six with working parents do not have access to child care, and in rural communities, that number arises to 35.1 percent.
THE CHILD CARE FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES ACT:
Expands the employer-provided child care credit to cover a greater percentage of child care expenses, equal to:
60% for businesses in eligible rural and low-income areas, up to a maximum of $1.2 million annually;
50% for small businesses, up to a maximum of $1 million annually; and
40% for all other businesses, up to a maximum of $800,000 annually.
Directs the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue guidance on multi-employer facilities.
ENDORSEMENTS
The Child Care for American Families Act is endorsed by Save the Children, Colorado Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), Kindercare, and Early Care & Education Consortium (ECEC).
NEW YORK, Oct. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Altus Group Limited (“Altus”) (TSX: AIF), a leading provider of asset and fund intelligence for commercial real estate (“CRE”), is proud to announce that its CEO Jim Hannon and Executive Vice President, Rich Sarkis have been named to Commercial Observer’s annual Power Proptech list for the third consecutive year.
The Power Proptech list recognizes the most influential leaders in the CRE proptech space who are driving change and innovation within the CRE industry. Altus remains at the forefront of transforming the CRE landscape, helping clients leverage advanced analytics to maximize performance and manage risk. Having built one of the most extensive and unified data platforms for CRE, Altus is tapping into its incredibly rich dataset to bring new performance insights to its customers. One of Altus’ recent innovations leveraging this platform includes its new ARGUS Intelligence product which enables users to dynamically drill into data to quickly analyze and compare performance metrics.
“This recognition is a testament to our talented team, which brings together leading data scientists, technologists, and CRE market experts,” said Jim Hannon, CEO of Altus. “Our efforts and investments have positioned Altus to lead the CRE data revolution. As we close the year, we’re proud to have delivered new data analytics innovations and raised the bar for what clients can expect from Altus Group.”
For more information about Commercial Observer’s Power Proptech list, click here.
About Altus Group
Altus Group is a leading provider of asset and fund intelligence for commercial real estate. We deliver intelligence as a service to our global client base through a connected platform of industry-leading technology, advanced analytics, and advisory services. Trusted by the largest CRE leaders, our capabilities help commercial real estate investors, developers, proprietors, lenders, and advisors manage risks and improve performance returns throughout the asset and fund lifecycle. Altus Group is a global company headquartered in Toronto with approximately 2,900 employees across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific. For more information about Altus Group (TSX: AIF) please visit altusgroup.com.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank System (FHLBank System) today hailed a report published by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), regulator of the FHLBank System, indicating that the FHLBanks contributed a total of more than $581 million in Affordable Housing Program and community development grants in 2023.
FHFA’s 2023 Targeted Mission Activities Report highlights the FHLBanks affordable housing and community development activities last year, demonstrating that the FHLBanks delivered $446.9 million in AHP funds, including $35.2 million in voluntary AHP spending. Additionally, the report indicates the FHLBanks delivered $134.6 million in additional voluntary grant funding for a total of more than $581 million in funding for affordable housing and community development in 2023.
In the press release announcing the report, FHFA Director Sandra Thompson is quoted as saying the FHLBanks “assisted close to 65,000 low- or moderate-income households and supported more than 400 targeted economic development projects in 2023.” She is further quoted saying “I am encouraged to see the Federal Home Loan Banks pursue creative and innovative approaches to addressing local housing needs through the voluntary programs they undertake in addition to meeting their obligations under the Affordable Housing Program.”
Ryan Donovan, president and CEO of the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, said the report stands as a strong indicator of how dedicated the 11 FHLBanks are to working with their members and within their districts to meet the needs of local communities.
“Over the last two years the FHLBanks have taken tremendous steps to help address the housing supply and affordability issues plaguing the country,” said Donovan. “This report clearly shows the positive impact and responsiveness of the 11 FHLBanks to the needs of their members and the communities they serve. We are grateful to FHFA for publishing the report and we look forward to continuing to work with the agency, financial regulators, and other stakeholders to develop innovative and workable solutions to the nation’s housing finance needs.”
In response to feedback the FHLBanks heard during FHFA’s comprehensive review of the System, the FHLBanks voluntarily agreed in early 2023 to contribute 15 percent of the prior year’s net earnings to affordable housing and community development, a 50 percent increase from the statutorily required 10 percent. Based on 2022 net earnings, the FHLBank System was assessed $355.2 million for AHP in 2023, as noted in FHFA’s report. The $581 million in AHP and voluntary contributions in 2023 represent a total of more than 16 percent, or more than 60% above the statutory minimum.
About: The FHLBanks are 11 regionally based, wholesale suppliers of lendable funds to financial institutions of all sizes and many types, including community banks, credit unions, commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions. The FHLBanks are cooperatively owned by member financial institutions in all 50 states and U.S. territories. The steady supply of lendable funds from FHLBanks helps U.S. lenders invest in local needs including housing, jobs, and economic growth. The Council of FHLBanks represents all 11 FHLBanks.
CONTACT INFORMATION Council of FHLBanks Peter E. Garuccio 202-955-0002 ext. 14 pgaruccio@cfhlb.org
All primary schools, Early Learning and Childcare (ELC), Intensive Support Provision (ISP) settings and Fairview School in Perth and Kinross will be closed on Monday October 21 because of industrial action taken by UNISON in a national dispute over pay.
All secondary schools except St John’s Academy (Secondary) in Perth and the Community School of Auchterarder, will be open on Monday. All secondary ISP provision will be closed. Navigate will be open.
Due to the October holidays, it has not been possible, as previously indicated, to complete Risk Assessments for our primaries and ELC settings. This means we cannot guarantee there will be enough staff to ensure pupil safety and so have taken the decision to close these settings.
The situation will be reviewed daily during the two weeks of industrial action planned by UNISON.
It is possible a small number of primary schools will be able to open later in the week. However, the situation is likely to remain fluid and may change for individual schools on a day-to-day basis. We will continue to provide updates when necessary. Schools will also email parents and carers about their arrangements on Monday.
Where schools are closed before and after school care (Breakfast Clubs, Kids Clubs and Wraparound Care) will also be closed.
Remote learning will be provided when schools are closed to pupils as teachers are not taking part in the industrial action.
Payments will be made to families whose children are eligible Free School Meals because their families are in receipt of qualifying benefits.
We thank you for your understanding.
Leisure services provided at our four community campuses (Breadalbane, Loch Leven, North Inch and Strathearn) are also likely to be disrupted because of the industrial action.
The following activities will still be able to proceed:
Block Booked, Club/Group activity – Indoor and Outdoor
Instructor / Coach led activity – Swimming Lessons, Gymnastics, Fitness Classes etc.
When someone famous dies, particularly if they are young or it was unexpected, it is natural for their fans to want to know what happened. But, as the reporting on the tragic death of singer Liam Payne shows, the media does not always handle this appropriately or ethically.
The singer, 31, fell to his death from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires while under the influence of “drugs or alcohol”, local police said. LA-based celebrity news website TMZ initially reported the story alongside graphic images of Payne’s body.
After a backlash, TMZ removed the photos, but executive editor Michael Babock defended publication, claiming the site was “trying to confirm reports Liam had died before police had established his identity”.
Other mainstream outlets published transcripts or recordings of a 911 call made to police shortly before Payne was found, and an Argentinian newspaper published images of Payne’s hotel room which included images of drugs paraphernalia.
This is certainly not the first time the media, and TMZ in particular, has come under fire for insensitive or harmful reporting of celebrity deaths. When basketball great Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in January 2020, TMZ shared the news before police were able to notify his family. Bryant’s widow later testified that she learned of her husband and daughter’s deaths through social media. This breaches the UK’s journalism codes of practice.
In their quest to get a scoop, what precautions and sensitivities do journalists have to respect when it comes to reporting sudden and tragic deaths?
Media guidelines and ethics
The ethical standards and guidelines vary from country to country. In the UK,
these are set out by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) and independent press monitor Impress for print media, and by Ofcom for broadcasters.
An Ipso clause around intrusion into grief and shock says journalists should make enquiries with “sympathy and discretion” and publication should be handled “sensitively”.
Ofcom has similar guidelines for broadcasters. The section on privacy states: “When people are caught up in events which are covered by the news they still have a right to privacy.”
This can be infringed if “warranted”, says Ofcom, for example if it is in the public interest. This could include revealing or detecting crime, protecting public health or safety, exposing misleading claims or disclosing incompetence. But a tragic death, even of a high profile person, is unlikely to meet this standard.
Broadcasters should not interview or film people who have experienced a personal tragedy unless it is “warranted” or they have given consent. And journalists are advised not to “reveal the identity of someone who has died unless it is clear that the next of kin have been informed”.
Impress, which regulates more independent journalism, has released a statement condemning the reporting of Payne’s death.
It said: “The defence of publishing in the public interest does not give outlets carte blanche to report the most intimate details of a celebrity’s life, or their death.”
It is important to state at this stage that what happened prior to Payne’s tragic death and his intentions at the time are unknown. It is the job of the coroner to investigate and come to a conclusion at his inquest.
The effect of reporting on tragedy
Beyond accuracy and respect for the victim of a tragedy and their family, there are wider concerns that journalists should take into account.
Research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown irresponsible media reporting of celebrity deaths, particularly suicides, can increase suicide rates.
One study examining patterns of suicide and media coverage found that in the five months following comic Robin Williams’ death in 2014, there were 1,841 more deaths from suicide in the USA compared to the same period the previous year – a 9.85% rise.
The WHO’s international guidelines for reporting suicide urge the media to avoid sensationalism. Journalists should not provide details about methods, and should include information about mental health resources in stories.
Analysis of over 100 academic studies found repeated coverage and high-profile news stories were most strongly associated with copycat behaviour.
The WHO states: “Such stories can inadvertently function as celebrity endorsements of suicidal behaviour and it is known that celebrity endorsements can have an impact on behaviour of the public.”
Sensitive reporting can reduce the risk of copycat suicides. Providing context in relation to mental health challenges and offering resources for support is vital.
In the UK, guidelines were first drawn up by the Samaritans charity in 1994 to improve reporting on suicide and prevent copycat attempts. These are taught to journalism students on courses accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
Guidance includes avoiding “dramatic” headlines, emotive or sensational pictures or video footage and excessive amounts of coverage. Not speculating about the trigger or cause is urged, because it can oversimplify the issue.
“Coverage that reflects the wider issues around suicide, including that it is preventable, can help reduce the risk of suicidal behaviour”, the guidelines state. “Include clear and direct references to resources and support organisations.”
Making a change
Despite all of these guidelines, many media outlets flout them in the race for clicks. It is heartening that there has been so much outrage at the publication of the images of Payne, but some members of the public still seem to have an insatiable appetite for it. Nothing, it seems, is off limits.
We need to take collective responsibility. Journalists and editors should reacquaint themselves with responsible reporting guidelines and put themselves in the bereaved family’s shoes. Members of the public can also do their bit by not clicking on or sharing this kind of material, so editorial priorities change.
Ultimately, our thoughts must be with Payne and his loved ones. A death so young is a real tragedy and those who loved him will be affected for the rest of their lives.
If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, the following services can provide you with support:
In the UK and Ireland – call Samaritans UK at 116 123.
In the US – call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or IMAlive at 1-800-784-2433.
In Australia – call Lifeline Australia at 13 11 14.
In other countries – visit IASP or Suicide.org to find a helpline in your country.
Polly Rippon 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.
Jasper is one of Canada’s most iconic destinations, treasured by Canadians and renowned around the world.
October 18, 2024 – Jasper, Alberta
Jasper is one of Canada’s most iconic destinations, treasured by Canadians and renowned around the world. With its proximity to majestic mountains and clear blue lakes, Jasper draws over two million visitors from across Canada and around the world every year. This summer’s wildfires had a devastating impact on Jasper and the region’s economy, which is built on tourism. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action to support Jasper’s recovery and help its tourism industry come back strong.
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, alongside Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination Canada, the Honourable Joseph Schow, Alberta Minister of Tourism and Sport, Richard Ireland, Mayor of the Municipality of Jasper, David Goldstein, CEO of Travel Alberta, and Tyler Riopel, CEO of Tourism Jasper, today announced $3 million in support from the Government of Canada to help Jasper and the region’s tourism industry recover, rebuild and retake its place on the world stage. This is made possible through collaboration between Destination Canada and Travel Alberta, which are integrating their marketing strategies to showcase one of Canada’s most sought-after experiences.
Key marketing initiatives delivered by Destination Canada include:
investing in Destination Canada-led seasonal marketing campaigns, in collaboration with Travel Alberta, with a focus on the United States—Canada’s top international arrivals market;
co-investing in opportunities for targeted Destination Canada-led marketing programs in additional key markets such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Mexico;
hosting Canada’s largest global tourism media event in Jasper in September 2025, which will be organized in collaboration with Travel Aberta and Tourism Jasper and will serve as a platform to foster relationships between over 80 top-tier travel media outlets from around the world and Canadian tourism industry representatives; and
leveraging Destination Canada’s $50 million International Convention Attraction Fund.
These important investments build on significant support for Jasper already announced by the Government of Canada. This began with calling in the Canadian Armed Forces to fight the wildfires in July. As Jasper began to recover, the government matched donations and ensured local residents received the benefits and services they needed. As the town started rebuilding, the government quickly made changes to put the municipality in charge of the effort. This work is being directed by a special cabinet committee, led by the Honourable Randy Boissonnault.
Today’s announcement followed Minister Ferrada and Minister Schow’s co-hosting of the annual Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers meeting in Banff, Alberta and subsequent tour of the region. At the meeting, federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for tourism discussed challenges facing the tourism sector and cross-governmental opportunities to support its growth.
Marie-Justine Torres Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec marie-justine.torresames@ised-isde.gc.ca 613-327-5918
Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada media@ised-isde.gc.ca
For easy access to government programs for businesses, download the Canada Business app.
Today, the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced almost $15.5 million, over the next five years, for 12 projects that focus on youth dating violence prevention across Canada. These projects will promote healthy relationships through the delivery and testing of innovative, evidence-based interventions, as well as training for service providers and educators.
October 17, 2024 | Calgary, Alberta | Public Health Agency of Canada
Youth dating violence can have long-lasting health and social consequences, including physical injury, mental health impacts, higher-risk of substance use and difficulties in future relationships. The Government of Canada is committed to providing the support to help youth develop and maintain healthy relationships throughout their lives.
Today, the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced almost $15.5 million, over the next five years, for 12 projects that focus on youth dating violence prevention across Canada. These projects will promote healthy relationships through the delivery and testing of innovative, evidence-based interventions, as well as training for service providers and educators. These initiatives will help foster safe environments where young people can form positive, healthy relationships free from abuse. By supporting these efforts, we can help reduce the prevalence of dating violence and help provide a safer future for youth living in Canada.
The successful funding recipients are community associations and non-profit organizations as well as universities from across Canada, who are all dedicated to delivering and testing impactful programs and interventions that will make a lasting difference for youth and their communities. They include the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association, the University of Calgary, Université du Québec à Montréal, the University of Windsor, the Coaching Association of Canada, Family Service Saskatoon, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba, L’Anonyme, Lakehead University, Elizabeth Fry Toronto, the Students Commission of Canada, and the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre.
“Young people deserve to grow up in safe, nurturing environments, free from the fear of violence and abuse, especially in their romantic relationships. By supporting these 12 initiatives, we are giving young people across Canada more tools and resources to foster healthy relationships and build a better, safer future for themselves and their communities.”
The Honourable Ya’ara Saks Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
Nearly half of Canadian teens (45%) report experiencing dating violence since age 15.
The nearly $15.5 million investment supports projects that scale up, deliver, and further test youth dating violence prevention interventions that have been shown to be effective, as well as those that meet the needs of key populations, such as youth with a disability, Black and racialized youth, and those who are part of immigrant, refugee and newcomer communities.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is investing up to $21 million per year until 2026, and more than $14 million ongoing to support projects that promote safe relationships, prevent youth dating violence, family violence and child maltreatment, and equip health professionals and service providers to recognize and respond safely to gender-based violence.
As part of the federal Gender-based Violence Strategy, the Government of Canada has invested more than $800 million since 2017, with $44 million per year ongoing in preventing gender-based violence (including family violence), supporting victims, survivors, and their families and promoting a responsive justice system.
In addition, the Government of Canada invested $539.3 million over five years (2022 to 2027), to support provinces and territories in their efforts to implement the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.
Yuval Daniel Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health 819-360-6927
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) capped off a remarkable appearance at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), held from October 7 to 10, 2024, with a series of exciting announcements that solidified their position as a leader in AI-driven casino intelligence software.
The highly anticipated event saw QCI unveil the latest version of the QCI Enterprise Platform, which delivers unprecedented features designed to optimize casino operations and revenue. Attendees also witnessed the reveal of QCI’s latest AI technology, which continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming analytics and intelligence.
Adding to the excitement, QCI’s Chief Technology Officer Andrew Cardno was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from Gaming & Leisure for his contributions to the gaming industry over the past three decades. This award reflects Cardno’s lasting impact on data-driven decision-making in casinos, setting industry standards for innovation.
In addition to this accolade, Andrew Cardno and QCI CEO Dr. Ralph Thomas proudly announced the release of their eleventh book, The Math That Gaming Made – Compendium, an in-depth exploration of the mathematical principles that shape the gaming industry today. The book promises to serve as a valuable resource for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of data science in gaming.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better platform to showcase our latest innovations,” said Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of QCI. “The Global Gaming Expo has always been a key event for us, and this year exceeded our expectations. The response to our new QCI Enterprise Platform has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are excited to continue shaping the future of the gaming industry.”
Andrew Cardno shared his thoughts on the event and his recent recognition: “Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Gaming & Leisure is an incredible honor. But what excites me the most is the energy and enthusiasm we saw from our customers and industry peers at the expo. The latest advancements in AI technology we introduced will redefine how casinos harness data, and I’m proud to be at the forefront of that transformation.”
Victor Rocha, a prominent figure in the gaming industry, commented on the electric atmosphere at QCI’s booth: “The excitement surrounding QCI’s new offerings was palpable. From the advanced AI capabilities to the enhanced functionality of the QCI Enterprise Platform, it’s clear that QCI is leading the charge in innovation. Visiting their booth was a highlight of the show.”
The 2024 Global Gaming Expo was an undeniable success for QCI, further solidifying the company’s role as a pioneer in the gaming technology space. With their latest developments and the release of The Math That Gaming Made – Compendium, QCI is well-positioned to drive the gaming industry forward.
ABOUT QCI Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at http://www.quickcustomintelligence.com.
ABOUT Victor Rocha Victor Rocha holds the distinguished position of Conference Chairman for the Indian Gaming Association, while also leading Victor-Strategies as its president. As the owner and publisher of Pechanga.net, he has been deeply engaged in the political landscape of U.S. tribal gaming since 1998. Rocha’s outstanding contributions to the industry have been recognized through numerous accolades, such as AGEM’s 2023 Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media & Communication, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s 2015 Tribal Gaming Visionary Award, the American Gaming Association’s 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award for Gaming Communications, Raving’s 2012 Casino Marketing Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Indian Gaming Association’s 2002 Outstanding Contribution to Indian Country, VCAT’s 2001 Catalyst Award, and Global Gaming Business Magazine’s 2000 “40 Under 40” list.
ABOUT Dr. Ralph Thomas Dr. Ralph Thomas is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quick Custom Intelligence. Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry.
About Andrew Cardno Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.
TORONTO, Canada, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian General Investments, Limited (“CGI” or “the Company”) (TSX:CGI) (LSE: CGI) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share payable on December 15, 2024 to common shareholders of record at the close of business on November 29, 2024 (“the Dividend”). This dividend is designated as an “eligible dividend” for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada).
CGI is a closed-end equity fund, focused on medium to long-term investments in primarily Canadian corporations. Its objective is to provide better than average returns to investors through prudent security selection, timely recognition of capital gains/losses and appropriate income generating instruments.
As a key part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Team Canada Trade Missions help Canadian businesses open doors in dynamic markets, unlock new opportunities and connect with government and industry leaders. Diversity is Canada’s strength, and Team Canada supports and advances inclusive trade, which contributes to more competitive, innovative and successful businesses.
October 17, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Since the Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan nearly a year ago, these large-scale missions have visited Malaysia, Vietnam and the Republic of Korea and will soon visit Indonesia and the Philippines. Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, announced that she will lead a Team Canada Trade Mission to Australia from February 16 to 21, 2025. These trade missions have allowed more than 650 representatives from over 440 Canadian organizations from more than 15 sectors gain market exposure and pursue commercial opportunities and partnerships. The Team Canada model has proven to be effective at generating economic impact for Canada: for example, the trade mission to Japan led to at least 70 new contracts with an overall value estimated at close to $30 million CAD.
As a key part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Team Canada Trade Missions help Canadian businesses open doors in dynamic markets, unlock new opportunities and connect with government and industry leaders. Diversity is Canada’s strength, and Team Canada supports and advances inclusive trade, which contributes to more competitive, innovative and successful businesses.
During the Team Canada Trade Mission to Australia, Canadian companies will learn about opportunities in key sectors of focus:
agri-food and agritech
clean technologies and clean energy
mining equipment technology and services
information and communications technologies (with a focus on digital infrastructure and smart cities)
Following this trade mission, Minister Ng will lead the Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand and Cambodia in May 2025. Canada will also send business delegations to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Brunei Darussalam in 2025.
Register nowto join Minister Ng in Australia to help grow your Canadian business in a global market. Stay tuned for more details on other trade missions in 2025.
The Indo-Pacific is Canada’s second-largest regional export market, after the United States, with yearly 2-way merchandise trade valued at $257 billion in 2023.
Launched in November 2022, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy is creating opportunities to expand trade and investment, grow good jobs and build supply chain resilience.
The Indo-Pacific region is rapidly becoming an increasingly important global centre of economic dynamism and strategic challenge, offering Canadian companies unparalleled opportunities for expansion, market exploration, and strategic partnerships. It accounts for over one-third of the world’s economic activity. By 2030, the region is expected to become home to two-thirds of global middle class. By 2040 it is projected to make up over half of the global economy.
Team Canada Trade Missions help Canadian exporters and innovators expand and diversify their international business portfolios and reach in the region, strengthening their supply chains and facilitating long-term trade and investment opportunities that contribute to the growth of the Canadian economy.
Canadian participants gain direct benefits from Team Canada Trade Missions, such as getting market intelligence, access to key local interlocutors, and increased visibility and profile in the market. Canadian businesses have yielded a number of immediate successes and promising outcomes, including, for example, the signature of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), as well as securing sales contracts, new strategic partnerships, or local representation.
Huzaif Qaisar Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development 343-575-8816 Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca
Assistant Minister for Education, Anthony Chisholm has officially opened the Cassowary Coast University Centre in Innisfail, providing dedicated support for students across the region to access and complete a tertiary education.
The Innisfail facility is one of the 12 new Regional University Study Hubs announced earlier this year, and is one of 10 hubs across Queensland to be funded through the Albanese Government’s Regional University Study Hubs program.
Thirty students have already registered to access the hub’s facilities, which include computers, high speed internet, breakout spaces, dedicated student mentoring, as well as academic skills and administrative support.
With the support of the Centre, students in the region will engage in studies and undertake courses offered by tertiary institutions across Australia all while remaining in their community with family and friends.
The hub is also expected to provide tailored support for local First Nations students, with 20.5 per cent of the Innisfail population identifying as First Nations.
The hub is being delivered by Vocational Partnerships Group, in collaboration with the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, which has a strong history of supporting local youth across Far North Queensland access and succeed in furthering their education.
Increasing the number of University Study Hubs in regional and outer-suburban communities was a priority action of the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report.
This increase in the number of hubs across Australia is also a central contributing factor toward hitting the government’s target of helping 80 per cent of the country’s workforce attain a university degree, or TAFE qualification, by 2050.
A competitive process to select up to 10 more Regional University Study Hubs closes today, with an announcement of successful applicants expected in early 2025.
Further information on the program, including a list of funded hubs, can be accessed here.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm:
“The Cassowary Coast University Centre is a prime example of how our study hubs help regional, rural and remote students achieve academic success in tertiary education.
“Around 42 per cent of students who have studied at one of these hubs are the first in their family to attend university, as someone who was the first in their family to attend university, this is fantastic to see.
“By supporting study hubs like this one on the Cassowary Coast, and creating new ones right across Queensland, we’re making tertiary education fairer and more accessible for everyone.”
“Regional University Study Hubs open up new opportunities for students from these areas, and by tailoring university offerings to the needs of regional communities, we’re engaging more students and levelling the playing field regardless of where students live.”
Many young women and girls report facing gender-based violence online. Appropriate responses need to be created within this dire landscape.(Shutterstock)
More and more of our lives are being spent on digital platforms. And, as we spend more time online, we are more vulnerable to a wide range of risks. This fact is particularly true for women and girls.
A 2024 global survey by Microsoft found that women are more likely than men to experience any type of risk online. And 25 per cent of teen girls reported experiencing sexual risks in their online lives, compared to 19 per cent of teen boys.
When online violence or abuse occurs to people because of their gender or gender presentation, it falls under the umbrella term gender-based online violence and abuse, also known as tech-facilitated gender-based violence. Unfortunately, incidents of this type of online violence seem to be increasing.
Appropriate responses need to be created within this dire landscape.
Some governments are creating policies to address gender-based online violence and abuse. For example, Australia has passed legislation mandating dating apps to update and enforce codes of conduct that address instances of sexual abuse.
The Canadian government tabled the Online Harms Act in February 2024, which, if passed, would introduce a regulatory framework that demands social media platforms moderate violent content. These legislative acts aim to hold digital platforms accountable for creating methods for reporting and deleting violent content by requiring them to assume full responsibility.
Governments must hold digital platforms accountable for the violence that happens on them, but are such approaches enough?
Our recent research suggests that some men might not even recognize if and how they are complicit in gender-based online violence. Cultural ideas, like rape myths, may influence their spheres of understanding. And, in these cases, they may not be compelled to follow a code of conduct set up by government or platform policy.
Governments must hold digital platforms accountable for the violence that happens on them, but it is also important to address prevalent narratives and myths about rape and sexual abuse. (Shutterstock)
Rape myths
Rape myths are prejudicial and false beliefs that shape societal attitudes towards gendered violence. Examples of such myths are seen, for instance, when blame is put on the victim, the rapist is excused, and the rape is minimized and even sometimes justified.
In our study, we took a validated psychological scale for measuring the presence of rape myths and adapted it to understand how myths about gender-based online violence might influence behaviours that cause it, or at least prevent people from intervening.
The rape myths acceptance scale shows the degrees to which people accept certain myths that normalize sexual violence (such as, “she was asking for it” or “he didn’t mean to”). This scale is used to show how taken-for-granted assumptions contribute to cultures where victims of sexual violence are blamed or subject to disbelief when they come forward.
We adapted the rape myth acceptance scale because responses to it can reveal the cultural narratives that normalize many forms of gendered violence.
Indeed, research on rape myth acceptance points to the fact that we cannot fully address the acts of gender-based violence without first addressing these narratives. And gender-based online violence and abuse is not an exception.
What we found
Once we had adapted the rape myths acceptance scale to account for gender-based online violence and abuse, we used it in a survey of 1,297 Canadian men between 18 and 30 years old.
We used a likert scale to determine the degree to which young men agreed with statements like “claims of online gender-based violence are often weaponized against men” or “people who post about gender are sexuality are looking to start arguments.” We found that certain toxic myths and cultural narratives are prevalent among some respondents.
We found that certain rape myths were prevalent among some respondents. (Shutterstock)
In particular, we found four myths that were more strongly endorsed: 1. It wasn’t really gender-based online abuse; 2. he didn’t mean to; 3. gender-based online abuse is a deviant event, and 4. she lied. These myths trivialize the impact of the violence, minimize the blame of those enacting the harm and discredit the voices of targets.
We noticed that as many as 30 per cent of our survey respondents agreed with many of these myths — a significant number of young Canadian men taking these regressive attitudes towards gender-based online violence.
As we looked to other research to explain the prevalence of these ideas, we also found that similar ideas are found in manosphere-related influencers — people like Andrew Tate, who are a growing source of hateful ideas about women and gender-nonconforming people.
Thinking ahead
We cannot address gender-based online violence and abuse by simply reporting and deleting offensive content. It also won’t stop by simply mandating that platforms have codes of conduct in place. In order to tackle the problem, we must addressing the cultural narratives that sustain it.
We can create educational initiatives that promote inclusive and accessible narratives about the nature and importance of gendered violence. We can encourage citizens to engage in bystander intervention when they encounter these narratives. And finally, we need to understand why some young men take comfort in ideas that promote toxic expressions of masculinity.
Practitioners and researchers must keep exploring the nature and prevalence of myths surrounding gender-based online violence and abuse. We need to spend time with young men and ask them questions about what they think it is to be a man, and we need to provide positive examples of masculinity in order to make manosphere-style ideas less attractive.
Jaigris Hodson receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). She is a resident Fellow of the Cascade Institute, and a Research Advisor for the Clarity Foundation.
Esteban Morales receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).
Kaitlynn Mendes receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), and the Canada Research Chairs Program.
Yimin Chen receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).
New Zealand needs to properly fund general practice or it will lose even more doctors to Australia.
From October 21, Australia is introducing a new fast-track process which means an expedited pathway for general practitioners to work across the ditch.
“The fast-track process means a GP who qualified as a fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners after 2012 is deemed to have a similar qualification to that in Australia, which means they will see patients sooner. Get ready for Flying Doctors,” said Angus Chambers, Chair of the General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa New Zealand.
New Zealand is already struggling to retain doctors in New Zealand and recruit from overseas, Dr Chambers said.
“According to OECD data, New Zealand has about 3.62 doctors per 1,000 people, well behind Australia’s 5.48. The fast-track process will make that worse.” (ref. http://www.oecd.org/en/data/indicators/doctors.html )
Years of underfunding general practices and limits on increasing patient charges have resulted in many practices closing, reducing their services, or not taking on new patients. Financial stresses and greater patient need have resulted in many GPs retiring or moving overseas, adding pressure to already under-resourced practices.
“Australia’s doctor shortage is less severe than New Zealand’s, but the Australian government has in less than a year made speedy changes to its approval process and other reforms.
“By comparison the New Zealand government and Te Whatu Ora seem resigned to the gutting of general practice, and instead want to boost tele-health, pharmacy, and nurse-led care. While these have a place, patient care is optimised in a face-to-face visit with a local GP,” Dr Chambers said.
“If we are to retain our existing GP work force and grow the numbers entering the profession in Aotearoa, we need to be able to match the terms and conditions offered by Australian practices. We need the opportunities here to be attractive and competitive compared to Australia and beyond if we want to have a general practice service in future.
“We also need to stem the flow of GPs out of New Zealand general practice. They are already pouring out with retirements, often at earlier ages than in the past, going to secondary care, or leaving New Zealand for jobs offshore, especially Australia.”
“The government must as a matter of urgency increase its support of primary healthcare, overhaul the current out-of-date funding model, and help increase the supply of medical professionals into primary healthcare,” said Dr Chambers.
GenPro, which represents about half of all general practices in Aotearoa, is ready to work with the Minister of Health and the Health NZ Commissioner to develop the solutions needed.
The things that play the biggest role in limiting children’s time in nature are urbanisation and parental attitudes. Despite this, digital devices are often blamed for keeping kids indoors.
Our research took a different approach, asking: could digital technologies be designed to foster nature connection? After looking at studies of digital technologies used by children aged eight years and under, we found a wide range of ways technology can help children find their way back into the great outdoors.
Being in nature
The ways children connect to nature go through several phases: “being in nature, being with nature, and being for nature”. Key experiences that boost this connection include free time in nature, seeing others like oneself in natural settings, recording nature experiences, and gaining confidence and a sense of agency outdoors.
We found technologies that help children to
have social and playful experiences outdoors
discover nature
show their care for and learn about other species and the environment, and
focus their creative and artistic abilities on the world around them.
The most commonly used technology were digital cameras in various forms: handheld, GoPros, or built into smartphones or prototype devices.
Nature photography is also a gateway to citizen science. Apps like QuestaGame, though not a subject of our research, bridge the appeal of photography and the game design of Pokémon Go. The goal of the game is to collect images of species for science.
Our study found one citizen science project with seven- and eight-year-old children text logging seashore species they found. While the youngest children needed parental support to do this, they were reportedly the most enthusiastic.
Like photography, sound technologies are an entry point to noticing the natural world. And children can use these even if they can’t yet read.
How can we use tech to connect children with nature?
There are many ways to appropriate existing technologies and make new ones to help children connect with nature. Parents and educators can use accessible technologies like cameras, and applications such as QuestaGame, including their schools-oriented challenge.
To add mystery and excitement by having to look at the images later – much like with film cameras – parents can cover up the screen of a smartphone or digital camera. (A few inches of painter’s masking tape can do the trick.)
Going out to check an automatic nature camera can also be exciting. It can even turn into a daily ritual. These cameras are available both commercially and DIY. To find the best places to put them, children can engage in backyard experimentation, adding another dimension to this activity.
To further encourage their children’s creative and scientific learning, parents can help children make digital stories out of nature photos, or learn about species together.
Finally, tech developers can use all this evidence to design dedicated tech tools for children to use in nature. These designs should be easy for young children to use, engage more senses than sight, and encourage outdoor play, wonder and care for nature.
If such technologies are designed in collaboration with children, families and educators, they have the chance to be widely embraced, both at home and in the classroom.
Our work shows there are ways to use technology to build kids’ interest in the outdoors. By listening to parents’ concerns about addiction to smart devices and children’s safety, we can ensure a world where children play outdoors freely, without veering towards surveillance.
Kellie Vella is a Research Fellow with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child.
Madeleine Dobson is an Associate Investigator with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child.
The new Northern Territory government is planning a swathe of changes to alcohol policy.
If implemented, these changes fly in the face of what evidence shows works to reduce alcohol-related harms. Some are also out of step with the rest of Australia.
Among our concerns are plans that would lead to harmful alcohol products becoming cheaper, alcohol becoming more easily available, criminalising public drunkenness, and a particularly worrying type of mandatory alcohol treatment – all of which evidence suggests will cause more harms.
No one is downplaying the magnitude and complexities of alcohol-related issues in the NT. But we hope the territory government will pay more heed to the evidence and voices of those most impacted.
Alcohol-related harm in the NT is complex
Alcohol-related harms in the NT are significantly higher (for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people) than elsewhere in Australia.
In the territory, these harms contribute to health and social outcomes costing at least A$1.4 billion a year. Alcohol harms result in costs related to health care, deaths, crime, policing and child protection.
Aboriginal communities in the NT have for decades cried out for solutions and services that effectively respond to alcohol-related harm. Instead, they found their lives made part of a political football match on law and order. Policies have been reactive and mostly ineffective. They’ve been overturned at each election.
Now, the new NT government is discussing changes that promise to exacerbate the very issues it aims to address.
1. Cheap alcohol that contributes most harm would be on the market
The World Health Organization recognises that raising the price of alcohol is one of the most effective ways for governments to reduce alcohol-related harm.
So some governments around the world, including in the NT, have set a price below which alcohol cannot be sold, known as the minimum or “floor price”. This targets cheap, high-strength alcohol associated with patterns of drinking that cause the most harm.
The new NT government plans to repeal this, despite evidence showing this works to reduce harms.
14% reduction in alcohol-related assaults in Darwin and Palmerston
11% reduction in domestic and family violence assaults
21% reduction in domestic and family violence assaults involving alcohol
19% reduction in alcohol-related emergency department attendances.
Originally, experts recommended a $1.50 floor price but this was reduced to $1.30 after a backlash from alcohol industry lobbyists. Had the policy not been watered down, evidence suggests the impacts above would likely have been greater.
The floor price has likely also lost some of its initial impact as it has never been indexed for inflation.
The best available research shows the floor price has reduced alcohol-related harms with no evidence of unintended consequences or negative impacts on the alcohol industry, despiteclaims otherwise.
Researchers and experts from around the world have been writing to NT ministers urging them to reconsider repealing this effective policy.
This includes researchers from the United Kingdom and Canada, who have coauthored this article. In these countries, evidence on the effectiveness of minimum pricing has been used to increase the floor price by 30%, not abolish it.
2. Bottle shops could be open longer
There are also proposals to repeal current restrictions on bottle shop trading hours. Such restrictions are highly effective in reducing alcohol harms, including violence.
Our paper from earlier this year found that in the town of Tennant Creek, restrictions to reduce trading hours and introduce purchase limits at bottle shops resulted in a 92% reduction in alcohol-involved domestic and family violence assaults.
Preliminary analyses of the reduced trading hours introduced in Alice Springs following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit in early 2023 also suggest a clear reduction on violence rates.
Ministers were also set to pass laws to create a new offence for “nuisance” public intoxication (also known as public drunkenness). This would allow police officers to arrest people and fine them up to $925, in addition to current powers to seize and tip out alcohol from people drinking in prohibited areas.
This is at the time when nearly every other jurisdiction in Australia is in the process of decriminalising public drunkenness, making the NT out of step with the rest of the nation.
The NT’s proposed new laws on public drunkenness would criminalise more people who are already locked out from our society, placing them at risk of the negative, intergenerational and preventable impacts that often arise from contact with the justice system.
In its previous term of government, mandatory alcohol treatment was focused on people with a public intoxication offence rather than providing quality care to people with alcohol dependence in life-saving circumstances. If the same model is reintroduced, this is potentially harmful and at best ineffective.
In the NT, this model of mandatory alcohol treatment had no better outcomes than for those who may not have received any treatment at all. But it cost the taxpayer three times as much.
Where to from here?
Researchers, health professionals and partner organisations have urged the NT government to reconsider these decisions, as we have well-founded concerns these may worsen the very issues the government aims to address.
There’s no need to guess the outcomes of changing, repealing or introducing alcohol policies. We can draw on robust evidence, including extensive research from the NT, on what works in our communities.
Cassandra Wright receives funding from the Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, Music NT, NT Motor Accident Compensation Commission and Commonwealth government Department of Health.
Beau Jayde Cubillo receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and Fisheries Research Development Corporation on behalf of the Australian Commonwealth.
John Holmes receives funding from the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research and has previously received funding from UK Research & Innovation, the Wellcome Trust, Alcohol Change UK and other similar public health charities and government bodies. He has received funding from NHS Health Scotland (now part of Public Health Scotland) to evaluate the impact of minimum unit pricing in Scotland. He has also received funding from UK and international governments to model the potential impact of minimum unit pricing in various jurisdictions.
Mark Mayo receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Ian Potter Foundation, Ramaciotti Foundation.
Mark Robinson currently receives, or has previously received, funding from Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Queensland Health, National Health and Medical Research Council, and Australian government Department of Health and Aged Care. He was a member of the Consumption and Health Harms Evaluation Advisory Group for the evaluation of minimum unit pricing led by Public Health Scotland.
Michael Livingston receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, HealthWay, VicHealth and the Commonwealth Department of Health. He is on the board of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
Nicholas Taylor receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Cancer Council, VicHealth, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, the Northern Territory government, and the Queensland government Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability.
Sarah Clifford receives funding from National Health and Medical Research Council, Music NT, and NT Motor Accident Compensation Commission.
Tim Stockwell receives funding from the Canadian Cancer Society, the the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. He has accepted travel expenses from IOGT-Sweden, the Swedish temperance society. He has been an expert witness in court cases in Canada relating to contested liquor licence applications and damages for the victims of alcohol-related violence and road crashes. He has received research funds, travel expenses and minor personal fees for conducting public health related research for government-owned alcohol retail monopolies in Finland, Sweden and Canada.
Health and physical education is one of the key subjects students learn at school. In Australia it is mandatory for students from the first year of school to Year 10.
It involves theory and practical components to help students manage their health and wellbeing. This includes healthy eating habits, sexual health, cyber safety and mental health. It also incorporates fundamental movement skills (such as throwing and catching), sports (such as swimming, gymnastics and football) and team-building.
Because it is a core, compulsory part of the curriculum it is supposed to be free for students at government schools. But our research shows some students are being asked to pay – and those who cannot are missing out.
Our research
In our recent study, we looked at the staffing and delivery of health and physical education in New South Wales government schools.
We surveyed 556 schools, which make up about 30% of public schools in the state. This included primary and high schools with a mix of locations and levels of advantage.
We used an online survey, which was completed by the teacher in charge of health and physical education.
Many schools are outsourcing lessons
We asked survey respondents who was teaching health and physical education to students at their schools. Some schools were using more than one option.
For all schools: 67% were using external provider, 44.5% were using a specialist teacher and 55.4% were using another teacher.
For primary schools: 78.4% were using an external provider, 17.9% were using a specialist teacher and 48% were using another teacher.
For high schools: 44.8% were using an external provider, 95.9% were using a specialist teacher and 69.2% were using another teacher.
Previous research has shown how schools outsource to external providers to “fill the gap” of teachers lacking confidence and competence to provide quality health and physical education lessons.
This study did not measure how frequent outsourcing was, however, comments from respondents suggests it is regular. For example, one teacher said: “a typical [outsourced] class would have one lesson a week for a term”.
Another teacher similarly said
one 40 min[ute] lesson per week. Company comes in with equipment and young university students to run different activities. They also assess our students for us.
Another teacher told us:
We use [company name], they offer different sports/programs that run for one lesson a week per term.
Families are being asked to pay
Of the schools who were outsourcing lessons, 78% of the schools outsourcing lessons said they were asking parents to help pay for these lessons.
One respondent told us, the costs were “A$45 for one term, $80 for two”.
Of this group, 64% reported students who did not pay did other school work (either for health and physical education or another core subject). About one fifth of schools said students that don’t pay just had to “sit and watch”.
This suggests some students are missing out on basic learning opportunities at school for financial reasons. As one teacher told us:
the school uses some off-campus sporting/gaming facilities that students can choose to pay extra for instead of free on-campus teacher run [activities].
Some students are just made to ‘sit and watch’ if they can’t pay. nannycz/Shutterstock
Why is this a problem?
The outsourcing of health and physical education lessons comes in the middle of an ongoing teacher shortage in Australia and around the world.
Specific shortages of health and physical education teachers have been noted for more than a decade.
However, outsourcing lessons away from qualified teachers, is a significant concern. Little is known about the external providers’ qualifications or quality. Unlike teachers, they are not subject to registration requirements or professional standards.
Even more concerning is some students are missing out on lessons or some components of lessons because their families have not been able to pay.
This links to wider concerns about unequal access to sport in the school system. This includes some private schools with new Olympic pools and boat ramps when other public schools don’t have access to council playing fields.
More research is needed
Our study suggests more research is needed. We need further information on staffing, outsourcing and lesson delivery in other areas of the country and in other subjects.
We need to be sure all students are being taught the core curriculum, free of charge and by qualified teachers – ideally specialists.
Jessica Amy Sears is affiliated with ACHPER (Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation) NSW.
Rachel Wilson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philippa Burne, Honorary Fellow (Screenwriting), Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne/PhD Candidate, UniSA Creative, The University of Melbourne
Amazon/Bunya Entertainment
Firstly, let’s revisit the question: why are they remaking The Office?
Just over ten years after the United States version of the British series ended, Australia has decided to make its own version. It follows franchises in Canada, Greece, India, Sweden and Poland, to name a few.
But we all have offices to go to, we all have our particular office cultures, co-workers and complaints. Post-pandemic, office life is becoming routine again. The more things change, the less things change, and that could be the theme of The Office Australia.
In fact, this is probably the perfect timing for this remake: post work-from-home, when large corporations are demanding workers return (often unwillingly) to shared workplaces. That’s the premise of the pilot episode of The Office Australia – everyone stops working remotely and reunites at the office. It’s timely and a good way of updating the concept to make it relatable.
‘A riddle, swallowed by an idiot …’
Modern nods, same old business
A few more nods to contemporary office culture are included, such as Zoom meetings and standing desks. But apart from that, the Australian Office could be set anytime from the 1990s onwards in terms of the look, practices and low-fi tech of the office itself.
The remake mirrors closely the US version: a romance storyline, tensions between office and warehouse, an old-school boss who loves, craves and needs camaraderie, and a staff for whom work life comes second to what they’d rather be doing.
The original United Kingdom series of The Office, by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, only had 12 episodes, which is still surprising to realise given how much it defined television sitcom in the decades following. Parks and Recreation (2009–2015) owes a huge debt to The Office. Whether we would have had Utopia (2014–present) without it is debatable. The late, great John Clarke broke in Australia with The Games (1998–2000) and Australia has long done this sort of observational comedy very well.
Will Australia’s version capture local flavour? It does feature the Melbourne Cup. Amazon
Despite a deep vein of experience and success to draw on, The Office Australia sticks closely to The Office format in terms of stories, characters, tone, look and laughs.
This might be because the show – made by Amazon and BBC Australia – is launching into around 240 countries and territories. It needs to find a line between being Australian and being international. That said, it has probably veered more into the international end of the scale, with enough Australiana (venomous snakes, barbecues) to ground it here, but still universal enough to be widely relatable and understandable.
The US version had 201 episodes, giving it scope to develop the characters and the storylines and make it a massively popular and frequently rewatched series. (There’s a follow up series in the works called The Paper.) So it’s no wonder writers Julie De Fina and Jackie van Beek looked to the this version for guidance for the Australian series. This is less an adaptation than a remake with a different accent.
Familiar and new faces
Hannah Howard (Felicity Ward) is the devoted office manager who loves her job too much and runs an under-performing, dysfunctional workplace of uninterested staff.
The show centres on her, with the familiar mockumentary style. Like David Brent and Michael Scott before her, Hannah Howard is optimistic, naive, relentless and terrible at staff management. She forces pyjama days and bus trips on her employees, who are clearly unwilling yet never actively rebel. There is plenty of comedy in the awkwardness and small moments.
Felicity Ward plays the boss (sort of) of this particular office. Amazon
Her devoted assistant and receptionist Lizzie (Edith Poor), a former Scout, wears a grey suit and will pursue any idea no matter how ill-conceived or illegal to make Hannah’s plans come to fruition.
Long-suffering human resources manager Martin (Josh Thomson) tries to keep them from actually breaking laws, while Nick (Steen Raskopoulos) and Greta (Shari Sebbens) gaze awkwardly across their workstation divider at each other in a slow-burning love story. There are the usual office roles which offer story beats: accounting, IT, sales.
The first Australian season of The Office might not be anything new, but I kept watching. It felt safe, even comforting. Perhaps in a similar way going to someone else’s family for Christmas lunch can feel familiar: recognisable foods, decorations, known characters – but with the frisson that maybe something different will happen this time.
This remake knows what it is. It’s been made to satisfy an audience wanting to be in a world that reflects their own experiences, but takes it just that bit too far. It’s not setting out to break moulds, but to bring the mould up to date and give it an Australian voice for the world to hear.
The Office premieres on October 18 on Prime.
Philippa Burne 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.
TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In accordance with regulatory requirements, Dundee Corporation (TSX: DC.A) (“Dundee”) announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, Dundee Resources Limited, has acquired 2,000,000 common shares of Greenheart Gold Inc. (TSXV – GHRT) (the “Issuer”) at the price of C$0.50 per share for aggregate consideration of C$1,000,000 as part of the Issuer’s bought deal private placement.
Immediately prior to the acquisition of securities described in this news release, Dundee and its affiliates owned 9,768,366 common shares of the Issuer representing an approximate 12.07% interest in the Issuer on an undiluted basis. Immediately following the transaction that triggered the requirement to file this news release, Dundee and its affiliates own or control an aggregate of 11,768,366 common shares representing an approximate 7.68% interest in the Issuer on an undiluted basis.
Dundee acquired the securities of the Issuer for investment purposes only. Dundee intends to review, on a continuous basis, various factors related to its investment, including (but not limited to) the price and availability of the securities of the Issuer, subsequent developments affecting the Issuer or its business, and the general market and economic conditions. Based upon these and other factors, Dundee may decide to purchase additional securities of the Issuer or may decide in the future to sell all or part of its investment.
This news release is being issued in accordance with National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues in connection with the filing of an early warning report. The early warning report respecting the acquisition will be filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) at http://www.sedar.com under the Issuer’s profile. To obtain a copy of the early warning report filed by Dundee, please contact:
Dundee Corporation Legal Department 80 Richmond Street West, Suite 2000 Toronto, Ontario M5H 2A4 Tel: (416) 365-5172
ABOUT DUNDEE CORPORATION
Dundee Corporation is a public Canadian independent holding company, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “DC.A”. Through its operating subsidiaries, Dundee Corporation is an active investor focused on delivering long-term, sustainable value as a trusted partner in the mining sector with more than 30 years of experience making accretive mining investments.
Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) today announced plans to introduce the Advancing Digital Freedom Act of 2024, which would equip the U.S. State Department with the authorities to elevate digital freedom as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy and support its critical role in advancing democratic governance around the world. Companion legislation will also be introduced in the House by Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) and Young Kim (R-Calif.).
“As a global leader of human rights, the United States must deter authoritarian and illiberal states that are using advanced technologies to threaten human rights alongside our own national security,” said Senator Coons. “Protecting digital freedom abroad is a cornerstone of American foreign policy for the modern age, and that is why we must cooperate with like-minded countries to develop and deploy emerging technology in a manner that respects democracy and rule of law. As Co-Chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I’m confident that this bill will help protect digital freedoms and counter global misinformation and disinformation in partnership with our allies.”
“With increasing cyber threats and attacks on the horizon than ever before, working with our allies to counter them is all the more important,” said Senator Tillis. “Protecting and promoting digital freedom across the globe must be a priority, which is why I look forward to introducing this bipartisan legislation to ensure the Department of State continues to prioritize this as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.”
“Digital technology has both benefits and drawbacks when it comes to advancing democracy,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “It can enable citizens to access information, share ideas, and organize while simultaneously allowing for authoritarian regimes to spread propaganda, enhance surveillance, and stifle free speech. We must ensure that digital technologies are used to strengthen democracy, not dismantle it. It is crucial for the United States to develop a comprehensive strategy to safeguard digital freedom worldwide and work with partners to implement this plan. Promoting human rights and democracy at home and abroad must remain a bipartisan issue, and I am proud to advance these priorities with a bipartisan, bicameral group of congressional colleagues.”
“The Unholy Alliance, including the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, relies on abusive surveillance technologies to restrict access to information and the outside world and to maintain their grip on power,” said Congresswoman Young Kim, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific. “To remain a global human rights leader, the United States cannot stand idly by as these authoritarian regimes use digital technologies and platforms to suppress innocent civilians, religious minorities, and political dissenters. I am proud to join Representative Kamlager-Dove and Senators Coons and Tillis to lead this bipartisan, bicameral effort to protect the right to international digital freedom. I’ll keep fighting to ensure the United States promotes global human rights and protects freedom-loving people around the world.”
The right to freedom of expression has become a fault line between pro-democracy groups and authoritarian governments. Digital platforms, including social media, have been crucial tools for movements such as the Mahsa Amini protests in Iran or the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong. However, autocratic governments have attempted to stifle these efforts by cracking down on digital freedom. Russia and China deploy digital tools to identify and silence dissidents, Iran routinely blocks access to thousands of websites conveying political content, and North Korea and Venezuela coordinate disinformation campaigns to undermine citizens’ access to credible information. To address such threats to digital freedom, the Advancing Digital Freedom Act would strengthen the United States’ role in leading efforts to ensure technology is used to uphold human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law.
Specifically, the bill would:
Elevate digital freedom as a foremost foreign policy priority of the United States;
Empower the Coordinator for Digital Freedom in the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy to lead global efforts to protect digital freedom, counter disinformation and misinformation, and advance democratic governance in the digital space;
Encourage the State Department to engage with foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations, and other actors to coordinate efforts to defend digital freedom against digital authoritarianism; and
Require the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy to submit an annual report to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the state of global digital freedom, including analysis of emerging and concerning trends impacting digital freedom.
As Co-Chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, Senators Coons and Tillis are committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and democracy through U.S. foreign policy. Recently, the caucus has held briefings and issued statements on the state of conflict and human rights across the globe, including in the Horn of Africa, Ukraine, and across Latin America.
The text of the bill is available here.
The Albanese Government is helping early childhood educators gain the valuable on-the-job experience they need to complete qualifications and upskill.
Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly today launched a new Practicum Exchange Network to help early learning providers participate in prac exchanges with other services.
“This will help early childhood educators complete prac requirements for early learning qualifications,” Minister Aly said.
“The new Practicum Exchange Network website will enable early learning services and educators to find and organise prac exchanges with other services and educators.
“Prac exchanges help students learn from experienced educators and teachers, gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge in a variety of settings.
“From January 2025, educators who undertake prac in a rural or remote location, away from home, will be able to apply for a living allowance to assist with relocation costs.”
The package is also helping existing educators upskill through a paid prac wage subsidy, supporting educators to complete placements.
The funding also enables positions to be backfilled while early childhood educators, teachers and centre directors undertake professional development opportunities.
Shaped by engagement with the sector, the workforce package is another way the Albanese Government is recognising the professionalism of early childhood educators.
A sustainable and high-quality early childhood education and care workforce is a vital step towards building a universal early learning and care system that works for children and families.
To learn more or to join the Practicum Exchange Network visit prac.education.gov.au.
Four people charged in relation to damage to Metro buses
Friday, 18 October 2024 – 8:53 am.
Police have charged four people in relation to Metro buses being damaged in Southern Tasmania this month. A 12-year-old youth has been charged in relation to several matters including allegedly damaging a Metro bus on 16 October. A 13-year-old youth will be proceeded against in relation to allegedly damaging a Metro bus on 5 October. A 15-year-old youth and an 18-year-old man will be proceeded against for allegedly damaging a Metro bus on 8 October. “Tasmania Police has dedicated officers who work closely with Metro Tasmania, and we will continue to detect and deter anti-social behaviours and damage to Metro buses,” said Inspector Jason Klug. Anyone who witnesses anti-social or illegal behaviours is asked to contact police on 131 444 or report to Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 – information can be provided anonymously.
Released by: The Premier, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Natural Resources, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
The Minns Labor Government will create a $250 million royalty deferral initiative for critical minerals projects and will examine the implementation of a rapid assessment framework for minerals mining projects.
The initiatives are the first actions of the NSW Government’s new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy, which sets a vision for NSW to become a global leader in critical minerals.
Currently there are 12 critical minerals mining and processing projects in NSW that are ready for investment. They need around $7.6 billion in capital investment value and are expected to generate about 4,600 jobs during construction and 2,700 ongoing jobs.
High initial investment costs for critical minerals projects are a barrier for the industry. The royalty deferral scheme will assist new projects in the early stages of development, ease financial pressures, attract investment to NSW and enhance the economic viability of the sector.
Another immediate action from the strategy is a joint Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure and NSW Resources assessment to deliver greater certainty to the sector around the planning process for critical minerals projects.
NSW has globally significant resource deposits and 21 of the 31 nationally declared critical minerals. The strategy identifies priority minerals and metals for NSW – including rare earths, scandium, cobalt, copper and silver – which have important uses in the electrification of the economy and the manufacturing of clean energy products like solar panels and batteries.
The strategy outlines the vital role of critical minerals in supporting broader government priorities, including in the clean energy transition and driving domestic manufacturing.
The International Energy Agency estimates that over the next 20 years, the world will need six times the amount of critical minerals currently mined to reach global net-zero carbon emissions. The energy transition will need double today’s copper production, triple today’s rare earth elements and cobalt production, and thirty times more nickel – all these minerals can be found in NSW.
Fully realising the opportunity of the state’s critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits means moving further down the supply chain and beyond only extracting and exporting resources. Examples of this in the strategy include investigating opportunities to pilot common-user refineries and supporting investment in domestic manufacturing.
The new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy focuses on five key pillars:
Encouraging exploration by minimising investment risk in greenfield exploration and promoting exploration in new areas,
Incentivising production by creating an attractive investment environment and removing barriers to help projects move from exploration to production,
Developing future-ready skills by providing training and education pathways to encourage careers in critical minerals mining,
Establishing resilient supply chains by examining local processing facilities, driving research and development, and investigating critical minerals recycling, and
Engaging local communities by ensuring responsible mining.
The royalty initiative will be an opt-in scheme where the first five years of royalties are deferred. It will apply to critical minerals projects which can start production between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2030, predominantly mine commodities listed on the Commonwealth Government’s Critical Minerals List and where the proponent has a market capitalisation under $5 billion.
The full Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy, and a two-page summary of the strategy, can be viewed on the NSW Resources website https://www.nsw.gov.au/criticalminerals.
Quotes attributable to NSW Premier Chris Minns:
“We’ve got the metals and minerals the world needs, and NSW is open for business.
“We are sending a clear message to Aussie and global miners: invest in NSW.
“This is about backing regional jobs and manufacturing jobs, and taking advantage of the critical minerals boom.
“We want to make sure we fully realise the opportunities that critical minerals and high-tech metals have for NSW.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:
“To be a global leader in critical minerals, it is vital that the NSW planning system operates efficiently and provides certainty and transparency to the critical minerals sector and communities.
“The strategy identifies a number of improvements we can make to help enhance the system. These will provide greater guidance to the industry and improve collaboration between government agencies and departments in project assessment.
“We’re also investigating further ways to improve decision-making to make sure we fully realise the opportunity before us.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:
“Our vision for NSW is to be a global leader in critical minerals and high-tech metals, generating economic prosperity through exploration, mining, processing and advanced manufacturing.
“NSW critical minerals projects typically have long lead times for development, and higher capital investment. The new royalty deferral scheme will assist mine proponents to attract investment and move faster to production.
“The new strategy sets out a clear vision for NSW to be a leader in critical minerals and high-tech metals, generating economic prosperity through responsible exploration, mining, processing, recycling and advanced manufacturing.
“We want NSW to be moving further down the supply chain. Extracting minerals is a critical first step, but we can generate strong economic returns and support more jobs by getting into processing and advanced manufacturing.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong:
“The new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy forms a key part of the NSW Government’s approach to Industry policy, which seeks to invest and promote home-grown products and services not only for NSW, but for export right around the world.
“This strategy provides a long-term vision and commitment to the critical minerals and high-tech metals mining industry so that businesses can feel confident to invest and grow in NSW, as we seize the investment opportunities of the renewable energy economy, both here and across the globe.”
Released by: Deputy Premier, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Western Sydney
The Minns Labor Government is investing $75 million to build roads, parks, infrastructure and improved town centre access for more than 42,000 new homes across Western Sydney.
Special Infrastructure Contributions fund critical supporting infrastructure for homes such as state and regional roads, primary and secondary schools and emergency, health and bus services.
For more than a decade, fast-growing communities in Western Sydney have not received their fair share of infrastructure. Delivering on its commitment to support essential infrastructure for the communities taking the most housing, the Minns Labor Government is delivering new grant funding to help build better communities.
The $75 million in round 6 of the Special Infrastructure Contribution grant funding targets councils in specific local government areas in the Western Sydney Growth Centres such as Blacktown, Camden, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, The Hills and Liverpool.
The grant funding aligns with the National Housing Accord target of 377,000 new, well-located homes across NSW by 2029.
Previous grant rounds have supported long-awaited projects for growing communities, including:
More than $34 million toward the Memorial Avenue Road Upgrade at Kellyville in North West Sydney, which is currently underway.
More than $20 million toward the new Edmondson Park primary and high schools. Approvals have now been received for the high school, with construction set to get underway in the near future.
The key driver of these projects has been the significant population growth experienced by Western Sydney, which has not been matched by the infrastructure these communities need.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to building a better NSW with more homes, paired with vital infrastructure, as we take action to address the housing crisis.
This grant is also open to state agencies including Communities and Justice, Education, Transport for NSW, NSW Health, NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Planning Ministerial Corporation.
The grant funding for the Special Infrastructure Contributions $75 million Round 6 will open for nominations at 9am on Friday 18 October and close midnight on Monday 16 December 2024.
The Special Infrastructure Contributions will continue to apply until 30 June 2026 when the Housing and Productivity Contribution will apply to the current area of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
“Western Sydney is one of the largest growth areas in our state but is lacking the infrastructure to support vibrant and well-connected communities.
“New roads, open spaces, active transport and town centre access will make housing across these six LGAs possible, especially in Blacktown and The Hills.
“Western Sydney was left behind by the previous government, we are not only building new homes but we are building the infrastructure to support better communities.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“The Minns Government is committed to delivering new, well-located homes where they are needed most.
“In order to build a community, residents need access to a local school, connecting roads and critical services.
“This funding means supporting infrastructure is being delivered alongside new homes.”
Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
The Minns Labor Government has greenlit development of a new strategy that will lay out the pathway to a better regional rail network in NSW for passengers and freight.
Representing a fresh approach to how rail infrastructure investment is determined, the Regional Network East/West Uplift (RNEW) Program has been established to create a 10-year investment pipeline and strategic plan for rail infrastructure in regional NSW.
Under the former government, regional rail infrastructure investment was determined on an ad-hoc basis without proper regard for the needs of the regional rail network in its entirety. Industry partners and other major stakeholders were also not always properly consulted, with initiatives like Fixing Country Rail and the Main West Capacity Enhancement Program lacking a holistic, strategic focus and projects often stuck in development limbo for years.
The RNEW Program will take a fresh look at where regional rail infrastructure investment is needed, while putting proper evidence-based decision making at the forefront of planning work and giving industry, the Government and the public a clear vision for the future of the network.
Through comprehensive data analysis, research into reliability and future capacity requirements, extensive evaluation of existing assets and wide-ranging consultation — the RNEW Program will ensure the NSW Government better understands, manages, forecasts and delivers upgrades to regional rail network.
The Program will also have a key focus on opportunities to improve the Country Regional Network (CRN) which includes over 2,300 kilometres of operational rail lines and is vital for transporting 2.7 billion gross tonnes of freight annually and delivering more than 120 passenger services per week.
Linkages between the broader regional rail network and existing projects such as Inland Rail, the Freight Policy Reform and Regional Level Crossing programs will also be explored by the Program team, with potential efficiency improvements to be identified and considered.
Once developed, the final investment strategy will complement Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans being developed across the nine regional areas in the state.
The RNEW Program team will commence engagement with freight industry, rail operators and users, and local government will begin in 2025, with the final strategy to be delivered in 2026.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“The NSW Government is committed to providing rail networks across the state that are effective, efficient and reliable for all users – freight and passengers.
“The RNEW Program will allow us to better understand, manage, forecast, and deliver improvements on the state’s regional rail network, bringing projects under one banner to ensure a holistic and strategic approach.
“Regional communities have been calling for investment in rail infrastructure in the regions. This program will ensure any investment is made on the basis of robust planning and development to enrich our state.
“The program will enable the NSW Government to develop a long-term pipeline of infrastructure investment initiatives whilst being flexible and agile enough to address emerging network issues.”
This Minns Labor Government is continuing work to safeguard the production of local stories across the state with $3 million in grants to be made available to regional and rural newspapers.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty announced the delivery of the Government’s top up of $3 million to make the Regional Media Fund a $6 million commitment since its election, at the 2024 Country Press NSW Conference and Awards of Excellence in Dubbo.
Regional media plays a vital role in keeping their communities informed and reporting on matters of importance, as well as informing, celebrating and connecting people.
The first round of the Regional Media Fund, which closed in April 2023, delivered grants to 47 regional outlets to support diversification and expansion into digital content.
Following consultation with regional media stakeholders, including the Country Press NSW and Australian Community Media, the second round of this program will be improved to better reflect industry needs and ease accessibility for support.
This new funding will be made available to help support media organisations to meet the production, operational and content gathering costs associated with running a regional and rural media outlet.
Eligibility and guidelines of the second round will be finalised in the coming weeks in close consultation with industry and stakeholders with grant applications to open before the end of the year.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver solutions which will support regional NSW communities to thrive.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
“The Minns Labor Government understands the importance of local papers and local stories particularly in regional communities.
“It is regional and rural papers that help get local issues on the agenda that would otherwise fall through the cracks.
“We understand complex barriers face these outlets, including the rise of technology. This funding is about providing responsible support which will ease the pressure facing regional media.
Country Press NSW President Lucie Peart said:
“We are pleased that the Minister has announced the Regional Media Fund Round Two. This second round was a key piece of the government’s election commitment.
“We are grateful that this round will provide further support to regional publishers. Since the first round of the fund, the landscape for regional news businesses has changed; we are challenged by digital platforms and a further decline in newsrooms across the state.
“This second round of funding will provide a boost to the regional news industry and allow journalists and local newspaper publishers to keep doing what they do best – keeping communities informed and providing vital public interest journalism.”
A panel of cruise and tourism industry experts has been established to work on identifying the preferred location for a potential new cruise terminal in NSW.
This will allow the NSW Government to determine the best solution to plan for a new terminal so our state can maintain and grow its market share of Australia’s multi-billion dollar cruise industry well into the future.
A new cruise terminal will provide greater capacity for our cruise industry, which contributed $4.4 billion to the NSW economy in 2023-24 and created more than 13,700 jobs.
The Cruising Industry Advisory Panel has been convened by NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen and will be chaired by Port Authority CEO Phil Holliday, supported by industry experts including:
John McKenna, Port Authority Chief Customer and Commercial Officer
Margy Osmond, CEO Tourism and Transport Forum
Marika Calfas, NSW Ports
Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director in Australia and New Zealand of Royal Caribbean International
Peter Little, Interim Leader for P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia Jill Abel, CEO, Australian Cruise Association
Sarina Bratton, Ponant
Joel Katz, Managing Director Cruise Lines International Association Australasia Antony Ritch, CEO, TFE Hotels
Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Vice President & Managing Director
While Sydney cruise terminals have not reached capacity for bookings yet, the panel will identify options for a future berthing facility to support the long-term growth of the cruise industry across our state.
The Panel will also investigate options for increased capacity at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, ensuring the cruise industry remain well supported for growth, as plans progress to investigate options for a potential third cruise terminal.
This work follows the Minns Government’s announcement that Shore Power at the White Bay Cruise Terminal will be delivered by the end of 2026, so cruise ships can plug into power instead of running their engines while in port.
Quotes attributable to NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen:
“The cruise industry in NSW is making a massive contribution to our economy, but it needs certainty so we can all get the benefits from its long-term growth.
“NSW’s next permanent cruise terminal will be a massive new piece of infrastructure and we have to get it right. That’s why we’ve assembled the best people to find the best location, so we can grow our cruise industry long into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond:
“It’s fantastic to see the State Government and industry coming together to identify a third cruise terminal, to attract more visitors and boost tourism across NSW. We look forward to working with the Port Authority to deliver a more certain future for the cruise industry and all Australians who love to cruise.
Increasing capacity will be essential to cater for the growing interest in cruising and support a range of jobs linked to cruise tourism, spanning restaurants, hotels, retailers, travel agents and more.”
Quotes attributable to Port Authority CEO Captain Philip Holliday:
“Port Authority is delighted to be leading this cross-industry panel as the next step in determining the right location for a new state-of-the art third cruise terminal in NSW.
Planning for a third terminal is about keeping NSW in pole position as the capital of cruise and retaining the lion’s share of economic benefits from cruise right here in NSW to support local hospitality and retail businesses, tourism and suppliers.”
Tourism is a key industry and economic driver in every province and territory, supporting over 2 million jobs, or about 10 percent of all employment in Canada in 2023.
October 17, 2024 – Banff, Alberta
Tourism is a key industry and economic driver in every province and territory, supporting over 2 million jobs, or about 10 percent of all employment in Canada in 2023. In several jurisdictions, tourism is the top or one of the top service exports. Today, the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for tourism participated in the 2024 Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers (CCTM) meeting in Banff National Park. The meeting was held in Alberta with the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, as well as the Honourable Joseph Schow, Alberta Minister of Tourism and Sport, co-chairing and recognizing the traditional Treaty 7 territory.
In 2023, tourism industries represented nearly 6 percent of Canada’s total economy and almost 8 percent of the Canadian service economy. Tourism revenues reached $113.4 billion in 2023 and the positive experiences international tourists have in Canada enhance the country’s brand abroad. Tourism has strong growth potential in every province and territory, and ministers recognized that strategic and collaborative actions will propel the sector forward.
Throughout the meeting, ministers heard from tourism stakeholders on the areas of destination development, investment attraction, workforce development and retention, air access, parks and recreation, and emergency management. Ministers acknowledged the importance of having consistent dialogue with experts in these fields to capitalize on trends, glean critical operational insights, and work collaboratively with industry partners to find solutions for the most pressing challenges facing the sector. Ministers sought an international perspective by inviting a speaker from the Government of Australia to discuss experiences and best practices in attracting workers to careers in tourism. Ministers also heard from Alberta officials about their successes in supporting the recovery and relaunch of the tourism sector, while bringing attention to ambitious strategic plans for the future, which aim to more than double the size of the province’s visitor economy within the next decade. Alberta demonstrated leadership within Canada’s overall tourism economy, ushering in a return to pre-pandemic levels of visitor spending two years ahead of schedule.
Ministers also acknowledged the economic impact of this summer’s wildfires across Canada, particularly in the Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park, as well as the critical importance of effective emergency management and disaster preparedness. Ministers also noted that emergency management is paramount for all jurisdictions as, like other countries, Canada faces the potential of a range of emergency events year-round. Maintaining Canada’s brand and reputation are important components of the collaborative work of jurisdictions to respond to events as they arise.
Ministers were pleased with the work accomplished by the CCTM Working Groups throughout 2024 to address the topics of destination access and economic growth, as well as the important connections forged with external organizations. Ministers took the opportunity to discuss areas that impact the growth of tourism in Canada, such as limited transportation connectivity in some regions, barriers to raising private capital for investments, fees and regulations impacting the competitiveness of domestic air travel, and associated challenges including the seasonal nature of tourism. Recognizing the critical importance of the link between tourism and transportation, there was a desire to invite the Federal Minister of Transport to next year’s CCTM meeting.
In 2025, the CCTM will seek to refresh the mandates of the Working Groups to ensure their work addresses emerging priorities while effectively leveraging inter-governmental collaboration. To that end, jurisdictions will be focusing on the responsiveness and preparedness of the sector to emergency events, and ensuring capacity for strong economic growth of the industry. Efforts will be made to look at new mandate areas from different angles, while also engaging broadly across the sector to ensure CCTM priorities align with industry.
Canada’s provinces and territories continue to showcase their diverse tourism offerings globally, ranging from parks and attractions in the great outdoors, to major festivals and events, and Indigenous tourism. Successes are evident with Canada’s overall position on the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index improving to 11th place in the 2024 ranking, up from 13th place in 2021. Going forward, ministers are keen to work collaboratively to tackle persistent issues and showcase Canada’s leadership in tourism on the world stage.
Marie-Justine Torres Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec 613-327-5918 marie-justine.torresames@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada media@ised-isde.gc.ca
Amber Edgerton Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism and Sport Government of Alberta 780-222-6113 amber.edgerton@gov.ab.ca
So, on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We’ll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother – He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother by The Hollies
Writer–Director David Vincent Smith’s reference to The Hollies’ 1969 hit as the title for his new film is not without irony.
Max (Sam Corlett) – drug-dependent and out of control – is clearly a crushing weight on his sister Jade (Leila George) and mother Bev (Greta Scacchi).
The opening scene of this compelling new Australian production throws us right into the chaos he visits upon them. The desperate, violent, off-camera shouts of abuse from Max as his sister sneaks past concerned neighbours and into their mother’s house are obviously nothing new.
Bev, seated at the kitchen table, shows none of the anxiety we see in Jade. Perhaps she’s beyond reacting to Max’s outbursts. Perhaps she looks past the ugly side of her son through eyes that see only with a mother’s love.
Jade, however, is at the end of her tether. Everything she’s tried has failed. She’s left with just one last desperate measure.
This desperate measure didn’t come to David Vincent Smith as a narrative conceit. It was much closer to home.
One night, Smith got a call from his mother who told him his own drug-addicted brother was outside their home. As he explains in the film’s press kit:
I could hear smashing windows in the background as he tried to claw his way inside. I was done. There had been many years of violence, emergency rooms and mental trauma […] my own life was suffering as a result […] what could I do? I had an idea – I could kidnap him. Take him out to the desert, throw away the car keys and resolve this once and for all.
Smith didn’t pursue that extreme thought in real life. Instead, it found its way onto the screen, first as a short “proof of concept” film – I’m Not Hurting You, which played at the 2019 Sydney Film Festival – and then as He Ain’t Heavy, his first feature film.
The kidnapping and withdrawal
Jade does indeed kidnap her brother. She sedates him and brings him to their dead grandparents’ home in the country, which Jade and Bev have been packing up in preparation to for its sale.
Here, we see Jade’s methodical preparation of the room where she will incarcerate Max, the food she will feed him, the posters and pamphlets that inform her how to manage a drug addict’s withdrawal.
The film follows Jade (Leila George), who has spent much of her life trying to bring her brother Max out of his drug addiction. Bonsai Fims
The choice of the grandparents’ home is significant for our understanding of this fractured family. Here we find evidence that things weren’t always like this.
We see old photo albums of happier times, toys and games that are now just reminders of fun family visits, a guitar that was once part of Max’s promising singing career, the nearby waterhole where lazy days were spent, and pencil marks on the door jamb recording the siblings’ growth.
Perhaps the resonance of their better days will be as powerful as the enforced withdrawal in bringing Max back. But, of course, Jade’s best-laid plans don’t go as she might have hoped.
Sam Corlett, who plays Max, also plays the role of Leif Eriksson in the popular Netflix series Vikings: Valhalla. Bonsai Fims
In many ways, Max’s drug addiction is what Alfred Hitchcock would have called a McGuffin – the story element you think the film is about, when in fact the film is about something else entirely.
In this case, that something else is love: the love Jade feels for her brother that leads to this extreme action, the love Bev feels for her son that makes her vulnerable to his unpredictable and violent behaviour, and the absence of love Max feels for himself – a void that sucks him into a self-destructive spiral.
He Ain’t Heavy is essentially a three-handed chamber piece that delivers a triumvirate of distinctive, grounded and well-delineated performances, each one serving a sharply written screenplay imbued with an authenticity that reflects Smith’s lived experience.
Bev (Greta Scacchi) feels a lot of lover for her son, which makes her vulnerable to his unpredictable and violent behaviour. Bonsai Fims
A powerful portrait of familial love
Without giving any spoilers, there are some narrative conveniences along the way that might detract from a lesser film. In this case, however, they are easy to forgive, in favour of the powerful viewing experience they help deliver.
If only for the curiosity factor, it’s worth noting Leila George is also Greta Scacchi’s real-life daughter (her father is Vincent D’Onofrio). This obviously doesn’t hurt when it comes to casting for family resemblance. But this tidbit of trivia is quickly forgotten in the moments of each of their finely crafted, absorbing performances.
In Smith’s earlier short film version, we see a plaque on the grandparents’ kitchen wall with the following aphorism:
RECIPE FOR LIFE – pinch of persistence, dash of kindness, spoonful of laughter, heap of love.
This is a story about a family that has exhausted its persistence, and for whom laughter is something of the past. But Jade’s extreme action is really an act of kindness. Both she and Bev, in their own ways, are driven by that heap of love.
He Ain’t Heavy is a film that deserves the same heap of love from its audience.
The film serves a sharply written screenplay imbued with authenticity. Bonsai Fims
He Ain’t Heavy is in select cinemas from October 17.
Chris Thompson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: Australian Ministers for Infrastructure and Transport
Hi, I’m Michelle Rowland, Federal Communications Minister.
Thank you for inviting me to say a few words.
I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands you are gathered on – the You-Gam-Be (Yugambeh) people – and the Traditional Owners of the lands that community radio broadcasts from across Australia.
I pay respect to First Nations people attending.
And thank all the community broadcasters who give First Nations communities, connection to culture, and language a voice and a platform.
I congratulate you on a very special milestone: 50 years of community broadcasting in Australia.
The Whitlam Government’s move in 1974 to establish this sector was a landmark moment in our history.
What was then referred to as ‘experimental radio licences’ were granted to a handful of community groups.
Five decades on, more than 450 stations reach 5 million Australians each week.
Your sector is vibrant, diverse and it enriches people’s lives.
It connects communities and gives locals a voice.
On behalf of the Albanese Government, thank you to all the staff and the volunteers for your outstanding contribution to our media landscape.
I also congratulate you on your comprehensive ten-year roadmap, which sets clear priorities to ensure your sector continues to thrive and meet community needs.
Labor has long backed community radio.
The first Bill I presented to Parliament as Communications Minister was to provide a funding boost and on-going certainty for community broadcasting.
This financial year, this translated into $23 million through the Community Broadcasting Program.
My first visit as a Minister was to a community radio station.
And I haven’t stopped since.
At every station I visit around the country, I’m inspired by your commitment to serving your audiences.
And you are well-represented by an industry organisation in CBAA
The Albanese Government is committed to working with community broadcasting to identify a sustainable funding basis for the future.
At last year’s event, I spoke about the importance of the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review and outlined key findings.
Phase 1 of the review found that while the Community Broadcasting Program delivers positive impacts, grant funding does not adequately promote sustainability and resilience.
The Community Broadcasting Foundation has since actioned key recommendations to better measure outcomes and impact of the Commonwealth funding it distributes.
I look forward to seeing this translate into outcomes-based funding streams that better align to areas of need, like news, youth engagement and emergency broadcasting.
Phase 2 of the review has gathered views and ideas directly from you – the community broadcasters – on how to build a stronger, more sustainable future.
As part of this, I met with community broadcasters in suburban Sydney, Byron Bay, Cairns and Darwin.
My Department has held a series of stakeholder roundtables in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin and online.
What we are hearing is a united call for increased, sustainable funding.
Alongside diverse views onhowto create a sustainable future.
This includes regulatory changes to reflect the modern broadcasting era, and to afford licensees flexibility in community participation and sponsorship.
And views on supports that sector bodies, such as CBAA, can deliver to better assist stations with governance and business planning.
Thank you to everyone who participated; I look forward to receiving the Department’s findings and advice by the end of the month.
In establishing the community broadcasting sector in Australia, the then Minister for Media, Doug McClelland, heralded – and I quote –“a new era in the advancement of radio development in Australia.”
The subsequent Labor Minister, the great Dr Moss Cass, oversaw the national expansion of theexperimental radio licenceswhich enabled the sector to grow.
The community broadcasting sector has more than delivered on the vision of the Whitlam Government.
You are at the heart of every community.
The Albanese Government is 100 per cent committed to supporting the next era of community broadcasting in Australia.
To ensure it is strong, sustainable, vibrant and remains an essential part of our media landscape.
