Category: housing

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Better Care for Mental Health Patients Under Major Reforms
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Mental Health Act reformed to improve treatment of patients and address disparities
Outdated Mental Health Act modernised to better support patients, treat them more humanely, and address disparities

Reforms will introduce statutory care and treatment plans, end the use of police and prison cells to place people experiencing a mental health crisis, and end the inappropriate detention of autistic people and people with learning disabilities

Greater involvement of patients, families and carers will improve treatment whilst protecting patients, staff and the wider public

New laws will give patients sectioned under the Mental Health Act more dignity and say over their care in long-awaited updates to be introduced in Parliament today (Wednesday, 6 November).

Currently, outdated laws do not meet modern standards and fail to give patients an adequate voice. For example, individuals experiencing severe mental illness can be placed in police cells, and the law automatically gives a patient’s nearest relative – rather than the person of their choosing such as a partner – a say in decisions about their care.

Black people are over three times more likely to be detained under the Act, whilst those with a learning disability and autistic people are also found to be inappropriately sectioned. Patients currently have little say over their care and treatment should they be detained, or over who should be involved in making decision related to their care, such as family members and carers.

The new Mental Health Bill addresses the significant changes in attitudes towards mental illness since the original Act was passed, recognising outdated laws around the treatment of people in a mental health crisis are no longer tolerable. Modernising the Bill was a manifesto commitment and will reform the existing Mental Health Act to make it fit for purpose, improving patients’ experiences of hospital and mental health outcomes, while also introducing stronger protections for patients, staff and the general public.

This includes making it a legal requirement for each patient to have ‘care and treatment plans’ tailored and shaped by their individual needs that will make clear what is needed to progress them to discharge. The Bill will also give patients the right to elect a person to represent their interests and greater access to advocacy when they are detained. Together, these reforms will make it more likely for patients to stay in contact with health services and continue to engage with treatment.

As well as ensuring patients have a voice in their care, the reforms also recognise the critical role that families and carers can play in keeping patients safe – providing insight and knowledge of a patient’s wishes and preferences and an understanding of what keeps them safe – including when a patient is too unwell to express this themselves. The Bill will strengthen the rights of families and carers through changes to the Nominated Person role, and require clinicians to consult with others close to the patient as they make decisions around their care where appropriate or where the patient wishes.

Police and prison cells will also no longer be used to place people experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as creating more space for police forces to hold criminal suspects. Instead, patients will be supported to access a suitable healthcare facility that will better support their needs.

The Mental Health Act is vital to keeping people safe when necessary. It will continue to provide clinicians with the powers to admit and treat people if they become a risk to themselves or others.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:

Our outdated mental health system is letting down some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and is in urgent need of reform.

The treatment of autistic people and people with learning disabilities, and the way in which black people are disproportionately targeted by the act should shame us all.

By bringing the Mental Health Act in line with the 21st Century, we will make sure patients are treated with dignity and respect and the public are kept safe.

Safety is paramount, which is why the Bill also includes measures to ensure patients, staff and the general public are better protected. The Bill will improve decision making around detention, discharge, care and treatment. As part of this, the Bill will introduce a new requirement for the Responsible Clinician to consult another person before they discharge a patient. Increased access to second opinion doctors will help ensure care is appropriate, compassionate and effective. Discharge processes will also be reviewed more broadly and will include a safety management plan for the patient, to keep themselves and other safe.

Claire Murdoch, NHS National Mental Health Director, said:

This new Mental Health Act is a once in a generation opportunity to ensure that patients experiencing serious mental illness and crises receive safe, modern, evidence-based care, and that the needs and wishes of patients and their loved ones are central to care and better mental health outcomes.

This comes alongside the NHS’s work to transform mental health services – either through intervening earlier with hundreds of NHS teams working in schools, or trialling new 24/7 crisis mental health hubs to prevent people needing hospital care in the first place, and if an admission to hospital is needed the health service is working with local services to ensure this is delivered in a safe and therapeutic environment close to people’s homes.

Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons and Probation, said:

This Bill will rightly end the use of prison cells for people who need care under the Mental Health Act and ensure they get the urgent specialist help they need.

It will also mean prisoners requiring mental health hospital treatment are transferred quicker, and builds on our ongoing work to ensure prisons make better citizens and not better criminals.

Whilst there have been decreases in the number of detentions from 2021/22 and 2022/23, latest data from NHS England shows an increase in 2023/24 with 22,000 people subject to the Act as of September.

An independent review of the Mental Health Act, chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely, President of the Royal Society of Medicine, and commissioned by former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2017, found rising rates of detention under the Act, racial disparities, poor patient experience especially for autistic people and those with a learning disability.

For those with a learning disability or autistic people, the Act will be amended to place a limit of 28 days for which they can be detained unless they have a co-occuring mental health condition.

Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Chair of the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act, said:

I am delighted that at long last a new Mental Health Act bill is to go before Parliament. No one doubts that it is time to modernise our legislation, in order to achieve the goal of reducing coercion and increasing choice for those who suffer from the most severe mental illnesses.

Our reforms will achieve that by ensuring better treatment and discharge planning with more family involvement, replacing outdated Victorian rules, and by reforming community treatment orders tackle unacceptable ethnic differences. Most of all ensuring that more attention is given to patient preferences will improve compliance with essential treatment, reduce coercion, whilst still protecting the public where necessary.

Reforms in the Mental Health Bill aim to improve patient experiences, choice and autonomy as well as tackling racial discrimination and better supporting those with learning disabilities.

This includes:

Increase the frequency of clinical reviews, to better ensure that the treatment patients receive is appropriate

Update the use of Community Treatment Orders, so that they are only used when appropriate and proportionate

Limit the length of time that people with a learning disability and/or autistic people can be detained under the Act, if they do not have a co-occurring mental disorder that needs hospital treatment and have not committed a criminal offence

End the use of police and prison cells for detaining someone experiencing a mental health crisis instead of getting them access to a facility where they can get the proper support, such as a hospital

Speed up transfers from prison to hospital by limiting the time it can take to transfer prisoners who need treatment in a mental health hospital to a maximum of 28 days

The action follows the introduction of one of the world’s first all-hours mental health crisis support service in August through NHS 111. The government also announced £26 million will be invested to open new mental health crisis centres as part of last week’s Budget, with extra funding also secured to provide talking therapies to an extra 380,000 patients.

For people who need support at A&E, every emergency department in England now also has a liaison psychiatric team available to offer specialist care.

A full list of mental health support options is available via the NHS.uk website. The service is also suitable for deaf people, with tailored services available via the NHS 111 website.

Commenting on the announcement, Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation, said:

These long overdue updates to the Mental Health Act cannot come soon enough. People need support that reflects our modern understanding of how to help and care for people during a mental health crisis – not our understanding four decades ago. The original version of the Act has driven racial disparities, stripped those who are sectioned of their humanity in a wholly unnecessary way, and all too often made crises worse.

We particularly welcome reforms to give greater say to patients, such as granting people with severe mental health problems more control over who makes decisions for them during a crisis, banning the use of police cells as ‘places of safety’ for people experiencing a crisis, and addressing the inappropriate use of Community Treatment Orders, which Black people were 11 times more likely to receive. We will look to work with the Department of Health and Social Care over the next weeks and months to help shape the Mental Health Bill and put dignity at the heart of how our public services support people experiencing a mental health crisis.

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive, Rethink Mental Illness, said:

People tell us that the Mental Health Act has saved their life, but that the experience was horrendous. It is hard to fathom that when people are at their most unwell they are still routinely placed in prison cells, have no say in who is appointed as their nearest relative and have so little involvement in their treatment.

Reform of this vital legislation is long overdue, and today marks another important step towards the reality of a Mental Health Act fit for the 21st century. Reform should help ensure people are with dignity and respect, and help to protect us all.

We hope the Bill is given careful passage through Parliament so it can be swiftly implemented, and bring improvements for the thousands of people who are detained under the act every year.

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Published 6 November 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tis nearly the season again – beware of your parcels being pinched

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Sergeant Rowan Steenkamp, Wellington Prevention Coordinator.

We’re heading into the busiest time of year for postal deliveries and Police want to remind everyone to do what they can to stop parcel theft.

Coming into Christmas there are more parcels being delivered, and more chance for your presents to be stolen.

Thieves will take any opportunity to steal, and parcels left on front doorsteps or in apartment building common areas are an easy target.

Our advice is:

• Get packages delivered to a place where someone will be home to receive them, or to a work address.

• If you do have deliveries made to your home, make sure you’re going to be home to sign for them, or have a secure location where they can be left.

• Make sure your delivery instructions are clear, and ask for packages not to be placed at your front door, or on top of an apartment building post box.

• If you’re not going to be home when the parcel is delivered, arrange to collect your parcel from the depot, or have the parcel redirected to the address of someone you trust.

• Be smart when disposing of packaging, so passers-by can’t see what you’ve been buying.

• Report any suspicious behaviour to Police – e.g. if you see a car following a courier van, or an unexpected visitor knocks on your door asking for someone you don’t know.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Republican Kimberlyn King-Hinds wins delegate race in CNMI

By Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent

Kimberlyn King-Hind, from the CNMI Republican Party, won the race for the CNMI’s lone non-voting delegate in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The delegate position was one of 61 races up for grabs in the 2024 CNMI general elections.

The former Commonwealth Ports Authority chairwoman and lawyer from Tinian received 4931 votes (40.34 percent) of total ballots cast.

Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands’ candidate Edwin Propst finished second, 864 votes behind with 4067 (33.27 percent).

Independent candidates John Oliver Gonzales, James Rayphand, and Liana Hofschneider gained 2282, 665, and 280 votes, respectively.

Even before the results of the 2024 general elections were certified about 5.20am on Wednesday, Propst conceded defeat and congratulated King-Hinds in a social media post.

“Congratulations to Kim King-Hinds, delegate-elect. I wish you the very best,” he wrote.

“To my amazing committee, I cannot thank you enough for your hard work and support. To our supporters, thank you for your votes, messages of support, donations, and kindness. To Daisy and Kiana, Devin, Kaden, and Logan, I love you more than anything in this world. Thank you for always being there for me,” he added.

Kimberlyn King-Hinds . . . congratulated by her Democratic opponent. Image: RNZ Pacific

Other electoral results
In other races, Senate President Edith DeLeon Guerrero, who ran as an independent, lost her Saipan seat to Representative Manny Castro of the Democratic Party, as the latter took 52.89 percent of the votes (5178) compared to the former’s 43 percent (4210).

For Tinian, incumbent Senator Karl King-Nabors of the GOP ran unopposed and was elected in by 803 voters.

Incumbent and longtime Senator Paul Manglona, meanwhile, lost his Senate post to fellow independent Ronnie Mendiola Calvo, 476-441.

There was not much shakeup in the House of Representatives races, as only incumbent Vicente Camacho, a Democrat, among the incumbents lost his seat. Newcomers in the incoming lower house include Elias Rangamar, Daniel Aquino, and Raymond Palacios — all independents.

Associate Judge Teresita Kim-Tenorio was also retained, receiving 9909 “yes” votes (84.21 percent) compared to 1858 (15.79 percent) “no” votes.

The US territory also elected members of the CNMI Board of Education and councillors for the municipal councils for Saipan, the Northern Islands, Tinian, and Rota.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: (WIP) Investing in WA: energy reforms in the Pilbara—unpacking the North-West Interconnected System
Source: Allens Insights

Decarbonising the Pilbara region 8 min read

The North-West Interconnected System (NWIS) has become a central focus of the WA Government’s energy sector reform agenda in recent years. Since the introduction of the Pilbara Regime in July 2021, a series of additional reforms have been set in motion.

These reforms reflect the WA Government’s recognition that decarbonisation of the Pilbara region is key to its net zero target. In line with this vision, Energy Policy WA (EPWA) has developed the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan (PET Plan), which invites private sector involvement in developing new, common-use transmission infrastructure, known as Priority Projects.

In this Insight, we explore current and proposed reforms, highlighting opportunities for developers and investors to drive decarbonisation in the Pilbara region.

Key takeaways
- The pace of reforms to the NWIS has been rapid, with an ambitious policy agenda going forward.
- The WA Government is strongly focused on decarbonising the Pilbara region, seeking to leverage significant Federal Government support.
- The PET Plan, particularly Priority Projects, has the potential to significantly transform the NWIS and transmission infrastructure in the region. This presents opportunities for industrial load and heavy industry to decarbonise their operations and increase renewable energy consumption.
- The proposed reforms to the NWIS present a key opportunity for development and investment in transmission infrastructure.
What is the NWIS?

The NWIS consists of a series of interconnected electricity transmission, distribution and generation assets in the Pilbara region. It supplies major mining and heavy industrial customers, coastal towns such as Karratha and Port Hedland, and some remote communities. However, it should be noted that many industrial facilities and communities in the region rely on remote generation, such as stand-alone power systems and microgrids, which are not connected to the NWIS.

The NWIS market does not operate through a central dispatch mechanism; rather, electricity is generated either for self-supply or contracted under bilateral agreements. There are three registered network service providers, APA, Horizon Power and Rio Tinto (NSPs), each operating a vertically integrated business, participating in electricity generation, supply, and in some cases provision of essential system services and retail supply.

Pilbara ISOCo Limited (Pilbara ISOCo) oversees NWIS operations as the independent system operator including administering the energy balancing and related settlement process. The role of Pilbara ISOCo reflects an administrative system operator model, designed to align with the ‘light-handed’ regulatory regime that applies to the NWIS. Under this model, Pilbara ISOCo performs a series of core functions, while the registered NSPs retain significant control over other system-related functions and operations, in contrast to other electricity networks in Australia such as the Wholesale Electricity Market and the National Electricity Market. The NSPs are also members of Pilbara ISOCo.

How did we get here?

Prior to July 2021, the NWIS operated primarily under informal or bilateral agreements between NSPs. It developed in a somewhat ad hoc manner, as energy companies and industrial facilities invested in generation for self-supply. There was no central planning or coordination framework—each NSP was generally responsible for functions such as system security on an autonomous basis, with no independent system operator in place.

After a series of consultations on the potential for regulatory reform, the WA Government determined there was a need for a formal framework for the NWIS and subsequently announced the Pilbara Regime. The regime would consist of a suite of reforms aimed at addressing, among other things, access and more centrally coordinated system operations. These substantive reforms took effect on 1 July 2021.

Pilbara Regime

Key regulatory instruments

Part 8A of the Electricity Industry Act 2004 (WA) (EIA) sets out the overarching framework for the Pilbara Regime. Amendments to the EIA were recently passed and, once in effect, the Pilbara electricity objective will expressly acknowledge the need to invest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions for electricity services.

The Electricity Industry (Pilbara Networks) Regulations 2021 recognised Pilbara ISOCo as the independent system operator and allowed the Minister to establish the initial Pilbara Network Rules (PNR). The PNR, which includes the Harmonised Technical Rules (HTR), governs the operations of the NWIS, connection standards and approval processes, as well as system security and reliability measures. There have been two rule changes amending the PNR to date, and the Pilbara Advisory Committee (PAC)—which consists of industry representatives—advises the EPWA coordinator on rule change proposals.

The HTR set out technical design and operation requirements for systems and equipment connected to the NWIS. Horizon Power, as a NSP, also has its own set of technical rules which apply to those who connect to its network.

Pilbara ISOCo also develop procedures in accordance with the PNR which outline specific requirements for the processes set out in the PNR. The procedures are currently being developed on an interim basis and can be accessed here.

The Pilbara Networks Access Code (PNAC) regulates access and connection to the NWIS by outlining the requirements for ‘covered’ networks, which are subject to rules on ringfencing, tariffs and access disputes. The PNAC was modelled on part of the National Gas Rules, which similarly include access provisions for pipelines. The Minister for Energy may decide a network is covered if a person makes an application or an NSP may opt in to become a covered network. Horizon Power and APA’s networks are covered under the PNAC and are required to publish access information as part of their obligations.

Pilbara Roundtable

The Pilbara Industry Roundtable (Roundtable) was formed by the WA Government in August 2022, with a broad membership from industry stakeholders in the NWIS and the Pilbara more generally.

The Roundtable released a communiqué in July 2023, supporting the development of common-use transmission infrastructure to support the growth of renewable generation and decarbonisation. The Roundtable agreed that any new infrastructure should empower Traditional Owners and expressed their support for regulatory reform to the Pilbara Regime to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose during the energy transition.

Where are we now?

The consensus goals contained in the Roundtable communiqué form the basis of the PET Plan. The PET Plan aims to increase the scale of renewable generation in the region and facilitate the decarbonisation of the Pilbara to meet the WA Government’s net zero target. The WA Government has placed a strong emphasis on involving Traditional Owners and their communities in this process, including benefit sharing and minimising disturbance to country as the PET Plan is implemented.

Priority Projects

The flagship policy outlined in the PET Plan is the development of new, common-use transmission infrastructure, to be built in priority transmission corridors known as Priority Projects. On 13 September 2024, EPWA opened an expression of interest (EOI) process for developing Priority Projects in two corridors in East Pilbara (Hamersley Range and the Great Sandy Desert), and two corridors in West Pilbara (Burrup (Murujuga) and Chichester Range). Construction within these corridors aims to connect current and potential loads, such as strategic industrial areas, and to provide access to areas that will be favourable for future renewable energy projects connecting to the Priority Project. EPWA envisages that Priority Projects may form part of an expansion of the NWIS. The EOI deadline closed on 25 October 2024, and it is anticipated that the EOIs and ongoing regulatory reviews will help develop the design elements to facilitate the PET Plan, such as how charges for ‘wheeling’ electricity through various transmission assets will apply.

In August 2023, the Federal Government committed $3 billion from the Rewiring the Nation fund to WA to assist in the investment in new and upgraded transmission infrastructure. Funding from Rewiring the Nation is provided as concessional finance from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. This may trigger significant reform and investment in both the NWIS and the South-West Interconnected System. The WA Government has made clear it will recommend Priority Projects for obtaining this funding, although this does not guarantee that Priority Projects will be successful in obtaining Rewiring the Nation funding.

Where are we going?

In April 2025, the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) will commence its statutory review of the Pilbara Regime, which is required on the fifth anniversary of the Pilbara Regime coming into force (the Five-yearly Review). The aim of the Five-yearly Review is for the ERA to determine whether the Pilbara Regime is meeting the Pilbara electricity objective, which is being updated. If the ERA finds that the Pilbara electricity objective is not being met, it is to make recommendations for reform in its report, which is due no later than April 2026. The report is then laid before Parliament within six months of receipt by the Minister, who must prepare a response.

EPWA is currently reviewing the PNR with the support of the Evolution of the Pilbara Networks Rules Working Group established by the PAC. The objective of the Evolution of the Pilbara Networks Rules review project (EPNR Project) is to ensure that the PNR and HTR effectively enable and facilitate the planned rapid decarbonisation of the Pilbara region, as well as the shift from thermal sources to renewable generation (ie solar and wind) and storage in the NWIS. EPWA has acknowledged that the reforms surrounding the regulatory regime create mixed signals for potential investors and, as such, has implemented a staggered approach to reviewing the PNR to support early investment decisions. EPWA and the PAC are proposing to present a final implementation plan in February 2025.

The EOI for the PET Plan anticipates that changes to the PNAC will be progressed under sections 120H to 120J of the EIA to ensure the PNAC can support Priority Projects. The EOI flags a review of potential changes related to managing vertical integration, the priority regime for constrained versus unconstrained access and access price regulation. It is expected that EPWA will take the lead on this review and any proposed changes will need to be made available by the Minister for public comment.

As the Pilbara regime contemplates coordination between the NSPs and between the NSPs and Pilbara ISOCo, Pilbara ISOCO sought ACCC authorisation for the parties to engage in this conduct. Currently, the regime is exempt from competition law requirements under the Electricity Industry (Pilbara Networks) Regulations 2021 (WA). This exemption expires in November 2024, and the ACCC authorisation is intended to apply beyond that expiry.

The ACCC considered the public benefits associated with the Pilbara regime and the coordination between NSPs and Pilbara ISOCo to facilitate system security, outage coordination and technical connection standards functions. Within that consideration, the ACCC is balancing any potential public detriments, such as those arising from NSPs sharing information.

In a Draft Determination released in September 2024, the ACCC proposed to grant authorisation for a three-year period, subject to conditions to limit the scope of coordination and information sharing and enhance governance controls. The ACCC’s final determination is due by 20 December 2024, following further consultation. The ACCC process has acknowledged the ongoing reform process underway—including the EPNR Project—noting that a three-year authorisation should provide sufficient time for that reform process to take place.

Key considerations
- Access, approvals and operational constraints applying to the NWIS remain challenging when developing new projects. However, there is political support for removing these barriers, so developers should stay informed about the latest updates.
- The infrastructure investment required for achieving the energy transition presents opportunities for developers, Traditional Owners, the local workforce and local contractors.
MIL OSI News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Make the most of managing your medical, food, cash and child care benefits

Source: US State of Oregon

ealth insurance open enrollment starts Nov. 1, 2024. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is expecting an increase in calls to our ONE Customer Service Center (800-699-9075). This may mean longer wait times. We know this can be frustrating, but we want you to know that there are several ways to make getting assistance with your benefits easier and faster. Here are some tips that you can use during open enrollment and year-round:

1. Download the Oregon ONE Mobile app

With the Oregon ONE Mobile app, you can manage your benefits on the go, including checking messages, application status, and more. And the best part? It’s free! Find download links at benefits.oregon.gov and handle most of your benefit needs from your smartphone.

2. Check your application status online or in-app

If you need to know the status of your application for medical, food, cash, or child care benefits, you don’t have to wait on hold. Simply log into your ONE Online account at benefits.oregon.gov or check the Oregon ONE Mobile app. Remember – each household only needs one application, so check your household’s application status instead of submitting another!

3. Having tech troubles?

We have a dedicated tech support line – so no need to wait in the ONE Customer Service Center line. Call 833-978-1073 to get help quickly. They are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

4. Find an office near you

Prefer face-to-face assistance? ODHS has local offices across Oregon, and our staff is ready to help you with benefit questions. You can find the office closest to you by visiting bit.ly/ODHSoffices.

5. Gather your documents in advance

Before you apply, make sure to have documents ready to verify your income, expenses, and other household details. This helps speed up the application process! Some situations may require additional documents like ID, citizenship (U.S. citizens) or immigration status (non-U.S. citizens). Check out this checklist for more information about what documents you may need.

6. Try calling in the morning

While we expect the ONE Customer Service Center (800-699-9075) to be busy during open enrollment, in general, call wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m. Pacific Time.

7. Stay on top of your messages

You may receive messages about your benefits that need your prompt attention. Read and respond to these messages through your ONE Online account or on the Oregon ONE Mobile app to stay up-to-date. Having trouble viewing messages? Update Adobe Reader or Acrobat, or call tech support at 833-978-1073 if you need further assistance.

8. Providing proof of benefits

Need to show proof of your benefits? No need to call in! You can access eligibility notices in your ONE Online account or through the Oregon ONE Mobile app’s Message Center.

9. Lost or stolen Oregon Trail (EBT) Card?

If you lose your EBT card, report it immediately. Call 855-328-6715 during business hours (Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time) to cancel and request a new card. Outside business hours, call 888-997-4447 to freeze your account and protect your benefits 24/7.

Navigating benefits can be stressful. But hopefully by following these tips, you can get the assistance you need efficiently – even during high call volume times. Visit benefits.oregon.gov for more information and to explore all your options.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: How does a jury reach a conclusion? A new SBS show painstakingly recreates details to take us behind the scenes

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xanthe Mallett, Forensic Criminologist, University of Newcastle

SBS

Juries are the bedrock of common law, and have been used for centuries to decide factual issues before the court.

Jury research has for years attempted to improve our understanding of how jurors reach a conclusion, both individually and as a collective. But we have very little understanding of how each specific case is decided: in Australia, jurors are banned from discussing their deliberations outside of the jury room.

Predicting the jury’s decision in criminal matters is impossible: the whole system remains totally opaque. This has been evident in a very high-profile case just this year, when a very surprising decision was handed down; I would love to be able to pick that one apart.

A new show by SBS attempts to demystify the process. The Jury: Death on the Staircase follows the deliberations of 12 jurors as they listen to nine days’ worth of evidence in a real, concluded manslaughter case.

Observing the trial, and the jury

The names, dates, locations and images from the original case have been changed to make sure the jurors could not look up the result, and to protect the individuals involved in the real trial. These changes could, of course, alter the jury’s decision-making process.

Actors are used to re-enact the trial, using transcripts of the original case to simulate the real trial as closely as possible. The jurors are everyday Australians who volunteered to take part in this experiment.

The case revolves around the death of a man who was found at the bottom of a staircase, in the home he shared with his male partner.

Other factors the jury attaches relevance to are the 20-year age gap between the deceased and the younger accused man, and the accused is Asian.

We hear the pre-trial thoughts and motivations of the jurors, and some of the biases and prejudices start to show early on.

As the trial unfolds, specific aspects of the accused’s personality impress different members of the jury – some finding points of commonality that encourage them to be very sympathetic, others highly sceptical of his innocence. This seems less based on the evidence being heard, and instead reflects directly the personality and life experience of the juror.

The jurors, like a real jury, come from all walks of life, educational backgrounds, sexualities and ancestral groups. There are some big, dominant voices, as well as others who are much quieter and more circumspect.

What surprised me while watching was that many of the impressions the jury discuss – and their interpretations of them – aren’t based on the evidence at all. They’re watching the accused, trying to get a read on his guilt or innocence from his body language, where he looks at certain times.

None of them are body language experts, but they seem to think they can reliably extrapolate how he is feeling from observing him.

Some of them also speculate wildly as to what could have happened, and why.
If that’s what real jurors do, that’s worrying.

I have some questions

It’s hard to know how closely the producers mirrored the original case: was it a homosexual relationship, was there a large age gap, was the accused Asian?

These factors are important, because the jury puts weight on them and hypothesises with these in mind.

Another big question for me was how they chose the members of the jury. Was it random? If it was, they do not reflect the personalities of the original jurors and it is very clear that personality and life experience were heavily influential in each person’s response to the case.

The question was asked by one of the jurors: what if they reach a different conclusion than the original, genuine jury? What would that mean for the accused?

My sense was they were wondering if they found him not guilty of manslaughter, would that have any legal implication.

The answer is no.

It’s impossible to truly replicate a case. I would even suggest the same jury could reach a different conclusion at a different time, depending on what had happened in their lives recently and other external factors. Regardless of what result this jury reached, it could not hurt or help the real accused person.

But it is certainly an interesting program, and will give the viewer an insight into what factors most influence jurors.

It might also scare them slightly. We like to think juries make their decision based on the evidence put before them, but that does not appear to be the case, at least certainly not early on in the trial process.

The jurors focused on how the accused lived their life, and judged him accordingly – both positively and negatively. The scientist in me feels that it would be great to repeat this experience, to see if the same or a different result was achieved under these, somewhat controlled conditions.

I’d also love to see more access to real jurors, post decision: that is the only true way to gauge their thoughts and impressions as they work through a case. But as that is unlikely, this series is as close as we’ll get. It is worth a watch if you’re interested in how juries reach their – sometimes apparently inexplicable – decisions.

The Jury: Death on the Staircase is on SBS and SBS On Demand from today.

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

– ref. How does a jury reach a conclusion? A new SBS show painstakingly recreates details to take us behind the scenes – https://theconversation.com/how-does-a-jury-reach-a-conclusion-a-new-sbs-show-painstakingly-recreates-details-to-take-us-behind-the-scenes-242114

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: World Urban Forum participants praise China’s efforts to promote urban greening

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

CAIRO, Nov. 5 — Participants at the 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Egypt on Tuesday spoken highly of the Chinese experience in promoting green cities.

“The Chinese steps towards urban greening, with much focus on promoting the concept of nature in cities, are noticeable,” said Simon Borelli, urban forestry officer and coordinator of Green Cities Initiatives Forestry Division of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

“Looking at recreating natural ecosystems, and not just rows of trees and plantations, is an essential step forward for making cities more resilient and more prepared for climate change,” he added, stressing that China has been working on building park cities with a more holistic view.

Noting China’s focus on improving urban living, the coordinator said its experience could benefit Africa, home to the largest number of developing countries.

Shi Nan, secretary general of the Urban Planning Society of China, said, “We are trying to share our experiences and also the lessons regarding sustainable development.”

“The city is not only … a settlement for people, but also the home for animals, forest, trees, and grasses,” he said.

Regarding Egypt’s urban development, Shi said he was impressed by Egypt’s rich civilization, which has played a significant role in the country’s urban growth.

There is significant potential for cooperation between China and Egypt, both of which boast ancient civilizations, he added.

Co-organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Egyptian government, the WUF12 commenced on Monday and will continue until Friday.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Home-based ECE care made easier

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government is cutting red tape in the ECE sector to help make it easier for providers to operate and offer more options to families looking for home-based education and care for their children.

“I have heard from providers that some of the red tape around home-based ECE care is too onerous and makes them spend too much time on compliance,” says Mr Seymour.

“While there is huge demand for ECEs, numbers show supply isn’t keeping up. That is why we are committed to making changes which will allow the industry to expand and continue to provide high-quality service for families and their children.

Current regulations require 60 percent of educators working for a home-based provider to hold a Level 4 ECE qualification. The remaining 40 percent can be anyone, whether they are working towards their qualification or not, in no particular ratio.

“Plans to increase the requirement to 80 percent of educators at the start of 2025 have been scrapped. It would have been burdensome for providers and make it difficult for those wanting to enter the profession by limiting opportunities. This also harms the prospects of industry growth, which providers want,” says Mr Seymour.

“We’ve listened to providers and added flexibility to the equation. From 1 January 2025 the qualified educator requirement will be removed all together and replaced with a requirement that 100 percent of educators are either fully qualified, or in training to be fully qualified, within six months of their employment.

“This means providers can more easily maintain the balance between qualified and in-training educators, reducing the possibility of closure. For smaller providers, the difference between compliance and non-compliance could be one qualified educator. This is the difference between a child being able to access education or not.

From 1 January 2025, the standard funding rate will no longer apply. All services will receive one single funding rate set at the current quality funding rate. This will become the new base rate for licensed home-based services regardless of how many qualified educators they have in their service.

“To further increase flexibility, we are allowing home-based persons responsible (often referred to as visiting teachers or coordinators) to work in more than two licensed ECE services per month,” says Mr Seymour.

“These changes, which I expect to be made by the end of this year, are part of our effort to reduce red tape in the early learning sector. Alongside these changes the Ministry for Regulation is conducting a regulatory review of the ECE sector as a whole.”

Note to editors:

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Diwali celebrations light up Sydney

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Published: 6 November 2024

Released by: Minister for Multiculturalism

Whether it’s in Harris Park or Riverstone, Merrylands or the MCA, Diwali celebrations are taking over Sydney.

Last night the NSW Government hosted the annual Diwali celebration at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The event provided multicultural leaders from across NSW a chance for to come together and celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Also known as Deepavali, the festival is of great significance to the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities.

The lights represent the lifting of spiritual darkness and the renewal of life. It is a time spent with family and friends, praying for health, knowledge and peace.

In recognition of Diwali and its timeless message, the Sydney Opera House’s iconic sails were bathed in gold last night as part of the celebrations.

Participants wear colourful clothes, decorate their homes and exchange gifts and sweets.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Wherever you go in NSW you can find the positive impact in our lives made by the Indian diaspora.”

“The ideals of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and light over darkness are messages that everyone can embrace.”

“By sharing in this celebration, we can all join together, foster greater understanding and keep our communities strong.”

MIL OSI News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: US presidential election holds high stakes for Pacific relations

PMN Pacific Mornings

With Election Day for one of the most consequential United States presidential races in recent history underway, Pasifika communities on both sides of the Pacific Ocean are considering how a new administration could impact US-Pacific relations.

Roy Tongilava, a public policy professional and Pacific community advocate in the United States, hopes to see improved US-Pacific relations under either a Harris or Trump administration.

“I’m not an expert in foreign affairs, but my hope would be that either a presidency under Harris or under Trump would continue to build those relations, to build those investments, to really help not only combat climate change but also to really aid in the Pacific development, which is inherently connected to what I believe is the Pacific Islander American experience,” he said.

Pacific commentators Roy Tongilava (left) and Christian Malietoa-Brown . . . interviewed by Pacific Media Network’s Pacific Mornings programme. Image: PMN

New Zealand political commentator and former chair of the National Party’s Pacific Blues group, Christian Malietoa-Brown, is backing Donald Trump in the presidential race.

He says the Pacific is caught in a “tug-of-war” between major powers like the US and China, with Australia playing an increasingly significant role.

“For me, I think in terms of long-term investment, Trump likes to prevent war by showing strength . . . I think they [the US] will strategically put some investments here just because they don’t want China running around too much in this area for defence reasons.

“Under the Biden administration, we saw record investment down this way in the Pacific region, obviously to try and push away China’s influence in the region,” Malietoa-Brown says.

Picking a big player
“So you have China, you have America, you have Russia, you have India that’s coming up big,” Malietoa-Brown said.

“And if I had to pick a big player to be in charge of the world, I would pretty much stick to America as it is right now, because that’s the devil we know, rather than someone else that we don’t know. And that’s probably purely a selfish thing.”

Tongilava agrees that the Joe Biden administration has been positive for the Pacific region in terms of investment.

“The Biden administration has pumped record investment into the Pacific to a number of things, infrastructure, education, all of that. Ultimately, though, to try and cool off and push away China’s advances towards this region.

“We’ve seen Vice-President Harris during her time as Vicep-President really commit to climate change as well as building relations within the Pacific region,” he said.

Education concerns
For Tongilava, who is part of the South Pacific Islander Organization (SPIO), a nonpartisan non-profit organisation that champions education and workforce development for Pacific youth, this election has serious implications for youth.

“Our mission is laser focused on enhancing college access, college retention, and degree completion for Native Hawai’ian and Pacific Islander students throughout our college systems,” Tongilava said.

“A lot of our work has focused on expanding educational opportunity and workforce development for young Pacific Islander students.

“In terms of education, I think it is crucial that Pacific Islanders turn out today in support of the policies specifically that may hinder or create opportunity for their families and for their communities,” Tongilava said.

He said it was crucial that Pacific Islanders vote in support of the specific policies that might hinder or create opportunities for their families and their communities.

Tongilava is concerned about Trump’s proposal to dismantle the US Department of Education, noting that such a move would disproportionately harm communities like the Pacific Islanders, who often rely on federal support for educational programmes.

“This raises additional questions around what role does the federal government play within our school systems here within states and at the local level. For many Pacific Islander Americans, we live in under-resourced communities,” Tongilava said.

Republished from Pacific Media Network with permission.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers – 001442

Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

ORAL QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS

Question No. 1—Finance

1. RYAN HAMILTON (National—Hamilton East) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy?

Hon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister of Finance): Today, Statistics New Zealand released its labour market statistics for the September quarter. This release includes information from the household labour force survey, which looks at people’s labour force status, and the quarterly employment survey, which captures earnings, paid hours, and jobs. The household labour force survey showed that the unemployment rate increased from 4.6 to 4.8 percent in the quarter, and the quarterly employment survey showed that average hourly earnings increased 3.9 percent over the previous year.

Ryan Hamilton: Why is unemployment rising?

Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Unemployment is rising and has been rising since 2001 because New Zealand has been in a prolonged recession, with monetary tightening used to drive high inflation out of the economy. Sadly, recessions have a human cost. My heart goes out to people who’ve lost their jobs and who are struggling to enter the labour market. Rising unemployment is a reminder of how letting inflation get a grip on the economy is so damaging.

Ryan Hamilton: Was the increase in the unemployment rate as much as expected?

Hon NICOLA WILLIS: No. The increase from 4.6 percent to 4.8 percent was lower than forecasters had been predicting. In its August Monetary Policy Statement, the Reserve Bank had forecast 5 percent unemployment and the Treasury had forecast 5.2 percent in the Budget update in May. To give some historical context, I would also point out to members that over the last 15 years, the average unemployment rate in New Zealand has been 5 percent.

Ryan Hamilton: What is the outlook for unemployment?

Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Today’s results reflect where we are in the economic cycle. Typically, when the economy starts underperforming, the unemployment rate is slow to rise. Then when the economy starts to pick up, it can be slow to fall. In other words, unemployment is a lagging indicator. Now, there are clear indications that the economy has turned upwards, but even so, I would expect the unemployment rate to rise a bit further before beginning to fall. In the August Monetary Policy Statement, for example, the Reserve Bank was forecasting the unemployment rate to rise to a peak of 5.4 percent early next year, then steadily decline.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Wednesday, 6 November 2024 – Volume 779 – 001444

Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

ORAL QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS

Question No. 1—Finance

1. RYAN HAMILTON (National—Hamilton East) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy?

Hon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister of Finance): Today, Statistics New Zealand released its labour market statistics for the September quarter. This release includes information from the household labour force survey, which looks at people’s labour force status, and the quarterly employment survey, which captures earnings, paid hours, and jobs. The household labour force survey showed that the unemployment rate increased from 4.6 to 4.8 percent in the quarter, and the quarterly employment survey showed that average hourly earnings increased 3.9 percent over the previous year.

Ryan Hamilton: Why is unemployment rising?

Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Unemployment is rising and has been rising since 2001 because New Zealand has been in a prolonged recession, with monetary tightening used to drive high inflation out of the economy. Sadly, recessions have a human cost. My heart goes out to people who’ve lost their jobs and who are struggling to enter the labour market. Rising unemployment is a reminder of how letting inflation get a grip on the economy is so damaging.

Ryan Hamilton: Was the increase in the unemployment rate as much as expected?

Hon NICOLA WILLIS: No. The increase from 4.6 percent to 4.8 percent was lower than forecasters had been predicting. In its August Monetary Policy Statement, the Reserve Bank had forecast 5 percent unemployment and the Treasury had forecast 5.2 percent in the Budget update in May. To give some historical context, I would also point out to members that over the last 15 years, the average unemployment rate in New Zealand has been 5 percent.

Ryan Hamilton: What is the outlook for unemployment?

Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Today’s results reflect where we are in the economic cycle. Typically, when the economy starts underperforming, the unemployment rate is slow to rise. Then when the economy starts to pick up, it can be slow to fall. In other words, unemployment is a lagging indicator. Now, there are clear indications that the economy has turned upwards, but even so, I would expect the unemployment rate to rise a bit further before beginning to fall. In the August Monetary Policy Statement, for example, the Reserve Bank was forecasting the unemployment rate to rise to a peak of 5.4 percent early next year, then steadily decline.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: 5 Indian films from the 2024 Adelaide Film Festival that blew me away

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yanyan Hong, PhD Candidate in Communication and Media Studies, University of Adelaide

In The Belly of a Tiger/IMDB

This year’s Adelaide Film Festival (AFF2024) had something truly exciting laying in wait: a spotlight on Indian cinema.

While many people are familiar with Bollywood, most don’t know about the vast film industry that exists beyond it. And this is no small market; India is currently the most populated country in the world.

This year’s festival delivered a variety of Indian films from regions and directors that remain underrepresented. From award-winning tales, to a poetic nature documentary, to a sweet coming-of-age story from the North East, the program promises to challenge and expand our understanding of what Indian cinema can offer.

Of all the films I saw, these five spoke to me the most.

All We Imagine As Light

Payal Kapadia’s Cannes Grand Prix winner, All We Imagine as Light, was the film that I’d most looked forward to – and it turned out to be as dreamlike as its title promised.

It’s an ode to the city of Mumbai, also known as India’s “dream-making factory” (and where Bollywood is based). Mumbai is where Indians from all states and of all languages come to fulfil their dreams.

The story follows three female nurses, Prabha (Kani Kusruti), Anu (Divya Prabha) and Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), who come to Mumbai looking for a better life. Yet they find themselves struggling to belong in a city that refuses to embrace them.

As Kapadia explains: “The film is about not being able to see a way out when one is surrounded by darkness […] that hope doesn’t exist if you have never seen it.”

Kapadia’s storytelling brings a kind of realism rarely seen in popular Indian cinema – not through larger-than-life spectacle or the resplendent city skyline, but through the quiet intimacy of shared apartments, poetry booklets, dinner dates, and small joys and defeats. It is simply soulful.

The film blends themes of female solidarity and friendship with heavier topics such as religious differences, migrant struggles, language barriers and class divides – yet it feels as gentle as rain on skin.

While some have critiqued the film for being too slow (and I admittedly felt this at times), this is exactly how Kapadia managed to turn a city with more than 21 million people into a place that feels completely lonely.

Second Chance

Unlike the vibrant image of India we’re so used to – full of colour, song and lively dances – Subhadra Mahajan’s black-and-white film Second Chance is nothing short of breathtaking.

Set in the snowy peaks of Himachal Pradesh, the film follows 25-year-old Nia (Dheera Johnson) as she retreats to her family’s Himalayan holiday home after a painful breakup and the emotional toll of taking abortion pills. Mahajan captures the stark, quiet beauty of the Himalayan landscape, where time slows down and silence seems to heal.

The film is shot among the snow-covered Himalayan mountains.
Adelaide Film Festival

There, she finds unexpected companions through Bhemi and Sunny. Bhemi, the gentle 70-year-old mother-in-law of the home’s caretaker, is played with a captivating authenticity by Thakra Devi, a local resident and non-professional actress. Sunny (Kanav Thakur) is Bhemi’s playful and curious 8-year-old grandson.

At the top of the world, Second Chance crafts a beautiful and intimate space where we are invited to see that there’s always another chance to find oneself – a chance as infinite and expansive as the snow-capped peaks themselves.

Nocturnes

It’s rare to see films such as Second Chance, which are made in the Himalayas. But it’s even rarer to see an Indian nature documentary such as Nocturnes. The film follows a scientist named Mansi and her indigenous assistants as they chase down thousands of Himalayan moths (particularly Hawk moths).

Directed by Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan, Nocturnes captures the hypnotic rhythms of field study (something that particularly resonates with me as a researcher).

Fluttering wings and insect trills create a serene soundscape. The close-ups of the moths – their textures, patterns and slight vibrating movements – are fascinating to observe – as the the wider shots of the scientists’ glowing setup in the darkened forest, which drew me in like a moth to light.

Nocturnes is a thoughtful, meditative film that reminds us of how our destruction of the climate can impact these ancient residents of Earth. As the voiceover reminds is, “we most likely cannot survive what the moths have been through.”

Boong

Right from the opening scene, Boong pulled me in with unexpected laughs. The titular character Boong (Gugun Kipgen) is a schoolboy who, along with his best friend Raju (Angom Sanamatum), embarks on a risky journey along India’s militarised eastern border to bring Boong’s absent father back home.

In one scene, the playful prankster, Boong, aims his slingshot at his school’s entryway sign.
IMDB

As they make their way, we’re treated to views from Manipur, India’s North East state near Myanmar, which we rarely see in mainstream Indian cinema. Boong itself tips its hat to Bollywood a few times, such as when Raju shows his excitement upon hearing the song Lungi Dance from the Bollywood blockbuster Chennai Express (2013), or when the the chief villager’s secret home cinema is adorned with Hindi film posters.

Director Lakshmipriya Devi does a fantastic job showcasing the region’s vibrant yet complex culture. All the while, she highlights some surprising lesser-known facts, such as how Hindi films were banned in Manipur for years in the name of protecting local culture, language and the regional film industry.

While Manipur’s cinematic potential is still largely untapped, Boong is a brilliant step.

In the Belly of a Tiger

Of the 23 films I saw at AFF2024, In the Belly of a Tiger was a precious gem that stayed with me.

This multinational production (which just won the festival’s Feature Fiction Award) tells a heart-wrenching story of an elderly and desperately poor couple faced with an impossible choice: which one of them will go into the forest to be eaten by a tiger so the other can receive government compensation?

It’s a deeply spiritual and painfully pragmatic exploration of power, sacrifice, love and hope.

The symbolism of the film’s poster hints at its larger themes. Just as Hindu mythology posits the universe emerged from Lord Vishnu’s navel, unfolding like the petals of a lotus, we see how fate, too, blossoms unevenly.

The film’s poster signposts some of its larger themes.
IMDB

In the film, a poor family in a remote village longs for a better life in the next world, holding tightly to memories of young, innocent love.

Shooting in Hindi, and featuring mostly non-professional actors, In the Belly of a Tiger is both authentic and ambitious. Indian director and cinematographer Jatla Siddhartha collaborated with some of the biggest names in cinema to bring the story to life, including multiple Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty (who also worked on Slumdog Millionaire).

The music is composed by Japan’s Umebayashi Shigeru, known for his work on Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love (2000) and The Grandmaster (2013). Shigeru’s melodies bring an emotional and magical tone to what is, at its heart, a truly Indian story.

More dreams to share

The films I’ve highlighted here represent some of the most exciting and thought-provoking works coming out of India today.

While the Mumbai-based Bollywood industry is undeniably a huge part of Indian culture, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. These films paint a far richer and more diverse portrait of India, its people, its struggles and its beauty.

They also showcase a glorious future for Indian cinema – one which promises to carry the dreams of a nation eager to share its stories with the world.

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

– ref. 5 Indian films from the 2024 Adelaide Film Festival that blew me away – https://theconversation.com/5-indian-films-from-the-2024-adelaide-film-festival-that-blew-me-away-242118

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: US stocks advance on upbeat investors’ sentiment over US election

Source: China State Council Information Office

U.S. stocks surged on Tuesday as voters headed to the polls on Election Day, reflecting market optimism and hopes for a positive outcome in the election amid strong trading activity.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 427.28 points, or 1.02 percent, to 42,221.88. The S&P 500 added 70.07 points, or 1.23 percent, to 5,782.76. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased 259.19 points, or 1.43 percent, to 18,439.17.

All of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in green, with consumer discretionary and industrials leading the gainers by adding 1.83 percent and 1.67 percent, respectively. Materials posted the weakest growth, up by 0.20 percent.

The presidential race between U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has great implications for U.S. stock markets in the coming years.

Still, market players have different interpretations of the rally on Tuesday in regard to the 2024 general election.

“I think it’s been betting on a Trump victory. I think that’s why you’ve seen today is such a strong move,” said Timothy Anderson, managing director with MND Partners, division of TJM Investments, LLC.

Market participants have also been following betting markets and Trump’s chance of winning the presidential election topped 60 percent on the betting market, Anderson told Xinhua on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

“My feel is clearly projecting the strong likelihood of a Trump win,” said Anderson.

The cause of Tuesday’s rally could be “that they are feeling that today the poll is showing that Kamala is going to win. I think that’s where the rally comes from, but what we won’t know till tomorrow,” said Peter Tuchman, senior equity floor broker with TradeMas Inc.

Tuchman told Xinhua that the market rally in the last four years is a function of the current administration though some Trump followers believe the rally in last month is a function of the atmosphere of a Trump win.

As Americans head to the polls in a closely contested presidential race between Harris and Trump, investors are preparing for potential market volatility, especially given the possibility of delays or disputes in determining the final outcome.

“There’s been a lot of hedging against potential uncertainty, potential drama out of Washington. We’ve seen that. And now as we’re at Election Day, we kind of are optimistic that maybe some of that can unwind,” said Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist at Carson Group.

If Trump prevails in the presidential election, that could cause a dislocation in the market as he is seen as a wild card, said Tuchman.

Tuchman noted that there’s plenty of uncertainty around the election and it’s not reflected in the market.

The market is above this sentiment around politics and it’s never been a big factor, added Tuchman.

“If it becomes a very, very contested election that gets dragged out in the legal system for a couple of weeks. I think the market would not like that… that would be one downside risk,” said Anderson.

Anderson added if Harris wins the election, a lot of this anticipation trade would have to get unwound and “you might have a 4 percent to 8 percent correction.”

Beyond the election, the Federal Reserve’s November policy decision is fast approaching, with Election Day adding another layer of significance. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is widely anticipated to announce a 25 basis point rate cut at the conclusion of the two-day meeting on Thursday.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: [User Guide] Balancing Work and Leisure With Galaxy Book5 Pro 360

Source: Samsung

A new era of AI-powered PCs has arrived, blending the efficiency of a laptop with the versatility of a tablet. In September,1 Samsung Electronics introduced the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 — featuring a 360-degree rotating display that adapts to any task.

What does life look like with an AI PC powered by the advanced Intel® Core Ultra processors (Series 2)? Samsung Newsroom spent a day using the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 to find out.

Getting Ready for Work: A Lightweight Tablet and a Large Display

▲ Galaxy Book5 Pro 360

The morning begins with browsing the news — and the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 adds a new dimension to this daily habit. Rotating the screen 360 degrees and turning on tablet mode makes viewing content easy on this large display. The keyboard and touchpad automatically lock to prevent any accidental input.

▲ Vertical mode

When lifting the 16-inch screen vertically, the display automatically rotates to match the orientation. The 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate offers an effortless scrolling experience — almost like flipping through a digital newspaper.

▲ The Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is built for portability.

The Galaxy Book5 Pro 360’s slim 12.8 mm thickness and lightweight 1.69 kg design makes the device easy to carry to work. Supporting up to 25 hours of video playback,2 the laptop can be used uninterrupted even if users left their charger at home.

Business Hours: Maximum Efficiency With AI
▲ Laptop mode

Upon arriving at the office, the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 can be switched to laptop mode — in which the powerful AI performance of the Copilot+ PC3 and the Intel® Core Ultra processors (Series 2) truly shine.

▲ Microsoft Copilot key

There’s no need to worry when the workload piles up. A quick press on the keyboard’s Copilot key instantly activates Microsoft’s AI service, Microsoft Copilot. This AI assistant serves as an invaluable work partner, handling everything from searching and summarizing information to generating images.

With Microsoft’s Phone Link,4 Galaxy AI features supported on Galaxy smartphones can be accessed on the large PC screen. Furthermore, Samsung Knox provides robust protection for sensitive information.

Lunch Break: A Burst of Inspiration
▲ The S Pen is included with the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360.

Lunchtime is the perfect moment to switch back to tablet mode and jot down some ideas or sketches in the office break room. The Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 instantly transitions from a work partner to a digital canvas, offering an enjoyable sketching and writing experience with the remarkably precise S Pen.

▲ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display

After sketching, it’s time to relax by watching a video. Even when seated by a sunny window, the 3K high-resolution display with Vision Booster adjusts brightness for sharp and vivid clarity. The anti-reflective cover glass further enhances the experience by ensuring distraction-free viewing from any angle.

Effective Collaboration With Adjustable Screen Rotation
▲ The Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 opens to 180 degrees for easy screen sharing during meetings.

In the meeting room, teamwork is enhanced with the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360. The 360-degree rotating screen allows for flexible adjustments to 180 degrees, 210 degrees and more — so sharing materials and engaging with colleagues is a breeze.

▲ Quick Share

After the meeting, sending meeting minutes from a smartphone to the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is fast and easy. The Quick Share feature significantly saves time when transferring large files, photos and even videos without the need for additional software.

Dinner Time: A Moment To Reflect and Relax

▲ Multi Control

After work, the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 can be transitioned back to tablet mode when journaling at the end of the day. The laptop’s keyboard and mouse can be used on a smartphone with Multi Control for effortless switching between devices. Photos from the smartphone’s gallery can be dragged and dropped onto the PC screen and inserted into the journal using the touchpad — much like adding stickers to a digital diary filled with memories.

▲ The Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 delivers a cinematic viewing experience.

At the end of the day, unwinding means curling up in bed to finally watch that long-awaited movie. The bedroom transforms into a personal theater with the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360’s sharp 3K resolution display, Quad speakers featuring Dolby Atmos® technology and larger woofer5 for deeper, richer sound.

The Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is more than just a work tool. The device serves as a professional AI partner in the office, a personalized entertainment hub at home and a creative digital canvas for the moments in the middle. This powerful AI-powered PC sets new standards for personal computing, adapting to different lifestyles and blurring the boundary between work and leisure.

1 Availability may vary by region.2 Actual battery life may vary depending on model, network environment, usage patterns and other factors.3 Future updates will support Microsoft Copilot+ PC AI capabilities.4 Requires a Galaxy device from the Galaxy S22 Series, Flip4 or Fold4 (running One UI 6.1 or later) to connect with a Windows PC through Microsoft Phone Link. Follow the setup prompts, ensuring both devices are signed into the same Microsoft account. Microsoft Phone Link is preloaded on select Samsung Galaxy devices. The PC (Microsoft Phone Link app) requires Windows 10 or later. For optimal performance, it’s recommended that both the Samsung Galaxy device and the PC are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some mobile apps may limit content sharing on other screens. Feature availability may vary by model.5 Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 features a 38 mm woofer, while the Galaxy Book4 Pro 360 features an 18 mm woofer.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Seminole Tribe of Florida

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement the Tribal Nation’s efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Milton beginning on October 5, 2024, and continuing.
The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding is also available to the Seminole Tribe of Florida and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Milton. For a period of 90 days of the Tribal Nation’s choosing within the first 120 days from the start of the incident period, assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program is authorized at 100 percent of the total eligible costs.
Lastly, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Ms. Leda M. Khoury of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribal Nation and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: What is ‘ballot curing’? Election expert explains the method for fixing errors made when voters cast their ballots

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul Gronke, Professor of Political Science and Director, Elections & Voting Infomation Center, Reed College

An imperfect signature on an absentee ballot can necessitate ballot ‘curing,’ when election workers verify the voter’s identity. Bill Oxford/iStock via Getty

Most Americans used to vote on Election Day, and a small percentage of voters cast their ballots as absentee voters through the mail. That changed starting in the late 1970s, when some states began to allow no-excuse absentee voting and early in-person voting. Many more states chose to add these methods after the 2000 election, and by 2022, 60% of votes were cast in person at a polling place on Election Day, 21% were cast by mail and 19% were cast early in-person.

In the 2020 election, many states accelerated the shift already underway to voting by mail to keep people safe from contracting COVID-19. Mail ballots were the dominant method of return that year: 43% of ballots were voted by mail, 31% on Election Day and 26% early in-person. Voting by mail remains the second-most common method of returning ballots and will continue to grow – though it may never reach the level of 2020.

This rise in usage has created an issue that wasn’t seen much before: The need to “fix” a ballot where, due to a variety of reasons, the identity of the voter who cast the ballot can’t be verified. This process is called ballot “curing,” and it’s how states ensure that every valid vote is counted.

The Conversation’s politics and democracy editor, Naomi Schalit, spoke about ballot curing with Reed College political scientist Paul Gronke, founder and director of the Elections & Voting Information Center, who studies early voting, election administration, public opinion and elections.

What is ballot curing?

Ballot curing is a process that is allowed in some states that, if a ballot has been rejected or challenged because the signature didn’t match or a copy of an ID needed to be included, then the voter has an opportunity to come in within a limited period of time and cure that problem. They can, for example, come in and provide an updated or corrected signature – the most common problem – or provide the required identification.

An election worker curing a defective ballot cast in the 2024 presidential primary in Provo, Utah, on March 5.
George Frey/AFP via Getty

Can that process happen after Election Day?

The process is triggered when an election office receives a ballot and identifies a problem that falls within the scope of the law and can be cured. As with seemingly everything in American elections, the deadlines and the window vary by state. Some states provide a quite lengthy period after the election. In Oregon, for example, the law provides a window of up to the 21st day after the election. In other states, it’s pretty narrow. In Michigan, it’s the third day after the election. In many but not all states, it’s tied to the deadline for certification of the vote.

So the idea is that everybody should have the opportunity to have their vote count.

I would agree with that. The idea is that we want to give everyone an opportunity to be represented. No one should be disenfranchised because of something relatively innocuous, like their signature doesn’t match, or when their ballot was being transported, it was humid or it rained, or something happened that meant the signature can’t be verified, or they forgot to include a copy of necessary identification. These are certainly not reasons why you would want someone to be disenfranchised.

The Nevada Secretary of State said told a CNN reporter on Nov. 5, 2024, that the state is seeing a surge in ballots with signature problems, many from young voters. As The Wall Street Journal reported, 12,939 ballots have been cured successfully, and 13,906 ballots remain to be cured. “This is an opportunity, probably their first time they’ve had to really use an official signature,” Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar told CNN, “and what’s on their driver’s license, what’s on their voter registration form and what’s on their ballot is a little bit different.” What’s going on here?

Young people these days – really, anyone under 40 – did not learn cursive when they were in grammar school. Why is that relevant in an election? Because there are clear patterns that people of a certain generation didn’t sign checks and were not sort-of trained in what election officials describe as writing their “formal signatures.” We also know that as people age, or suffer certain kinds of injuries, their signatures can change. And sometimes, people are just in a rush and don’t sign carefully.

Are there problems with how election officials in different states handle ballots that need to be cured?

In 2020, there were these major changes to our election system in order to adapt to provide a safe and secure voting environment during the pandemic. Many states ramped up vote-by-mail for the first time. What we saw in 2020 was that there were laws and procedures that fell out of sync with how people were voting. In some states, they mailed ballots to all eligible voters, yet they had laws that said you can’t begin the process of counting absentee ballots until the day of the election. That led to some slow counts in 2020 and opened up a window for charges of malfeasance, even though all that was happening was that officials were working through these piles of mail ballots.

Since then, many states have improved their laws and brought them in sync with voter behavior. For example, many more now allow election officials to begin the process of processing mail ballots – checking signatures, opening envelopes, preparing to scan – before Election Day. That should improve the speed of ballot counting in 2024.

Volunteers inform a voter in Nevada that a ballot mailed from his address has a discrepancy that must be fixed, or ‘cured,’ for it to be counted.
David Becker for The Washington Post via Getty Images

But there are still some places that could improve. I will highlight Michigan as an example of a place where I’m a little bit concerned, and I’ve heard this also from Michigan officials. Michigan law says the county clerk shall notify the voter of the ballot deficiency by “telephone, email, or text message, if available.” If neither a phone nor email is available, the clerk uses U.S. mail. The voter may cure the ballot by filling out a cure form and returning it in person, electronically or by mail, but the cured ballot has to arrive back at the clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on the Friday following the election – that’s only three days. That’s really not much time!

Imagine a number of new voters casting ballots by mail in Ann Arbor, in Washtenaw County, and they vote by mail but turn it in at the last minute. And if there’s a problem with their ballot, then election officials have to generate some communications to them, and maybe they don’t have their cellphone, or the voter isn’t immediately responsive to email, and the whole process has to be completed in three days.

I have spoken to some local officials in Michigan who think that needs to be changed because the rate of voting by mail in Michigan is so high now – nearly one-third of registered voters requested an absentee ballot as of 21 days before the election, and there will be more absentee ballots requested and returned by Nov. 5.

It’s not just Michigan. There are a number of states that have comparatively high levels of voting by mail and fairly short curing periods. I don’t know the optimal time period, but anything less than five days is asking too much of clerks and of voters, and could disenfranchise people for making an innocuous mistake.

The way America votes in 2024 is not the way the country voted in 2000 or even the way we voted in 2016. We are in a world where one-third or more of ballots are vote-at-home ballots, and those numbers will continue to increase. Best practices include providing ample time to allow clerks to notify voters of any problems with their ballots, and voters to provide the necessary information to make sure their ballots are counted. If we can do it that way in Oregon, where I live – and Colorado, and Washington, and many other states – I’m sure other states can do it as well.

Paul Gronke receives funding from Elections Trust Initiative and Democracy Fund. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) and a member of the Circle of Advisors of the National Vote At Home Institute.

– ref. What is ‘ballot curing’? Election expert explains the method for fixing errors made when voters cast their ballots – https://theconversation.com/what-is-ballot-curing-election-expert-explains-the-method-for-fixing-errors-made-when-voters-cast-their-ballots-243009

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Singapore firms take long-term view towards Chinese market

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Singapore firms take a long-term view towards China, a market with huge potential and growing sophistication, and regard investing in the country as a long game, according to the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) CEO.

“The number that I have been told many times is that China is home to over 400 million middle-income population. Market growth might not always be in a rocketing state. However, the world’s second-largest consumer market will still grow,” SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon told Xinhua during the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE).

Led by the SBF, a delegation of nearly 400 representatives from 44 Singaporean businesses are attending the CIIE held from Nov. 5 to Nov. 10 this year, which marks the seventh year for the SBF’s delegation to participate in the world’s first national-level expo on import.

“Some of the previous delegation participants have ‘graduated’ from the delegation by outgrowing the Singapore Pavilion and setting up their own booths at other exhibition areas of CIIE,” Kok said.

With a total exhibition area of close to 912 square meters, the Singapore Pavilion spans the Consumer Goods Hall, Food & Agricultural Products Hall, and Trade in Services Hall.

“We are very encouraged to see some of those companies are no longer just in the food and beverage sector. We are starting to see companies responding to China’s call for more high-quality investment in fields like biotech,” he noted.

China has been Singapore’s largest trading partner for 11 consecutive years. Singapore is China’s second-largest foreign investment source and the top destination for Chinese overseas investment.

Kok said there are broad areas of collaboration between the two countries, such as green transformation, AI security and governance, and smart city development.

According to the SBF National Business Survey 2023/2024, China is one of the top three countries that Singapore businesses have a presence in and is among the top three countries in Asia that Singapore businesses are looking to expand into.

China has intensified its opening up in the medical sector to meet the growing healthcare demands of the population. The country announced in September that it would give the green light to establishing wholly foreign-owned hospitals in some cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

“The opening up of the healthcare sector in China presents tremendous opportunity for us,” Kok said, citing the case of Mirxes, a CIIE participant seeking local partnerships such as promoting its solution to screen early-stage stomach cancer, drawn by China’s huge market potential and enhanced intellectual property protection.

RMA Contracts, a Singapore business process outsourcing company, will be using the CIIE platform to tap into the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, a representative cooperation project between the two countries, according to Kok.

Another interesting thing Kok observed is that Singapore companies are looking beyond penetrating the Chinese market via the CIIE, citing examples of participating companies seeking cooperation with non-Chinese firms.

Kok said CIIE is an important platform for reaching the global market. “You don’t just come in thinking to connect with China. If you broaden your mind, you can look for partners in your home country or even outside of China, which is the charm of a platform like CIIE.”

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Multiple arrests in Rotorua CBD following Operation Trolley

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

As part of ongoing work to ensure Rotorua’s community feels safer within the CBD, 13 people were arrested and 45 shopping trolleys have been returned to their respective stores, following a three-day Police operation.

From Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 January, Police executed Operation Trolley focusing on engaging and educating managers of local businesses and enforcing the illegal actions of people using or having possession of shopping trolleys outside the boundaries of their respective stores.

While being homeless is not a crime in and of itself, Police has recently received complaints in regard to homeless people in possession of trolleys intimidating members of the public and workers as they walk through the CBD.

Any antisocial or unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated, and Police is committed to ensuring anyone going about their lawful business in the CBD are safe and feel safe.

Upon speaking with local retail store and business managers, Police identified several people using retail store owned shopping trolleys for their personal use without lawful authority.

Police arrested seven people in possession of shopping trolleys for receiving an item worth less than $500. They were all given verbal warnings.

Six other people were arrested for historical offences including theft, assault, arrest warrants, bail breaches, and trespassing.

Police also issued 19 trespass notices, trespassing individuals in possession of a trolley from the trolley’s respective store.

In total, 45 trolleys were returned to their businesses at the end of the three-day operation.

Homelessness is a social problem which requires a joint effort to address the underlying issues. Police works with a number of agencies to understand these issues, support the homeless, and collectively find homeless people long-term solutions.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SITI at Seminar on Life Science and Global Health “Innovation Â·Inclusion Â· Impact” (English only) (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Seminar on Life Science and Global Health “Innovation ·Inclusion · Impact” on November 5 (Ottawa time):

Ms Wu (Board Director of Hong Kong Canada Business Association, Ottawa, and Department Chair of Algonquin College School of Business and Hospitality, Ms Sandra Wu), Mr Eng (President of Hong Kong Canada Business Association, Ottawa, Mr Frank Eng), Senator Woo (Senator of Canada, Mr Woo Yuen-pau), Mr McLean (Member of the House of Commons of Canada, Mr Greg McLean), Mr Arya (Member of the House of Commons of Canada, Mr Chandra Arya), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is my great pleasure to join you all here today in Ottawa and in such a historic building for the Seminar of Life Science and Global Health, to explore the vital intersection of life science and global health, through the lenses of innovation, inclusion, and impact.

Over the years, Hong Kong has established close ties with Canada in many façades, say economically, culturally and people-to-people bond. We share many similarities and a wide range of common interests. While Canada has long been recognised as a powerhouse in the field of life and health science, Hong Kong is emerging as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, as well as a health and medical innovation hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Taking this opportunity, I would like to give you a brief update on Hong Kong’s I&T landscape and the opportunities that lie ahead in the field of life and health technology.

Promoting I&T development is of top priority on the policy agenda of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government. Back in December 2022, we promulgated the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint, which clearly indicated our development direction to perfect the I&T ecosystem by promoting positive interaction between upstream for basic research, midstream for technology transfer, and downstream for all industries development. We greatly support the development of technology industries with an edge and of strategic importance.

Life and health technology is one of our focuses.

Hong Kong possesses professional medical services and a well-established healthcare system. Supported by five top 100 universities and two top 40 medical schools in the world, together with a multitude of world-class experts in the life and health disciplines, Hong Kong enjoys significant advantages in developing life and health technology.

To capitalise on our strength in basic research and foster global I&T collaboration, Hong Kong’s flagship R&D (research and development) initiative, namely InnoHK, has built collaboration with more than 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes from 12 economies, including Canada of course, and set up a total of 29 InnoHK research laboratories. Of these, 16 of them focus on healthcare-related technologies and have brought notable scientific achievements and benefits to society. For example, the Centre for Eye and Vision Research, which was jointly established by the University of Waterloo and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is one of them.

Furthermore, we will launch a HK$6 billion subsidy programme, roughly $1.1 billion Canadian dollars, to support setting up cross-institutional and multidisciplinary life and health technology research institutes in Hong Kong. We have also earmarked HK$3 billion, that is approximately $540 million Canadian dollars, for the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme to accelerate cross-disciplinary researches in various frontier technology fields, including clinical medicine and health, gene and biotechnology, spearheaded by the local funded universities and renowned scholars from around the world. These initiatives will empower us to create a vibrant research atmosphere with the participation of global talent, thereby strengthening Hong Kong’s capability for forward-looking and disruptive scientific researches.

A few weeks ago, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government announced his 2024 Policy Address, in which a series of new initiatives are introduced to accelerate the pace of the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. Among them, we will launch a new HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund, which is equivalent to around $1.8 billion Canadian dollars, to form a fund-of-funds to channel more market capital to invest in specified emerging and future industries of strategic importance, including life and health technology. Indeed, we launched a HK$10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme last year to accelerate the transformation and commercialisation of outstanding research outcomes from universities, and another HK$10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme this year to encourage industries of strategic importance, including life and health technology, to set up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong. Just these three funding schemes alone, totalling HK$30 billion, almost $5.4 billion Canadian dollars in financial commitment, demonstrates our strong commitment to promoting industry development and placing a strong emphasis on investment in the I&T sector.

Adequate sites and sophisticated infrastructure are equally important for the long-term I&T development. Located in the border area between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the Hetao Hong Kong Park, or the Loop in short, will serve as an I&T hub of strategic value connecting Mainland China and the international community. We will set up the InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the Loop to attract top-notch research teams and talent from around the world. We will allocate another HK$2 billion to support the InnoHK research clusters to establish presence in the Loop, and HK$200 million to support start-ups in the Loop engaging in life and health technology in the form of incubation and acceleration programmes.

Besides, new I&T land will be available in San Tin Technopole in the northern part of Hong Kong to support I&T industry development, creating synergy with the nearby Shenzhen I&T Zone. With the new I&T platform in the Loop and new I&T land in San Tin Technopole, coupling with the gigantic market of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, there are indeed many I&T opportunities and possibilities lying ahead in Hong Kong.

While the global economic and political situation is becoming more complicated, Asia will still play a pivotal role in the technological revolution. Under the principle of “one country, two systems” and with a strategic geographical location on the doorstep of Mainland China, Hong Kong is the best platform to connect I&T talent and companies from Mainland China and around the world. Whether you are looking for job opportunities, capital or investment, there is always a place for you in Hong Kong. I strongly believe that apart from life and health technology, there is a lot of room for bilateral collaboration between Hong Kong and Canada, say, in green technology, renewable energy, environmental protection and sustainability, where Canada has an edge.

Ladies and gentlemen, the challenges we face in global health are complex and multifaceted. By fostering global I&T collaboration, we amplify the impact brought by innovation and inclusion, from zero to one, from one to many, to unlock new possibilities and drive the next wave of technological advancement for the betterment of the mankind. Hong Kong stands ready to play the promising role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” to create value and impact to the world.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to Hong Kong – Canada Business Association (Ottawa) and Invest Hong Kong for organising today’s seminar. I look forward to the fruitful collaborations that will arise from this seminar. Thank you very much.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Orezone Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

All dollar amounts are in USD unless otherwise stated and abbreviation “M” means million.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (“Orezone” or “Company”) reported its operational and financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company will host a conference call and webcast on November 6, 2024 commencing at 8:00am PT to discuss its quarterly and year-to-date performance, and outlook for the remainder of the year, including commentary on the progress of its Phase II hard rock expansion and early success on its multi-year, discovery-focus drilling campaign. Call access and webcast details are provided at the end of this press release.

Patrick Downey, President and CEO, commented, “The third quarter provided a number of positive developments for our Bomboré Mine. Operationally, mining access was opened up in the Siga pits and grid power returned to normalized levels, both of which will ensure ongoing improved gold production and costs in Q4-2024. We generated solid free cash flow during the quarter and continued to pay down debt and advance the Phase II hard rock expansion which will set the path for Bomboré to increase annual gold production by 50% within the next 12 months. We also commenced our multi-year exploration program with the first two diamond drill holes from the current campaign returning robust results, with broad and above-average grade mineralization to 240 metres below the current pit limit, validating our belief that with further targeted drilling, Bomboré can grow into a 7 to 10 million ounce orebody.

With unhedged gold sales at record prices continuing into the fourth quarter, we forecast generation of continued strong operating cashflow that will help support the Phase II expansion construction. The $58M Phase II term loan previously announced with Coris Bank is advancing and is expected to close in the coming weeks.”

2024 THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS AND SIGNIFICANT SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

(All mine site figures on a 100% basis)		Q3-2024	Q3-2023		9M-2024		9M-2023
Operating Performance
Gold production	oz	26,581	30,726		82,244		107,509
Gold sales	oz	27,698	29,167		83,864		105,914
Average realized gold price	$/oz	2,473	1,910		2,280		1,922
Cash costs per gold ounce sold¹	$/oz	1,410	1,152		1,297		936
All-in sustaining costs¹ (“AISC”) per gold ounce sold	$/oz	1,655	1,306		1,519		1,088
Financial Performance
Revenue	$000s	68,652	55,803		191,680		203,911
Earnings from mine operations	$000s	22,340	13,882		72,389		81,042
Net income attributable to shareholders of Orezone¹	$000s	4,984	5,194		25,620		39,134
Net income per common share attributable to shareholders of Orezone¹ Basic Diluted	$ $	0.01 0.01	0.01 0.01		0.07 0.06		0.11 0.11
Adjusted EBITDA¹	$000s	25,756	19,163		72,175		93,334
Adjusted earnings attributable to shareholders of Orezone¹	$000s	7,365	3,588		18,427		39,398
Adjusted earnings per share attributable to shareholders of Orezone¹	$	0.02	0.01		0.05		0.11
Cash and Cash Flow Data
Operating cash flow before changes in working capital	$000s	18,888	16,474		53,876		82,839
Operating cash flow	$000s	24,043	6,978		29,677		66,059
Free cash flow¹	$000s	14,120	(4,024	)	(818	)	35,490
Cash, end of period	$000s	66,900	27,711		66,900		27,711

¹ Cash costs, AISC, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted earnings, Adjusted earnings per share, and Free cash flow are non-IFRS measures. See “Non-IFRS Measures” section below for additional information.

Safety: Continued strong safety performance with 1.31M and 3.68M hours worked without a lost-time injury for Q3-2024 and 9M-2024, respectively.
Liquidity: Free cashflow generation of $14.1M in Q3-2024 despite the continued build-up of VAT receivables and Phase II Expansion capital expenditures in the quarter. Cash stood at $66.9M at September 30, 2024, increases of $55.5M from June 30, 2024 and $47.4M from December 31, 2023, respectively.
Gold Production and Costs: Gold production of 26,581 ounces at an AISC of $1,655/oz as a result of an above-average strip ratio due to mine sequencing, and drawdown of lower-grade stockpiles due to heavy rainfall events restricting pit access during the quarter combined with higher-than-budgeted government royalties from a better realized gold price.
Siga Pits Mining Extension: Mining at Siga East ramped up in Q3-2024 after the relocation of households to the new MV3 resettlement site in June 2024 while mining at Siga South commenced in August 2024. The Q4-2024 mine plan calls for greater mill delivery of higher-grade ore tonnes from the Siga pits as mining productivity and material movement are forecasted to improve with the end of the rainy season and the recent expansion of the contractor mining fleet. Two new heavy-duty excavators and twenty new haul trucks were mobilized to site at the end of October and were placed into service at the start of November. As a result, quarterly gold production is expected to be the highest in Q4-2024 as demonstrated by the production of 12,096 gold ounces in October.
Phase II Hard Rock Expansion (“Phase II Expansion”) Approval: The Company announced on July 10, 2024 that its Board of Directors had approved the Phase II Expansion after securing over $105M in new debt and equity for the construction. On August 8, 2024, the Company completed the issuance of 92,743,855 common shares at a share price of C$0.70 for net proceeds of C$64.8M ($47.3M). Concurrently, the Company is working on closing its XOF 35.0 billion ($58M) senior secured loan (“Phase II Term Loan”) with Coris Bank International (“Coris Bank”) in November 2024. The draft loan agreement with Coris Bank is in final form and the Company is now arranging for intercreditor consents from the convertible debenture holders for this additional senior debt.
Phase II Expansion Early Achievements: Expansion activities are advancing ahead of schedule while committed costs are tracking on budget. The Company has placed over 50% of all packages, including CIL tank platework and 95% of all process equipment, including the purchase of a new, pre-owned 9MW 26’ diameter SAG mill. For site activities, all bulk earthwork is complete, and the laydown area is ready to receive deliveries. Rapid progress on major site contracts such as concrete will see these contracts awarded early, thereby adding further float to the schedule for first gold. For the 9M-2024, the Company has expended $9.8M on both early works and the on-going Phase II Expansion, and expects to expend a further $9M – $12M in Q4-2024 as the Company rapidly advances the expansion towards first gold in Q4-2025.
Multi-year Exploration Campaign Commencement: The Company initiated a 30,000 m, multi-year discovery focused drill program designed to test the broader size and scale of the Bomboré mineralized system with the goal of increasing the Bomboré global resource to 7M to 10M gold ounces. Results from the first two drill holes at the North Zone intercepted mineralization 240 m below the current reserve pit limit, including 1.67 g/t gold over 46.00 m, demonstrating the continuity of the mineralized system at depth, both in terms of grade and overall width (see the Company’s October 10, 2024 news release). Additional drill results from the next round of drilling are set for release before the end of 2024.
Better Grid Power Availability: Availability of grid power normalized in Q3-2024 with the national grid supplying 92% of Bomboré mine’s power needs, up significantly from Q2-2024 when grid power provided only 34% of power consumption.
Debt Reduction: Scheduled principal repayments of XOF 3.0 billion ($5.0M) were made in Q3-2024 on the Company’s Phase I senior loan with Coris Bank.

2024 Guidance for Bomboré Mine

Operating Guidance (100% basis)	Unit	Original 2024 Guidance	Revised 2024 Guidance	9M-2024 Actuals
Gold production	Au oz	110,000 – 125,000	Unchanged		82,244
All-In Sustaining Costs¹²³	$/oz Au sold	$1,300 – $1,375	$1,400 – $1,475	$1,519
Sustaining capital²	$M	$14 – $15	Unchanged	$11.7
Growth capital – non Phase II Expansion²	$M	$16 – $17	Unchanged	$13.2
Growth capital – Phase II Expansion early works²	$M	No guidance provided	$3.6	$3.6
Growth capital – Phase II Expansion²	$M	No guidance provided	$15.0 – $18.0	$6.2

AISC is a non-IFRS measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” section below for additional information.
Foreign exchange rates used to forecast cost metrics include XOF/USD of 600 and CAD/USD of 1.30.
Government royalties of $160/oz included in original AISC guidance based on an assumed gold price of $2,000 per oz. Government royalties of $200/oz is now estimated in the revised AISC guidance from a better gold price realized.

2024 gold production is expected to be at or above the mid-point of guidance with AISC now guided to fall within $1,400/oz to $1,475/oz, a minor increase to the original guidance, mainly due to the impact of higher power costs from the lack of grid availability in H1-2024 (~$60/oz) and from higher government royalties (~$40/oz) on better realized gold prices.

Sustaining capital for 2024 is expected to reach the low-end of the $14M – $15M guidance range as spending in Q4-2024 will be limited mainly to the ongoing tailings storage facility (“TSF”) expansion (stage 4 lift) and completion of the new on-site explosives magazine.

Growth capital consists of two carryover projects from 2023:

(i) Power connection to Burkina Faso’s national grid (9M-2024 actuals: $1.4M)

The powerline was energized in January 2024, and system commissioning of the new line and substations were completed in March 2024. Remaining equipment and software upgrades to shorten the transfer between the grid and back-up gensets, and to reduce the quantity of reactive power are expected to be implemented by year-end.

(ii) Resettlement Action Plan (“RAP”) – Phases II and III (9M-2024 actuals: $11.8M)

RAP Phases II and III commenced in 2023 and will see the construction of over 2,200 private and public structures in three new resettlement communities (MV3, MV2, and BV2) to help relocate communities occupying areas in the southern half of the Bomboré mining permit.

The Company successfully relocated families to the new MV3 resettlement site in June 2024 and is currently constructing the new MV2 resettlement site with construction progress reaching 85% at the end of Q3-2024. Relocation of households to MV2 and the start of construction works at BV2 are scheduled for in Q4-2024.

RAP spending, including costs for compensation, consultants, relocation allowances, and livelihood restoration programs, is forecasted to remain unchanged at between $15M to $16M for 2024.

BOMBORÉ GOLD MINE (100% BASIS) – OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

		Q3-2024	Q3-2023		9M-2024	9M-2023
Safety
Lost-time injuries frequency rate	per 1M hrs	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
Personnel-hours worked	000s hours	1,308	1,128		3,680	3,093
Mining Physicals
Ore tonnes mined	tonnes	1,457,631	2,231,360		5,826,711	6,364,169
Waste tonnes mined	tonnes	2,690,759	2,654,010		9,265,615	8,188,409
Total tonnes mined	tonnes	4,148,390	4,885,370		15,092,326	14,552,578
Strip ratio	waste:ore	1.85	1.19		1.59	1.29
Processing Physicals
Ore tonnes milled	tonnes	1,491,740	1,453,541		4,275,755	4,299,394
Head grade milled	Au g/t	0.64	0.74		0.68	0.86
Recovery rate	%	87.4	88.8		87.8	90.9
Gold produced	Au oz	26,581	30,726		82,244	107,509
Unit Cash Cost
Mining cost per tonne	$/tonne	3.76	3.19		3.49	2.99
Mining cost per ore tonne processed	$/tonne	9.58	7.79		8.85	6.93
Processing cost	$/tonne	7.94	9.80		8.77	9.90
Site general and admin (“G&A”) cost	$/tonne	3.77	3.98		3.84	3.64
Cash cost per ore tonne processed	$/tonne	21.29	21.57		21.46	20.47
Cash Costs and AISC Details
Mining cost (net of stockpile movements)	$000s	14,295	11,319		37,834	29,786
Processing cost	$000s	11,846	14,238		37,486	42,566
Site G&A cost	$000s	5,617	5,787		16,405	15,671
Refining and transport cost	$000s	51	66		304	378
Government royalty cost	$000s	5,500	3,503		15,227	12,345
Gold inventory movements	$000s	1,748	(1,303	)	1,539	(1,584	)
Cash costs¹on a sales basis	$000s	39,057	33,610		108,795	99,162
Sustaining capital	$000s	4,453	2,606		11,752	10,444
Sustaining leases	$000s	73	41		219	228
Corporate G&A cost	$000s	2,255	1,837		6,643	5,451
All-In Sustaining Costs¹on a sales basis	$000s	45,838	38,094		127,409	115,285
Gold sold	Au oz	27,698	29,167		83,864	105,914
Cash costs per gold ounce sold¹	$/oz	1,410	1,152		1,297	936
All-In Sustaining Costs per gold ounce sold¹	$/oz	1,655	1,306		1,519	1,088

¹ Non-IFRS measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” section for additional details.

Bomboré Production Results

Q3-2024 vs Q3-2023

Gold production in Q3-2024 was 26,581 ounces, a decline of 13% from the 30,726 ounces produced in Q3-2023. The lower gold production is attributable to a 14% decrease in head grades and a 2% decrease in plant recoveries, partially offset by a 3% increase in plant throughput. The better head grades in Q3-2023 were from the sequencing of higher-grade pits in earlier periods of the mine plan, and greater ore release from more tonnes mined allowing for the stockpiling of lower-grade ore. Less tonnes were mined in Q3-2024 due to lower contractor equipment availability and heavier-than-average rainfall events combined with mining rates in Q3-2023 benefiting from the deployment of a second mining contractor. Pre-stripping activities at the Siga pits increased the strip ratio (1.85 vs 1.19) in Q3-2024, leading to the temporary drawdown of lower grade stockpiles to maintain mill throughput in August 2024. Plant recoveries for Q3-2024 were marginally lower from the greater blend of transition ore in the mill feed as mining deepens in certain pits. The presence of transition ore results in slightly lower metallurgical recoveries and additional plant maintenance due to the harder nature of the ore. Plant throughput increased in Q3-2024 as the Company successfully improved hourly plant throughput by increasing mill power draw and reducing residence time in the CIL circuit without a noticeable effect of recovery rates. Plant throughput was further impacted in Q3-2024 by a ball mill reline performed at the end the quarter (no comparable mill reline in Q3-2023). This mill reline was brought forward from Q4-2024 to ensure maximum mill availability during Q4-2024 when higher-grade ore from the SIGA pits is mined.

Plant throughput, head grades, and recoveries in Q4-2024 are expected to improve quarter-over-quarter as mining ramps up at Siga East and Siga South for the full quarter, with more contribution of higher-grade, softer ore to the mill feed, and from the completion of all scheduled major plant maintenance in earlier periods of the year.

9M-2024 vs 9M-2023

Gold production in 9M-2024 was 82,244 ounces, a decline of 24% from the 107,509 ounces produced in 9M-2023. The lower gold production is attributable to a 20% decrease in head grades, a 3% decrease in plant recoveries, and a 1% decrease in plant throughput. Head grades were higher in 9M-2023 as a result of processing high-grade stockpiles accumulated during the Phase I construction, which were fully depleted by June 2023, and from the sequencing of higher-grade pits in earlier periods of the mine plan. Plant recoveries were lower in 9M-2024 mainly from a greater blend of transition ore. Plant throughput was marginally lower in 9M-2024 due to plant downtime in Q2-2024 caused by frequent grid blackouts and power dips, and time lost to switch to back-up gensets. Grid availability returned to normal levels beginning in July 2024 and with steady grid power, plant throughput is expected to reach a quarterly record in Q4-2024.

Bomboré Operating Costs

Q3-2024 vs Q3-2023

AISC per gold ounce sold in Q3-2024 was $1,655, a 27% increase from $1,306 per ounce sold in Q3-2023. The higher AISC is primarily the result of: (a) a 14% decline in Q3-2024 gold production as explained above; (b) greater per ounce royalty costs from new royalty rates that took effect in October 2023, coupled with a 29% higher realized selling price ($2,473/oz vs $1,910/oz); and (c) increased unit mining costs with deeper pits, drill-and-blast associated with harder transition ore mined, and higher strip ratio, partially offset by a reduction in power costs from the utilization of lower-cost grid energy.

Cash cost per ore tonne processed in Q3-2024 was $21.29 per tonne, a decrease of 1% from $21.57 per tonne in Q3-2023 mainly from the use of lower-cost grid power in Processing ($7.94/tonne vs $9.80/tonne) and lower site G&A costs ($3.77/tonne vs $3.98/tonne) from tight spending control, partially offset by a 23% increase ($9.58/tonne versus $7.79/tonne) in mining costs per ore tonne processed.

Mining costs have increased as lower benches are mined resulting in longer hauls and more transition material that requires some drill-and-blast prior to excavation and greater rehandle prior to feeding into the dump pocket on the ROM pad. In addition, unit costs have increased from a higher strip ratio from the pre-stripping of the Siga pits and the waste pushback to the H1 pit that experienced a minor wall failure in 2023.

Processing costs per ore tonne have benefitted from the introduction of grid power to the Bomboré mine in February 2024 with power cost per tonne dropping to $2.80/tonne in Q3-2024 from $4.94/tonne in Q3-2023, a decrease of $2.14/tonne. Further savings in power costs were offset by a greater blend of transition ore requiring higher per tonne consumption of power and from the rental and use of back-up diesel gensets to supply power when the grid was unavailable. Grid utilization dramatically improved in Q3-2024 at 92% versus 34% in Q2-2024 when issues with the supply system in Ghana and Côte D’Ivoire temporarily reduced the export of power into Burkina Faso. Processing costs in Q3-2024 was also impacted by higher maintenance costs from the ball mill reline.

9M-2024 vs 9M-2023

AISC per gold ounce sold in 9M-2024 was $1,519, a 40% increase from $1,088 per ounce sold in 9M-2023. The higher AISC were due namely for the same reasons as explained in the above section.

NON-IFRS MEASURES

The Company has included certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that is not defined under IFRS, including “cash costs”, “AISC”, “EBITDA”, “adjusted EBITDA”, “adjusted earnings”, “adjusted earnings per share”, and “free cash flow”. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company uses such measures to provide additional information and they should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. For a complete description of how the Company calculates such measures and reconciliation of certain measures to IFRS terms, refer to “Non-IFRS Measures” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 which is incorporated by reference herein.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis are available at www.orezone.com and on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Orezone will host a conference call and audio webcast to discuss 2024 third quarter results on November 6, 2024 at 8:00am PT (11:00am ET).

Webcast
Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Time: 8:00 am Pacific time (11:00 am Eastern time)
Please register for the webcast here: Orezone Q3-2024 Conference Call and Webcast

Conference Call

Toll-free in U.S. and Canada: 1-800-715-9871
International callers: +646-307-1963
Event ID: 9776163

QUALIFIED PERSONS
The scientific and technical information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Mr. Rob Henderson, P. Eng, Vice-President of Technical Services and Mr. Dale Tweed, P. Eng., Vice-President of Engineering, both of whom are Qualified Persons as defined under NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Orezone Gold Corporation

Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its 90%-owned flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its Phase I oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now proceeding with its staged Phase II hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets, and M&A.  

The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.

Patrick Downey
President and Chief Executive Officer

Vanessa Pickering
Manager, Investor Relations

Tel: 1 778 945 8977 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663
info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945-8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain information that constitutes “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “potential”, “possible” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may”, “will”, “could”, or “should” occur, and include, amongst other statements, the Phase II hard rock expansion setting the path for Bomboré to increase annual gold production by 50% within the next 12 months and that Bomboré can grow into a 7 to 10 million ounce orebody.

All forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, terrorist or other violent attacks, the failure of parties to contracts to honour contractual commitments, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, accidents and equipment breakdowns, political risk, unanticipated changes in key management personnel, the spread of diseases, epidemics and pandemics diseases, market or business conditions, the failure of exploration programs, including drilling programs, to deliver anticipated results and the failure of ongoing and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+ on www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to the Company’s ability to carry on current and future operations, including: development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the Company’s ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; foreign exchange rates; taxation levels; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: CFA at the Langwarrin Disability Expo

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA Langwarrin brigade members Jason and Donna with Tim Marchinton from CFA

Three CFA Langwarrin Fire Brigade members, and CFA Community Engagement Adviser Tim Marchinton, attended the Langwarrin Disability Expo on Saturday 26 October 2024.

Local community members were curious about why CFA was at the Expo and asked what CFA has to offer. This was easy to answer. People with a disability are at much greater risk in a house fire.

Between 2003 and 2017, national house fire fatality data highlighted that 62 per cent of people who died had a disability. This alarming statistic has been a call to action for CFA. That is why CFA was at the Expo to talk to people about fire safety and fire prevention.

“Once they knew the reason, they all thanked us for being there,” said Jason Walker, Langwarrin brigade’s community safety coordinator.

“The main topic of conversation was home fire safety, particularly smoke alarms and home fire escape. People with a disability need to consider if they can hear and respond to a smoke alarm and whether they can escape their home within three minutes.”

Donna, another Langwarrin brigade member, thought the Expo was worthwhile because it was an opportunity to speak to people who may need extra support with fire safety.

“My son is deaf so he can’t hear a standard smoke alarm. He needs a specialised smoke alarm. I know how important it is to spread the message out to the community,” Donna said.

Bill, who has been a CFA brigade member for 62 years thought it was very worthwhile to attend the Expo and talk to community about fire safety.

There were also conversations about the Fire Danger Rating system and the importance of downloading the VicEmergency App. Some community members didn’t realise CFA is a volunteer organisation and this led to conversations about joining CFA – though this wasn’t the main reason for going to the Expo.

“Overall, it was a really good day. Lots of people were there and there were so many members of the community we don’t know. We will plan to go again next year to talk to people who have a disability about fire safety,” Jason said.

Submitted by Angela Cook

MIL OSI News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New brigade focused on community safety
Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA’s South East Region recently created a Headquarters Fire Brigade with the sole purpose to deliver community safety programs and initiatives.

The new brigade is known as the South East Region Community Safety Headquarters Brigade. Late last year, 37 people from both existing brigades and the wider community attended a public meeting and unanimously voted in favour of forming a new fire brigade.

“Fire prevention and community preparedness are some of the most important tools we have to reduce the number and impact of emergencies faced by our communities,” South East Region Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen said.

“While our operational response activities are at the core of what CFA does, this vision is achieved not only through responding to fires but importantly through working with our communities.

“We were really keen to do some fresh thinking about how our services could be delivered and what future brigade structures might look like.

“Many volunteers have expressed a strong desire to be involved in community engagement and fire safety activities, and not just in their own brigade area,” Trevor explained. “The new brigade will deliver engagement activities across the region.

“The brigade also offers an opportunity for volunteers who no longer wish to respond to emergencies to stay actively engaged in CFA and make a meaningful contribution to community.

“We’re not trying to take away from what our brigades are already doing, but complement the existing delivery and fill the gaps where brigades are unable to do so.”

The brigade supports the work of the region’s 223 community-based fire brigades to educate and engage a highly diverse range of communities spread from Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs to remote Far East Gippsland. Members will work with local brigades to deliver preparedness activities and programs to the community including:
- bushfire and residential education sessions
- attending community events, including shows, markets and field days either with a stand/booth or with one of the mobile education units
- installing smoke alarms in homes of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities
- delivering important messaging during emergency events including planned burning
- providing surge capacity to brigades engaging with holiday makers in high bushfire risk areas
- supporting incident management activities during complex and longer duration campaign fires when additional community liaison and engagement capability is needed.
One of the brigade’s first activities was attending the Hawthorn versus Richmond AFL Emergency Services match at the MCG in August (pictured above with members of District 8 HQ brigade). Members of the brigade set up mobile education units outside the MCG to provide fire safety information to the football fans.

The brigade is supported by the region’s Community Safety team.

“The team will work closely with members of the new brigade to deliver the right training and mentoring to deliver engagement activities across the region,” South East’s Manager Community Safety Jude Kennedy said.

The brigade met in August to elect its inaugural brigade management team, with Paul Webster (pictured second from left) elected as the captain.

The brigade is seeking new members with a passion for engaging with the community. If you are an existing member of a brigade, you can join this new brigade while remaining a member of your local brigade. Members outside South East Region can also join, and people who live outside a CFA area, including those from Metropolitan Melbourne, are also welcome.

People who are not currently CFA members are also welcome to join.

For more information or if you are interested in joining, email the captain at sercommunitysafety.capt@members.cfa.vic.gov.au.

Submitted by Andy Oldroyd

MIL OSI News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Unemployment rising shows the need for a plan

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

New labour market data released by Statistics New Zealand today shows a weak labour market and the need for a plan to deliver positive change, said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney.

“Unemployment rose to 4.8% – which is the highest rate it has been since COVID-19. There are 29,000 more people unemployed since this government took office. Yet there is no plan to help workers – that needs to change,” said Renney.

“It’s clear that some communities are increasingly being left behind. Unemployment for young people is now a real concern, with 20% of 15–19-year-olds unemployed and 8.4% of all 20–24-year-olds unemployed. Māori unemployment is 9.2% and Pacific Peoples unemployment is 9.9%. Unemployment in in Auckland is now 5.2%.

“Wages are also reflecting the softer labour market, with 37% of all workers seeing no pay rise, and 50% of workers seeing an annual pay rise less than the 3.8% increase in household costs reported yesterday. With the minimum wage rising by less than inflation this year, its low-income workers who are bearing the brunt of this Government’s policies.

“This was the first time in 37 quarters that the number of people employed in New Zealand fell. A million fewer hours were worked this year. 367,000 people want more work but can’t currently get it. The numbers unemployed for more than 6 months is at its highest level since 1992.

“The headline rate of unemployment didn’t hit 5%, but the underlying data shows that the labour market is as weak as people fear. There have been significant layoffs at sites across New Zealand which won’t have registered yet in this data.

“The Government’s only plan appears to be welfare sanctions which will only increase hardship for unemployed workers. Workers deserve to know what this government is going to do ensure everyone has access to good, sustainable work,” said Renney.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Knights of Sport: How the Burevestnik Fencing School Prepares Olympians

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

These guys have been wearing armor since the age of eight — impenetrable clothing, they can calculate moves in seconds, gallantly attack and defend themselves: they are fencers. This art has long since moved from combat to sports. It is a matter of honor for modern knights to become the first, to win in capital, Russian and international competitions. This is taught at the Sports School of the Olympic Reserve (SShOR) “Youth of Moscow” in fencing “Petrel”She turned 75 at the beginning of November.

mos.ru correspondents visited a training session at the school and learned how to enroll, why the young fencers’ suits are connected to an electrical device, and also the differences between a foil, an epee, and a sabre.

“Order” of Fencers

The Youth of Moscow Fencing School Burevestnik is located at the Iskra stadium near the Botanichesky Sad metro station. The light-grey building is hidden behind a fence, a football field and trees, like a medieval castle.

“The fencing department opened in 1949 at the Burevestnik stadium on Samarsky Lane in the Meshchansky district. The first and only fencing coach was frontline soldier Lev Matsukevich. Fencing was then considered a little-known sport in the USSR, but the director’s enthusiasm was enough to interest schoolchildren. One of his students was Mark Rakita, who later became a two-time Olympic champion. In the 1960s, Burevestnik was headed by senior coach, Honored Coach of the USSR Vladimir Ganson, who managed to create a team of like-minded people. In 1967, the school received the status of Olympic reserve, and our students repeatedly confirmed it with their victories. In 1977, construction of the Olympic sports complex began on the site of Burevestnik. Since then – and this is almost half a century – the Iskra stadium has been our home,” says Anna Ilyaskina, master of sports in fencing, honored coach of Russia, director of the sports school of the Olympic reserve “Youth of Moscow” in fencing “Burevestnik”.

The display case at the entrance to the building displays sports trophies: cups, mostly gold. There are also Olympic awards: at the 2008 Games in Beijing, Burevestnik alumnus Victoria Nikishina won gold in the foil team, and in 2012 in London, foil fencer Aida Shanaeva won silver in the team tournament. “Our senior coach Andrei Alshan does not recognize simple participation in competitions and any places other than first. In reality, there are many more cups, there is not enough room for them all!” the mos.ru interviewee smiles.

Guys of different ages run past us, smart, with their backs straight and their heads held high. They greet each other politely. Fencing also requires good manners. During the holidays, you can finally train in the morning, and not just in the evening after school. Some of the guys come here and stay, dedicating their lives to fencing. It is not just a hobby, but an honor, pride, the meaning of life, the desire to win all the competitions in the world.

“Today, about 60 percent of students are girls. Usually, people start coming to us at the age of eight. We only accept those who have passed the entrance exams. In addition, in order to stay, you have to pass the control and transfer standards every year, and starting from the third year of study, you have to annually fulfill or confirm your sports category,” the director explains.

To enter the initial training group, you need to pass sports standards: running a distance of 30 meters, bending forward from a standing position on a gymnastic bench, long jump, bending and unbending arms in a support position lying on the floor. Those who managed to pass this entrance test come to classes three times a week, from the second or third year of study – four to five times. One training session lasts an hour and a half, and at the stage of higher sports skills – four.

Cords, guard and one and a half feet

In the gym, a girl of about 12 is doing a concentrated warm-up before training: she does push-ups, bends over, touching her left and right toes with an outstretched hand. At the same time, she believes that there should be a certain number of exercises, and that attentiveness, discipline, and punctuality are the necessary qualities of a fencer.

“The competition season has started, the guys are preparing for tournaments, including the Moscow Cup in fencing and qualifying competitions,” explains Anna Ilyaskina.

The clanking of metal can be heard. The future participants of the competition are crossing weapons on the tracks. They are wearing non-slip sneakers, white breeches, golf socks, jackets and masks made of a small impenetrable metal mesh that covers the entire face, including the chin. “The clothes, although soft, cannot be pierced. They are made of a special fabric – Kevlar,” our interlocutor explains. This material resembles chain mail, but is very thin and weightless.

A cord runs under the fencers’ clothing. One end with a plug sticks out of the sleeve: the weapon is connected to it. The other end, from under the hem of the jacket, is connected to a cord that leads to a reel, and from the reel to a small device. As soon as a participant strikes an opponent, the device transmits a signal to the board – and a light comes on there.

“Why are the suits white? Because until the late 1950s there was no electrical device to record the injection. The tip of the weapon was dipped in special paint and this way they tracked the injection sites, which were clearly visible on light fabric,” says the school principal.

The location of the wires under the suits depends on the type of weapon the fencer uses: each has its own striking surface. So, with a rapier you need to stab precisely into the electric jacket, which looks like a vest, with a sword – all over the body, and with a sabre – chop in the area from the waist to the crown.

“This is not the only difference between the types of weapons. For example, a rapier has four edges, the blade is 90 centimeters long. It must be held in a bent arm, the elbow at the level of the protruding femur. In a rapier and a saber, there is tactical correctness: first the attacker pricks, then the defender. The judge decides who was right. The existing rules of the competition cannot be violated, otherwise the prick will not be counted,” says Marianna Dzakhova, a master of sports in rapier fencing.

The epee is the heaviest: it weighs 750 grams. Those who take it out on the track can stab each other at the same time, hiding their hand behind the guard – a small hemispherical shield above the handle. And the sabre is the lightest and the only type of weapon that not only stabs, but also chops with the entire surface of the blade. To wield it, you need a quick reaction. A second – and you are defeated.

What fencing has in common is the position of the feet. “You need to stand heel to heel and spread your toes. Then spread your feet one and a half feet apart and bend your knees. It is important to always remember this distance during movements, otherwise you will lose your balance and be vulnerable,” adds Marianna Dzakhova.

Olympic scope

There are 17 coaches working at Burevestnik. Nine of them are former pupils of the school.

“I received a higher education in sports and wanted to work here. But there were no vacancies at that time, so I got a job as an instructor-methodologist at the Olympic Reserve Sports School “Youth of Moscow” in luge. Only seven years later, when I was already the deputy director, the opportunity arose to return to my native school as a coach. Both my uncles are masters of sports in sabre and graduates of “Burevestnik”, they were the ones who brought me here as a girl,” says master of sports in epee coach Anna Salykova.

There are also graduates who do not work as coaches, but, having received the title of Master of Sports and even World Champion, still attend Burevestnik. Fencing is for life.

“I came to Burevestnik when I was 11, now I am 23. There is no opportunity to participate in the Olympics yet, but I am not giving up. The goal of probably all fencers is to win gold at the Olympic Games. And age is not an obstacle in this sport. For example, one world champion from Italy continues to participate and win competitions, although she is 40 years old,” says Darya Drozd, a master of sabre, bronze medalist of the world championship, winner of the European championship and member of the Moscow and Russian teams.

In anticipation of Olympic victories, master of sports in epee fencing Alexander Sobolev, multiple winner of the Russian championship and member of the capital and national teams, comes to the school for training. The young man, who is now 21, entered Burevestnik at the age of nine and practically never leaves the gym. “In the evening, I have to leave for competitions, and he is here. In the morning, fresh off the train, he runs to school and grabs his epee. Although athletes rest before and after competitions,” laughs Anna Ilyaskina.

Another young man, 23-year-old Magamed Khalimbekov, a master of sports in sabre, silver medalist of the world championship and winner of the European championship, national champion, moved to Moscow from Dagestan. “Wrestling is popular here, and my family was involved in this sport. And a fencer needs a sharp mind, quick reactions, strong legs. At first, I didn’t have anything like that,” he admits.

School pupil Victoria Yusova, an international master of sports in foil, bronze medalist of the world championship and member of the Russian national team, could have left fencing forever: at the international competition in Doha, she tore her Achilles tendon and underwent two operations. But the girl continued training and won silver at the Russian Fencing Cup and bronze twice at the Russian Championship as part of the Moscow team. Victoria Yusova also helps wheelchair Paralympians hone their skills. “There are no victories without defeats,” the athlete notes.

Sports for mature minds

However, according to Anna Ilyaskina, it is not necessary to dedicate your life only to fencing. Many manage to combine sports and higher education at a non-core university. For example, Ivan Tsypin, a master of sports in sabre and bronze medalist of the Russian championship, multiple winner of Russian championships, is a second-year student at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation. “My father always said: “There can be several priorities, the main thing is to set them correctly,” the young man smiles.

Mikhail Kovalenko, a master of sports in sabre, winner of the Moscow and Russian championships, entered the economics department of the MISiS University of Science and Technology. “Sometimes I have to skip lectures for the sake of training, but the institute is understanding. Sport does not interfere with my studies, on the contrary, it helps. After all, an athlete is a person with a metal rod inside,” the young man notes.

By the way, Mikhail Kovalenko joined Burevestnik at the age of 13, broke his arm several times and missed important competitions. But nothing stopped him.

“In fact, fencing is a sport for mature minds. You need to think analytically, calculate moves, and not react to a hot head. The more mature you are, the better and more reliable it will be,” sums up senior sabre trainer Andrey Alshan, six-time world champion, Olympic silver medalist, and Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Sobyanin spoke about the reconstruction of the legendary Olympic sports complex Swimming, Boxing or Golf: Which Sport to Choose for Your Child Moscow Mayor: Sports have become a natural part of the capital’s urban space From personal training to large projects: how Moscow is developing infrastructure for an active and healthy lifestyle

You can enroll your child in the Youth of Moscow Sports School for Fencing “Burevestnik”, as well as in another sports school or section on the portal mos.ru.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146220073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Underground parking and playground: a new building was built in Koptevo under the renovation program

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

In the Koptevo district in the north of Moscow, construction of a house under the renovation program has been completed. It was erected at the address: proezd Cherepanovykh, house 54a. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

“The residential complex is located within walking distance from the Koptevo and Likhobory MCC stations. This is a single-section building with 119 apartments and an underground parking lot for 88 cars. The first non-residential floors house the concierge and stroller rooms; in the future, shops, services, order pick-up points or other organizations will open there,” said Vladislav Ovchinsky.

The finished improved finish in the new apartments meets the standards of the renovation program.

To ensure that the house fits harmoniously into the architectural ensemble of the area, its facades were made of suspended wall panels faced with clinker tiles. In addition, air conditioner baskets were installed on the external walls of the building, and the entrance groups were decorated with stained glass.

The yard was landscaped, a children’s playground with a safe rubber surface, a sports area and recreation areas were equipped.

“On the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, special attention is being paid to the quality of work on residential properties under the renovation program in the capital. A total of 13 control and supervision events were held at the site. The committee’s specialists assessed the quality of construction work, finishing, installation of engineering systems and the completed improvement of the adjacent territory. Based on the results of the final inspection, a conclusion was issued on the compliance of the house on Cherepanov Drive with the design documentation,” noted the Chairman of the State Construction Supervision Committee

Anton Slobodchikov.

Previously Sergei Sobyanin reported, that 1.2 trillion rubles have been allocated in the draft budget for three years to implement the renovation program.

More than 12.6 thousand Muscovites began moving into new houses under the renovation program in the third quarter of 2024

Renovation program approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. In 2023 alone, 59 new buildings in the capital were handed over for settlement and the relocation of over 47 thousand people was ensured. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increasethe pace of implementation of the renovation program has doubled.

Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. Over the past five years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of residential buildings in the capital has doubled: from three million to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about national projects being implemented in Moscow, you can find out here.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146225073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Learn to negotiate and find motivation: what courses did Technograd prepare in November

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

In November, the Technograd Innovation and Educational Complex at VDNKh invites everyone to courses to improve the efficiency of a company. Specialists from the career development center will help improve team management skills, interaction with employees, and competent decision-making. The programs are designed for business owners, managers, and HR specialists, as well as for everyone who values productivity and confidence in their professional sphere.

On November 11, classes will begin on the online course “Effective Relationships with the Boss: Instructions”. Expert Yulia Elizarova, psychologist, polygraph examiner, profiler-verifier will tell you how to find an approach to any type of manager and become an indispensable employee in the company. In addition, she will teach you how to successfully negotiate and respond correctly to any tasks. Listeners will learn how to cope with overload and fight procrastination. They will talk about advanced training as a factor in the development of a specialist and how to change jobs if necessary.

The program consists of four webinars. The classes will be held on November 11, 13, 15 and 17. They will start at 11:00 and 20:00. Required pre-registration.

On November 12, everyone will be able to practice their management skills as part of the course “How to Engage and Retain Employees in Your Team.” Career consultant and experienced business coach Olga Tkachenko will talk about non-material motivation tools that are useful for project managers and team leaders. Listeners will learn how to identify and analyze people’s needs, create a favorable atmosphere in the team. They will be reminded of the skills a manager should have in order to influence employee productivity. The course includes one homework assignment and two final online workshops. The webinars will be held on November 12, 14 and 19 at 14:00. Required pre-registration.

The course “How to achieve harmony between work and life” will begin on November 25. Listeners will discuss the problems of stress and professional burnout. Yulia Elizarova will tell you how to avoid neurosis in the pursuit of success, get rid of anxiety and find new meaning in life. Webinars will be held on November 25, 27, 29 and 30. Start at 11:00 and 20:00. Required pre-registration.

On November 26, the online course “Changing World: How to Make Decisions in Uncertain Conditions” will open. Psychologist Olga Denisova will talk about flexible skills that will allow you to adapt to an unstable situation and achieve success. Listeners will master stress management techniques and get acquainted with the concepts of non-standard and systemic types of thinking that will help in solving problems. Classes will be held on November 26, 28 and December 3, 5. Start at 17:00. Required pre-registration.

Innovative and educational complex “Technograd”— a unique platform at VDNKh. Here Muscovites can acquire new professional knowledge and master applied skills that are in demand in business in relevant areas. Classes are held online and offline. The project is supervised by Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow.

The Career Development Center is one of the areas of activity of Technograd. Its specialists help in finding professions in accordance with the individual characteristics of applicants, in career planning and training.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146229073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Five pre-revolutionary houses with glazed tile cladding will be restored

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Five buildings built before the 1917 revolution will undergo major repairs as part of the city program in 2024. Their special feature is facades covered with glazed tiles. Specialists from the Capital Repair Fund (CRF) have developed individual work plans and selected modern domestic materials and advanced technologies. The Moscow City Services Complex told about how historical buildings are being restored.

Eclecticism in Yakovoapostolsky Lane

This year, the six-story building at 15 Yakovoapostolsky Lane has already been renovated. It was built in 1913 according to an individual project in the eclectic style. The courtyard facades are made of brick, and on those facing the street, the four lower floors are faced with unpainted white ceramic tiles. There is a crowning cornice along the perimeter of the building.

Here, the roof and facade were renewed, which together with the glazed tiles were cleaned and washed. In some places, if necessary, local repair of the brickwork was carried out. Then, open surfaces in places of dampness were treated with an antifungal compound, and the glazed tiles were made hydrophobic. The building was plastered, the upper floors and the courtyard facade were painted white by the craftsmen.

The windows in the entrances were replaced with modern double-glazed windows. The specialists also replaced the ebbs and repaired the slopes, and hung a new drainage system on the building.

In addition, the roof of the house was completely repaired: the old roof covering was dismantled, the rafter system and individual parts of the wall plate were updated, and the sheathing was replaced. All wooden structures were treated with a fire-retardant composition, and new roofing sheet covering was laid. The attic spaces were insulated with mineral wool slabs to stabilize the temperature and humidity conditions.

Glazed tiles with decorative inserts on Plyushchikha

This year, the former apartment building of V.V. Kiselev at 26/2 Plyushchikha Street will also be restored. The five-story building was built before 1917 according to the design of the architect A.F. Meissner in the Art Nouveau style. The main façade has protruding parts — rectangular bay windows. The retail area of the first floor is accentuated by wide panoramic windows and is plastered. At the level of the second to fifth floors, the street facades are finished with glazed tiles with decorative inserts. The building is completed with a crowning cornice.

The house is undergoing a renovation of its glazed tile facade. They started with clearing open surfaces and repairing the plaster layer of the first floor and bay windows. Then they applied antifungal protection. The specialists will have to carefully repair the architectural elements. The wall segments covered with glazed tiles are water-repellent. Then the facades will be painted in the color “peach cream”. In addition, the craftsmen will replace the drainpipes and repair the entrances to the building.

Dark turquoise majolica on Sushchevskaya street

House 9 on Sushchevskaya Street has been completely renovated. It was built in 1910 according to the project of the architect F. F. Voskresensky in the Art Nouveau style. The building is four-story in the main volume, and its two-story part adjoins from the yard. Two vertical bay windows are symmetrically placed on the main facade. Dark turquoise majolica was used in the decoration. The building is completed by a crowning cornice.

The specialists put the facade in order and replaced a number of internal engineering systems. The large volume of restoration work was divided into stages for the convenience of residents. First, the facades were cleared of old paint and accumulated dirt. Then the craftsmen knocked off the peeling plaster and restored the damaged areas. Wet areas were treated with antifungal and antiseptic compounds, all decorative elements were cleaned and restored. The walls were painted in the color “gray fog”.

The base of the house and the entrances to the building were also plastered, and the drainpipes were replaced.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146235073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SITI continues visit to Canada (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, arrived in Ottawa to continue his visit to Canada on November 5 (Ottawa time).

Professor Sun attended the Seminar on Life Science and Global Health, themed “Innovation · Inclusion · Impact” and organised by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (Ottawa Chapter) and Invest Hong Kong, at the Parliament Building. In his keynote speech, Professor Sun said while Canada has long been recognised as a powerhouse in the field of life and health science, Hong Kong is also emerging as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Government strives to support the development of life and health technology as one of the technology industries with an edge and of strategic importance.

Professor Sun outlined a number of significant advantages that Hong Kong enjoys in developing life and health technology. Hong Kong’s flagship research and development initiative, InnoHK, has built collaboration with more than 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes from 12 economies, including Canada, and set up a total of 29 research laboratories with 16 of them focusing on healthcare-related technologies. A $6 billion subsidy programme to support local universities to set up life and health technology research institutes and a $3 billion Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme to accelerate cross-disciplinary researches are in place.

“Adequate sites and sophisticated infrastructure are equally important for long-term I&T development. We will set up the InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the Hetao Hong Kong Park (the Loop) to attract top-notch research teams and talent from around the world. We will allocate another HK$2 billion to support the InnoHK research clusters to establish presence in the Loop, and HK$200 million to support start-ups in the Loop engaging in life and health technology in the form of incubation and acceleration programmes.” Professor Sun added that new I&T land will be available in San Tin Technopole to support I&T industry development, creating synergy with the nearby Shenzhen I&T Zone.

Professor Sun continued that having the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the best platform to connect I&T talent and companies from the Mainland and around the world. He strongly believes that apart from life and health technology, there is a lot of room for bilateral collaboration between Hong Kong and Canada in fields such as green technology, renewable energy, environmental protection and sustainability.

Professor Sun also met with Canada-Hong Kong Parliamentary Friendship Group Member and Senator of Canada, Mr Woo Yuen-pau; the Group Chair and Member of Parliament of Canada, Mr Greg McLean; and Member of Parliament of Canada Mr Chandra Arya, at the Parliament Building. They had a brief exchange of views on areas of common interest, such as enhancing further collaboration on science, innovation and research between Hong Kong and Canada, as well as people and cultural exchanges between the two places.

Professor Sun also called on the Chinese Ambassador to Canada, Mr Wang Di, to brief him on the progress of building Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, as well as the city’s continuous efforts in integrating into national I&T development. Professor Sun said that Hong Kong spares no effort in developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, including optimising the strategy and institutional set-up for the development of new industrialisation, and increasing investment for I&T industries.

Professor Sun will proceed to visit Waterloo on November 6 (Toronto time).

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Tolland Estate set for a new lease of life

Source: New South Wales Government 2

Headline: Tolland Estate set for a new lease of life

Published: 6 November 2024

Released by: Minister for Housing, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

The Minns Labor Government will deliver nearly 500 new homes to the Wagga Wagga community, 40 per cent of which will be new, modern social and affordable housing following the approval of the rezoning request for the Tolland Renewal Project.

The Homes NSW planning proposal includes a diverse mix of housing types and will also include housing for seniors and First Nations people alongside new private market homes.

As part of the Minns Government’s commitment to deliver the infrastructure and amenities that help build better communities, the proposal will also see a revised street layout and more public open space for residents and locals.

Once commenced, Homes NSW expects the project to be delivered in stages over the next ten years, with the first stage of subdivision works expected to be completed during 2026. Over its life, the project will also create 1,200 construction jobs boosting the regional economy.

The Tolland Estate was originally built in the 1970s which means the new homes within the redevelopment will also reduce ongoing maintenance expenses associated with older homes and provide improved facilities and amenity for existing and new social housing tenants.

For more information on the redevelopment of Tolland Estate, visit: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/under-assessment/tolland-estate-wagga-wagga

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government remains committed to boosting housing supply, providing diverse housing options and increasing social housing in metropolitan and regional NSW.

“Tolland Estate will be revitalised over the coming years, modernising the local area and benefiting the surrounding community by putting a roof over the heads of many vulnerable people in Wagga Wagga.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“I know there is high community demand to progress this redevelopment and that’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re delivering this project in stages and will ensure that all current social housing residents are appropriately relocated and can return once the development is complete.

“Once built, the Tolland Estate redevelopment will deliver modern single and double storey homes for both social and private residents. These new homes will be easier to maintain and run, fostering community while fitting seamlessly into the local streetscape.

“This is further evidence of the Minns Labor Government acting on our commitment to tackle the housing crisis and build safe, good quality, accessible homes for people who need them most.

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, said:

“This project will be transformative for Tolland, so planning approval is an important step towards delivering better housing opportunities and a rejuvenation of the suburb for many hundreds of residents.

“This is a project I have been passionate about since I began as the local member. I welcome this next step.

“The priority now is to ensure that work on the first stages of the project proceed smoothly so that houses earmarked for removal can be efficiently demolished to make way for modern, purpose-built social and affordable homes for local people and that the suburb is kept safe, with ongoing maintenance carried out.”

MIL OSI News –

January 26, 2025

Category: housing

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