NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Global Partnership Statement on Gendered Disinformation

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The text of the following joint statement was released by the Governments of Australia, Chile, Denmark, France, Iceland, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America

    The undersigned country members of the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse (Global Partnership) call attention to the urgent need to counter the spread of gendered disinformation and address all forms of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) against women in political and public life.  

    Gendered disinformation is a threat to societies defending peaceful, democratic values. False or misleading gender and sex-based narratives are being used in campaigns by malign actors to deter and discredit the participation of women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons in political and public life. This not only causes deep harm to the individuals targeted, but also threatens electoral integrity, access to information and the exercise of freedom of expression. At the same time, new and emerging technologies are being used to enable harmful, violent rhetoric and attacks against women, girls and LGBTQI+ public figures across borders at a scale and speed previously unseen.

    In our 2023 Road Map, the Global Partnership committed to promoting the meaningful participation in public life for women and girls, in all their diversity, by countering TFGBV and gendered disinformation.  

    We welcome the work being done to shine a light on how and why gendered disinformation is conceived, who it targets and how it is spread. Last year, in a groundbreaking study, Canada, the European External Action Service, Germany, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, and the United States jointly assessed the tactics used by foreign state and non-state actors to sow gendered and other identity-based disinformation across the world. 

    In March 2024 the Global Partnership and members of its Advisory Group co-hosted a multi-stakeholder conference convened by the National Democratic Institute on possible responses to countering the spread of gendered disinformation in the context of electoral processes. Stakeholders affirmed the need for a comprehensive response to disrupt the spread of gendered disinformation and to support victims and survivors. 

    The world is at a critical moment for upholding democracy. More than 100 countries have held, or are soon to be holding elections, many of them taking place under democratically challenging circumstances. The active participation of all people, including women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons, is essential for secure, healthy and prosperous democracies.    

    We call upon states to join us in recognising and taking action to counter the threat of gendered disinformation to democracies globally. We urge technology and other private companies to take appropriate action to respond to this threat, including a commitment to a Safety-by-Design approach to the development and deployment of platforms and technologies. We ask states and all stakeholders to defend and protect the ability of women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons to participate in public life freely, safely and without fear.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: No, immigrants aren’t eating dogs and cats – but Trump’s claim is part of an ugly history of myths about immigrant foodways

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Adrienne Bitar, Lecturer, Cornell University

    Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump debates Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Sept. 10, 2024. Win McNamee/Getty Images

    When Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said during the presidential debate on Sept. 10, 2024, that Haitian immigrants are eating pets, food historians like me were not surprised at the slur. Trump’s lie followed a long American history of peddling ugly rumors about immigrants stealing and eating pets.

    Dietary rules that unite and define American cuisine can so easily be perverted to use disgust to divide Americans. In the U.S., cow is food and dog is friend. Chicken is food. Cat is companion. The sharp lines between the animals Americans eat, love, protect and exterminate help write the dietary rules that define American norms.

    What we eat, what we don’t and with whom we break bread are just some of the food rules that unite and define Americans. Think of how turkey – or tofurkey – unites Americans behind the Thanksgiving ritual. Bottled water. Ice. Ballpark hot dogs. Airplane pretzels. Movie theater popcorn.

    Food can also establish group identity apart from the mainstream. Think of the many factions of vegan, vegetarian, paleo, grain-free and carnivore dieters who use food to express a political position. Also, of course, religious dietary proscriptions have worried scholars for centuries so that Jews, Muslims and Christians may never share a meal.

    There is no evidence that Haitians are stealing and eating pet cats and dogs. There is evidence, however, that racists have long twisted dietary rules to divide people and dehumanize immigrants. Trump told a lie to draw a line between Americans and others who allegedly eat the animals Americans love.

    A sign at a popular hot dog restaurant in Chicago reads ‘Immigrants eat our dogs,’ on Sept. 12, 2024, two days after the presidential debate.
    Scott Olson/Getty Images

    The legend of delicious pets

    The myth of eating pets traces back to old legends in Europe, Australia and the United States that “immigrants are stealing our cats and dogs for their dinner tables or to serve in ethnic restaurants,” writes the folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand.

    Two of the most common food-based legends center on “Oriental restaurants serving dog (or cat) meat, and legends about Asian immigrants in the United States capturing and cooking people’s pets,” Brunvard writes.

    By 1883, the legend was so well-established that the Chinese-American journalist Wong Chin Foo offered US$500 to anybody in New York for proof that Chinese people were eating cats or rats. No proof was found, but that didn’t stop the racist jokes or urban legends.

    None of the many examples deserve retelling. But scholars, for example, have cited “sick jokes” such as a “new Vietnamese cookbook is titled 100 Ways to Wok Your Dog.”

    Or as comedian Tessie Chua joked about her multiracial Chinese, Filipino and Irish identity in 1993 when she said, “That means I eat dog, but only if I can wash it down with Guinness Stout!”

    In 1971, mainstream news outlets, including Reuters, reported an “outrageously silly urban legend” of a pet poodle named Rosa served at a Hong Kong restaurant, complete with chili sauce and bamboo shoots.

    In 1980, Stockton, California, was seized by racist rumors of Vietnamese families stealing expensive purebred dogs for dinner.

    As recently as 2005, the TV show “Curb Your Enthusiasm” showed wedding
    guests vomiting     after being misinformed that they had eaten a German shepherd named Oscar, prepared by a Korean-American florist. “Oscar is bulgogi!,” Larry David cries.

    Scholars calls these tropes a “nativist backlash” and “vehicle for anti-immigrant and especially anti-Asian sentiments in the U.S.”

    A long history of food-based slurs

    More precise, maybe, than the adage that “we are what we eat” is that we are what we won’t eat. Shunning our neighbor for their vile food – stinky, strange, unpalatable – is also decidedly an American tradition.

    “Garlic eater” was at one time recognizable in the U.S. as an ethnic slur for Italian Americans in the early 20th century. The names “spaghetti bender” and “grape stomper” were also used, but “garlic eater” stuck because, as one scholar argued, “garlic served as an ‘olfactory signifier’” – a distinguishing odor – “for the alien who consumed it.”

    So when far-right radical Laura Loomer tweeted in September 2024 that the White House “will smell like curry” if Kamala Harris becomes president, she was also using food to stoke racist fears.

    Americans aren’t alone in doing this. Some Persians call Punjabis “dal khor,” meaning dal-eater, and some Romanians call Italians “macaronar,” meaning macaroni-eater. Both are slurs. Iranians have been known to call Arabs “malakh-khor,” or locust-eater, and Southern Italians sometimes call Northern Italians “polentoni,” or polenta-eater.

    To an outsider, being called a lentil- or polenta-eater seems more like praise for a healthy diet than a racial epithet, but such are the vagaries of racism: People hate who they hate and justify it however possible.

    Other examples of how food can distinguish communities abound. In the Amazon, the Parakanã people appreciate tapir meat but abhor monkey. The Arara people, their neighbors, feel the opposite. Both groups are disgusted by one another. Curry, garlic, tapir, polenta, lentils – it doesn’t matter what the nail is, but how the hammer hits.

    Philomene Philostin, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Haitian origin, works in her store in Springfield, Ohio, that caters mainly to Haitian residents.
    Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

    Rumors with real-life consequences

    Urban legends about food and racist rumors can have serious consequences. Earlier in 2024, a false rumor that a Laotian and Thai restaurant in Fresno, California, cooked pit bulls led to such vile harassment that the owner, David Rasavong, moved the restaurant to a new location.

    After Trump repeated the myth during the debate that immigrants eat pets, Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, quickly became the target of bomb threats, forcing city buildings and schools to close. Members of the Haitian community have said they fear for their safety.

    But there’s a more hopeful side to the issue of food being used as a way to divide or unite people, too. The Latin origins for the words company and companionship mean the people we share our bread with.

    Garlic is now as central to American cuisine as apple pie. Nowadays, Americans are so much the better for the sushi, garlic and curry – and the diversity behind the deliciousness – that flavor American cuisine.

    Adrienne Bitar does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. No, immigrants aren’t eating dogs and cats – but Trump’s claim is part of an ugly history of myths about immigrant foodways – https://theconversation.com/no-immigrants-arent-eating-dogs-and-cats-but-trumps-claim-is-part-of-an-ugly-history-of-myths-about-immigrant-foodways-239343

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada Investments in Electric Vehicles

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a federal investment of $14.9 million for 20 projects to advance zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, codes and standards, and education across Canada.

    Everyone has a role to play in tackling climate change. The widespread shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is critical to decarbonizing on-road transportation, which accounts for 18 percent of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions — of which 50 percent is produced by light-duty vehicles (LDV), or passenger cars.

    In addition, clean fuels, such as clean hydrogen, advanced biofuels, liquid synthetic fuels and renewable natural gas, will play a critical role in hard to decarbonize sectors such as industry and medium- and heavy-duty freight.

    Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a federal investment of $14.9 million for 20 projects to advance zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, codes and standards, and education across Canada.

     

    Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program Projects

    • Kang and Gill Construction Limited in Victoria, B.C.: An investment of $340,000 to install 68 EV chargers by March 31, 2024.
    • Halifax County Condominium Corporation #240 in Halifax, Nova Scotia: An investment of $110,000 to install 22 EV chargers by April 2023.
    • Halifax International Airport in Goffs, Nova Scotia: An investment of $180,000 to install 37 EV chargers by December 2024.
    • Park Royal Shopping Centre Holdings Ltd., West Vancouver, North Vancouver and Whistler, B.C.: An investment of $242,000 from NRCan to install 50 EV chargers by November 2023.
    • Concert Realty Services Ltd, Vancouver, B.C.: An investment of $190,000 from NRCan to install 38 EV chargers by January 2025.
    • Westbank Projects Corp., Toronto, Ontario, and Vancouver, B.C.: An investment of $4,914,660 to install 2635 EV chargers by May 2025.
    • THE OWNERS, STRATA PLAN BCS4321, Vancouver, B.C.: An investment of $150,000 to install 30 EV chargers by June 2024.
    • Austeville Properties Ltd., Vancouver, B.C.: An investment of $250,000 to install 50 EV chargers by October 2025.
    • 1125 Denman Developments Limited Partnership by its general partner Denman Developments Ltd, Vancouver, BC: An investment of $500,000 to install 16 EV chargers by July 2025.
    • The Owners Strata Plan LMS1108 “The National,” Vancouver, B.C.: An investment of $260,000 to install 60 EV chargers by May 2024.
    • Strata Corporation LMS4255 “Marinaside Resort,” Vancouver, B.C.: An investment of $500,000 to install 140 EV chargers by May 2024.
    • 1229488 BC Ltd., Vancouver, B.C.: An investment of $99,999, to install 23 EV chargers by March 2024.

    Zero Emissions Vehicle Awareness Initiative

    • Plug’N Drive, Toronto, Ontario: An investment of $1,560,633 to raise awareness of electric vehicles across Canada through a comprehensive awareness and experiential campaign, featuring test drives targeting small and medium-sized communities with limited experience or exposure to electric vehicles.
    • Create Climate Equity Association in Coquitlam, B.C.: An investment of $100,000 to engage one or more lower-income, underserved, urban communities in the City of Vancouver, B.C., on transportation needs and develop a design for equity-based, zero-emission mobility solutions for the participating communities.
    • Steel River Group Ltd in Calgary, Alberta: An investment of $300,000 to empower and equip Indigenous youth with the essential knowledge, skills and confidence to lead sustainable transportation and clean energy initiatives in their communities.
    • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, Alberta: An investment of $247,045 to develop non-credit courses on the maintenance of hydrogen fuel cell buses and heavy-duty vehicles to educate fleet owners, operators and heavy-duty vehicle mechanics and technicians on the use and maintenance of MHDVs and raise public confidence and awareness in zero-emission MHDV.
    • HUB Cycling, Vancouver, B.C.: An investment of $241,545 to increase awareness and uptake of e-mobility for transportation across the province of British Columbia.

    Minister Wilkinson also announced $3.6 million in funding for CSA Group to update codes and standards related to ZEV infrastructure through the Energy Innovation Program:

    • CSA Group, Toronto, Ontario, $3,616,373. The objective of this project is to establish and revise codes and standards, develop guideline documents, manage committees, perform literature reviews for zero-emission transportation infrastructure, covering advanced charging equipment, energy storage, management and various transportation modes.

    Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada – Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP)

    Lastly, Minister Wilkinson announced a joint investment of more than $3.1 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for two green infrastructure projects in British Columbia. The projects will enhance access to clean transportation options, use B.C.’s clean electricity supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    • Public Electric Vehicle Charging Expansion – Phase 3 in Vancouver, B.C.
      o   The federal government is investing $824,600 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is investing $687,098 through the CleanBC Communities Fund. The City of Vancouver is contributing $549,802. 
      o   The project will install approximately 15 Level 2 and nine direct-current fast-charge electric vehicle charging ports around parklands in the city, along with electric and mechanical system upgrades. 
    • Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in the District of North Vancouver, B.C.:
      o   The federal government is investing $217,447 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is investing $579,821 through the CleanBC Communities Fund. The District of North Vancouver is contributing $289,965. 
      o   The project will install a public network of approximately 10 Level 2 and two direct-current fast-charge electric vehicle charging ports along key transportation routes, in priority buildings and near multi-family and social housing in the district.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leeds low carbon heat network set to expand to thousands more residents

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds’s South Bank is to enjoy more affordable and lower carbon heating after £24.5m funding was secured to further expand the Leeds PIPES district heating network.

    The expansion is planned to include up to 28 buildings, with up to 8,000 residents and mixed-use customers benefitting from connections, making it the most significant single investment into the project since its inception.

    Households benefitting from the expansion will enjoy more reliable, more affordable, lower carbon heating.

    By using heat recovered from the city’s non-recyclable domestic waste to provide warmth and hot water to buildings in the city, the Leeds PIPES district heating project is helping businesses and residents to move away from costly fossil-fuel powered heating systems.

    The continued expansion of the district heating network is supporting efforts to end the city’s contribution to climate change by transitioning to lower carbon heating systems. Last year, 5,945 tonnes of carbon were saved through the network.

    The original project connected over 1,900 homes and non-domestic buildings to the energy-from-waste scheme. Earlier this year, over two hundred and fifty council properties in Lovell Park Heights, Lovell Park Grange, and Lovell Park Towers were set up to receive heat from the network.

    This year, connections have been completed at Leeds Conservatoire and the former Technology Campus Student Residential development and both sites are now receiving heat from the network.

    Over the summer, agreements have also been signed with the new Railway Street affordable homes scheme, 24-28 Great George Street, which is to become student apartments with the Victoria Hotel pub reopening on the ground floor, Leeds College of Building’s North Street Campus and the Co-op Academy Brierley SEND School in Cross Green.

    Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space and Councillor Jessica Lennox, executive member for housing, said:

    “We are both pleased that many more residents will soon be paying significantly less to heat their homes thanks to this latest expansion of the Leeds PIPES network.

    “UK’s homes are some of the least efficient and most reliant on costly fossil fuel gas in Europe, and too many families in our city struggle to pay their energy bills. We are committed to helping households by making our homes greener and fit for the future.

    “Leeds is working towards becoming the first net zero city in the UK, and connecting more homes to affordable low carbon heating like Leeds PIPES is a step in the right direction.”

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada imposes further sanctions against Iran

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.

    September 18, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.

    Today’s announcement follows the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman, who died while in the custody of Iran’s so-called morality police on September 16, 2022. Iranian authorities had detained her for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code.

    The sanctions apply to five Iranian political figures responsible for the design and implementation of repressive policies, including the violent repression of protesters.

    The five individuals are:

    • Mohammad Mokhber
    • Gholam Hossein Esmaili
    • Seyyed Masoud Mirkazemi
    • Siamak Rahpeik
    • Ahmad-Reza Radan

    Canada is imposing these sanctions in coordination with Australia and the United States. The three countries are taking similar action this week in response to the acceleration of Iran’s repressive measures against women and its brutal crackdown on citizen demonstrations, as well as its ongoing grave breach of international peace and security.

    Canada will continue to increase pressure on Iran and implement further measures for as long as Iran continues its abhorrent conduct. Canada’s measures includes designating Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism under the State Immunity Act, listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code and implementing sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act and the United Nations Act to impose dealing restrictions and freeze assets held in Canada.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Canada imposes new sanctions on Iran

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, announced today that Canada is imposing additional sanctions against Iran under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.

    September 18, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, announced today that Canada is imposing additional sanctions against Iran under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.

    Today’s announcement comes on the heels of the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman who died while in the custody of Iran’s so-called morality police on September 16, 2022. Iranian authorities had arrested her for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code.

    The sanctions apply to five Iranian politicians responsible for designing and implementing repressive policies, including the violent repression of protesters.

    These five people are:

    Mohammad Mokhber Gholam Hossein Esmaili Seyyed Masoud Mirkazemi Siamak Rahpeik Ahmad-Reza Radan

    Canada is imposing these sanctions in coordination with Australia and the United States. All three countries are taking similar measures this week in response to Iran’s accelerating crackdown on women and brutal repression of citizen protests, as well as Iran’s continued serious violation of international peace and security.

    Canada will continue to increase pressure on Iran and implement new measures as long as Iran maintains its abhorrent behaviour. These measures include designating Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism under the State Immunity Act, listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, and implementing sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act and the United Nations Act to impose transaction restrictions and freeze assets held in Canada.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Early intervention for adolescent young men and boys to end gender-based violence

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Young men and boys at risk of engaging in family, domestic and sexual violence will be supported through the establishment of a national early intervention trial.

    The Albanese Labor Government is committing more than $23 million over three years to 2026-27 to 12 organisations across states and territories for the trial.

    Organisations will be tasked with creating a new early intervention program for young men and boys aged 12 to 18 years who present with adverse childhood experiences, including family and domestic violence, and who are using or at risk of using family, domestic or sexual violence.

    Eligible young men and boys will receive counselling and therapeutic support to:

    • Assist with their recovery and healing from their experiences of family and domestic violence;
    • Help them avoid choosing to use family, domestic and sexual violence; and
    • Build the evidence base on effective approaches to supporting young men and boys.

    Supports will include one-on-one counselling, case management and youth mentoring along with personalised safety plans and assessments.

    Services have been chosen that are culturally safe and responsive, trauma and healing-informed, strengths-based and support will be tailored to the individual needs and circumstances of participants.

    The 12 current sites include a mix of metropolitan, regional, and remote locations. Additional trial sites are expected to be announced in early 2025.

    Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth will today visit the Domestic Violence Action Centre in Ipswich, who have been chosen as one of the sites to help deliver the trial.

    Minister Rishworth said the funding would help provide crucial support for boys and young men to recover and heal from their experiences of violence and stop the risk of harm escalating and continuing into their adult relationships.

    “Early intervention is a key area of focus under the National Plan to End Violence against Women 2022-2032,” Minister Rishworth said.

    “Supporting children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right and addressing the impacts of developmental trauma to help healing and recovery will help break future cycles of violence.

    “We know in order to achieve our shared goal of ending violence against women and children in one generation we need to be working across all four domains of the National Plan.

    “There are currently only limited and inconsistent services available across Australia that specifically support children and young people who have experienced violence and are themselves using or at risk of using violence and this trial will help address this gap.”

    More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.

    If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au .

    Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

    Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) is a free, confidential online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $2.1 million to help boost cancer research in NSW

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 24 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Medical Research

    Coinciding with World Cancer Research Day today, the NSW Government is committing $2.1 million in research grant funding to support the work of the state’s cancer researchers, including world-renowned Professors Georgina Long AO and Paul Timpson.

    Co-Australian of the Year Professor Long and the team at Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of Sydney have been awarded almost $700,000 for an imaging system that will allow researchers to better visualise and understand tumour cell interactions across various cancer types, via the Cancer Institute NSW funding.

    It is hoped an improved understanding of the tumour microenvironment will assist with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

    Professor Timpson and the team at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research were awarded almost $700,000 to purchase a system that will provide unprecedented insights into cell-to-cell interactions, treatment responses and cancer dormancy to enable more effective treatment for cancers, including pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancer.

    Three clinical trials grants, valued at $250,000 each, have also been funded to support projects focused on improving access to cancer clinical trials, including:

    • The Building Capacity in Cancer Clinical Trials across Maridulu Budyari Gumal project aims to address enrolment challenges in clinical trials by targeting populations with lower trial participation rates. This includes socioeconomic disadvantaged, culturally and linguistically diverse and rural and regional communities.
    • The Sydney Cancer Partners Clinical Trials Support project aims to increase recruitment from priority populations to trials, including Aboriginal, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBITQ communities.
    • Targeted Cancer Clinical Trials Support for Regional NSW project aims to deliver targeted initiatives such as increased trial sites and education and training to boost clinical trial participation across the Central Coast, Hunter, New England, Mid North Coast and Northern NSW areas.

    The NSW Government, through Cancer Institute NSW, is one of the largest funders of cancer research in NSW, having invested more than $470 million in the past 20 years across nearly 100 competitive research awards and grants.

    Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

    “Targeted research is vital to delivering better treatments and interventions that reduce the impact of cancer and ultimately save lives.

    “Our researchers strive every day to improve the lives of people in NSW and across the world, and we’re proud to invest in them to continue their work and help improve cancer outcomes for all.”

    NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM said:

    “While significant progress has been made in understanding and treating cancer, it remains the leading cause of death in NSW with sadly one in two people set to be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.

    “Investing in and accelerating research and innovation is key to improving our understanding of a disease that continues to devastate communities across NSW.”

    Professor Georgina Long AO said:

    “Technologies that provide a clear large-scale and detailed view of tumours and enable us to see how cells interact with each other are critical to move the cancer field forward.

    “The imaging system, called the Phenolmager HT 2.0, which we have been able to purchase through the research equipment grant, provides the ability to better understand tumour cell interactions.

    “This will enable researchers at Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of Sydney to bridge cancer research to clinical use and ultimately deliver more effective cancer treatments.”

    Professor Paul Timpson said:

    “The cutting-edge Akoya-PhenoCycler Fusion system will concurrently detect and visualise 100 proteins, providing unprecedented insights into cell-to-cell interactions, chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses, cancer dormancy, and novel therapies for cancers like pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancer.

    “Proteins drive functional outcomes within cells, and constitute drug targets, yet existing technologies do not accurately reflect protein activity at a specific location or time.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Property audit delivers more sites for over 1,100 new homes

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 24 September 2024

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Housing, Minister for Lands and Property

    The Minns Labor Government is today announcing a further 10 government-owned properties have been confirmed to deliver almost 1100 new homes as part of the government’s land audit.

    The NSW Government is identifying surplus land no longer required by government in both metropolitan and regional areas that will now be made available for much needed housing.

    This is part of the NSW Government’s commitment in the recent budget to deliver up to 30,000 well-located homes, close to infrastructure and transport including through a historic $5.1 billion investment in new public housing.

    The latest sites identified as suitable for housing include 9 sites across Sydney and one site in Newcastle.

    Three sites across Woolloomooloo, Sydney Olympic Park, and Hurstville will be transferred to Homes NSW and will deliver nearly 600 homes with more than 50 per cent anticipated to be social homes.

    Sites at Marsfield, Seaforth, Minto, Newcastle and three sites at Arncliffe, will be developed into housing by either Landcom or in partnership with the private sector.

    The final mix and quantity of housing on these sites, as well as the development partner, will be confirmed following further due diligence and market sounding, which will take place over the coming months.

    Housing is the single largest cost of living issue faced by the people of NSW and a recent Productivity Commission report found between 2016 and 2021, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained.

    The release of these sites is in addition to action already taken by the government to build more homes for families who need them, including the largest ever investments in social and affordable housing, as well as the largest rezoning in our state’s history.

    Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

    “Getting more homes built for families in well located areas is top priority for our government and releasing surplus land for housing is a key part of our plan to make this a reality.”

    “Housing costs are the single largest cost of living pressure faced by people across NSW and we are committed to confronting this head on.

    “Young people will continue to up and leave our state because they can’t afford to buy or even rent a home here, if we don’t take action.”

    Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

    “The Minns Labor Government is pulling every lever to unlock the delivery of housing because we understand we need to increase supply. Through the property audit, we are undertaking a process that has never been done before by the state government.

    “The property audit is working across departments and agencies to activate surplus government land to deliver the homes our communities need.”

    Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

    “Unlocking government-owned land for housing is a crucial step in tackling the housing crisis head-on. We’re making sure these homes are built in areas with the infrastructure people need—near transport, schools, and essential services.

    “For too long, finding affordable homes in well-located areas has been out of reach for many. This land release is a clear sign that we are committed to delivering real housing solutions for families across NSW.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Next Generation Freshwater vessels to take to popular F1 Manly Ferry route

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Transport for NSW has begun market sounding to gather proposals for the next generation Freshwater Class vessels, and how that fleet can incorporate zero-emissions technology. Transport are working with a number of locally based businesses for further development.

    The next-generation Freshwaters will pay homage to their iconic forebears and will be designed and built locally.  The new vessels will need to replicate the existing Freshwater’s performance in big swells and will utilise dual-level boarding to quickly load and unload big summer crowds.

    The length of the new ferries will be subject to ongoing discussions and detailed design. The Freshwaters rely solely on available slots at the Australian Navy’s Captain Cook Graving Dock for major maintenance, smaller vessels are able to utilise alternative dry-docks like the NSW Government-owned Balmain Shipyard. 

    The NSW Government has also set a requirement that the new ferries be zero-emission, continuing the evolution of ferries on the Manly run. From paddle steamers in the 1850s, to diesel in the 1980s and soon, zero-emission electric propulsion.

    The NSW Government will be able to outline an anticipated timeline for the vessels entering service on the harbour at the conclusion of the market sounding process.

    This is a marked difference to the previous Government’s approach where three overseas-made vessels were purchased for the Manly run, but couldn’t handle the swell and struggle to maintain the required capacity needed on the popular route. 

    The Government’s commitment to extend the service life of the Freshwater class with a $71m investment will be continued with the return of the Narrabeen, expected back on the F1 route after a period of dry-docking at Garden Island in early 2025. 

    Two Freshwater class vessels are currently serving the F1 Manly Ferry route, with Queenscliff’s survey remaining current until November 2027, and Freshwater due to have its survey renewed in mid-2025, allowing it to operate until July 2030. 

    However, it’s become clear that maintaining MV Collaroy, which was removed from active service on the F1 route last September, for passenger service has become prohibitively expensive. This is due to the Collaroy’s one-of-a-kind build, which made the Collaroy the first and only ferry capable of sailing the open ocean.

    Despite looking almost identical from the outside, the Collaroy’s internal and technical design – from the wheelhouse control system to the gearbox and propellors – is significantly different to the other three Freshwater Class vessels, which are virtually identical and use interchangeable parts.

    This difference in design requires a different maintenance process for the Collaroy, as well as additional bespoke parts to be fabricated and an entirely separate store of spare parts kept for one vessel.

    Transport will open an EOI process next month, so the Northern Beaches community and other maritime stakeholders can put forward proposals for utilising this historic vessel for years to come.

    Commuters across the Harbour set to benefit from pipeline of new vessels.

    The NSW Government is planning the phased replacement of all diesel-powered craft with modern vessels powered by green energy alternatives by 2035. The new vessels will be built locally, supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to local procurement.

    The nine First Fleet vessels, which entered service in the mid-1980s, are set to retire by the end of the decade. Designs for their replacements are due to commence this year, in tandem with the development of charging infrastructure and necessary modifications to shipyards to accommodate electric vessels.

    Transport is also preparing a business case to commission an eighth, electric-powered Parramatta River Class vessel that could be ready for trials by early 2026. This eighth vessel would be Sydney Ferries’ first electric vessel and would provide the road map for the introduction of new electric ferries across the harbour.

    Sydney’s new fleet of seven Parramatta River Class ferries are currently mid-way through construction in Tasmania and have been built to support conversion to electric propulsion when shore-side charging infrastructure can be put in place.

    Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Jo Haylen:

    “Sydney’s iconic double-ended Manly vessels started as steam ships, became the diesel ferries we know and love today, and will soon evolve into modern electric vessels.”

    “While we’ve extended the life of our Freshwater vessels, it’s important that we continue to plan for our future fleet. Manly needs high-capacity, reliable vessels that can load and unload hundreds of commuters and tourists within minutes of a ferry pulling into Manly or the Quay.

    “What we found with the overseas built Emerald IIs was that they weren’t built for the conditions, and people were left on wharves in the summer months because the single gangway couldn’t load these ferries fast enough.

    “These new ferries will continue the important legacy of the Freshwaters, provide the capacity the community needs and combine it with new zero-emission propulsion to deliver a next generation ferry that’ll be fit for our harbour for years to come.”

    Quotes attributable to Councillor Candy Bingham, Save the Manly Ferry Committee:

    “For years, I’ve said we need a long term plan for ferries on the Manly run, and I’m so pleased the Government has listened.

    “We’ve called for any Freshwater replacement to be a fully electric ‘look alike’ to the Freshwater Manly Ferries, and I hope this market sounding process delivers us exactly that.

    “A ferry that is just a little bit smaller won’t have to go into the Navy’s dry dock to be certified every 5 years. This will keep ferries in service on the Manly run, instead of being tied up at Balmain or Cockatoo Island waiting for maintenance.

    “The Manly Ferry has always been iconic to Sydney.  This next generation zero-emissions look-alike ferry will continue that history.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: How Google AI is helping scientists protect humpback whales in Australia

    Source: Google

    Every year, humpback whales migrate up the east coast of Australia to breed, and journey back to Antarctica to feed. During their migration, the whales make calls and sing songs – a grand chorus in the symphony of their ecosystems.

    This underwater soundscape is a valuable and vital window into the health of this species and their habitats. By tracking audio data, scientists can understand migration activity, patterns, mating calls, competitive behaviors and more.

    Humpback whale mating call, collected in the Gold Coast

    As part of the Digital Future Initiative, Google Australia is teaming up with Griffith University to implement more precise, comprehensive and efficient monitoring of whale migrations and their ecosystems in Australia – enabled by Google AI and automatic audio detection.

    Researchers Dr Olaf Meynecke from Griffith University’s Whales and Climate Program and Dr Lauren Harrell from Google Research are leading this collaboration.

    Traditional whale research methods have faced limitations in both data collection and analysis. Researchers logged sightings and manually analysed audio recordings, which is time-consuming and does not give a continuous view of whale activity. Moreover, visual sightings can only be logged during daylight, and tracking the evolving vocal dialects of whales across different regions and seasons is a complex task.

    With this new collaboration, researchers have deployed hydrophones — underwater microphones — and Google AI powered audio detection systems to monitor the sounds and songs of humpback whales and their habitats.

    A seal swimming around a hydrophone off the South Coast, NSW

    Hydrophones allow us to tune into marine soundscapes and continuously collect underwater audio data all day and all night, through the entire humpback migration season. Google’s AI technology processes this data, automatically detecting whale sounds, marking their location in time and classifying the species. This frees researchers from the minutiae and laborious manual work, so they can look at the big picture, uncover insights and explore new research frontiers.

    Dr Olaf Meynecke deploying a hydrophone in Terrigal, NSW

    Curtin University’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology is supporting the collection and labeling of acoustic data, and a range of local citizen science groups will assist with monitoring each of the hydrophone sites. The AI model will eventually be open-sourced on Kaggle and GitHub, benefiting other whale and marine researchers worldwide.

    While our current focus is on monitoring humpback whale sounds, the potential of this AI model extends far beyond. We’ll look to build on the model to detect the sounds of diverse marine species, from fish to dolphins and seals. These advancements will open up uncharted territories of research that could help protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats for generations to come.

    Posted in:

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Safe Access Zones

    Source: Scottish Government

    Protected zones around abortion services now in place.

    Protected zones of 200 meters around all abortion services in Scotland are now in place.

    Within these zones, it is now a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services; impede their access; or otherwise cause alarm, harassment or distress.

    Police Scotland are responsible for enforcing the legislation. People who break the law can be fined up to £10,000, or be given an unlimited fine, depending on the court procedure.

    Determining whether an offence has been committed will be a matter for Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Courts. Depending on the facts and circumstances of each case, some examples of criminal behaviour may include: approaching someone to try and persuade them not to access abortion services, surrounding people as they try to go in or out of the clinic or hospital, handing out leaflets, religious preaching and silent vigils.

    Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said:

    “The introduction of Safe Access Zones is a crucial milestone in protecting women’s abortion rights – no one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions and the law now makes that abundantly clear.

    “I thank Gillian Mackay and all those involved for their work to progress this legislation. I would like especially recognise the women who showed incredible courage in speaking up and sharing their experiences during the Bill process.

    “The new zones of 200 meters around all abortion services will help ensure women have safe access to healthcare – free from intimidation. This law is about protection for women at a time when many will feel incredibly vulnerable around taking a deeply personal and difficult decision.”

    Background

    Full details of the penalties that apply for committing an offence.

    Full list of the locations of zones:

    University Hospital Crosshouse – Kilmarnock

    Borders General Hospital – Melrose

    Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary

    Galashiels Health Centre

    Oak Tree Family Health Centre – Stranraer

    Queen Margaret Hospital – Dunfermline

    Victoria Hospital – Kirkcaldy

    Forth Valley Royal Hospital – Larbert

    Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

    Aberdeen Community Hospital

    Aberdeen Maternity Hospital

    Dr Gray’s Hospital – Elgin

    Inverclyde Hospital – Greenock

    Royal Alexandra Hospital – Paisley

    Sandyford Sexual Health Clinic – Glasgow

    Princess Royal Maternity Hospital – Glasgow

    Ross Hall – Glasgow

    New Victoria Hospital – Glasgow

    Queen Elizabeth University Hospital – Glasgow

    Stobhill Hospital – Glasgow

    Vale of Leven Hospital – West Dunbartonshire

    Raigmore Hospital – Inverness

    University Hospital Wishaw

    Royal Infirmary Edinburgh

    Chalmers Sexual Health Centre – Edinburgh

    St John’s Hospital – Livingston

    The Balfour – Livingston

    Gilbert Bain Hospital – Lerwick

    Ninewells Hospital – Dundee

    Western Isles Hospital – Stornoway

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Program for Greater Bendigo Seniors Festival available now!

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    The program for the 2024 Greater Bendigo Seniors Festival which runs from October 6 – 13 is now available at local libraries, neighbourhood houses, Bendigo and Heathcote Visitor Centres, the City of Greater Bendigo’s customer service centres at Heathcote and Galkangu Bendigo Gov Hub and on the City’s website.

    A standout event of this year’s festival is the Showcase Concert featuring Amber Joy Poulton in her show – Honky Tonk Queens which takes place at 11am on Friday October 11 at the Capital, View Street, Bendigo.

    Amber Joy Poulton is renowned for her hit theatre show the Coal Miner’s Daughter, which brings to life the legacy of country music’s first queens—Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, and Loretta Lynn. This show features classic hits like Jolene and Stand By Your Man while celebrating the spirit of ageing well. Tickets are on sale now at the Capital Box Office or by visiting the Gotix website.

    The concert is presented by the City of Greater Bendigo and the Victorian Government and will also include a Welcome to Country and didgeridoo performance as well as the launch of the Ageing Well in Greater Bendigo video that highlights the vibrant lives and contributions of older adults in our community.

    For those looking to explore services and resources for older adults and people living with disability, the Be Well Be Connected Expo – Heathcote Roadshow is a must-visit. This free expo, funded by the City of Greater Bendigo and the Victorian Government, brings together a wide range of exhibitors showcasing aged care, community, and disability products and services. It is a great opportunity to meet with service providers and advisors who can offer valuable insights and support.

    The Try Before You Ride events at Bendigo Railway Station are perfect for those wanting to gain confidence in using public transport. This inclusive initiative, supported by the Victorian Government, allows people of all abilities to familiarise themselves with public transport options in a supportive environment.

    The program also features a range of other events including morning and afternoon teas, exhibitions, performances, exercise programs, come and try days, dancing, live music and more.

    City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Manager Andie West said the annual Seniors Festival is a fantastic opportunity for older adults to celebrate, connect, be active and involved in the many activities available during the festival week.

    “This year’s program is packed full of great events with something for everyone and with many events either free or low cost it’s a great time to get out and about and try new things,” Ms West said.

    “The theme for this year’s festival is Explore, Engage, Evolve and we encourage older adults to grab a program, get involved and enjoy the activities on offer.”

    Victorian Seniors Card holders can also take advantage of free public transport on all regional bus services, V-Line bus and train services and all Metropolitan train, tram and bus services from Sunday October 6 to Sunday October 13.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Three cheers for Simon Court

    Source: ACT Party

    The Haps

    ACT MP Todd Stephenson has picked up the End of Life Choice baton. David Seymour’s original bill did not restrict access to people terminal within six months, but he would have had no bill without adding the restriction. That political compromise has meant some of the people who suffer most – especially those with long, slow, degenerative diseases like Motor Neurone Disease – are denied choice and control. Stephenson explains how his new bill would put this compromise right on Q&A, here.

    Three cheers for Simon Court

    The most important thing this Government does in three years may be what’s happening quietly in the background of resource management reform. Last week Court announced, beside Chris Bishop, that the Government is replacing the RMA with two laws based on property rights.

    If you’re a long-term Free Press reader, all of this will sound very familiar. The difference is that this time it is happening. It is now official Government policy with a series of dates by when legislation will be drafted, introduced to Parliament, and passed into law.

    At the heart of New Zealand’s problem is that it’s a beautiful, isolated piece of land. It has a mild climate that beats Canada’s skin-freezing cold or Australia’s blood-boiling heat any day. It’s filled with resources that make it one of the richest per-capita in the world. Climate change will probably actually make New Zealand even better off compared with the rest of the world.

    When a group of people have such a wonderful inheritance, they have two choices. Either make the most of it, or pull up the drawbridge.

    Making the most of it would mean making it easy for each generation to build a home. That would mean making it easy to build the infrastructure that connects homes together, forming towns and cities. It should be easy to farm the land, and extract resources that make human life long and happy (just not while they’re left in the ground).

    This seems like an obvious choice, but enter human nature. For the last few decades, the net result has been pulling up the drawbridge. You can’t do bloody anything, home building has only once reached the levels of the 1970s, when there were only three million people. There are probably more Kiwis working in Australian mines than New Zealand ones.

    The result is a generation who feel hopeless. Born into the best place on the planet where it’s needlessly hard to get a place of your own. Why not vote for a politician who promises to tax the rich? Better still, cut out the middle man, join a gang, and do it yourself. Then there’s those who leave.

    That is the result of the RMA. The simple diagnosis is that it’s a bureaucratic nightmare, but it’s more than that. It is the legislative expression of a people’s desire to enjoy what they have and bugger anyone else.

    The central concept in the RMA is sustainable development, to provide for current generations without taking from future ones. Because nobody knows what future generations want, or what technology they’ll have to achieve it, the best way to achieve this is to do as little as possible, which is pretty much what’s happened.

    Too many people have too many grounds to object to too many activities meaning nothing gets done. It’s not unusual for it to take longer to get permission to do something than to actually do it. The range of criteria Councils must consider under the RMA is everything from climate change (but you already pay under the ETS for whatever you do) to the ‘intrinsic values of ecosystems’ (how can you know them if they’re intrinsic)?

    David Parker’s RMA reforms, replacing it with three acts, introduced a new central concept ‘te oranga o te taiao.’ Nobody knows what that means in the context of resource management decisions. By the time the Courts figured it out, Indonesia would have overtaken us in GDP per capita.

    So that’s gone and the Resource Management Act is being replaced with a law whose central concept is the enjoyment of private property. The starting point is that you have a right to use and develop your own property. The second result is that you have a right to object only if your own property is affected.

    The result is a switch back to the pioneering vision of New Zealand. A nation of people who can instead of a nation of people who are not allowed.

    The law will also make many processes standard. If you have a water treatment plant that spits out water with less than x parts per million of E. Coli, congratulations. You’ve met the standard and can just build it.

    The Government will now listen to an expert advisory group, people with real experience of development, as the law itself is developed for introduction to Parliament. It will be passed before the next election, and New Zealand will have taken a massive step forward to achieving its potential.

    Much of this is owed to Simon Court, one of only two engineers in Parliament (David Seymour is the other one). Court has been working away since he entered Parliament, releasing ACT’s detailed RMA policy in 2022, and making it real in Government. A very good example of how ACT keeps the Government in place, and makes it better.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police Urge Drivers to Adhere to Speed Limits Following RBT Station in Adelaide River

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police conducted an early morning Random Breath Testing (RBT) station on the Stuart Highway at Adelaide River yesterday, where 139 drivers were tested over a two-hour period, all returning negative results for alcohol.

    While Batchelor police were pleased with the responsible behaviour regarding drink driving, concerns remain about the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit in the area. Nine drivers were issued infringement notices for speeding, highlighting the ongoing issue of reckless driving.

    Acting Remote Sergeant Brittany Stuart expressed concern, stating, “Once again, Northern Territory Police can be anywhere, at any time. Drivers need to slow down, keep their focus on the road, and avoid distractions like electronic devices. Too many drivers this morning demonstrated a poor attitude towards speed limits.

    “Adelaide River is a built-up area with a 60km/h speed limit, and there’s sufficient signage in place to warn drivers. Early in the morning, the community sees increased pedestrian traffic as residents are out for their exercise. Speeding through this area puts lives at risk. We’ve already lost too many lives on our roads this year—50 so far—and we do not want to see that number rise due to poor choices behind the wheel.”

    Northern Territory Police continue to remind all drivers that adherence to speed limits is crucial to ensuring the safety of all road users.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Criminal damage – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police are calling for information in relation to a criminal damage incident involving multiple vehicles that occurred over the weekend.

    The damage is believed to have occurred between the afternoon of Friday 20 September 2024, and the morning of Monday 23 September 2024, at a business on Bath Street in Alice Springs.

    Up to 22 vehicles were damaged, having their windows broken during the incident.

    Investigations are in their early stages and detectives from Strike Force Viper have taken multiple victim statements.

    Police urge anyone with information, or with CCTV or dash cam footage, to contact 131 444 and quote P24262199. You can also make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Uber launch new kerbside pick-up zone at Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal

    Source: Sydney Airport

    Uber launch new kerbside pick-up zone at Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal

    __Tuesday 24 September 2024 __

    • Sydney Airport’s opens new Uber kerbside pick-up zone located 20 metres from doors to the T1 International terminal
    • Pick-up zone leverages Uber’s PIN technology, only available at Sydney Airport and a first for NSW
    • New arrangements will set new standard for modern travel at Australia’s gateway

    Starting today, passengers arriving at Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal will be able to book an Uber trip on their smartphone and walk to the new dedicated pick-up zone located 20 metres from the terminal doors.

    The new dedicated kerbside Uber pick-up zone features Uber’s PIN technology, with Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal the first location in New South Wales to offer the new technology, delivering a faster and smoother journey for passengers arriving at Australia’s global gateway.

    The new arrangements will also help ensure a more organised flow of both taxis and rideshare vehicles, while a new holding area for Uber vehicles located closer to the terminal will provide drivers with a dedicated space to wait for passengers.

    Mark Zaouk, Sydney Airport’s Group Executive Commercial, said: “The popularity of rideshare has surged over the past few years¹, and it’s great to give passengers what they’ve been asking for which an Uber zone which is much closer to the terminals, in line with the experience at other major Australian and global airports.

    “This innovation will redefine airport accessibility and set a new standard for modern travel at Australia’s gateway.”

    Emma Foley, Managing Director, Uber ANZ said: “We are proud to partner with Sydney Airport to create an innovative, dedicated space for Uber pick-ups at the international terminal. This new zone will provide a smoother and more efficient experience for riders and drivers alike, and by using PIN, we can help Sydney Airport ease congestion at busy periods – perfect timing ahead of the peak school holiday travel period.”

    Passengers using other rideshare providers will continue to access rides via the existing rideshare pick-up area, and arrangements for dropping off passengers remains the same. There are no changes for passengers being picked up by limousines or private cars.

    Additionally, all ground transport operators who have passengers with mobility needs or disabilities will be able to use any one of four accessible pick-up spaces across the international precinct.

    Notes to editor

    ¹Mode share changes over time at the T1 International terminal – ground transport

    Rideshare pick-ups and drop offs Taxi pick-ups and drop offs
    Six months to June 2018 10% 57%
    Six months to June 2023 32% 41%
    Six months to June 2024 41% 27%

    Uber kerbside pick-up zone at T1 International terminal

    New Uber pick-up zone located in the south end of the T1 taxi area There will be seven pick-up bays at the T1 kerbside Disability access bay for taxis remains in place at Taxi Rank B, parallel to Uber pick-up bays

    New arrangement will:

    • Improve the customer experience at T1 and provide more choice;
    • Improve pedestrian safety and provide a shorter distance between the terminal and Uber pick-up area;
    • Reduce congestion in the existing rideshare pick-up location; and reduce recirculation times.

    Uber PIN Technology:

    Uber PIN technology allows Uber driver-partners and riders to be connected via the app with a PIN rather than by a rider finding a pre-assigned vehicle.

    How it works:

    1. Request an Uber trip to receive a six-digit personal identification number (PIN).
    2. Walk to the Uber pick-up zone in front of the International terminal, and either go to the first available car, or at busier times, join the queue.
    3. Share your unique PIN with the driver-partner and verify vehicle and driver-partner details before you get into the vehicle.

    Sydney Airport Uber pick-up maps can be accessed here.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth interview on the Today Show with Karl Stefanovic.

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    Topics: Cost of living; Supermarket price gouging; Consumer affairs; Nuclear power; Renewable energy; Brownlow Medal.

    KARL STEFANOVIC, HOST: Welcome back. The consumer watchdog is taking legal action against Coles and Woolies, accusing the supermarket giants of misleading customers with dodgy discounts. Joining us to discuss today’s headlines is Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth and Independent MP Monique Ryan. Morning, ladies. Nice to see you. Monique, what a spectacular and disturbing own goal from the supermarkets. Maybe we do need to break them up with divestiture.

    MONIQUE RYAN, MEMBER FOR KOOYONG: No, I don’t agree, Karl. Look, it is a really disturbing news that we’ve seen that the supermarkets have been effectively price gouging Australians for a long time and that’s probably contributed significantly to inflation and to some of even the increased interest rates that we’ve seen in recent years. But we need more competition, not less. Divestiture would actually decrease competition and allow supermarkets to increase prices even more. We do need the ACCC and similar organisations to keep an eye on industry. This is appalling behaviour by the supermarkets.

    KARL STEFANOVIC: Okay, Amanda, it wasn’t your Government or the parliamentary committee – it was consumers who called all this out.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: Look, the ACCC does a very important job in this country and I’m really obviously going to be following this case. But it is disappointing if this turns out to be true for customers and very concerning. But we need to continue to reform, make sure we have competition in this country. That’s exactly what the mandatory code of conduct for the food and grocery sector is all about. We also need to make sure that our merger laws are fit for purpose and that we do have the ACCC looking very closely at our supermarkets because consumers and suppliers deserve a fair go. So, look, this is important work and we’ll keep doing it.

    KARL STEFANOVIC: We’ve known for so long, though, that we suspected at least, that it’s been happening. What’s taken you so long to act?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: I think the ACCC has been getting on and doing its job and this latest action is one of a number of actions that the ACCC has taken. But when it comes to making the grocery code of conduct mandatory, that’s been something, we’re out for consultation on now with a draft we’ve been going through methodically with the Craig Emerson report to introduce all those 11 recommendations. It’s important work and we’ll keep doing it.

    KARL STEFANOVIC: Monique, that was a fair accusation at the start of this interview that this has contributed to inflation, maybe even interest rates. Do you stand by that?

    MONIQUE RYAN: I do. And I really think that at a time of a cost of living crisis, when Australians are really struggling with the price of so many essentials, the behaviour of Coles and Woolworths has been unconscionable. We do need the ACCC, we need the Government to work on competition in lots of industries. I’ve been calling for a code of conduct for the aviation industry for some time as well. We need the Government to act on that in the same way that it’s acted on supermarkets recently.

    KARL STEFANOVIC: Well, have a look at the prices for flying to the grand final this weekend, it’s unbelievable. Let’s roll on, though. Nuclear. Monique long after the price is forgotten, Peter Dutton would argue the power remains. What did you make of his announcement yesterday?

    MONIQUE RYAN: Peter Dutton has been talking about nuclear, but he still won’t give us the detail we need, which is the details regarding costing. The Government, any governments since the 1970s, if we look back to the Gorton government of the early seventies, have looked at nuclear. There have been so many inquiries into the potential for nuclear energy in our electricity market for more than 50 years, and every single one has found that nuclear just doesn’t compare to the other sources of electricity. People need cheaper power. We need to be able to be confident that we have a secure electricity supply in this country. Nuclear power is not the answer. If Peter Dutton really believed in this, he would have evidence of the cost effectiveness of the nuclear option. He doesn’t, and that’s why he hasn’t presented any costings to the Australian public.

    KARL STEFANOVIC: But you’d go for it if he found the Willy Wonka chocolate bar answer to it all?

    MONIQUE RYAN: I think all Australians want cheaper electricity. We’re struggling with the cost of power. We get our energy bills and they’re horrible. But nuclear is not the answer. There’s no evidence. There never has been in the multiple inquiries over 50 years to ever suggest that nuclear electricity is a cost effective option for this country.

    KARL STEFANOVIC: Amanda, he reckons Bob Hawke could go for it. Surely that’s enough for you.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, I have to say that was the art of distraction from Peter Dutton. I mean, he is, you know, verbaling, effectively a former, revered Labor leader. Someone that can’t give a right of reply because he passed away tragically five years ago. I mean, he could have actually turned up and told us what the cost was, told us how long it was going to take to build, rebut every expert that is saying that nuclear is more expensive, more risky and won’t keep the lights on, but instead he chose the art of distraction. He could have channelled Malcolm Turnbull, who is very, very vocal on this issue. Who says it’s an absolute disaster. So, maybe he needs to look at his own leaders first.

    KARL STEFANOVIC: Righto. Finally, footy and fashion were on show at the Brownlow last night with Carlton captain Patty Cripps taking home the AFL’s highest honour. Monique, I feel like this was a great moment for you personally. Talk to us about how that made you feel.

    MONIQUE RYAN: So, you can see probably, yeah, you can probably see Karl I’m carrying a picture here, a signed picture. Patty Cripps wishing me all the best for all the good work that I do in Canberra as a Carlton supporter. It was a lovely night. It was lovely to see Patty take home the Charles Brownlow medal. He is an absolute champion. And after a pretty tough year, it was a good thing for Baggers supporters to see.

    KARL STEFANOVIC: I’m getting a little bit emotional. You, Amanda?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: Oh, look, he was an absolute star on the field. You couldn’t deny that. Broke the record in terms of the number of points and probably an honourable mention to Nick Daicos, who also broke a record. So, look, it was a special night and congratulations to everyone.

    KARL STEFANOVIC: Good on you ladies. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Understanding Antarctica’s contribution to sea level rise

    Source: Australian Government – Antarctic Division

    Over the next decades to centuries, will melting of the Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) – Earth’s largest ice mass – cause global sea level to rise by five metres, two metres or less?
    It’s a difficult question to answer. The Antarctic and Southern Ocean environment is dynamic and unpredictable. This means that there is uncertainty in our understanding of the behaviour of the AIS and what this means for future sea-level rise.
    Now scientists from Australia, the United States and Canada, have identified actions that will help reduce uncertainties about the future behaviour of the ice sheet and sea-level rise projections.
    Their work will also guide research to reduce the uncertainties faced by policymakers, decision-makers and communities needing to plan and adapt to a changing world.

    Sources of uncertainty
    The team of researchers, led by Australian Antarctic Division glaciologist Dr Ben Galton-Fenzi, reviewed research on the key processes and potential feedbacks that can accelerate AIS retreat.
    “We examined how Antarctica will contribute to sea-level change in the coming decades to centuries and where the uncertainties lie that make it difficult to project future behaviour of the ice sheet,” Dr Galton-Fenzi said.
    “Then we looked at what processes and regions should be the focus of future scientific research to reduce these uncertainties.”
    If the AIS were to completely melt, global sea levels would rise by about 58 metres. The huge East Antarctic Ice Sheet (covering two thirds of the continent) would contribute about 52 metres of this sea-level rise, while the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and the Antarctic Peninsula would make up the rest.
    In the simplest terms, the Antarctic Ice Sheet grows due to snowfall that compresses into ice, and shrinks due to iceberg calving and melting from beneath the ice shelves.
    However, there are many complex interactions and feedback mechanisms involved in these physical processes and how the ice moves that make it difficult to predict ice sheet behaviour. Critical thresholds if they are crossed can dramatically amplify the contribution of Antarctica to sea-level rise.
    Also contributing to the uncertainty are limitations with current climate and ice sheet models in simulating these physical processes and feedback mechanisms, and a lack of data that can capture physical processes at the right time and spatial scales.
    Sea-level rise is also uneven across the globe due to what are known as “gravitational, rotational and deformational effects”.
    “When the Antarctic Ice Sheet loses mass from ice melting into the ocean, it weakens the gravitational pull of the continent, causing the sea level to drop close to the continent, but rise in more distant locations,” Dr Galton-Fenzi said.
    “The loss of ice mass and the redistribution of water in the ocean also cause changes in the rotation and shape of the Earth, which adds to the spatial variability in sea level.”
    Areas for action
    Among the priority areas for future research identified by the team are high resolution measurements focused on regions thought to be particularly vulnerable to rapid change, to better understand the physical processes impacting on the ice sheet.
    Improved understanding based on these observations can then be used to improve models and analytical tools which, in turn, improve projections of sea-level rise that can inform effective policy decisions.
    “By reducing the uncertainties associated with the Antarctic Ice Sheet and sea-level rise, we’ll give policymakers and decision-makers better information to develop coastal planning measures, resilient infrastructure and adaption strategies,” Dr Galton-Fenzi said.
    “Interdisciplinary and international collaboration, particularly in regions vulnerable to rapid retreat in the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, will enhance our overall research quality and accelerate progress in reducing the level of uncertainty.”
    The research will appear in Antarctica and the Earth System, published by Taylor & Francis Group, in early 2025.
    More information

    Galton-Fenzi, B.K., Gold, M. and Souter, D. (2024) Outlook for Policy Makers: The Antarctic Ice Sheet and Sea Level, Australian Antarctic Division Data Centre. [PDF link below]
    Opening the floodgates – a science briefing on Antarctica and sea-level rise 
    Galton-Fenzi, B.K., H. A. Fricker, J.N. Bassis, A.J. Crawford, N. Gomez and C. Schoof. (In press, 2025) The Antarctic Ice Sheet and sea level: contemporary changes and future projections, in M. Meredith, J. Melbourne-Thomas, M. Raphael and A. Naveira Garabato (eds), “Antarctica and Planet Earth”, Taylor & Francis Group. (Link when published: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003406471)

    This content was last updated 1 minute ago on 24 September 2024.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace thugs harass productive Kiwis

    Source: ACT Party

    “The Greenpeace protestors who have locked themselves in the Wellington offices of Straterra are nothing more than thugs harassing productive Kiwis who just want to build a wealthier country”, says ACT’s Energy and Resources spokesperson Simon Court.

    Greenpeace protestors have occupied the Wellington offices of the mining group Straterra. Three protestors have locked themselves inside the building, and two more have climbed onto an awning at the front of the building.

    “Not content with holding up renewable energy projects in court, Greenpeace have moved on to harassing the people representing one of our critical industries.

    “Greenpeace opposes mining anywhere and everywhere in New Zealand. Their anti-mining position is actually anti-progress and anti-humanity.

    “New Zealanders who wonder how they’re going get ahead in life and are considering mining as a career have only one option: move to Australia. New Zealanders need better jobs and higher incomes and that is what mining offers.

    “Greenpeace activists should consider doing something constructive with their lives instead of harassing productive New Zealanders who just want to get ahead.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: State Government to extend subsidies for commercial air flights in Western NSW

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 24 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Western New South Wales

    The Minns Government is continuing work to support Western NSW communities with the announcement today the $2 million subsidy scheme for commercial flights in Western NSW will continue at least until November 2025.

    The agreement will allow for the continuation of subsidies on flights from Dubbo to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge operated by Air Link and from Sydney to Cobar operated by FlyPelican.

    The NSW Government and the Far North-West Joint Organisation (FNWJO) subsidy agreement will provide residents, workers and industry in Western NSW with continued access to air services helping to reduce travel times in rural and remote NSW.

    Subsidised air travel is vital for the delivery of essential services such as health, childcare, justice, family and community services, with doctors, specialists, nurses and social workers among the frequent fliers travelling to and from Western NSW.

    As part of the Government’s continued commitment to Western NSW, work is also underway to deliver the Regional Development Trust $15 million Airstrips Improvement Package.

    The package will upgrade rural and remote airstrips to improve access for emergency services, health professionals and other essential services in some of the most remote parts of the state.

    An audit of remote and rural airstrips across 19 local government areas and the unincorporated area in Western NSW is underway to prioritise those most in need of upgrades.

    Work on the airstrips and related infrastructure is expected to start before the end of the year.

    Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

    “For Sydneysiders, air travel is an easily accessible convenience but for people living in Western NSW it is not so easy.

    “This funding will help commercial operators offer a two-way service connecting regional NSW with essential workers, trades, and services that they often depend on.

    Independent member for Barwon, Roy Butler said:

    “Western Air Services flights provide people in remote areas with much-needed access to health services, social engagements, and major economic benefits to our primary industries.

    “For many people in my electorate these flights are not a luxury but an absolute necessity, especially given the vast distances people need to cover in the west of the state.

    “I want to thank the Minister for her understanding of the importance of this issue when I raised it with her, and for her following through to ensure the continuation of these vital air services.”

    Retiring Far North-West Joint Organisation Chairman, Councillor Barry Hollman said:

    “This is a very exciting announcement, and I thank the NSW Government and particularly the Minister for Western NSW, the Hon Tara Moriarty, MLC for her responsiveness.

    “Just as commuters on the recently opened Metro in Sydney described the new train service as ‘transformational’ and ‘life changing’, the same can be said about the provision of these air services to the remote far North West area of the State.

    “The Government has certainly gone the extra mile to assist our remote communities.

    Chief Executive Officer, Fly Pelican, Marty Hawley said:

    “Today we welcome this announcement from the NSW Government and we look forward to continuing to service these critical flights for the far North West region and its communities.

    “Flight services to our remote regions are critical, and we are very pleased with today’s announcement to ensure the far North West region remains connected.”

    General Manager, Air Link Airlines, Ron O’Brien said:

    “This funding plays a crucial role in maintaining reliable air services that are lifelines for the communities of Bourke, Walgett, and Lightning Ridge.

    “Regional air services help to bridge distances and improve quality of life for residents in regional NSW by facilitating economic development and enhanced connectivity for businesses and residents alike.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government introduces revised clubs and ranges rules

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Improving the way shooting clubs and ranges are regulated will be the outcome of a Bill introduced today Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee says.

    “Cabinet has agreed to a package of reforms to amend Part 6 of the Arms Act 1983 which will enable simple and effective regulation of pistol and non-pistol shooting clubs and ranges.

    “As I have stated repeatedly clubs and ranges play an important public safety role in our communities. As well as providing places for people to learn how to safely operate firearms they also act as the eyes and ears of the firearms community.”

    “The changes introduced in 2020 went beyond what was necessary to ensure public safety. They jeopardised the ability for clubs and ranges to provide a safe environment for New Zealanders to learn, practise, and compete, and placed some ranges at risk of closing.

    The Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill will: 

    • maintain the regulatory requirements for pistol clubs and ranges but streamline annual reporting requirements;
    • simplify the regulatory requirements for non-pistol clubs and ranges by replacing the approval and certification systems with a more effective enrolment system;
    • require non-pistol clubs to be incorporated only if they sell ammunition, unless all ammunition sold by the club is purchased for, and used, on the day of sale at the club range or event and is not taken off the premises;
    • support the operation of temporary non-pistol ranges to enable the holding of club events, as long as the Firearms Safety Authority is informed; and
    • provide certainty about when inspections for compliance can occur and clarify what can be removed when an inspection is conducted, to reduce the burden on operators.

    “The focused consultation undertaken by the Ministry of Justice provided valuable insights, and I am confident that the changes, once implemented, will deliver better public safety outcomes, while reducing unnecessary requirements to better support shooting clubs and ranges to comply.” 

    “Firearms reform is a priority for the Government and today’s announcement delivers on a commitment made in the National-ACT coalition agreement.”

    The Bill will have its first reading before being referred to select committee for at least four months, where all interested parties will have the opportunity to have their say on the proposals.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Ali Moore, Melbourne Drive, ABC Radio

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    ALI MOORE:

    Dr Andrew Leigh is Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury. Minister, welcome.

    ANDREW LEIGH:

    G’day, Ali.

    MOORE:

    First, before we get to the draft mandatory code, your response to the ACCC legal action launched today?

    LEIGH:

    These are incredibly serious allegations, Ali. I mean, we’re talking about 266 Woolies products, 245 Coles products, consumers would have paid millions of dollars for these products and if the specials are false specials, as the ACCC is claiming, then that’s incredibly serious for what it means for consumers.

    You know, just to give you one sort of concrete example, which is in the ACCC’s media release, they talk about Oreos being sold at $3.50 a pack for about a year, then temporarily spiked up to $5 a pack, dropped down to $4.50, which was then advertised as ‘price dropped’. That doesn’t look like a real special to me. So, obviously this will be tested before the courts, but if it’s found that Coles and Woolies have breached the law, then they deserve every penalty that’s thrown at them. Australians are under cost‑of‑living pressures they deserve to get specials that are real specials.

    MOORE:

    Well, we’ve had lots of people text with examples today. I don’t know who does the shopping in your family, Andrew Leigh, but have you had your own suspicions about this sort of thing?

    LEIGH:

    Look, my wife and I do the shopping. She does the online, and I tend to do the in‑person. And, yeah, there was now specials – they’re certainly been something that’s been under appropriate scrutiny. As government, it’s not up to us to do the enforcement. That’s the ACCC’s job and Gina Cass‑Gottlieb does a great job of it.

    It’s our job to make sure they have the right resources and the sufficient penalties. So, one of the first things we did when we came to office was to increase the penalties for anti‑competitive conduct, raising those penalties and so they weren’t just a cost of doing business. And people can see in the ACCC’s media release today that they say very explicitly that for half the period in which they’re looking at, the penalties are higher. A direct result of the Albanese government increasing the penalties for anti‑competitive conduct.

    MOORE:

    Andrew Leigh, today, at the same time, as I just said, you have released a draft of legislation that essentially follows a review of a voluntary code of conduct by Craig Emerson. You followed most or all of his recommendations and this code will be made mandatory?

    LEIGH:

    That’s right. So, under the Liberals and Nationals, it was a voluntary code – effectively toothless, effectively without penalties. What we’re doing now is making it a mandatory code. And so, we’re getting a fairer deal, not only for families, but also for farmers. Previously, farmers had feared retribution because, who complains under a voluntary code when the risk is that you can lose your contract with the supplier? So, now we’re bringing in place a code with teeth, a code that will actually get a fairer deal for farmers. We’re putting in place code mediators. We’re ensuring that there is an ability to complain directly to the competition watchdog, to make anonymous complaints there, and greater protections for fresh produce suppliers. If you’re supplying berries to the supermarket, Ali, you’ve got that problem that your berries might well go off in a couple of weeks. So, we’re ensuring obligations for supermarkets to specify the basis for determining prices, to conduct their forecasts with due care, and to have reasonable quality standards.

    MOORE:

    So the arbiter will be the ACCC if there’s an anonymous process for whistleblowers, if they’ve got a complaint, that’s where they’ll go?

    LEIGH:

    Well, there’ll be code mediators, currently known as code arbiters. And then there’s also this additional ability for people to make an anonymous complaint to the ACCC. So, it’s a much more robust code than was in place under the Liberals and Nationals. We take much more seriously than they did the allegations that are being raised by farmers and the concerns among shoppers, that they want to make sure that farmers are getting a fair deal as they supply to these major supermarkets. It’s one of the most concentrated supermarket sectors in the world. We’ve got to do more for consumers and for farmers.

    MOORE:

    What will be the standard of proof, though? I mean, sometimes these things are not always in black‑and‑white.

    LEIGH:

    The standard proof will be the usual balance of probabilities as it is in the civil law. And one of the things that Craig Emerson has done is to deal with a constitutional challenge in this space by getting agreement from the 4 supermarkets and supermarket chains that are signed up that they will agree to the mediation process with penalties up to $5 million. It’s a real credit to Craig that he’s able to do that, and that allows us to better deal with disputes under the code.

    MOORE:

    So, if a supermarket does the wrong thing by a supplier, what sort of penalty could they face?

    LEIGH:

    $5 million. So, the agreement that they have made is that the code mediator can impose penalties going up to $5 million, and then also we have penalties that can be imposed more broadly, they will go up to $50 million.

    MOORE:

    And when will the code of conduct come into force?

    LEIGH:

    We’ll expect that to come in the coming months. We’re a consultative government. Obviously, whenever we take actions that affect stakeholders, we give them a chance to comment. People have the chance to comment on this mandatory code and to give their feedback in the way in which we’ve said about implementing Craig Emerson’s review. Craig Emerson’s the former Competition Minister. He’s done a power of work on this. We want to make sure that we get the best deal we can for families and for farmers.

    MOORE:

    Andrew Leigh, thanks for joining us.

    LEIGH:

    Pleasure, Ali. Thanks again.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government invests $750,000 to improve coastal fish habitat

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: NSW Government invests $750,000 to improve coastal fish habitat

    Published: 24 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW

    The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in on-ground activities to improve fish habitat and recreational fishing in NSW, with more than $750,000 in grants awarded to five innovative coastal projects.

    The Flagship Fish Habitat Rehabilitation Grant program provides funding for large-scale projects that significantly enhance fish habitat, water quality and fish passage opportunities within the coastal catchments of NSW.

    This includes projects to significantly rehabilitate river banks and coastal wetlands, remove or modify barriers to fish passage and construct fishways, re-snag waterways and undertake remediation works including riverbank stabilisation.

    After assessing applications for the 2023-24 grants round, a total of $756,947 is being awarded to five projects:

    • $109,222 to Nambucca Valley Landcare to improve fish habitat and reduce risks to water quality in the Nambucca River by restoring an eroding riverbank;
    • $169,150 to OzFish Unlimited to rehabilitate an area of critical fish habitat in the Bellinger River catchment together with recreational fishers;
    • $158,000 to Rous County Council to restore 1,600m2 of complex fish habitat and a popular bass fishing destination on Bungawalbyn Creek;
    • $261,275 to Port Macquarie Hastings Council to stabilize an eroded area, improve shoreline vegetation and enable access for recreational fishers on the Hastings River estuary;
    • $59,300 to Shoalhaven City Council to complete design and plans for a living shoreline including accessible and resilient foreshore, and oyster reef restoration on the Crookhaven River.

    The grants are part of the Government’s ongoing work to grow recreational fishing opportunities by enhancing the habitats that fish need to thrive.

    Since the inception of the Flagship Grant Program in 2016, almost $3 million from the Recreational Fishing Trust has been invested in coastal aquatic habitat rehabilitation, water quality improvement and fish passage opportunities.

    Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

    “These Flagship grants allow fishing clubs, non-Government organisations and other agencies to tackle large, complex projects that will safeguard and enhance local fish habitats and recreational fisheries.

    “Improved habitat means better opportunities for fish and therefore better opportunities for recreational fishers.

    “This program is yet another excellent example of how recreational fishing fees are helping to support and improve sustainable fisheries in NSW.”

    More information on Flagship Habitat Rehabilitation Grants is available here.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Early works for Currumbin Waters intersection upgrade

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Early works are set to begin in preparation to upgrade the Currumbin Creek Road and Bienvenue Drive intersection, on the Gold Coast.

    Weather and construction conditions permitting, the early works which will include tree and vegetation clearing, and relocating water and power utilities are expected to begin later this month.

    The upgrade, which will help to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at this busy Currumbin Waters intersection, will be welcomed by local residents.

    Main works being undertaken will include:

    • The addition of a signalised left turn slip lane from Currumbin Creek Road into Bienvenue Drive.
    • Increased capacity for vehicles turning right from Bienvenue Drive into Currumbin Creek Road.
    • Extending the right turn lane into Bienvenue Drive.

    The intersection will also be made safer for pedestrians and cyclists with the addition of a new bike lane on Currumbin Creek Road and a signalised pedestrian crossing at the intersection.

    Upgrades to existing pedestrian ramps within the intersection, footpath construction and drainage improvements are also planned.

    Construction on the upgrade is expected to start in early 2025.

    The tender for construction works is being released in late 2024 and can be viewed at https://etender.hpw.qld.gov.au/.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “Across Queensland and here in Currumbin we are getting on with the job of delivering the transport infrastructure local residents need and deserve.

    “With early works starting and the upgrade expected to get underway early next year, people living in Currumbin Waters will get where they need to go safer and sooner.”

    Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:

    “The $10 million upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, showing our commitment to upgrading roads in south east Queensland.

    “Once complete this upgrade will improve safety for surrounding residents and road users.

    “These necessary upgrades may cause some disruption whilst under construction, but my department and the contractor will work with surrounding residents to ensure impacts are mitigated wherever we possibly can.

    “We would like to thank road users and the local community for their patience during these works.”

    Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland Murray Watt:

    “This intersection upgrade at Currumbin will deliver much-needed safety benefits, improve traffic flow and reduce congestion for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. It’s great to see it get underway soon.

    “The Albanese and Miles Governments are committed to significantly reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and improving road safety at this busy intersection is a great example of that commitment in action.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: FishTech visit boosts regional research collaborations

    Source: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

    Among the tour delegates was Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, His Excellency Khun Savoeun. 

    His Excellency said the visit provided an excellent opportunity for Mekong leaders to rethink water and fish management, and to expand efforts to maintain fish migration routes. 

    ‘It promoted collaboration between irrigation engineers and fishery biologists to work together on river connectivity, aiming to save both water and fish, which are essential for rural food security. 

    We learned that the integration of fishery technology into river engineering is crucial for conserving fish and saving water for multiple purposes.

    His Excellency Khun Savoeun
    Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,
     

    His Excellency said the visit also underscored the importance of leadership in environmental planning and sustainable development in his own country.  

    ‘Fish are a vital Cambodian food source, with many poor households dependent on fishing for their livelihoods. 

    ‘This program was both useful and necessary, especially for incorporating fish passage outcomes into water and development policies.’ 

    Dr Baumgartner said the visit also provided a valuable knowledge exchange for the Australian project partners.  

    ‘What was particularly interesting were design discussions and hearing how the different countries are developing policies and legislation to protect fish.’ 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Emory S. Land Departs HMAS Stirling Following Submarine Maintenance

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    HMAS STIRLING, Western Australia  –  

    The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) departed from HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, after a regularly scheduled port call, Sept. 14. HMAS Stirling was the seventh port call in Australia of Emory S. Land’s current deployment, which began May 17.

    Emory S. Land arrived at HMAS Stirling Aug. 16 with a mixed crew of active-duty and Reserve U.S. Navy Sailors, Royal Australian Navy sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners to conduct a submarine tended maintenance period (STMP) with Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776).

    “It was a great experience working with our Australian counterparts, expanding the sustainment options for U.S. SSNs while helping the Royal Australian Navy prepare for Submarine Rotational Force – West and eventually their own Virginia-class submarines,” said Capt. Brent Spillner, commanding officer of Emory S. Land. “We have a lot of very complementary aims and capabilities, and it was very rewarding to find new ways to support each other’s fleets.”

    The STMP marked a significant step toward Australia gaining the capability to operate, maintain, and support a fleet of sovereign conventionally armed SSNs, which is a central requirement in executing Pillar 1 of the AUKUS security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    During the STMP, Australian Sailors who have been attached to the submarine tender since January took the lead on conducting repairs aboard USS Hawaii. Emory S. Land also worked in conjunction with the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Support Unit-West at HMAS Stirling, which provides repair and maintenance services to the Australian fleet.

    “The work that we’ve done during the STMP is critical in demonstrating the tasks required to repair and sustain nuclear powered submarines,” said Cmdr. Calvin Hargadine, Emory S. Land’s repair officer. “The Royal Australian Navy sailors embedded with Emory S. Land were directly involved with each of the jobs accomplished during the availability, highlighting the interchangeability and proficiency of these sailors in conducting maintenance on these vessels. They became a part of our crew while they were here for over seven months and became family in a short amount of time. It is sad to see them go, but I know they’re going to be doing great things when they get back to their own fleet.”

    At the end of Emory S. Land’s port call, the Royal Australian Navy sailors bid farewell to their American counterparts and returned to their parent commands around Australia.

    “I think that the skillset that we learned and the experiences that we got will help the Royal Australian Navy in a number of ways,” said LEUT Joseph Melbin, the officer in charge of the Australian detachment aboard the submarine tender. “The biggest one is not necessarily on the technical front, but more so on the social front in terms of the connections we’ve made with the crew aboard as well as the differences that we learned from each other in the engineering systems that we use.”

    For the STMP, Melbin assumed the position as the ship’s production maintenance assistant, a vital role tasked with coordinating and communicating all major repairs performed on the submarine.

    “The Fleet Support Unit is very, very good at what they do, and it was a pleasure to work with them throughout this exchange program,” said Spillner. “LEUT Melbin and his team really took the reins and made the STMP a success, performing just as well as USN personnel who’ve been doing this work far longer. There’s already a high degree of trust and interchangeability between our navies, and I’m sure we’ll only draw closer in the future. It really is exciting to have such capable and energetic partners and to be able to more rapidly exchange new technologies and best practices with each other.”

    While with Emory S. Land, Royal Australian Navy sailors were trained within the repair department of the ship, working in varying divisions such as the hull maintenance division, electrical repair division and the ship’s mechanical repair division.

    Royal Australian Navy Able Seaman Marine Technician April Franklin commented on the goal of working side-by-side with her U.S. counterparts stating, “The main mission overall was to get as many skills and integrate as best as we could with the Emory S. Land Sailors and adapt as much as we could, and I think we’ve definitely done that. I think we went above and beyond, and exceeded.”

    Also embedded with the crew of the submarine tender were U.S. Navy Reservists. For this portion of the deployment, 66 Reservists activated and mobilized to HMAS Stirling to assist with repairs and ship husbandry.

    “I joined the Navy for a sense of service and to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Bryan Overton, one of the Reservists. “The best part of active duty was experiencing the submarine community and the camaraderie the community offers.”

    While the STMP was a pivotal part of the port call, Sailors were also able to strengthen cultural ties with the Australian public by participating in community relation events (COMREL) such as volunteering at the food bank, cleaning enclosures at a zoo, and playing sports with local organizations in order to foster collaboration and understanding between the U.S. Navy and local communities.

    “I took part in two Ronald McDonald House COMRELs, helping out by cooking in the kitchen,” said Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Sean Reese. “It is a good feeling to know that I was there to make a difference for the local kids and families in Australia. That is an experience worth doing every time.”

    While moored at HMAS Stirling, Emory S. Land also hosted a series of tours to a wide range of guests, including Prime Minister Albanese, several other cabinet members, senior military leaders including Acting Undersecretary of the U.S. Navy Thomas Mancinelli, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, and Director-General of the Australian Submarine Agency Vice Adm. Jonathan Mead, as well as a wide range of international diplomats, state and local government officials, business leaders, academics, civic groups, and media.

    “I am very proud to be able to show our medical capabilities during tours, because when people think of military medicine, they think of medics, who are more specialized, whereas Corpsmen, we can bounce back and forth between many specialties,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Oriana Winebrinner. “Showing people that we have the capabilities and training onboard to save lives was an incredibly proud moment.”

    During the previous five months, Emory S. Land conducted scheduled port calls in Darwin, Cairns, Sydney, Eden, Melbourne, and Adelaide. The ship’s Sailors had the opportunity to volunteer in the community, host tours, and repair allied nations’ ships in these cities. Emory S. Land is on deployment supporting the U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet, operating with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Emory S. Land provides expeditionary intermediate-level maintenance, services, and logistics support to deployed submarines.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for more mates to support Port Macquarie’s Sailability

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Call for more mates to support Port Macquarie’s Sailability

    Published: 24 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture

    The Port Macquarie community group, Sailability, is calling for volunteers ahead of this year’s sailing season, as the club prepares to take to the Hastings River again on Wednesday 25 September.

    Sailability is a volunteer organisation whose mission is to offer people with varying abilities freedom on the water.

    The club uses a fleet of specially designed sailing dinghies with simplified controls and enhanced stability to hold weekly sailing days for people living with physical and mental disability.

    The club received $55,920 from the NSW Government to extend its carpark and complete landscaping around its new boat shed and accessible amenities block, as well as to install six accessible picnic tables in McInherney Park.

    The not-for-profit club is the only organisation of its kind in the area and its 80 volunteers cater to approximately 60 sailors each week.

    The group provides its services at no charge, with sailors coming from disability support units at local schools in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton and Kempsey, as well as disability service providers, aged care facilities and private enquiries.

    Census statistics for show there are approximately 6,000 people with serious or profound disability in the Port Macquarie area, and the club struggles to meet the demand for its services.

    People keen to get involved in volunteering with the club can attend McInherney Park on Wednesdays between September and May to learn more, or go to www.sailabilitypm.com.au and click the Contact Us tab.

    Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

    “This fantastic community group is really making waves in terms of improving quality of life for people in the Port Macquarie area with disability.

    “It’s wonderful to see people experience a sense of achievement and improved self-confidence and self-esteem through their participation in Sailability’s program.”

    Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, Liesl Tesch* said:

    “Sailability is a beacon of hope and inclusion in Port Macquarie. By fostering a sense of belonging on the water, they’re not only enhancing the lives of people with disability but also enriching the entire community.”

    “The amazing volunteers at Sailability do such important work helping build confidence and resilience for so many people in the region each week.”

    *Liesl Tesch is a seven-time Paralympian including winning two gold medals in sailing

    Sailability Port Macquarie volunteer Rick Eller said:

    “The club has come a long way from humble beginnings when it launched in December 2012, we were using two borrowed boats at the time, we had a handful of volunteers, and we were borrowing life jackets from the SES or emergency services here in Port Macquarie.

    “The best part about working for Sailability is the expressions and the smiles when the people who’ve been sailing come back to the pontoon, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

    Sailability Port Macquarie Vice President Julie Constable said:

    “It’s extremely important that people are aware that people with a disability are very able and keen to get out into society so something like this is off great benefit to the community.”

    Case study: Vision impaired sailor – Kathryn Stephens

    Sailability Port Macquarie

    • Kathryn has been sailing with the Port Macquarie group since it began.
    • In October, Kathryn will set course for Southport to compete in the Hansa Class Asia Pacific Championships.
    • Kathryn has previously competed in the state para championships, coming second behind the world champion in the doubles.
    • She has also placed third in the Middle Harbour Yacht Club inclusive classes regatta alongside a sailing partner from another branch of Sailability.

    Quotes attributable to Kathryn Stephens:

    “Participating in sailing has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me.

    “I love the whole idea of being out on the water, the sensation and the sound and just the feel of sailing because I can’t see what I’m doing so it’s all by sound and feel, and just the freedom of being out on the water, it’s a great sensation.

    “The people come from all sorts of different backgrounds and interests and it’s just wonderful to catch up with them as well as meeting other sailing participants every week and we just have a great time and it’s a really lovely community and it’s got a really great feel about it.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Lower recent petrol prices welcome after prices moved higher in the June quarter

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    Average retail petrol prices were higher in the June quarter but have since reduced, according to the ACCC’s latest quarterly petrol monitoring report.

    In the June quarter 2024, average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth) were 196.5 cents per litre (cpl). This was an increase of 3.3 cpl from the March quarter 2024 (193.2 cpl). 

    Click to enlarge

    “The lower prices since the end of the quarter have provided some relief to many motorists around the country,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

    Average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities decreased in July and August 2024, following lower international refined petrol benchmark prices. On a monthly basis, average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities were 193.6 cpl in June 2024, and decreased by around 10 cpl to 183.7 cpl in August 2024.

    The following chart shows 7-day rolling average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities from July 2022 to August 2024.

    Seven-day rolling average retail petrol prices across the 5 largest cities in nominal terms

    Source: ACCC calculations based on data from FUELtrac and Informed Sources. 
    Notes: The grey shaded area in the chart represents the June quarter 2024. 
    The blue shaded area in the chart represents July and August 2024. 
    A 7-day rolling average price is the average of the current day’s price and prices on the 6 previous day.
     

    Among the five largest cities in the June quarter 2024, average petrol prices increased the most in Sydney (by 5.7 cpl), with average Adelaide prices decreasing by 0.7 cpl, while Brisbane’s average retail petrol prices were the highest of the five largest cities (204.8 cpl).

    Quarterly average retail petrol prices increased in Canberra, Hobart and Darwin. Average prices in Darwin were the third lowest among all eight capital cities, behind Adelaide and Perth. Quarterly average prices in Canberra were 205.1 cpl, the highest among the eight capital cities.

    The ACCC’s latest report also gives results for the financial year 2023-24. Annual average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities were 195.1 cpl in 2023-24. This was the highest on record in nominal terms and the highest in 10 years in real (inflation adjusted) terms. After adjusting for inflation, annual average prices in 2013-14 were 196.6 cpl.

    The ACCC encourages motorists to make the most of fuel price apps and websites

    In August 2024, the ACCC released a report on fuel price apps and websites and petrol price cycles in Australia, illustrating the benefits of using one of the many free fuel price apps and websites to shop around for lower fuel prices. There are more than 40 free to use fuel price apps and websites available.

    “In the current economic climate, making savings is important to many motorists. It can always be worth using a fuel price app or website to quickly check for a lower priced retailer near you before filling up,” Ms Brakey said.

    The following chart shows a range of average petrol prices by major brand in Brisbane during a petrol price cycle in the June quarter 2024. The chart also shows the levels of terminal gate prices (or indicative wholesale prices), represented by the grey shaded area.

    “There is often a range of petrol prices available across retail sites and using a fuel price app or website to find a lower priced site can result in large savings,” Ms Brakey said.

    From April to early June 2024 in Brisbane, the range of retail petrol prices between the highest and lowest priced brands was around 19 cpl on average. The range varied from as high as 42 cpl (when retail prices were increasing in the cycle) to around 9 cpl (when prices were decreasing).

    Daily average retail regular unleaded petrol prices by major brand and daily average terminal gate prices (lagged 7 days) in Brisbane

    Source: ACCC calculations based on data from the Queensland Government open data portal – Fuel price reporting 2024. 
    Notes: The grey shaded area in the chart represents average terminal gate prices in Brisbane (lagged by 7 days). 
    Retail prices are averaged across sites on a brand basis using data from the Queensland Government fuel price transparency scheme. Major retail brand means a retail brand with at least 7 retail sites under one brand that sold regular unleaded petrol. The ‘Independent’ category represents a collection of other branded and unbranded sites. Daily average retail prices are calculated from price observations at 6 hour intervals.
     

    Observing petrol price cycles in the five largest cities can also be a useful way for motorists to save on petrol. The ACCC web page – Petrol price cycles in major cities – includes up to date price charts, buying tips, and information on petrol price cycles in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. 

    “We know that because of longer petrol price cycles, motorists in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane can’t always wait for the price cycle to reach the next low point,” Ms Brakey said.

    “Where possible though, taking advantage of the low points of the cycle, and topping up or filling up before prices increase, can save money.”  

    Retail petrol price components

    The following chart shows changes in the components of average retail petrol prices in the five largest cities between the March quarter 2024 and the June quarter 2024.

    The largest components include the international price of refined petrol (Mogas 95) and excise and wholesale goods and services tax. The Australian/US dollar exchange rate can impact retail prices because international refined petrol is bought and sold in US dollars in global markets – although in the June quarter the exchange rate was relatively stable and had minimal impact on changes in average Mogas 95 prices in Australian dollar terms. 

    Other components include wholesale costs and margins (including international shipping costs and other import costs, and wholesale costs and margins) and retail costs and margins (represented by gross indicative retail differences).

    Changes in the components of average retail petrol prices across the 5 largest cities – cents per litre (cpl)

    Source: ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources, Argus Media, Ampol, bp, Mobil, Viva Energy, FuelWatch, the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Taxation Office. 
    Notes: cents per litre change from the previous quarter. 
    The excise and wholesale goods and services tax component in this chart (65.9 cpl) is different to the excise and goods and services tax (wholesale and retail) component in the bowser, shown in the ‘June quarter 2024 – Petrol snapshot’. This is because a small amount of retail goods and services tax (1.6 cpl) is included in the gross indicative retail differences component in the above chart, for consistency in reporting gross indicative retail difference figures throughout this report. 
    Total excise and goods and services tax was 67.5 cpl in the June quarter 2024, an increase of 0.6 cpl from the previous quarter.

    Gross indicative retail differences increased to slightly above pre-pandemic levels 

    Average gross indicative retail differences across the five largest cities (in aggregate) were 17.2 cpl in the June quarter 2024. This was 1.8 cpl higher than the previous quarter (15.4 cpl). Gross indicative retail differences are a broad indicator of gross retail margins (including both retail operating costs and profits).

    In the 2023-24 financial year, annual average gross indicative retail differences across the five largest cities were 16.3 cpl, slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels on a real terms (inflation-adjusted) basis. 

    The level of gross indicative retail differences is not uniform across each of the five largest cities. In the June quarter 2024, quarterly gross indicative retail differences were lowest in Adelaide (9.2 cpl) and highest in Brisbane (25.6 cpl). In 2023–24, annual average gross indicative retail differences were lowest in Perth (10.7 cpl) and highest in Brisbane (22.0 cpl).

    The ACCC will continue to closely monitor the levels of gross indicative retail differences, including the differences between cities.

    Quarterly average regional retail petrol prices were marginally higher than prices across the five largest cities

    The ACCC monitors fuel prices in all capital cities and over 190 regional locations across Australia. In the June quarter 2024, average regional retail petrol prices (regional prices) were 197.4 cpl, an increase of 3.7 cpl from the March quarter 2024. 

    Regional prices were 0.9 cpl higher than average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities (196.5 cpl).

    Diesel prices were lower in many capital cities

    Quarterly average retail diesel prices across the five largest cities were 194.5 cpl in the June quarter 2024, a decrease of 1.2 cpl from the March quarter 2024 (195.7 cpl).

    Quarterly average retail diesel prices decreased in each of the capital cities except Canberra, where prices increased by 0.8 cpl. Retail diesel prices generally followed lower international diesel benchmark prices, which accounted for the largest component of retail diesel prices.

    Petrol sales continue to remain below pre-pandemic levels 

    The volumes of regular unleaded petrol sales reduced by 2.8 per cent in the June quarter (to 2,196 million litres) and continue to remain below pre-pandemic levels.

    “As consumers are increasingly switching from combustion engine vehicles to hybrid and electric vehicles, demand for fuel has reduced. Other factors would also be influencing demand such as working from home arrangements, vehicles becoming more fuel efficient, and changes in driving habits quite possibly due to cost of living pressures,” Ms Brakey said.

    Note to editors

    ‘Petrol’ means regular unleaded petrol unless otherwise specified.

    Singapore Mogas 95 Unleaded (Mogas 95) is the relevant international benchmark for the wholesale price of petrol in Australia. Singapore Gasoil with 10 parts per million sulphur content (Gasoil 10 ppm) is the international benchmark for the wholesale price of diesel.

    Background

    The ACCC has been monitoring retail prices in all capital cities and over 190 regional locations across Australia since 2007.

    On 14 December 2022, the Treasurer issued a new direction to the ACCC to monitor the prices, costs and profits relating to the supply of petroleum products in the petroleum industry in Australia and produce a report every quarter for a further three years.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Angelica Mesiti’s The Rites of When finally makes sense of the Art Gallery of NSW’s Tank. It is worth the plane flight

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanna Mendelssohn, Honorary Senior Fellow, School of Culture and Communication. Editor in chief, Design and Art of Australia Online, The University of Melbourne

    Installation view of Angelica Mesiti ‘The Rites of When’ 2024, 7-channel digital video installation, colour, sound, approx 30 min, collection of the artist, commissioned by the Art Gallery of New South Wales for the Nelson Packer Tank, 2024
     © Angelica Mesiti, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter

    The Nelson Packer Tank, that cavernous space at the very bottom of the Art Gallery of NSW’s Naala Badu building, has been waiting for art like this.

    The former World War II oil storage tank is huge, held together by rows of structural columns. Their dominance means it is just not possible for viewers to have an unimpeded fields of vision for any art on display. Then there are the acoustics. Every sound resonates, but few carry far.

    This is a room of echoes, embedded in the dark.

    In this space Angelica Mesiti, an Australian living in France, has created The Rites of When: an event that rethinks ancient rituals of seasonal celebrations, while also marking the terrible changes wrought on our heating planet. Her tools are video, performers, music and song – all modified by the unique whispering echoes of the Tank.

    The sky, and the snow

    As the title implies, Mesiti has used the structure of Stravinski’s The rite of spring as one of the elements in her great design. But she shows a world far removed from mythical Russian peasants.

    Each of the two movements are preceded by “Celestial Nebula”, where abstract forms of light dissolve into a vision of the night sky, presented on seven giant video screens.

    This is not the sky as seen by city dwellers, where artificial light eliminates the stars, but rather the Milky Way in all its glory, with its hero stars which we call the Seven Sisters, but people in the northern hemisphere call the Pleiades.

    Installation view of Angelica Mesiti ‘The Rites of When’ 2024, 7-channel digital video installation, colour, sound, approx 30 min, collection of the artist, commissioned by the Art Gallery of New South Wales for the Nelson Packer Tank, 2024.
    © Angelica Mesiti, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter

    Mesiti has said one of her inspirations was that, when COVID came, she and her partner began to spend time away from Paris in rural France. Here she came to know the night sky, and to see both the rhythms and the realities of rural life.

    In the first movement, a dazzling starscape is gradually bleached by artificial light, which transforms into sunlight, and the viewer is looking at drone footage of a snow-capped pine forest which we then zoom through.

    The dominant columns of The Tank combine with the straight tree trunks of this plantation forest give a sense of visual ambiguity. With the all surrounding sound, it is hard to work out where the screened image ends and where the columns begin.

    Angelica Mesiti ‘The Rites of When’ 2024 (video still), 7-channel digital video installation, colour, sound, approx 30 min, collection of the artist, commissioned by the Art Gallery of New South Wales for the Nelson Packer Tank, 2024.
    © Angelica Mesiti

    A sudden shift of mood in the music, and the viewers are plunged into the middle of a Brueghel-like celebration of people dancing in the winter solstice. The colours are warm, the rustic dancers are wearing decorations made of the fruits of the field. They dance around a bonfire made from wooden planks, they form a procession with an effigy of a horned beast, stuffed with fireworks.

    The fireworks and the dancers become a frenzy of ever increasing movement of rhythmic sound which explodes into dazzling white silence.

    Capturing the summer solstice

    When she was discussing The Rites of When at the media preview, Mesiti casually mentioned how hard it had been to film the snowy forest as, for the first time ever, winter was so mild it hardly snowed at all on the pine plantations of the Jura Mountains.

    Global heating added an extra element when filming the summer solstice.

    At first the viewer sees the seven screens as giant patterns of gold, marked by elegant patterns of vertical lines. Perspective changes when a tiny toy moving up one of the screens is revealed to be a harvester. This is a drone’s eye view of a wheat harvest in modern industrial scale farming. As the fields are slowly stripped of their crop, a puff of smoke appears, then a line of fire, and the gold is steadily eaten away to become charcoal.

    Installation view of Angelica Mesiti ‘The Rites of When’ 2024, 7-channel digital video installation, colour, sound, approx 30 min, collection of the artist, commissioned by the Art Gallery of New South Wales for the Nelson Packer Tank, 2024.
    © Angelica Mesiti, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter

    This was not planned. Europe was so hot and dry last June that a single spark from a harvester grinding a stray stone turned the wheat to ash. Monoculture, so effectively described by those endless flat golden fields, has no defence against nature.

    The mood of the music changes and golden smoke covering the wheat dissolves into golden light. A small, solemn procession appears and moves across each screen in turn. They elevate each member in turn, in a quiet ritual performance.

    The colours of the background change with their movement– from gold, to red, to purple, to blue. As they reach the last screen the blue fades to grey, to rain.

    In the silence, a single hand on a single screen snaps fingers. On the other side of the room, another responds. Now there is a rhythmic orchestra clicking, clapping and slapping – ever faster, ever louder. The hands become dancers, moving in a wild ecstatic dance of increasing intensity, as the bodies are caught up with the music and the light.

    Angelica Mesiti ‘The Rites of When’ 2024 (video still), 7-channel digital video installation, colour, sound, approx 30 min, collection of the artist, commissioned by the Art Gallery of New South Wales for the Nelson Packer Tank, 2024.
    © Angelica Mesiti

    In her notes, Mesiti calls this section “Ecstatic Collectivity”. It seems an apt description.

    At the very end, Mesiti returns us to the pure colours of the Celestial Nebula. Perhaps she is saying the folly of humanity may change the moods of the earth, but the stars will endure forever.

    The Rites of When lasts just over 30 minutes. Because it is so dependent on its location, this is a piece that cannot travel. It is worth the price of an air fare.

    The Rites of When is at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, until May 11 2025.

    Joanna Mendelssohn has in the past received funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Angelica Mesiti’s The Rites of When finally makes sense of the Art Gallery of NSW’s Tank. It is worth the plane flight – https://theconversation.com/angelica-mesitis-the-rites-of-when-finally-makes-sense-of-the-art-gallery-of-nsws-tank-it-is-worth-the-plane-flight-239599

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –