| IndyWatch Australian News All Topics Summary Archiver | |
 |
Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day |
|
IndyWatch Australian News All Topics Summary was generated at Australian News IndyWatch. |
|
Thursday, 13 July
01:15
Resi building activity slows -20pc from highs "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
Construction pipeline challenges
There's a lot of noise about building in the pipeline, and dwellings 'under construction', but of course many projects have been stalled, mothballed, or delayed, and every day there's a news story about another developer or building firm facing insolvency (three more in the past two days).
Overall, residential building activity, as measured in volume terms, has slowed by -19 per cent from the highs.
Capacity issues in the industry also haven't been helped by ongoing strength in infrastructure projects.
It's nevertheless true that the number of dwellings officially under construction remains high at around 240,000.
The number of detached houses under construction remains above 100,000, which is very high historically.
00:53
US inflation drops below 3pc "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
00:48
Dutton wants Australia to join the nuclear renaissance "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
but this dream has failed before. My latest in The Conversation over the fold
Last week, opposition leader Peter Dutton called for Australia to join what he dubbed the international nuclear energy renaissance.
The same phrase was used 20 years ago to describe plans for a massive expansion of nuclear. New Generation III plants would be safer and more efficient than the Generation II plants built in the 1970s and 1980s. But the supposed renaissance delivered only a trickle of new reactors barely enough to replace retiring plants.
If there was ever going to be a nuclear renaissance, it was then. Back then, solar and wind were still expensive and batteries able to power cars or store power for the grid were in their infancy.
Even if these new smaller, modular reactors can overcome the massive cost blowouts which inevitably dog large plants, its too late for nuclear in Australia. As a new report points out, nuclear would be wildly uncompetitive, costing far more per megawatt hour (MWh) than it does to take energy from sun or wind.
The nuclear renaissance that wasnt
Early in the 21st century, the outlook for nuclear energy seemed more promising than it had in years. As evidence on the dangers of global heating mounted, it became clear that the expansion of coal-fired power in the 1990s especially in Asia had been a mistake.
And despite the prevalence of slogans such as Solar not Nuclear, the cost of solar and wind energy was then too high to make fully renewable systems a reality.
The rise of Generation III and III+ designs promised to eliminate or at least greatly reduce the risk of accidents like those at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl.
The time seemed right for a nuclear renaissance especially in the United States. Between 2007 and 2009, 13 companies applied for construction and operating licenses to build 31 new nucle...
Wednesday, 12 July
21:31
The recent Jenin operation looks different when considering Palestine as a weapons laboratory "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
A strong review of my new book, The Palestine Laboratory, by writer Syndication Bureau (focusing solely on the Middle East).
An extract:
The occupation of Palestine is the most funded and resourced state project in Israels history. On the surface, the occupation has been sold as a temporary defensive measure necessary for Israels survival. However, it satisfies many other needs. Given the biblical connection to the West Bank, the occupation provides a religious veneer to the project of secular Zionism. Control over holy cities with deep meaning in Jewish religious history rallies Jews worldwide to support Israel and its government.
More importantly, Israels military control over an entire population has facilitated the creation of a lucrative weapons industry. In his new book, The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World, Australian journalist Antony Loewenstein has documented the intricate connection between the occupation of Palestine and the development of the modern weapons industry. Controlling millions of people requires more than a strong military. Israel has dominated virtually all aspects of Palestinian life with remarkable efficiency through a matrix of checkpoints, physical barriers, and advanced surveillance technologies.
Read the whole thing: What Drives Israels Lucrative Weapons Industry | by Joseph Dana | Jul, 2023 | Medium
The post The recent Jenin operation looks different when considering Palestine as a weapons laboratory appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.
17:52
US spending data not demonstrating effectiveness of monetary policy "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
I have been looking for signs that the concerted efforts by most central banks (bar the eminently more sensible Bank of Japan) to kill growth and force unemployment up have actually been effective. My prior, of course, is that the interest rates will not significantly reduce growth in the short run, but may if they
17:37
Chip Maker Foxconn Exits Semiconductor Joint Venture With Indian Mining Company Vedanta "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
The $19.5 billion semiconductor JV was called off due to external issues unrelated to the project, Foxconn said.
17:27
Information on the number of littering and parking fines issued "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Awaiting classification.
16:08
Hipkins surrenders "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Last month, the Greens kicked off their election campaign, proposing a wealth tax on the ultra-rich. Its a good, sensible policy: the New Zealand state is decrepit and run-down, with everything falling apart and failing after decades of austerity. A wealth tax would give it the money it needs to be able to do the things we want it to do: schools, hospitals, a welfare system that ends poverty and ensures human dignity.
So, you'd expect Labour, the party of ordinary kiwis who rely on those public services, to support this, right? Of course not:
Labour will not propose a wealth tax or a capital gains tax at the election, Labour leader Chris Hipkins said overnight on Wednesday.And so Labour, "the party of the workers", has sided with the ultra-rich to fuck over normal people, as usual. But then, should we really expect anything different from a man paid $471,049 a year, who owns three houses? Bluntly, he's not one of us - he's one of them. Of course he stands for their interests rather than ours.Im confirming today that under a Government I lead there will be no wealth or capital gains tax after the election. End of story.
He said now is simply not the time for a big shake-up of our tax system.
Obviously, we have MMP, so this is really a question of the balance of power between Labour and the Greens and Te Pti Mori after the election. But Hipkins' announcement today means that that might not be an issue. He's basicly told voters to fuck off, he's not going to offer us anything - just the awful, unequal, rusting status quo. There's no hope for a better future under Labour. So why bother voting for them?
The clear message from this announcement is that if you want change, you need to vote for the Greens or Te Pati Mori. As for Labour, a party which offers its voters literally nothing deserves to lose.
16:00
Tassie's Tall Trees under threat "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Logging and bushfires have decimated giant gum trees in Tasmania. Unless we seriously tackle climate change, Australia stands to lose these biological treasures, writes Henry Johnston.
I PASS A milestone this year. A pointer to a life fulfilled. A time of reckoning.
Somewhere it is written, humans are allotted threescore and ten years. As I think back on this gift, I recall the joys of my life on this planet as it spins in silence through the Milky Way.
Other non-human companions, whose life force makes my sweet time appear inconsequential, remind me of the fragility of existence.
I gazed upon them yesterday in Tasmania's Hartz Mountains down by Geeveston Town. But today, I learnt of a threat to companion trees, silent and majestic, in the far-off Mount Field National Park via Maydena, west of Hobart and towards the south from New Norfolk.
Both locales the Hartz Mountains, bifurcated by the dark flowing Huon River and the Styx Tall Trees Conservation Area, watered by the gurgling Tyenna bear the scars of two recent misfortunes.
The first threat, the ever-present menace of logging, elicits passionate arguments for and against, but recent disastrous fires seem forgotten, probably because of a convenient trick we humans employ to bypass certain certainties. If it is out of sight, so, it is out of mind. And I am told our home, the blue planet, experienced its hottest day since records began.
As I write, it is difficult to dismiss the vision of thousands of matchstick-like trees in the Hartz M...
14:39
Link "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Above: Tim Wilms (The Unhinged) and Jarrad Searby (Proud Boys/National Socialist Network/Finks/Melbourne Magistrates Court) pose for the camera. Wilms is wearing RWDS merch popularised by the Proud Boys and, more recently, mass murderer Mauricio Garcia. This week on Yeah Nah Continue reading
10:28
Clive Palmer launches second ISDS case against the Australian government with third case likely "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
12 July, 2023: The Attorney Generals Department has confirmed that Clive Palmers company, Zeph Investment which is registered in Singapore, has lodged a second Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) claim suing the Australian government for $41.3 billion under the 2012 ASEAN-Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.
ISDS is a mechanism within some trade agreements which enables foreign (but not local) investors to sue governments for millions and even billions of dollars of compensation if they can argue, among other reasons, that a change in domestic law or policy has reduced the value of their investment.
Clive Palmer is claiming to be a Singaporean investor, as Zeph Investment is registered in Singapore, to utilise the ISDS mechanism to lodge his claim. He is alleging that the refusal of coal exploration permits in Queensland, which were refused on environmental grounds, entitles him to ISDS compensation.
Clive Palmers most recent ISDS case is just one of the two new prospective ISDS cases revealed in the May budget papers. The Attorney Generals Department has confirmed that Zeph Investment is expected to lodge a third ISDS case.
These cases follow two previous cases that Clive Palmer has taken against the Australian government. In October 2021, Clive Palmer lost his $27.8 billion High Court (non-ISDS) case against the Western Australian government over a disputed mining lease. He moved assets to Singapore to take this case to an ISDS tribunal and in April 2023 he sued the Australian government for almost $300 billion.
Clive Palmers latest case means he is currently suing the Australian government for $337.3 billion under ISDS, not accounting for a potential third case. Even if Clive Palmer loses these cases, it can be expected to cost the Australian government billions in legal fees. A previous ISDS case between Phillip Morris and the Australian government over plain cigarette packaging cost Australia than $12 billion in legal fees and over 5 years to resolve.
09:46
Discussing Lachlan Murdoch with Paddy Manning "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Journalist Paddy Manning has written a fascinating book on Lachlan Murdoch, the heir apparent of the global media empire, called The Successor.
I interviewed him about the book and his methods behind it at this years Newcastle Writers Festival:
The post Discussing Lachlan Murdoch with Paddy Manning appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.
09:24
Post-pandemic Principle #3: Sort out your personal balance sheet "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
09:11
Robodebt Morrisons latest disaster "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
In August 2022 Peter Dutton was interviewed in Adelaide. In a wide ranging interview he stated, many times, that if a Royal Commission was set up to look into Robodebt, then Bill Shorten should be the first minister to appear. Asked several times about Scott Morrisons responsibility for the scheme he repeated his charge that
The post Robodebt Morrisons latest disaster appeared first on The AIM Network.
09:10
SCRC's draft Marine Turtle Conservation Plan - Mapping and ALAN results "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Partially successful.
08:00
Blockchain could revolutionise the power industry "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Blockchain technology has the potential to provide solutions to several challenges facing the power industry today, writes Paul Budde.
AS WE ALL KNOW, because of the rising costs of energy, the power industry is one of the most important sectors of the economy. It is responsible for providing electricity to homes, businesses and other critical infrastructure. However, the power industry is also facing a number of challenges, including rising demand, ageing infrastructure and climate change.
Blockchain technology has the potential to address many of these challenges and revolutionise the power industry. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that can record transactions in a secure and transparent way.
This makes it ideal for applications in the power industry, such as:
- Energy trading: Blockchain can be used to create a secure and transparent marketplace for energy trading. This would allow buyers and sellers to trade energy directly with each other, without the need for a third party.
- Distributed energy resources: Blockchain can be used to manage distributed energy resources (DERs), such as solar panels and batteries. This would allow DERs to participate in the energy market and provide valuable services to the grid.
- Smart grids: Blockchain can be used to create smart grids, which are more efficient and reliable. Smart grids use sensors and other technology to collect data about the grid, which can then be used to optimise operations.
- Fraud prevention: Blockchain can be used to prevent fraud in the power industry. For example, blockchain can be used to track the movement of energy, which can help to identify and prevent theft.
We also discussed blockchain in this article and discussed at a higher level its benefits and its problems.
In addition to these specific applications, blockchain can a...
07:26
In which the pond offers a headlines survey before settling down to a bipartisan stew ... "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
The pond decided to take it easy this day and do a survey of the headlines of the lizard Oz. By now the pond expects devoted herpetology students to be able to write a column in the style and manner of any reptile columnist and without the help of AI, still end up with passing fair sense of verisimilitude ...
First up the pond caught a fleeting glimpse of a despairing cry from the Catholic Boys' (and occasional girl) Daily at the thought of having been done down yet again by that rogue liberal Marxist climate science affirming chemist from South America ...
Remember to splash a few tears onto the paper so that the ink might run, and cry forlornly at the sky, "where are the Pellists of yesteryear"?
Moving right along, there's much digital ink to be spilled about Jimbo ...
If talk of "hard-head Jim"...
07:21
Link "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
Australian Property Podcast
Somewhat topical, with builder insolvencies exploding 75 per cent higher over the 2023 financial year, I asked Amy Lunardi about what's happening with house and land packages.
Tune in here (or click on the image below):
You can also watch the video
00:15
Telstra-Space X agreement is not welcome news in every corner of Australia "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
.jpg) |
| Moon, Four Planets,
and Emu an Aboriginal Astronomical
constellation that's outlined by dark areas of the Australian
night sky. NASA Science, 8 February
2019
|
Nominally Australian telecommunications corporation Telstra Group and Elon Musks Space Exploration Technologies Corp aka SpaceX have one thing in common they both frequently charge too much for the often below par telecommunicatio...
Tuesday, 11 July
22:33
Rental price growth has...peaked! "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
21:40
Over 61,000 heat related deaths during 2022 European summer "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
New research estimates over 61,000 heat related deaths in Europe in 2022. And that comes after heat alerts and other climate adaptation measures implemented after the massive death toll of 73,000 from the 2003 heatwave. What will the summer bring for Australia? With record temperatures being set around the world (see June climate signals and records), and ElNino formation boosting
18:30
When Net Zero Describes Common Sense And Progress, Rather Than Emissions "IndyWatch Feed National"
Australias path to net zero emissions isnt so much rocky as it breathtakingly foolish. That is unless were all okay with wide-scale habitat destruction both here and overseas) while wasting trillions of dollars in the process. Geoff Russell weighs in on the renewables vs nuclear debate, which seems to be going from the bizarre to the absurdum.
Mathematicians often use a form of proof called Reductio ad absurdum. If you want to prove something is false, then assume its true and see what that implies. If the implication is false or contrary to something we know is true, then the job is done.
Heres an example. Suppose Jill and Joe are having a discussion. Joe believes in the power of prayer and Jill wants to prove that praying for something doesnt work.
JOE: If I pray, then I can pass my exam.
Jill assumes prayer works and so tries to see what that implies.
JILL: If prayer works, then few, if any Christians would ever have died from cancer.
Thats true if most Christians with a cancer diagnosis respond by praying not to die (from the cancer).
Jill: So, since many Christians die of cancer (every day), prayer doesnt work.
Theres a bit of slack in that argument. Maybe Christians dont all take to prayer when given a cancer diagnosis, and maybe some die without being diagnosed. A mathematician doing mathematics would be more rigorous, but Reductio arguments are often used in this rough and ready way.
Of course, you can escape the argument by exploiting a common loop hole.
Joe: Prayer definitely works, just not all the time and only if you are devout.
Enter Net Zero Australia.
Best laid plans
All over the world, research groups are producing net-zero plans of one kind or another. The latest local work came out in April 2023, from Net Zero Australia (NZAU).
NZAU is a consortium of universities and consulting companies, with most of the people being from Melbourne University.
16:17
Piers Morgan Tried To Interview Roseanne Barr. It Went About As Well As Youd Expect "IndyWatch Feed National"
One of the challenging things about Roseanne Barr, at least over the past few years, has been working out whether or not she has a genuine mental illness (and is thus being exploited by morally bankrupt media types) or if, in fact, shes simply just a spectacularly shit human.
Unfortunately, Barrs latest media outing a bizarre, sycophantic, shouty interview from renowned whinging Pom Piers Morgan does nothing to solve the question. But first the brief background.
Morgan had Barr on overnight because, once again, the former comedian turned sitcom star has hit the headlines for saying things that, well, in the cold light of day look more stupid rant than funny. Which, unless youre Donald Trump, cant be put down to a deliberate career choice.
In Barrs case, at the end of last month she appeared on fellow comedian Theo Vons podcast, where, among many other wildly outlandish statements, she sarcastically claimed that Joe Biden had definitely won the 2020 presidential election over Trump. Barr, in case youve missed it, is a trenchant election denier, and so, to underscore her sarcasm, she also pretended to be a Holocaust denier. Which is never a good idea.
[Biden got 81 million votes in 36 districts]. That is the truth, and nobody died in the Holocaust either. Thats the truth. It should happen, six million Jews should die right now because they cause all the problems in the world but it never happened, Barr said.
In Barrs funny defence, she also told Von that Hollywood was full of Jews and that Americans should be grateful because if that wasnt the case, all youd have is f***ing fishing shows. But unfortunately for Barr, while sections of the left did indeed try to misuse the statements to make out Barr was genuinely anti-Semitic (it was clearly satirical and Barr is, in fact, Jewish), it still went down like a lead balloon within the Jewish community.
Jonathan Greenblatt from the Anti-Defamation League lead the charge: Sarcasm or not, Roseanne Barrs comments about Jews and the Holocaust are reprehensible and irresponsible.
And speaking of that, enter Piers Morgan, who was obviously hopeful he might wring a bit more out of the fortnight-old controversy. Morgan also apparently mistakenly believed he had an ally and friend in Roseanne Barr, who, like himself, has repeatedly been silenced and cancelled for her views (well let the fact Morgan has his own television show, and Barr her own publicist for a national tour fly through to the keeper).
...
16:10
US cluster bombs deal is clear signal that war is not going well for Ukraine "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
America risks losing the moral high ground by supplying Ukraine with a weapon banned by much of the world, so why are they supplying it?
Mark Stone, US correspondent @Stone_SkyNews
The White House is fully aware of the huge controversy surrounding this cluster munitions decision.
Some 123 countries are part of the 2008 International Convention on Cluster Munitions which bans the use or transfer of this particular weapon.
Almost all of Americas allies are signatories to the convention.
Even within US government circles, there has been deep unease about supplying its own stockpile of cluster munitions to Ukraine.
Ukraine war latest: US to send Kyiv controversial weapon banned by more than 100 countries
As recently as last week, within the state department, there was division about the decision to supply the weapon.
The long and grim record of the cluster bomb explains the unease and the controversy.
Globally, civilians represent 97% of cluster munition casualties, according to a report last year by the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor an organisation that seeks to ban them altogether.
Children are overwhelming the victims.
By supplying the weapon, there is a clear risk to civilians, not now necessarily, but in the future. The legacy of unexploded cluster bomblets is evident on former battlefields globally.
America also risks losing the moral high ground against Russia by supplying a weapon banned by much of the world.
So why supply it?
Well, the facts on the ground are not in Ukraines favour. The transfer is a clear signal that the war is not going well for ...
16:06
US Will Provide Ukraine U.N. Condemned Cluster Bombs as Part of New Weapons Package "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
by EDITORJuly 8, 2023 https://scheerpost.com/2023/07/08/us-will-provide-ukraine-cluster-bombs-as-part-of-new-weapons-package/
The news comes after HRW issued a report that said Ukraine killed civilians with U.N. banned cluster bombs used in Izium
By Dave DeCamp / Anitwar.com
The Associated Press reported Thursday that the Biden administration has decided to arm Ukraine with cluster bombs and will announce the munitions as part of a new $800 million arms package. The news comes after Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a report that said Ukraine has killed its own citizens using the munitions.
US officials told AP that they expect the arms package to be announced Friday. The White House used to be opposed to arming Ukraine with cluster munitions, as they are indiscriminate weapons that cause harm to civilians, but the concerns have waned.
Cluster bombs scatter small submunitions over large areas, making them especially hazardous to civilians who can find unexploded munitions years after they were dropped. Because of their indiscriminate nature, cluster munitions have been banned by more than 100 nations. The US, Ukraine, and Russia are not parties to the treaty, known as the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
The HRW report said that Ukrainian cluster munition rocket attacks in the eastern city of Izium in 2022 killed at least eight civilians and wounded 15 more. HRW also said Russias use of cluster bombs in the war has killed many civilians.
Ukraines use of cluster bombs on people living in its eastern territory goes back to 2014, when war first broke out in the Donbas. That year, HRW issued a report that said Kyiv was using the controversial munitions against populated areas of Donetsk. The use of cluster munitions in populated...
16:02
The Fukushima Disaster: The hidden side of the story "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Arnie Gundersen speaks of the clich that the solution to pollution is dilution, but with the radiation from Fukushima being sent into the Pacific, there will be bio-accumulationwith vegetation absorbing radiation, little fish eating that vegetation and intensifying it and bigger fish eating the smaller fish and further bio-accumulating the radioactivity. Already, tuna off California have been found with radiation traced to Fukushima. With this planned further, and yet greater dispersal, thousands of people in the Pacific basin will die from radiation, he says.
Exposing the nuclear industry and its lies. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/07/08/labour-explore-ai-ban-decisions-nuclear-weapons-david-lammy/
The Fukushima Disaster, The Hidden Side of the Story, is a just-released film documentary, a powerful, moving, information-full film that is superbly made. Directed and edited by Philippe Carillo, it is among the strongest ever made on the deadly dangers of nuclear technology.
It begins with the words in 1961 of U.S. President John F. Kennedy: Every man, woman and child lives under a nuclear sword of Damocles, hanging by the slenderest of threads, capable of being cut at any moment by an accident, or miscalculation or by madness.
It then goes to the March 2011 disaster at the Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plants in Japan after they were struck by a tsunami. Their back-up diesel generators were kicked in but did not run for long, notes the documentary. That led to three of the six plants explodingand theres video of thisreleasing an unpreceded amount of nuclear radiation into the air.
Fukushima is the worlds largest ever industrial catastrophe, says Professor John Keane of the University of Sydney in Australia. He says there was no emergency plan and, as to the owner of Fukushima, Tokyo Electric Power Company, with the accident its CEO for five nights and dayslocked himself inside his office.
Meanwhile, from TEPCO, there was only good news with two Japanese government agencies also involved in the cover-upthe Nuclear Industry Safety Agency and Ministry of Economy,...
16:00
Russian victory worse than civilian cluster-bomb deaths says Pentagon official "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
A US official has defended the decision to supply Ukraine with the weapons, which are banned in more than 100 countries.
US fears of Russian success on the battlefield outweigh concerns that deliveries of cluster bombs to Ukraine could result in civilian casualties, a senior Pentagon official acknowledged on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl defended the White Houses decision to approve another $800 million weapons package for Ukraine, including cluster munitions. The weapons are banned in more than 100 countries.
When they detonate, the munitions release many small bomblets over a wide area. A percentage of bomblets fail to detonate on impact, however, and unexploded elements pose severe risks to civilians for years after fighting ends.
Asked if the Pentagon has assured its allies that the munitions will not cause excessive civilian harm, Kahl replied: Im as concerned about the humanitarian circumstance as anybody, but the worst thing for civilians in Ukraine is for Russia to win the war. And so its important that they dont. https://www.rt.com/news/579374-pentagon-cluster-munition-civilian-casualties/
Centrelink bogus debts: How far can the vulnerable be pushed before they break? FLASHBACK 2017 "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
The Robodebt Royal Commission recommended prosecutions for the Coalition criminals behind the illegal welfare hunt.
In this article from 2017, Eleanor Green, one of the brave victims who spoke out about the scheme, shared her experience of receiving a Centrelink debt notice.
I AM ONE of the lucky people who have received a false debt notice from Centrelink.
The letter states:
We have completed our review of your employment income details and made a decision to change the amount you were entitled to receive.
You might notice it does not say I received more than I was entitled to. Rather, the Government has changed their mind about how much to pay me after the fact.
The debt notices scandal, or should I say scam, has been blamed on faulty government technology. When I received the notice, I was not surprised. It just seems typical of the Government, with its expertise in combining bullying and incompetence. The notice refers to a period over five years ago, when I was working casually as a checkout operator at Coles and I diligently reported my income at the time on a fortnightly basis.
Over the past six months, almost 200,000 debt notices have been delivered. They continue to be sent out at up to 20,000 per week, which is approximately the same amount that was sent for the whole of 2015. Meanwhile, Centrelink seems to be in no hurry to rectify the problem. There are plans to send out 1.7 million debt notices, in order to grab back $4 billion from welfare recipients.
Pressure on the Government to do something about it is hi...
15:35
Mr. Musk Goes to Malaysia "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
Tesla sees some Southeast Asian countries as promising markets for its electric vehicles, and others as possible sites for producing them.
15:02
Melbournes Triple R radio on The Palestine Laboratory "IndyWatch Feed National"
My interview with Melbournes Triple R Radio program, The Grapevine, about my new book, The Palestine Laboratory:
The Palestine Laboratory is a new book by journalist Antony Loewenstein that documents how Israels subjugation of the Palestinian people serves as a testing ground for weapons and surveillance systems that are then exported around the world.
Built on extensive research, interviews and on-the-ground reporting, the book draws on modern events including Harvey Weinstein, 9/11 and the current crisis in Ukraine to show the consequences of a military industrial complex that facilitates the persecution of groups in many parts of the world.
Antony joined Dylan and Kulja on The Grapevine to talk through it all.
Whats happening in Palestine is not staying there the occupation is being exported The technologies and tools that Israel has developed over decades whether its spyware drones or facial recognition technology is now a massive export business to countless countries around the world.
The post Melbournes Triple R radio on The Palestine Laboratory appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.
14:37
ROBODEBT PROSECUTIONS "IndyWatch Feed National"
7 UNIDENTIFIED PEOPLE MAY FACE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION
One of the outcomes from the Robodebt Royal Commission is a secret chapter that recommends civil action or criminal prosecutions. Years overdue, and far too lateb for deceased victims, but better late than never.
This postings URL: https://wp.me/p1n8TZ-3mo
Below are extracts from the report:
I have provided to you an additional chapter of the report which has not been included in the bound report and is sealed. It recommends the referral of individuals for civil action or criminal prosecution....
13:39
Untenable "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
If a political party had been playing host to someone accused of historical indecent assault, you'd think that's the sort of thing voters ought to be able to know during an election campaign. But not according to this snobby judge:
A former political party figure charged with indecent assault will keep his name under wraps until his trial next year.This is terrible for voters, who are being denied information which could affect their vote. Its terrible for the party, who are being denied the opportunity to defend themselves and dispel the inevitable suspicion that they knew or were careless about this historical offending. Its terrible for the party's candidates, who face being tarred by association and suffering reputational damage when the truth comes out. But most of all, its terrible for our democracy. Because if the party ends up in government and helping to make justice policy after the election, and then suppression is lifted, voters will rightly feel that they have been defrauded at the ballot box and that the government gained power by covering up child abuse. Which is obviously horrific for its legitimacy, and for public confidence in our democratic institutions.His lawyer Ian Brookie successfully argued the case could have become a political football in an election year, jeopardising his clients right to a fair trial.
Brookie defused what was alleged to be a potential election bombshell in two hearings about a month ago in the Auckland District Court.
Judge Anna Skellern recently released her reserved judgment to parties in the case, granting the man ongoing interim name suppression until his trial, scheduled to start on August 19, 2024.
But hey, we couldn't inconvenience a rich person, could we?
This is simply untenable. The consistent use of name suppression to protect the rich and powerful from the reputational consequences of their actions is already undermining public confidence in the justice system. Lets not let it take down our democracy as well.
13:02
Dysfunctionality Critical Mass "IndyWatch Feed National"
J.G.Olsen / Financial Expositor
The Present:
There are now so many syst...
13:00
One Simple Word Can Change Your Thinking "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
Since its dark days of March 2009, Wall Street ably assisted by its central bank benefactor has soared to levels beyond anything we could ever have imagined.
Nasdaq has clocked up a 16-fold gain and the S&P 500 a more modest seven-fold increase. Contrary to what people might think, compound returns of this magnitude ARE NOT normal.
However, the longer something goes on, the more ingrained the belief becomes in its permanency.
This headline from the 4 July 2023 edition of The Wall Street Journal captures the current mood of eternal optimismone-fifth of investors age 85 or older have gone all-in on the marketWOW
|
|
|
Source: The Wall Street Journal |
I recall Buffett saying something like, when others are greedy, you should be scared.
Are this cohort of bullish seniors aware of just how overvalued the US market is?
Instead of being greedy, shouldnt they be scared?
As of 30 June 2023, 16 valuation metrics four of which have data points dating back to 1925/26 are ALL registering readings ofModerately to Extremely Overvalued.
Nothing is cheap out there.
|
|
13:00
The Hardest Landing "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
So, we felt sorry for the owner of a huge mega-yacht that came into the harbour yesterday. Sleek and longwith its own starched-white crew and chefworth maybe US$50$100 million. The rule of thumb is that annual operating expenses come to about 10% of the purchase price.
How proud the owner must have been! His friends and family aboardall impressed by his floating palace
But then, mooring in Taormina bay
the poor owner must have felt like he needed a second job; the yacht was dwarfed by other super-super yachts already in the harbour.
Welcome to the world of the richin Taormina, Sicily.
Rates rocket
We are in Sicily attending a wedding. Despite all the advances in technology AI, cryptos, and luggage with wheels
and all the advances in public policy the Patriot Act, the war in Ukraine, removing statues, and almost 13 years of negative real interest rates
and progress in society itself using they to describe a single person, taking pride in things that used to be unmentionable and unpardonable, and recognising that we are all hopeless racists
people still hitch themselves, one to another, like plow-horses.
And sometimes they want to do it in exotic locationswhich is why we are here.
The wedding went smoothly and elegantly. And then we spent the weekend exploring the countrysideincluding the towns of Castiglione di Sicilia and Troina, where we heard they were giving away houses.
More about thattomorrow.
Today, let us look at the most important thing to happen in the financial markets.
Benzinga reports, 10-Year Treasury Yields Rise Above Inflation for the First Time in Three Years:
In a significant market development, the yield on the 10-year US Treasury note surpassed the rate of inflation for the first time in more than three years. With the current yield at 4.04% and inflation recorded at 4% year-on-year in May 2023, this milestone signals a crucial market shift.
when bond yields surge above inflation, the dynamics change dramatically.
And heres the Reuters report, US two-year Treasury yield surges to 16-year high after employment data:
The two-year US Treasury note yield rose to its highest level since June 2007 on Thursday after news that private payrolls jumped in June, showing that the labour market remains surprisingly strong despite risks of recession from higher interest rates.
Piping hot
What sent interest rates shooting up was news, last week, which told us that the labour market is piping hot. We dont believe it really is; most of the new jobs are actually second jobs taken by people who are desperate to keep up with ris...
12:00
Terrible truths about nuclear energy exposed "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
A documentary lifting the lid on secrets surrounding the Fukushima nuclear disaster exposes the terrifying dangers of nuclear power, writes Karl Grossman.
A NEW documentary titled The Fukushima Disaster: The Hidden Side of the Story is a powerful, moving, informative film that is superbly made. Directed and edited by Philippe Carillo, it is among the strongest ever made on the deadly dangers of nuclear technology.
Australians featured in the film are Dr Helen Caldicott, former president of Physicians for Social Responsibility, and John Keane, professor of politics at the University of Sydney. Carillo is a resident of the nation of Vanuatu, 1,750 kilometres northeast of Australia.
The documentary begins with the words of U.S. President John F Kennedy from 1961:
Every man, woman and child lives under a nuclear sword of Damocles, hanging by the slenderest of threads, capable of being cut at any moment by an accident, or miscalculation or by madness.
It then goes to the March 2011 disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan after it was struck by a tsunami. Its backup diesel generators kicked in but did not run for long, notes the documentary. That led to three of the six plant reactors exploding and theres video of this releasing an unpreceded amount of nuclear radiation into the air.
Fukushima is the worlds largest ever industrial catastrophe, then says Professor John Keane. He says there was no emergency plan and, as to the owner of Fukushima, Tokyo Electric Power Company (...
10:35
The dole-bludger myth can die now the real cheats were highly paid public servants "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
The dole-bludger myth can die now the real cheats were highly paid public servants
The royal commission made clear what we already knew: the only dangers to the welfare system are public servants and policy makers.
08:59
Royal Commission shines torch on Robodebt injustice "IndyWatch Feed National"
Contributed by Joe Montero
The Holmes Royal Commission has produced a damning report on Robodebt and presented 57 recommendations Robodebt has been confirmed as one of the biggest scandals in Australia history. Maybe it doesnt offer a clear alternative. But at least it does help shine a torch on a great injustice and found that it was illegal.
A clear outline of how the victims were targeted and made examples of for accepting payments from Centrelink was given. As was how vilification, the hard to navigate process, and the assignment of blame without proof, were used as weapons.
Robodebt was not a mistake, nor was it the result of bad legal advice. This was a deliberate policy to play the blame game for failed economic and social government policies, and in line with the application of neoliberalism. Robodebt and the pain it brought were deliberately intended to force as many as possible into the cheap labour market.
Every indicator suggests a likely connection between corruption in politics and corruption in business, through the granting of lucrative contracts.
We know that the way individuals were treated resulted in immense stress, despair, ill health, and that drove some to suicide. The trauma caused extended to families and impacted on communities.
In the preface to her report, Catherine Holmes noted that the incidence of fraud was miniscule. This didnt prevent ministers and other politicians from blowing this out of proportion, to justify what was happening.
Now that Robodebt has become scandal, there is no shortage of politicians tut tutting about how terrible it was. They omit that part about the broad bipartisan support for it. There is a smell of insincerity here. The exception is former prime minister Scott Morrison, who continues to deny any wrong.
Cartoon by Megan Herbert
Robodebt was exposed through the effort of many of its victims, their supporters, and of course, the critical role played by whistleblowers within the system. If the politicians had not gone missing at the time, there wouldnt have been Robodebt.
The first recommendation in the report involves treating Centrelink recipients with respect and dignity, putting an end to the use of stigmatising language, and creating a process that is user friendly and efficient.
Instead of this, the post Robodebt system has delive...
08:27
The Old Run. "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
The Old Run.
Th bottom fifty lays fallow now,
No more to feel the hunger of the plough,
The fences lean a fair degree,
But its no longer a problem..
We dont run stock there any more, ysee?
The troughs are dry and filling with dust,
Rolly-pollys tumble over saltbush rough,
And the Mallee scrub is re-claiming its bush.
*
Since last we spoke..Stellas in a home, yknow?
Yes..the dreaded D..taking her slow,
The memory, the speech..doesnt know me now..
Tis a blasted pity and rotten way to go,
And a bloody shame, considering the effort,
We put in..th sweat n tears, to run this show.
The ending now..shell never know.
A blasted shame n rotten way to go.
*
Old Tom Hart shifted uncomfortable in his chair,
Took a sip from the cup at his elbow there,
Gave his nose a twitching.. Welsh combed his hair.
Took Stella for a walk along the riverside a ways,
Tother day..didnt recognise it..was just confused..aye..,
So what happens, on the day she passes away?
There will be no memory, no self..no dignity left to die,
Nothing at all, I spose, but a sad goodbye.a sad goodbye.
08:09
In which Dame Groan cultists must wade through murky Orwellian and bromancer waters before reaching their prize ... "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Bitter regrets at astonishing sacrifices arising from sticking to the lizard Oz?
Sometimes the pond has a few, perhaps too many to mention ... what fragile beauty, what tender moment, what Pythonish juxtaposition, was lost to the pond for all eternity by not being able to embrace gorgeous George and share his devotion?
08:00
Disharmony plaguing international women's soccer "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
As the FIFA Womens World Cup draws near and national teams begin to descend on us, it is imperative we see beyond the jerseys and anthems and understand that female athletes are women deserving of support on and off the field.
In 2009, an author and an economist published a book together called Soccernomics, which was hailed as being soccers answer to Moneyball a book based on the data of the game.
In their book, the two allude to the fact that statistically, the English Premier League has more transfers from Scandinavia than it does from Latin America, despite the fact that Latin American players are more widely known for their talent and skill.
The reason, according to them, is that time and experience have shown that Latin American players adapt poorly to the culture in the UK, which is a prerequisite to performing well at any club within the English Premier League.
The authors write:
Latin Americans dont speak English, dont like cold weather and dont tend to understand the core traditions of English football, such as drinking twenty pints of beer in a night. Few Latin Americans adjust easily to English football.
Instead of Latin Americans, English clubs traditionally bought Scandinavians. On average, Scandinavians are worse footballers than Latin Americans, but they are very familiar with English, cold weather and twenty pints of beer.
The point that the authors, Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski, had set out to make is that players cannot simply be seen as merchandise and transferring players from club to club and country to country is not as simple as buying the best players and expecting them to perform.
Players, as obvious as it sounds, are people and the way that they are able (or unable) to adapt to a new culture, country and climate has a statistically proven effect on...
07:34
Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating partner- its a gay man "IndyWatch Feed National"
Above recent photograph: Two old Sydney gays. Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating with Sydney radio shock jock Alan Jones.
I dont know who Paul Keatings live-in gay partner is.
Below photograph: former Australian Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating.
...
05:59
NATO must bring Putin down "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
NATO leaders will meet this week in Lithuania, a nation that suffered both the Nazi jackboot and the hammer of Soviet communism. Their main subject, of course, will be Ukraine, which suffered the same fate as Lithuania and now suffers at the hands of the Putin dictatorship.
As those leaders meet, they should reflect upon the words of Robert Jackson delivered during the opening the prosecution at the Nuremberg trial in 1945:
The . . . dream of a peace-and-plenty economy . . . can never be fulfilled if those nations are involved in a war every generation so vast and devastating as to crush the generation that fights and burden the generation that follows. . . .
Wars are started only on the theory and in the confidence that they can be won. Personal punishment, to be suffered only in the event the war is lost, will probably not be a sufficient deterrent to prevent a war where the warmakers feel the chances of defeat to be negligible. But the ultimate step in avoiding periodic wars, which are inevitable in a system of international lawlessness, is to make statesmen responsible to law.
[We must] take joint political action to prevent war if possible, and joint military action to ensure that any nation which starts a war will lose it . . . and that those who start a war will pay for it personally.
This is why NATO must ensure that Russia loses this war and that Vladimir Putin is tried for the crimes of waging an aggressive war; crimes against humanity; murder; and kidnapping.
And so must his associates. Fortunately, like the Nazis, Putin has helped the prosecutors. Remember when he gathered his top echelon and asked each in turn whether they agreed with the invasion of Ukraine. When each nodded assent, they committed a war crime. And each must be bought to account for it.
Of course, the trouble with international law is not lack of law or legal clarity, but the difficulty of enforcement.
The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Putin and others. But he visited China with impunity and must have flown over other countries airspace in doing so.
Th...
04:33
China's reopening proves...deflationary "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
02:17
Monday assorted links "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
1. Bhutanese leaving for Australia.
2. Uri Geller update, and Uri Geller as hoarder (NYT).
3. AI translates Akkadian tablets. And the latest capabilities of GPT-4.
4. Guam (NYT, a very good piece).
5. Wemby up to 27 points for his second Summer League game.
6. Sri Lankan speculative fiction.
The post Monday assorted links appeared first on Marginal REVOLUTION.
00:15
The UN holds a robot press conference about the state of AI "IndyWatch Feed National"
The AI for Good global summit hosted by the UN tech agency invited a panel of robots and their creators to a press conference to answer questions from reporters.
00:15
Trying to bring probity and ethics back into the ranks of the Australian Public Service in 2023 "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit is constituted by the Public Accounts and Audit Committee Act 1951. The Committee initiates its own inquiries into public administration matters and can conduct inquiries into matters referred to it by either House of Parliament.
The breakdown of the current membership of the Joint Committee is:
Five Upper House Senators 3 Labor, 1 Liberal, 1 Nationals; and
Nine Lower House MPs 6 Labor, 1 Liberal, 2 Liberal-Nationals.
This new inquiry into probity and ethics within the Australian Public Sector was referred to the Joint Committee by the Department of the House of Representatives.
Inquiry into probity and ethics in the Australian Public Sector
...
Monday, 10 July
23:24
Inventi Ensemble "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Experience the joy of live music with your preschooler at our monthly cushion concerts.
Cushion concerts are a series of live performances for children by local as well as internationally recognised musicians. They are affordable and presented in a relaxed and friendly environment.
We choose music that is stimulating for young listeners, make sure each concert is unlike the last and keep the performance under 40 minutes.
Children bring a cushion (or borrow one of ours), as well as a teddy and a snack. If they need to move around to get a better view, want to dance or stretch out on the floor, thats fine. If a child has a question or want to talk about the performance thats great.
The post Inventi Ensemble appeared first on Forte Magazine.
23:19
Fanny Lumsden: Hey Dawn Tour "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Join ARIA + 8 x Golden Guitar award winning singer-songwriter Fanny Lumsden and her incredible band The Prawn Stars as they hit the road celebrating her 4thstudio albumHeyDawn.
Fannys third album Fallow, released in March 2020 was considered a breakthrough winning the ARIA, CMAA Golden Guitar and AIR awards for Country Album of the Year as well as 4 additional Golden Guitars. It was shortlisted for the prestigious Australian Music Prize, debuted in the top 10 ARIA Charts and got many people through lockdown. Needless to say, following that, a 4thalbum was always going to be a daunting.
The post Fanny Lumsden: Hey Dawn Tour appeared first on Forte Magazine.
23:14
Randy Feltface: Feltopia "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
In these uncertain times, you need a voice you can trust. Someone whos travelled the world and knows how to fix it. Courage. Integrity. Other stuff. Vote 1 Randy Feltface.
Randy Feltface has spent the past eighteen years carving out a unique niche on the international comedy circuit. He was nominated for best comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, played sold out seasons in London and New York and featured several times at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. He made his US television debut as crowd favourite on NBCs Bring The Funny, and his comedy specials have become pirated YouTube sensations. Politics seems like the natural next step.
Dont miss Randy Feltface as he brings his Feltopia World Tour home to the Southern Hemisphere.
The post Randy Feltface: Feltopia appeared first on Forte Magazine.
23:08
Arj Barker: Power Hour "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
What do you get when you take your very best jokes from over the last 30 years, lovingly restore, refine and remaster each one, jam them all into a single hour, and finally, sprinkle in some brand new material and a hint of improv? You get the best of Arj Barker. Also known as Power Hour.
The post Arj Barker: Power Hour appeared first on Forte Magazine.
23:04
Forever 80s Best of the 80s Tour "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Direct from sell out Australian shows, Australias number one 80s
touring show, Forever 80s
is
coming to Capital Theatre for one unforgettable night.
Prep that neon, put on those leg warmers and relive the soundtrack of the best generation. A time of musics biggest hair and biggest hits! Turn back time and sing along to Wham!, Whitney Houston, Billy Idol, A-ha, Tina Turner, Prince, Cindy Lauper, Bon Jovi and more. A night with Forever 80s, is a night to reminisce and is simply not to be missed.
Get excited, grab your closest and secure your tickets today. Dont miss out because you Just Cant Get Enough 80s music!
Forever 80s are
Simply the Best!
The post Forever 80s Best of the 80s Tour appeared first on Forte Magazine.
22:58
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Orchestra Victoria, Melbourne International Film Festival and Bendigo Venues and Events present:
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror
A silent film as it was meant to be heard!
Experience the thrill of the iconic vampire film Nosferatu, brought to life by a live orchestra, coming exclusively to Ulumbarra Theatre for one night only.
Following award winning, sell out shows at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, and seasons at Edinburgh Fringe (UK), and Art, Not Apart (Canberra); duo Rasa Daukus (piano) and Will Larsen (percussion) have teamed up with Orchestra Victoria to expand their original score to the films eerie, gothic visuals.
A full orchestra, keyboard, electronics, and a massive labyrinth of drums, shakers, bells, cymbals, gongs and percussion come together to create an electrifying atmosphere to accompany the original adaption of Bram Stokers Dracula for the screen. An influential work of early filmmaking and the horror genre that followed, Nosferatu is considered a masterpiece of cinema, even 101 years on.
The post Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror appeared first on Forte Magazine.
22:56
Carl Barron: Skating Rink For Flies "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
When Carl was a small boy at school, he asked the teacher how Ants feel. He never got an answer all those years ago, but he still wants to know.
Voted number one comedian two years running, come along and see Carls brand new show Skating Rink for Flies.
A night where he ponders things we all think about but never mention. Things like plastic bags, peanut butter, and the possible emotions of an ant.
There is no point to this show other than to make you laugh as much as possible.
Funny stories from a bloke with a funny head. What more could you ask for? (Bit of wee guarantee)
The post Carl Barron: Skating Rink For Flies appeared first on Forte Magazine.
22:09
Iconic Porcupine Gorge in Central West next to be destroyed by 175 wind towers "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
More massive wind towers have been planned by the environmental vandals of the Queensland Labor Party to be built right alongside the iconic and unique Porcupine Gorge National Park in the Central West. This unwanted and unnecessary project will forever alter the surrounding, majestic landscape of the gorge and become another festering eyesore that will []
22:02
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-208 "Stallion 27" Missed Approach at Rockhampton Airport "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
On Thursday 6 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-208 was noted completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.
 |
| File photo |
It departed RAAF Base Amberley and flew directly up to Rocky where it completed the missed approach. It then returned to Amberley but via another missed approach at the Sunshine Coast.
Of interest, A41-208 was heard to be using the flight number and radio callsign of "Stallion 27".
Photo taken by Steve Vit
21:31
A watershed week in nuclear news "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
A bit of good news -The Path to a Sustainable Civilisation
Its a watershed moment on 2 counts:
1. Ukraine. The determination of the USA-led Western countries to bring Ukraine into NATO is a red flag to Russia, and current events, indicate that the West, and its charismatic super-star Zelensky, will not countenance any negotiated end to the war.
2. The IAEAs Rafael Grossi has made it clear that the Fukushima nuclear wastewater MUST be emptied into the Pacific, to ensure that this practice is accepted, for the continued growth of the nuclear industry world-wide.
Christina notes. IAEA hypocrisy, and the little Fukushima nuclear radiation mill. And the prize for HYPOCRISY goes to Rafael Grossi,Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency. No real research into the effects of releasing nuclear waste-water into rivers and seas. Oh goody! That means its OK, (doesnt it?)
TOP STORIES
Ralph Nader: Reverse the Accelerating Warfare State Before Its Too Late! Daniel Kovalik: Why Russias intervention in Ukraine is legal under international law. Chris Hedges: They Lied About Afghanistan. They Lied About Iraq. And They Are Lying About Ukraine.
Better, safer, alternatives for managing Fukushimas ra...
20:48
Explainer: Building and planning approvals "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A while back I wrote this popular article about how: I have now released a new Explainer paper covering the same topic with more clarity and depth. Below is a []
The post Explainer: Building and planning approvals first appeared on Westender.
20:45
Liberal MHR warns Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation bill is dangerous, blatant surveillance and censorship of the public "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Liberal MHR Russell Broadbent says un-elected bureaucrats and politicians will decide on which social media post stays up or gets taken down. Education departments are exempt from the corporations new policy which will have huge fines and jail terms for those telling the truth. He urges every Australian to fight it as hard as they []
20:36
White Silence "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
April 2, 2023
20:13
Kuranda Travel Help "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Apologies in advance, I've checked tripadvisor, reddit and whirlpool, so sure this question would be asked somewhere but for some reason I've found nothing.
So I'm trying to shortlist activities for Kuranda and very stuck
on what to choose:
- Koala Gardens
- Birdworld
- Rainforestation
- Riverboat cruise
- Butterfly sanctuary
I'm assuming that with a 9:30 train and a 3:30 gondola, I can only shortlist two activities. The exception being Rainforestation which will take up the whole day
On a separate note, is the Cairns aquarium or wildlife dome worth visiting at all?
I'm from Melbourne but travelling with friends from the US if that changes advice at all.
[link] [comments]
19:25
1) Human Rights Group Calls Jokowi's Statement on Papua 'Far From Reality "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
3) Indonesia Looks East: Widodos Engagement with Australia and Papua New Guinea
------------------------------
1) Human Rights Group Calls Jokowi's Statement on Papua 'Far From Reality
Translator Najla Nur Fauziya. Editor Petir Garda Bhwana
10 July 2023 11:56 WIB
...18:20
Ruby Rose regrets savage Instagram post about The Veronicas "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Ruby Rose says she regrets that spicy Instagram post threatening to expose pop duo The Veronicas, but says she may still write about them in her upcoming memoir. Back in February, the Australian actress announced the book and vowed to tell the truth and would start with the sisters ex-girlfriend Jessica Origliasso and her ...
The post Ruby Rose regrets savage Instagram post about The Veronicas appeared first on QNews.
17:58
Where did all the trees go?! "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
When I moved here in 2018/2019 there were beautiful big trees everywhere - on the stand, in public gardens, streets and in people's yards. It was one of the things I really fell in love about Townsville. But recently I've noticed almost daily that trees are missing, being "trimmed" (cut back so severely they don't grow back at all) or just completely removed, for what seems like no reason. When I contacted the council, they gave me pretty much just a PR response. Can someone please help me understand why? Why is the council hell-bent on making this place a concrete eye-sore and why are people spending thousands of dollars removing trees from their yards? I'm concerned about the ecological impact of this depletion, not just the aesthetic. Thanks!
[link] [comments]
17:56
Queenslands Liberal National Party leader Crisafulli rejects Duttons push for nuclear power "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
No nukes in Qld: Crisafulli rejects Duttons plan Financial Review, Mark Ludlow, Queensland bureau chief, 10 July 23
Queensland Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli has rebuffed federal leader Peter Duttons push to repurpose the states retiring coal-fired power stations for nuclear power, saying it will never get off the ground without bipartisan support.
As Mr Dutton attempts to put nuclear power back on the agenda as a way to help Australia to reach net zero by 2050, Labor has ridiculed the idea as too expensive, despite the price of small modular reactors coming down in recent years.
Mr Crisafulli, who could become premier at Queenslands state election next year, according to the latest opinion polls, said there was no point discussing nuclear power until it was endorsed by both major parties.
Until both sides of federal parliament agree that is the course of action, it is not going to happen, Mr Crisafulli told The Australian Financial Review.
Im not spending any energy on it pardon the pun because no one will invest in it unless both sides agree to it. Its a reality.
When asked what he would do if he and Mr Dutton won their respective elections and it became federal government policy, Mr Crisafulli said investors would still steer clear of nuclear power until Labor was behind it.
Federal Labor is vehemently opposed to nuclear power, .
17:54
Daniel Kovalik: Why Russias intervention in Ukraine is legal under international law "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"> <figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img alt="" class= "wp-image-236026 size-full" src= "https://antinuclearinfo.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/kovalik-daniel.jpg?w=225"></figure> <div class="wp-block-media-text__content"> <p><em>One must begin this discussion by accepting the fact that there was already a war happening in Ukraine for the eight years preceding the Russian military incursion in February 2022. And, this war by the government in Kiev against the Russian-speaking peoples of the Donbass a war which claimed the <a href="https://www.crisisgroup.org/content/conflict-ukraines-donbas-visual-explainer" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">lives of around 14,000 people</a>, many of them <a href= "https://reliefweb.int/report/ukraine/ukraine-conflict-emergency-response-situational-report-01-february-2022" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">children</a>, and <a href= "https://reliefweb.int/report/ukraine/ukraine-conflict-emergency-response-situational-report-01-february-2022" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">displaced around 1.5 million more</a> even before Russias military operation has been arguably genocidal. That is, the government in Kiev, and especially its neo-Nazi battalions, carried out attacks against these peoples with the intention of destroying, at least in part, the ethnic Russians precisely because of their ethnicity. </em></p> </div> </div> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>The argument can be made that Russia exercised its right for self-defense</strong></p> <p><strong><em>10 July 23</em></strong> <a href= "https://www.rt.com/russia/554166-international-law-military-operation-ukraine/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target= "_blank">https://www.rt.com/russia/554166-international-law-military-operation-ukraine/</a></p> <p><em><strong>Daniel Kovalik</strong> teaches International Human Rights at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and is author of the recently-released book Nicaragua: A History of US Intervention & Resistance.
For many years, I have studied and given much thought to the UN Charters prohibition against aggressive war. No one can seriously doubt that the primary purpose of the document drafted and agreed to on the heels of the horrors of WWII was and is to prevent war and <em>to maintain international peace and security,</em> a phrase repeated throughout. </p> <p>As the Justices at Nuremberg correctly <a href= "https://harvardilj.org/2017/04/continued-debate-over-the-crime-of-aggression-a-supreme-international-irony/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target= "_blank">concluded</a>, <em>To initiate a war of aggression is not only an international crime; it is the supreme...
17:52
New Book -The Path to a Sustainable Civilisation "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a
href=
"https://antinuclearinfo.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/book-path-to-a-sustainable-civilisation.jpg">
<img alt="" class="wp-image-236074" height="587" src=
"https://antinuclearinfo.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/book-path-to-a-sustainable-civilisation.jpg?w=722"
width="414"></a></figure> <p> In this
radical new book Prof. Mark Diesendorf and Rod Taylor, who
are<br> based in Australia, say that major changes have to be
made in order the<br> move to a sustainable future.</p>
<p>They claim that we have allowed large<br>
corporations, the military and other vested interests to
capture<br> governments and influence public opinion and
markets excessively. The<br> result will be social, economic
and environmental disaster.</p> <p>They argue that the
way forward is to build social movements to apply overwhelming
pressure on government and big business, weaken the power of vested
interests and<br> strengthen democratic
decision-making.</p> <p>This, they say, must be done
simultaneously with action on the specific issues of climate,
energy, natural resources & social justice, so as to transition
to a truly
sustainable civilisation. That may sound Utopia, but the book takes
us
through the practical technology options and explores how the
transition to
their use might come about globally. However, it goes well beyond
just
offering technical and social fixes, challenging the idea that
technological changes alone will be sufficient to transition to
ecological
sustainability. It says that a sustainable civilisation needs
an<br> economic system that fosters ecological sustainability
and social<br> justice, whereas the current dominant system,
neoclassical economic<br> theory together neoliberalism
practice, is based on numerous myths. Its<br> practitioners
claim its a science although it does not stand up to<br>
scientific scrutiny.</p> <p> Renew Extra 8th July
2023</p> <p><a href=
"https://renewextraweekly.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-path-to-sustainable-civilisation.html"
rel=
"nofollow">https://renewextraweekly.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-path-to-sustainable-civilisation.html</a></p>
17:23
Custom birthday cakes. Any patisserie recommendations? "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Looking to make a custom birthday cake for my gf. I wondered where would be the best place to go?
[link] [comments]
17:07
Maybe just a little wetwork? Just a smidge? "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
I get so many fucking scam calls and texts and emails now, and so many people have lost much money to these fucking scavengers that I wonder if there might be some appetite for applying, shall we say kinetic solutions to the problem?
I mean, hear me out, Im not saying we should just straight up start murdering dudes, but would it be so wrong if, say, a small but non-zero number of scammers were, I dunno, to meet up with Ben Roberts-Smith, a Barrett 50 cal and a Go-Pro camera one day?
It might be a way for him to rehab his image, and Im pretty sure it would be way more effective than this bullshit scamwatch fandango theyve got running in Canberra now.
Im just getting a bit tired of this shit is all.
15:42
Young Aussies experiencing disadvantage in post-school work or study environments "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A recent study finds young Aussies experience disadvantage in post-school work and study transition periods.
The report released by The Smith Family focused on the years between 2021-2022 and reveals that while engagement statistics are trending in a positive direction, concerns remain around career progression opportunities in the long term.
The Wires Isaac Brogan spoke to Anne Hampshire, Head of Research and Advocacy at The Smith Family, to gain more insight into the findings of the report
Produced By: Isaac Brogan
Featured In Story: Anne Hampshire, Head of Research and Advocacy, The Smith Family
First aired on The Wire, Monday 10 July 2023
The post Young Aussies experiencing disadvantage in post-school work or study environments appeared first on 4YOU 98.5FM Capricorn Community Radio.
Young Aussies experiencing disadvantage in post-school work or study environments "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A recent study finds young Aussies experience disadvantage in post-school work and study transition periods.
The report released by The Smith Family focused on the years between 2021-2022 and reveals that while engagement statistics are trending in a positive direction, concerns remain around career progression opportunities in the long term.
The Wires Isaac Brogan spoke to Anne Hampshire, Head of Research and Advocacy at The Smith Family, to gain more insight into the findings of the report
Produced By: Isaac Brogan
Featured In Story: Anne Hampshire, Head of Research and Advocacy, The Smith Family
First aired on The Wire, Monday 10 July 2023
The post Young Aussies experiencing disadvantage in post-school work or study environments appeared first on Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
15:35
Fobif walks this Sunday (July 16) "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
This Sunday (July 16) there will be a long and a short walk. The short walk will be led by Joy Clusker and will have a fungi focus. Meet as usual at the Community Centre in Templeton Street at 9.30 am. You can also meet the group at the Dog Rocks parking area at 9.45 am. See the walks page for more details.
The long walk will be led by Jeremy Holland. He has written the following update.
The route for this walk was checked a week ago and again last Sunday (9th).
Due to the wet conditions the section involving two crossings of Middleton Creek has been deleted (see photo below taken at proposed crossing point) and replaced with something safer.
The distance remains at 15 km which at 3km/hr should take 5 hours plus 1 hr for breaks over varied but interesting terrain with about 40%.being off-track. There is also one reasonably steep climb.
It is probably worth noting that similar to last year this is twice the distance of a normal fobif walk. Therefore be prepared for a solid but hopefully enjoyable day out.
Remember we meet at 9.00am in Templeton Street.
15:34
SOUNDCHECK: JULY 10 16 "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Soundcheck is made possible thanks to Inner West Council.
The post SOUNDCHECK: JULY 10 16 appeared first on FBi Radio.
15:33
Sarcoma Awareness Month: Brisbanites shocking cancer diagnosis "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Researchers and advocates are calling for greater funding to support cancer research, particularly Sarcoma, this July for Sarcoma Awareness month.
Sarcoma is a rare and complex cancer that can form anywhere in the body, and with over 80 different subtypes, this makes funding for research vital.
Sarcoma is not commonly diagnosed, with only 1.5% of all cancer diagnoses in Australia being Sarcoma. It typically impacts younger patients where 20% of all young cancer diagnosis are Sarcoma, and for young adults, that is 10%.
It is known as one of the most common cancers in children, but can impact people of all ages, and speaking with The Wires Aryana Mohmood about her sarcoma journey and the need for more research is Brisbane-based mother and sarcoma survivor, Jacqui Cooper.
Produced By: Aryana Mohmood
Featured In Story: Jacqui Cooper, Brisbane-based mother and sarcoma survivor, and Angela Hong, radiation oncologist specializing in managing patients with sarcoma
First aired on The Wire, Monday 10 July 2023
The post Sarcoma Awareness Month: Brisbanites shocking cancer diagnosis appeared first on 4YOU 98.5FM Capricorn Community Radio.
Sarcoma Awareness Month: Brisbanites shocking cancer diagnosis "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Researchers and advocates are calling for greater funding to support cancer research, particularly Sarcoma, this July for Sarcoma Awareness month.
Sarcoma is a rare and complex cancer that can form anywhere in the body, and with over 80 different subtypes, this makes funding for research vital.
Sarcoma is not commonly diagnosed, with only 1.5% of all cancer diagnoses in Australia being Sarcoma. It typically impacts younger patients where 20% of all young cancer diagnosis are Sarcoma, and for young adults, that is 10%.
It is known as one of the most common cancers in children, but can impact people of all ages, and speaking with The Wires Aryana Mohmood about her sarcoma journey and the need for more research is Brisbane-based mother and sarcoma survivor, Jacqui Cooper.
Produced By: Aryana Mohmood
Featured In Story: Jacqui Cooper, Brisbane-based mother and sarcoma survivor, and Angela Hong, radiation oncologist specializing in managing patients with sarcoma
First aired on The Wire, Monday 10 July 2023
The post Sarcoma Awareness Month: Brisbanites shocking cancer diagnosis appeared first on Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
15:29
As Brisbane looks ahead to the Olympics, the survival of Brisbane parks hangs in the balance "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The Queensland Government proposes to build a full-sized athletics warm-up track in Brisbanes Raymond Park for the 2032 Olympic Games.
The parkland located in Kangaroo Point is one of many locations in surrounding inner-city suburbs eyed for major infrastructure changes over the coming years.
Why are the proposed plans for the parkland controversial, and what overall impact will the Olympics bring for Brisbane?
The Wires Toni Pankaluic spoke to Trina Massey, Greens Councillor for the Gabba Ward as well as local residents to find out more
Image: Image courtesy Kangaroo Point and Districts Historical Society
Produced By: Toni Pankaluic
Featured In Story: Trina Massey, Greens Councillor for the Gabba Ward
First aired on The Wire, Monday 10 July 2023
The post As Brisbane looks ahead to the Olympics, the survival of Brisbane parks hangs in the balance appeared first on 4YOU 98.5FM Capricorn Community Radio.
As Brisbane looks ahead to the Olympics, the survival of Brisbane parks hangs in the balance "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The Queensland Government proposes to build a full-sized athletics warm-up track in Brisbanes Raymond Park for the 2032 Olympic Games.
The parkland located in Kangaroo Point is one of many locations in surrounding inner-city suburbs eyed for major infrastructure changes over the coming years.
Why are the proposed plans for the parkland controversial, and what overall impact will the Olympics bring for Brisbane?
The Wires Toni Pankaluic spoke to Trina Massey, Greens Councillor for the Gabba Ward as well as local residents to find out more
Image: Image courtesy Kangaroo Point and Districts Historical Society
Produced By: Toni Pankaluic
Featured In Story: Trina Massey, Greens Councillor for the Gabba Ward
First aired on The Wire, Monday 10 July 2023
The post As Brisbane looks ahead to the Olympics, the survival of Brisbane parks hangs in the balance appeared first on Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
15:26
Thousands of Muslims come together in Sydney to spread message of peace "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
This weekend, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community launched its 35th Annual Congress in Sydney last Saturday, discussing issues around international peace and unity.
This year, the central topic for the
conference is how to avoid the catastrophic consequences if a Third
World War started.
National Radio News asked the
National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Grand Imam IH
Kauser, about the importance of this event and what muslims and
non-muslims learned from the Congress.
Image: Image courtesy Minhaj-ul-Quran International
Produced By: Aryana Mohmood
Featured In Story: Grand Imam IH Kauser, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
First aired on The Wire, Monday 10 July 2023
The post Thousands of Muslims come together in Sydney to spread message of peace appeared first on 4YOU 98.5FM Capricorn Community Radio.
Thousands of Muslims come together in Sydney to spread message of peace "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
This weekend, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community launched its 35th Annual Congress in Sydney last Saturday, discussing issues around international peace and unity.
This year, the central topic for the
conference is how to avoid the catastrophic consequences if a Third
World War started.
National Radio News asked the
National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Grand Imam IH
Kauser, about the importance of this event and what muslims and
non-muslims learned from the Congress.
Image: Image courtesy Minhaj-ul-Quran International
Produced By: Aryana Mohmood
Featured In Story: Grand Imam IH Kauser, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
First aired on The Wire, Monday 10 July 2023
The post Thousands of Muslims come together in Sydney to spread message of peace appeared first on Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
15:03
Capricorn: Tale of heartbreak and healing hits the stage "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Capricorn, a bittersweet play about love, loss, identity, culture, sexuality and pet fish, makes its world premiere at La Boite Theatre from 24 July to 12 August. Can you love someone and hate them at the same time? This is the question that Kabi Kabi/Butchulla writer Aidan Rowlingson is hoping to explore with his upcoming ...
The post Capricorn: Tale of heartbreak and healing hits the stage appeared first on QNews.
14:40
Ozone layer in Recovery, Montreal Protocol reducing Greenhouse gases set to avoid global warming by about 0.51C by 2050 "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Photo: IISD/ENB OEWG contact group meetingThe Montreal Protocol, the little international treaty that reduces ozone depleting substances but also assists greatly with reducing greenhouse gases causing global warming.The 45th Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol met in Thailand between 2 to 7 July 2023.The IISD/ENB summary report of the meeting notes:"The
14:34
LISTEN BACK - Beyond the Bars 2023 "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Last week the Beyond the Bars program teams broadcast live from six Victorian prisons. We shared the mic with First Nations women and men across the state for NAIDOC Week 2023. You can now listen back to all the broadcasts and hear the insights direct from First Nations people in the system. We look forward to a day when we don't need to go into prisons to give First Nations people a voice. Pictured: Loddon Prison broadcast team L-R Amos, Karina, Jody, Tash, Gab, Chris, Bart, Mercedes and Dale.
13:55
1951 And A Reason To Avoid An Early Double Dissolution "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
In recent weeks there has been a lot of speculation about a possible early federal double dissolution, after the Greens and Coalition deferred Labor's Housing Australia Future Fund Bill 2023 until October. The Albanese government says that this deferral constitutes "failure to pass" the Bill for the purposes of Section 57 of the Constitution and that if the Senate were to block or defer the Bill again, then the Bill would become a trigger for an early double dissolution election whenever the government wished to call one. The Greens dispute that the deferral is "failure to pass", but it would be a brave Governor-General who refused an election to a government that had an even arguable case that that box had been ticked, and in my view the government's case is more than merely arguable. There are questions about the mechanics regarding whether the Bill needs to be withdrawn before the Senate could fail to pass it again, but in some form or another it seems to me the HAFF Bill could become a double dissolution trigger if it is not passed in October or shortly afterwards.
This article concerns not the mechanics of whether and how Labor can acquire an early double dissolution should it be unable to pass the HAFF Bill (though I am happy to have that discussed in comments), but whether it is a good idea strategically.
During the last term of the Morrison government it was generally obvious that a DD was a terrible idea for the Coalition as it would throw away the government's excellent 2019 half-Senate result and flood the Senate with even more minor party Senators than in 2016. But for Labor, a DD now is considerably more thinkable in terms of the composition of the Senate. If Labor could roughly repeat their 2022 result, then they would erase the 2019 slate in which they won only 11 state seats to the Coalition's 17. The improved prospects for minor parties might not then mean that Labor's seat tally increased, but the DD would throw a bunch of Coalition seats to minor right parties and could also create extra avenues for (Labor+Greens+X) to pass Bills. My estimate of a DD result if the 2022 vote shares were repeated is Coalition 28 Labor 26 Green 12 One Nation 5 Legalise Cannabis 2 UAP 1 JLN 1 Pocock 1. Note that that is also only a few seats short of the level at which Labor plus the entire non-Greens crossbench is a majority, for what that's worth.
Enthusiasm for Labor improving its own seat position in 2022, with thoughts that the Greens should be very afraid as they could lose seats, has been seen since noises were made about the HAFF Bill as a DD trigger (...
13:50
Elton John gives heartfelt speech at last concert on final tour "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Sir Elton John has said performing for fans has been his lifeblood and well remain in his head, heart and soul forever as he closed the final show on his farewell tour. The music icon officially completed his mammoth Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour in Stockholm, Sweden at the weekend, after over 330 shows ...
The post Elton John gives heartfelt speech at last concert on final tour appeared first on QNews.
13:20
Army tanks rattling through Adelaide streets on Saturday causes some angst with woke reporters "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Footage of the Australian Army marching through Adelaides CBD has gone viral, with some social media users branding the scenes disgusting and scary. Soldiers from the 1st Armoured Regiment, accompanied by two Abrams battle tanks, marched along King William Road from the Torrens Parade Ground to St Peters Cathedral on Saturday morning. The ceremony marked []
13:12
Parents rage about rainbow flag on jacket at elite school "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Some parents have lashed out at a Victorian secondary school for introducing a puffer jacket featuring the rainbow pride and Indigenous flags on each sleeve. Cheltenham Secondary College in in Melbournes south-east strictly enforces its uniform policy. But the puffer jackets are optional and an alternative to the schools softshell jacket. The school started selling ...
The post Parents rage about rainbow flag on jacket at elite school appeared first on QNews.
13:06
Child Safety review in Queensland "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Seniors and Disability Services, Craig Crawford, says he is deeply concerned by reports of alleged criminal behaviour, abuse and neglect in the residential care system, and he has ordered a wide-ranging review of the states residential care system.
Mr Crawford said he has asked for a top-level review led by the Director-General and including experts, advocates and frontline workers to report back later in the year. I will also be writing to Queensland Families and Childrens Commission (QFCC) Commissioner Luke Twyford seeking his oversight of the work and to report to me independently.
Children with complex needs
We are caring for children with complex needs, often with mental health issues and disabilities who come from trauma backgrounds.
Were always open to new ideas and options.
Mr Crawford says he has particularly asked for a focus on how children aged under 12, First Nations children, and disabled children are handled by the states residential care system.
This work is already underway and we want to work in partnership with Non-Government Organisations providing this care.
We have a lot of good people working hard to care for vulnerable children.
Encourage care workers to report criminal activity
I encourage any care worker who is worried to immediately report any criminal activity to Queensland Police Service.
Anyone who is concerned about the level of care being provided they can speak to Child Safety Officers, regional contacts or write to the Director-General or Minister and any concerns will be thoroughly investigated.
Later this year I will hold a roundtable with key stakeholders a mix of front line workers, providers and advocates about the findings and to discuss any other further options that can be actioned.
The post Child Safety review in Queensland appeared first on The Echo.
13:02
Gay TikTok stars Nicky Champa and Pierre Boo are divorcing "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
One of the most prominent gay couple content creators on TikTok have announced they are separating, less than a year after they were married. Nicky Champa, 27, and Pierre Boo, 36, were married last August, after dating for six years, but say the pressure of having their relationship under so much public scrutiny was too ...
The post Gay TikTok stars Nicky Champa and Pierre Boo are divorcing appeared first on QNews.
12:39
Alarm raised over increase in koalas killed by cars "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The leading koala conservation organisation in the Northern Rivers say it is deeply concerned about the alarming rise in the number of koalas hit and killed by cars in the region.
Friends of the Koala is urging the public to exercise heightened caution while driving, to avoid further harm to all wildlife.
Save these numbers
A spokesperson said, If you see a koala that looks injured, dead or is close to a road, call the 24/7 rescue team on 6622 1233 immediately.
Save this number, and the phone numbers of Northern Rivers wildlife rescue organisations in your phone, so you are ready to report any sightings: Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers 6628 1866, WIRES 1300 094 737, and Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers 6672 4789.
Over the past month, Friends of the Koala has witnessed a distressing surge in koala car hits across the Northern Rivers, with six koalas dying just this week.
The post Alarm raised over increase in koalas killed by cars appeared first on The Echo.
12:28
Police charge man over burglaries "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Police have arrested and charged a man in relation to a string of burglaries, and motor vehicle thefts across Western Victoria.
Detectives from the Western Region Crime Squad believe the crime spree occurred over the last three weeks in locations including Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Geelong, and Werribee.
The investigation came to a head on Thursday last week, after police located an alleged stolen Nissan Navara travelling between Geelong and Werribee.
Police Air Wing tracked the man travelling in the alleged stolen vehicle, before it came to a stop at a Werribee south address. The man was arrested, and the stolen vehicle was recovered by police.
Police also allege that the man stole a Toyota Hilux from Mount Wallace and a Nissan Patrol from Bacchus Marsh.
The Toyota Hilux was recovered by police while the Nissan Patrol remains outstanding.
Detectives later conducted a search warrant at an address in Tarneit, recovering three stolen vehicles and two stolen box trailers.
A 27-year-old Bowenvale man is facing 25 charges including: aggravated burglary, burglaries, theft of motor vehicles, theft and conduct endangering persons. He was remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on 7 August 2023.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The post Police charge man over burglaries appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.
12:24
Cats into the top eight "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Geelong is back in the AFL top eight and coach Chris Scott is bullish about the chaos the reigning premiers can cause.
The Cats belted North Melbourne by 62 points on Sunday at GMHBA Stadium to honour Zach Tuohys 265th game.
Tuohy took the record from Jim Stynes for the most matches by an Irishman with the 19.11(125) to 9.9(63) win.
Geelong now has a tough end to the season, starting with next Saturday nights home game against a resurgent Essendon.
Other than Fremantle, which made the finals last year, all the Cats opponents are above them on the ladder.
But Scott is relishing the challenge, saying his teams best form will test the best in the league.
We still have the capacity to find our best footy and be very, very dangerous, Scott said.
We thought today was a step in the right direction there. We are very confident that if we play our best footy, were the danger.
Were OK with (our fixture) at least you can co me away from those games, if you play well, thinking thats a bit more validation, that our best is going to be good enough. But I think we know that already.
Adding to the optimism, key forward Jeremy Cameron should return from injury to face the Bombers.
North kicked two of the first three goals, but Geelong claimed the next 11 to kill off the match.
The Kangaroos third goal did not come until nine minutes into the third term.
Adding to a dirty day, Griffin Logue has a knee injury that is feared serious and co-captain Jy Simpkin was also forced out of the game because of concussion.
North coach Brett Ratten said his side was smashed in centre bounce clearances and that put it on the back foot throughout the game.
We just know when you play Geelong down here .. they get run-ons, lock you away and set the game up and to lose centre bounce you give them exactly what they want, Ratten said.
They kicked a goal, we went back to the middle and we start the game in their forward 50 nearly,
The Kangaroos were 68 points down in the third quarter, but they stopped the game becoming a total rout.
Ratten spoke of them trying to have little wins and one came in the last quarter when Cooper Harvey, the son of AFL games record holder Brent, kicked his first goal on debut.
North players ran from everywhere to congratulate Harvey and Ratten said that showed their spirit remained strong, despite 14 consecutive losses.
Tyson Stengle kicked five goals and Ollie Henry four for the Cats as Mitch Duncan impressed with 30 possessions, while Luke Davies-Uniacke was best for North and kicked two goals.
The post Cats into the top eight appeared first on...
12:20
Ammos enhance finals hopes "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Geelong Amateur enhanced its Bellarine Football League finals hopes and at the same time made it extremely difficult for Queenscliff to make it with a 28-point win on Saturday July 8.
Ammos sit in fifth spot on the ladder, a game clear of Modewarre, while Queenscliff is two games in arrears with five games remaining.
Queenscliff meets Modda this week in a mini elimination final.
Queenscliff was the better side during the first half, but Ammos scored eight goals to two after the break to run away with the win.
Jai Sheahan and Josh Grabowski each booted three goals for Ammos while star youngster Joseph Cincotta was the Coutas best.
Barwon Heads had to dig deep to brush aside a gallant Ocean Grove.
The Seagulls looked like they would run away with the game at half time after a late flurry of first-half goals saw them lead by 22 points.
But Ocean Grove had other ideas and slammed on six third-term goals in what was probably its best quarter of footy for the season so far.
The Grubbers led by a goal at the last change and were in front halfway through the final term, but some Ollie Wiltshire magic wrestled the lead back for Barwon Heads with the final three goals of the game to run out 14-point winners.
Forward Jye Walker was a constant threat for Ocean Grove with three goals while Kallum Hinchcliffe and Wiltshire were the reigning premiers best.
Drysdale has all but wrapped up the double chance come finals time with a 30-point win against Modewarre.
James Breust and Lauchlan Dalgleish were fine players for the Hawks while Cohuna recruit Oscar Cooke was superb for Modda.
Torquay thumped Newcomb by 128 points with Lucas Anderson (six) and Jesse Dawson (four) combining for 10 goals.
Dylan Pettingill (five) and Jarod Bacon (four) combined for nine of Angleseas 23 goals against Portarlington.
The 138-point win kept Anglesea in fourth spot while Port is still searching for its first win.
Barwon Heads recruit Noah McGregor-Dawson played his best game for his new club while Nathan Pigott was Ports best.
The post Ammos enhance finals hopes appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.
12:14
Aston By-Election Live "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Vacancy for resignation of Alan Tudge (Liberal)
Roshena Campbell (Liberal) vs Mary Doyle (Labor)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donations welcome!
If you find my coverage useful please consider donating to support the large amount of time I spend working on this site. Donations can be made by the Paypal button in the sidebar or email me via the address in my profile for my account details. Please only donate if you are sure you can afford to do so.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday: Currently 53.62 to Labor. Thought I'd throw in some stats I think are interesting. Firstly Aston was one of only two seats that recorded 2PP swings to the Coalition in both the 2016 election and the 2019 election, the other being Petrie. There were 18 seats that swung to Coalition in 2016, generally inner-city seats where Malcolm Turnbull was popular and the 2016 campaign resonated, but 16 of them swung to Labor in 2019. This might all be about the personal votes of Alan Tudge and Luke Howarth, but I think it more likely speaks to both seats' status as hybrid in character between inner city and outer city seats, which makes losing the seat even more unfortunate.
Secondly Labor's victory margin in Aston will exceed the margin that the Liberal Party had before the by-election. This as concerns major parties (ignoring crossbench wins) is very unusual, with only Bass 1975 and Lowe 1982 being clear examples of the same in the last 100 years; Parkes 1931 may have been another if thrown to completion. (There are four arguable examples in the first 20 years of Federation but those all get asterisks for one or more of the original election being voided, first past the post, or there being three major parties at the time.)
Sunday: The margin is trivial compared to the result but in any case a large number of postals have broken very weakly to Campbell so far and Doyle's 2PP is 53.58%. There are a few thousand postals to go plus some provisionals and a few other votes but I expect very minor movement from here onwards. There is also no doubt I can see now that Labor will win the primary vote, for what th...
11:51
SCRC's draft Marine Turtle Conservation Plan - Mapping and ALAN results "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Partially successful.
11:46
Yaegl ancestors finally at rest on Country "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The remains of five Indigenous people, Ancestors of the Yaegl people of northern NSW, have been returned to their rightful place with a significant cultural ceremony honouring their repatriation back to Country.
The repatriation ceremony took place at the end of June in the Yaegl Nature Reserve, near Maclean, which was the designated burial site identified by the Yaegl community.
Australian Museums released three Ancestors
11:09
The Xrossing on fire at The Quad "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
With plenty of thrills and no spills, the highwire spectacular, The Xrossing presented by SeedArts at Lismore Quad on the weekend, drew hundreds of ooh-ers and ah-ers who delighted in the breathtaking performances.
10:22
Sydney Criminal Lawyers Weekly Rundown Articles from 3 to 9 July 2023 "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
In case youve missed any of them, heres a rundown of the past weeks articles: New Criminal Offences Relating to Possessing or Using Knives in NSW Offences relating to possessing or using knives in public places are now contained in...
The post Sydney Criminal Lawyers Weekly Rundown Articles from 3 to 9 July 2023 appeared first on Sydney Criminal Lawyers.
09:48
Robodebt Commission Recommends Criminal Charges Against Those Responsible "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Robodebt was a scheme engineered and implemented by senior federal politicians and bureaucrats to illegally extort money from thousands of the most vulnerable members of our society, leading many into depression and driving some to suicide. In 2019, the Federal...
The post Robodebt Commission Recommends Criminal Charges Against Those Responsible appeared first on Sydney Criminal Lawyers.
09:31
Jonovia Bridal - closed down and has my wifes wedding dress "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
As per title. Weve been phoning here and there since august last year - yeah you dress isnt ready yet.
We dropped it there to get it cleaned. Anyways, as of today, they are closed permanently. We still dont have our dress.
Does anyone know either Dominique or Allison that used to run this business? My wife really wants her dress back.
[link] [comments]
09:03
Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest travel advice desperately needed! "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Dear people of Cairns, I am in desperate need of some advice and some recommendations for both Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest tours, any advice and recommendations would be great.
So, in 2 weeks' time myself and my partner are coming up to Cairns for the week for a much-needed holiday and to tick both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest off our bucket lists.
We're getting in on the night of the 18th, and we're leaving the night of the 25th.
We've already got a few things lined up, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, etc, the only two things that we really need to sort out and decide on are, well, the two reasons we're coming up to Cairns in the first place.
The Great Barrier Reef: In an ideal world we would have done a live aboard, 2 days/1 night trip. Unfortunately, we've left it too late, and they're all booked out. So, unfortunately, we're probably going to be restricted to a day trip.
We would have loved to have gone down to Port Douglas and gone out with Quicksilver or Calypso, but unfortunately, that's just not practical.
So, effectively, we're looking for an operator out of Cairns to take us out snorkeling to the reef, with the option of an introductory dive, with our preference being to those operators that go to the nicer reefs, spend longer out there, etc.
Tour sizes don't really phase us, but obviously the smaller the better, I think that goes without saying, but given that we're only going to get one shot at this, value for money is probably key here.
One thing I've learned over the last couple of weeks whilst trying to look for a Great Barrier Reef tour provider is that you guys have pretty much identical companies, with very similar names purporting to give you very similar experiences for similar amounts of money, but some differ in very slight ways.
Two tour providers that we are considering straight off the bat are Divers Den and Dreamtime Cruises, the cultural experience is obviously a bonus, but once again, we would like a fair bit of value for money here.
The Daintree Rainforest: This one we've pretty much already got locked in, we've narrowed it down to either the afternoon/night Daintree adventure, or the premium tour that also includes Cape Tribulation.
Although I would still be interested in some advice here as well. We're not particularly interested in the beach aspect of these tours, we're probably more wanting to focus on spending time in the rainforest, hiking, animal spotting, etc.
The cruise down the Daintree River is also a key aspect of what we're looking for, however, both packages include that. We're both reptile nerds, so the more time out on the river crocodile spotting, the better.
Once again, we're more than happy to travel down to Port Douglas, but unfortunately, the car hire comp...
08:02
In which the pond starts the week with a Killer parade, thanks be unto the Major and the Caterist ... "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Jason Clare seriously defamed rocks, and for a nanosecond, the pond thought of taking a defamation action against him on behalf of rocks everywhere, as they do their best to help humanity.. . All the empathy of a rock: Jason Clare accuses Peter Dutton of playing politics in the wake of bombshell Robodebt findings (warning, a click will reward News Corp).
But rocks are loved, rocks are empathetic, rocks are caring, and the rock love you take is equal to the rock love they make. And it's not just the passing fad of pet rocks, still being peddled on Amazon.
Why the pond can remember going to the Ryan-ji Zen temple and contemplating the fifteen most perfectly placed rocks , though it's alleged you can only see the fifteenth stone when you've attained enlightenment. Perhaps thinking of Queensland plods prevented the pond from reaching enlightenment.
Sure minerals and crystals and such like take the limelight with hippies, but if you look around you can get grounding stones for anxiety and panic attacks, and therapy rocks and massage stones and rocks.
Couldn't Clare have found a better, more suitable comparison, and left hapless, cuddly rocks alone? How about Sauron? Clare could even have flung in a joke about one Queensland plod to rule them all. What about all the empathy of a Hannibal Lecter? Darth Vader? Thanos? The Joker? Voldemort has a pretty close matching look - too close for some - and agent Smith is almost an aspirational figure in terms of style and presentation.
Or you could go high art like the immortal Rowe, with a hint of robo Terminator in the eye ...
07:30
1954: Roberta Cowell, pioneer trans woman "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
In 1954, the Daily Telegraph reviewed Roberta Cowells Story, the autobiography of the first British trans woman to undergo gender affirmation surgery. Roberta was also a racing driver, fighter pilot and WWII prisoner of war. Its easier to change a body than to change a mind. Roberta Cowell Another snippet of queercentric news from Australian ...
The post 1954: Roberta Cowell, pioneer trans woman appeared first on QNews.
06:34
The Future of Toys rising from the floods "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Future of Toys is an exhibition featuring new inventions from 22 children from across the Northern Rivers will open next week at Elevator ARI, presented in conjunction with the Lismore Regional Gallery.
Ahead of the exhibition the participants aged 6-12, brought in old toys and flood-affected objects and through a series of workshops, learned how to disassemble their objects into composite parts and transform them into new inventions that reflect their values and hopes for the future.
Participants utilised a range of emerging technologies to realise their inventions including a plastic shredder and extruder, made by artist and Future of Toys facilitator Ben Paul.
Our hopes for these workshops are to empower young people by giving them the tools to design and build inventions based on their hopes for the future, said Paul.
Lively discussions about concerns for the environment and love for community
Throughout the workshops participants engaged in lively discussions about their concerns for the environment and love for community, informing their final designs.
Matters the participants addressed included unhealthy waterways, e-waste, the need to care for stray dogs and the importance of building trust. Participants Seraphine and Emerson invented The Tricky Trusty Catcher to...
06:00
We want the forest but fear the spirits: labour mobility predicaments in Samoa, part two "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
This three-part Professor Meleisea at the 2023 Pacific Update, on 15 June.
The Samoan government, which put an abrupt temporary stop to the labour mobility schemes earlier this year, is considering a draft policy paper that draws attention to key concerns about the impacts of labour mobility programs on Samoa.
The first of these policy considerations is in response to representations to government by private sector employers about losing workers, in particular losing technicians and service workers who they had trained on the job. The government is also concerned about the loss of junior skilled and educated government workers, including police, nurses, teachers and clerical staff, to seasonal work.
Michael Yemohs 2022 survey of 30 small businesses chosen at random from members of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce, found that all of them reported loss of middle and lower level employees that they had trained, and that many of the workers they lost were skilled technicians. Evidently their former employees were prepared to live in restricted conditions far from home doing mostly heavy unskilled work because the pay, even after hefty deductions, was far more than they could earn in Samoa.
It is often said that seasonal workers will return with better skills to contribute to Samoa. At a conference on labour mobility in Samoa in November 2022, speaker after speaker insisted that there was no brain drain but only brain gain. But as one young seasonal worker returning from Australia told us jokingly if we ever get a blueberry industry in Samoa, I will be able to train all the pickers.
In effect, private businesses in Australia and New Zealand are being backed by their government to source labour from overseas to overcome their labour shortages at the expense of Samoas private sector, which was clearly not intended when these schemes began. Except for the businesses selling cars, home appliances and building materials, the private sector has been hit hard, losing their investment in training workers and facing similar labour shortages to employers in rural New Zealand and Australia, in circumstances where they cant compete on wages.
Most of the industries in which Samoan seasonal workers are employed overseas are unlikely to ever be established in Samoa. Local wages will not attract Samoans to return to local employment unless they have no other choice. Most of them hope to do seasonal work again, year after year. This narrows n...
05:14
West Papua liberation army says claims they want ransom for NZ pilot nonsense "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Jakarta The leader of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) or KKB (armed criminal group), Egianus Kogoya, has denied asking for 5 billion rupiah for the release of Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, who they have held hostage since February 7.
Kogoya said that reports saying his organisation had asked for 5 billion rupiah as ransom to release the hostage were nonsense. He emphasised that they took the Susi Air pilot hostage in order to seek Papuan independence.
"So in all of the media on TV as well as media where there has been [reports] on the issue that the Kodap III [Defense Command Area III] asked for 5 billion rupiah, it's nonsense. From where did I ask for 5 billion rupiah", said Kogoya in a video statement received by CNN Indonesia on Saturday July 8.
"I took the pilot not to ask for money. I only ask for independence. Only for that one thing did I take him", he added.
...Sunday, 09 July
23:02
Local birdwatchers willing to show me your favorite spots? "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Hiya! I'm visiting Cairns for a conference in a few weeks and have some free days (July 26, August 2) to explore. I'm a biologist and birdwatcher and would love to learn more about the local birds from a local birder or birding group. If you don't like birds but want to show me other cool local stuff that's fun too! I'm into nature, rock climbing, knitting, tea drinking, and generally most things a grandma would enjoy I'm F 30 visiting from the US. Creeps please abstain from commenting :)
[link] [comments]
22:14
GUM TREES "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
20:59
Queensland LNP corporate stooges vote to dump outstanding senator "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
By TONY MOBILIFONITIS THE Queensland Liberal Partys ranks of limp-wristed, left-wing progressives have ganged up with the partys corporate big guns to oust a senator who has distinguished himself in standing up against government violations of basic human rights, the big pharma mafia and their mRNA vaccines and woke big business pushing the global green, []
20:54
No seat for the community as developers shape Kurilpas future. "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The Kurilpa Precinct in South Brisbane and West End has become the latest battleground between Adrian Schrinners LNP Council, local Greens representatives and Labor in Council. The Lord Mayor, and []
The post No seat for the community as developers shape Kurilpas future. first appeared on Westender.
19:21
Violent protestors force cancellation of Tbilisi Pride "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Up to 2,000 anti-LGBT organised protesters attacked Tbilisi Pride celebrations in Georgia yesterday. They forced the cancellation of the event and the evacuation of participants. The violence is reminiscent of 2021 when attacks on the offices of Tbilisi Pride forced the cancellation of that years Pride march. Although homosexuality is legal in Georgia, same-sex relationships ...
The post Violent protestors force cancellation of Tbilisi Pride appeared first on QNews.
18:55
Filling the Gaps "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
This is my year for filling in gaps (not just in my blog, oops), but among my trees. Lots of non-tree things have also been happening, but Ill fill those gaps in separate posts.
First we had to go back and find the trees that didnt quite make it from last year. Ive now conclusively established that Phalaris grass is a killer of young native trees, and has to be sprayed out to stop it doing that . The only other grass that is a similar problem is couch. Otherwise the mulch maps are effective. We had to re-do 80 in one of last years windbreaks, but the main area along the pine line was in very good shape (no Phalaris).
The little enclosure by the Adnamira homestead is on its third go, however, after I had Marga and Dmitry plant Tagasaste as a possible forage tree (none survived), mixed natives and oaks last year (only the 3 oaks survived), and now slashing, plus spraying and planting Cunninghams casuarina . Well see how that goes, but casuarinas also have the ability to defend themselves using root phytotoxins which could take care of the Phalaris. These river casuarinas are rated well for fire danger, as are the oaks. The Phalaris is not. Well probably have to slash the little paddock again before the summer as any grazing animals will prefer the trees.
18:27
Aidas Poem "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
by Prue Kozlovski
Sometime ago, as a BMRSG volunteer, I was asked by a caseworker to support a young teenager, as the family were in crisis and her mother was in psychiatric care.
One of the first things this young girl told me was Be careful Pruebecause people like you usually get hurt themselves. Such wisdom in one so young.
BMRSG had helped to get her a laptop for school work during COVID lockdown and later organized a tutor to help with maths tuition.
Gradually I heard her story of Nauru.
Aida was a young eight year old child when she was taken to Nauru.
By the time she reached the age of 12 she was undernourished, severely depressed, and self-harming.
Both mother and Aida were Medivaced to Sydney. Aida to Westmead Childrens Hospital and her mother, who had suffered a miscarriage, to another. Aida was placed in the wonderful care of Prof. David Isaacs and his team.
A guard remained in her room at all times, not allowing any privacy between Aida and her mother during the mothers visits to see her daughter. When questioned by doctors and nursing staff the guards response was, It was their duty of care
In the middle of the night about 9 months ago Aida wrote a poem and messaged me at 1.00 in the morning.
Hey Prue I just wrote a poem
|
The post Aidas Poem first appeared on BMRSG.
15:53
Western Queensland - Winter 2023 Part 1: Longreach to Mt Isa "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
 |
| Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush |
 |
| Black-breasted Buzzard |
| ... |
15:42
Deputy Premier to determine the fate of councils Kurilpa precinct plan. "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner sparked controversy in the local West End and South Brisbane communities last month when he announced the Kurilpa precinct would become Brisbanes most sustainable community. His []
The post Deputy Premier to determine the fate of councils Kurilpa precinct plan. first appeared on Westender.
15:00
My Geelong with Ashlan Smith "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Ashlan Smith is the customer service and allied health general manager at genU. She speaks with Independent journalist Jena Carr about what she loves about working for the disability and ageing support service and what makes Geelongs Armstrong Creek home.
What is your connection to Geelong?
I moved to Geelong from regional Victoria at 19 years old to study Psychology at Deakin University.
My husband and I decided to make Geelong our home, and we now live in Armstrong Creek with our two sons.
What do you like about where you live?
I love that Geelong has everything you need without being too big.
It has amazing beaches and great shopping, and you are close enough to Melbourne for any big sporting or music events not on offer here.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Our families live in Regional Victoria and Werribee, so having our immediate family closer to us would be nice.
Thankfully we have created our close-knit group of friends and neighbours who are like an adopted family and provide us with support.
Where is your favourite place to spend time?
I am a bit of a homebody, and I love spending time with my family at home.
Whether swimming in our pool, playing cards or entertaining family and friends, there is no place like home.
I also love going to the beach with my husband and children, who love surfing and bodyboarding. Our favourite beaches are Point Roadknight and 13th Beach.
What is something people may not know about you?
I volunteer as the Disability Liaison Officer for the Geelong Little Athletics Centre. My boys are club members, and we love spending Saturday mornings over the summer at the Landy Field Athletics Track.
Given my experience in the industry, I was nominated to take on this role and ensure that Geelong Little Athletics Club is inclusive and can be accessed and enjoyed by all children, no matter their ability.
What do you like about your work?
I have worked for various Geelong-based disability support services for more than 20 years and have spent my last seven years at genU.
I love working for genU and particularly love that this organisation has been in the Geelong community for over 70 years.
The founders of the organisation were a group of parents who had children with a disability, and these families worked together to create a space that was inclusive and accepting of their loved ones.
The last seven years have seen significant growth for genU. However, the organisation remains committed to the people we support.
Our staff values are strong, and our operating models place the person at the centre of everything we do.
I work with so many committed and passionate people who are truly dedicated to people with a disability and those who are ageing.
It is great to come to work every day a...
15:00
Spectator: Aussie Opposition Leaders Call for Nuclear to Backup Renewables is Wrong "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Why not just build nuclear and ditch the renewables? Or better still, stick to cheap coal?
The post Spectator: Aussie Opposition Leaders Call for Nuclear to Backup Renewables is Wrong first appeared on Watts Up With That?.
13:35
Blocked: The battle over youth gender care "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Patricia Karvelas breaks open the feud over transgender youth healthcare on FOUR CORNERS. Blocked: The battle over youth gender care. ABC Monday 10 July 2023 at 8:30 pm. The battle over youth gender care Monday night, ABCs FOUR CORNERS takes on the latest culture war. RN Breakfast presenter Patricia Karvelas examines the battle over youth ...
The post Blocked: The battle over youth gender care appeared first on QNews.
13:21
Mind Bender "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
According to greek myth Gaia was the Greek Godess of Earth mother of all life
13:13
The complexities of me "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
According to greek myth Gaia was the Greek Godess of Earth mother of all life
13:07
Gaia "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
According to greek myth Gaia was the Greek Godess of Earth mother of all life
13:04
![[link]](https://i.redd.it/02wwu5o7vuab1.jpg){kind=link}
13:00
Diapsalmata: A journey toward the self "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Composer/pianist Kym Alexandra Dillon and baritone Stephen Marsh, both based in Geelong, join forces with trailblazing Melbourne performing arts company Forest Collective to bring an important original work to local audiences.
Dillons composition Diapsalmata: Portrait of a Self is a reflection on her journey from gender dysphoria to self-discovery, featuring text from Danish existential philosopher Sren Kierkegaard set to music and sung by Marsh.
Marsh, who attended Christian College with Dillon (though his class was two years below hers), said Diapsalmata was one of the most important works he had ever performed.
Having the opportunity to perform a piece like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, he said.
To be part of this project, a part of Kyms vision, to tell the story of someone, and a very personal story at that, is incredibly humbling.
I cant put into words how important this piece has been to me and my growth, both as an artist and a person. Although its a very personal story for Kym, it can be recognised and taken on by many people.
It is relevant. It has the potential to change minds, change worlds, to encourage and help people. It speaks to everyone, to put it simply.
For both Marsh and Dillon, the performance will be a homecoming of sorts, as they return to the school where both their musical journeys started.
Its exciting that Ill be able to share this piece of music, this work and this journey, with everybody that encouraged me on the path to where I am now, Marsh said.
To be sharing that with Kym is very special, we talk about it often.
Diapsalmata: Portrait of a Self is at Christian Colleges RW Gibson Centre at 2pm on Saturday, July 15.
The post Diapsalmata: A journey toward the self appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.
11:40
Megan Rapinoe to retire after World Cup "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Soccer superstar and Olympic gold medal winner Megan Rapinoe will retire at the end of next season after competing in her fourth world cup campaign. The Womens World Cup kicks off on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand. Megan and the US team hope to win a third consecutive title. Megan spoke of her ...
The post Megan Rapinoe to retire after World Cup appeared first on QNews.
11:35
Criminal Offences Related To Unlawful Gambling in NSW "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Whether its placing a bet at the track or trying your luck with the pokies, many Australians enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment. However, the lawfulness if gambling in NSW is tightly regulated, with unlawful gambling operations carrying strict...
The post Criminal Offences Related To Unlawful Gambling in NSW appeared first on Sydney Criminal Lawyers.
11:07
A bird of contrasts "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
In dry years this bird, the Swamp Harrier, is a notable absentee from the plains country.
Two wetter than average winters have encouraged a few individuals to hang around and to possibly breed. I came across a pair yesterday near Campbelltown, variously hunting and displaying over a rough paddock.
I came across a lovely article on the Swamp Harrier, published in 1932 in Emu, the journal of the Australian Ornithologists Union, which notes
The Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans) may well be regarded as a bird of contrasts; a bird to which inflexible rules are unknown, and one worthy of more sympathetic study than has hitherto been devoted to it. Its habits vary as greatly as its plumage colour; it is migratory in some districts, stationary in others; it often flies low, but sometimes very high; it is as much at home in timbered country as it is in a marsh, and apparently its only adherence to accepted rules is in regard to the general situation of the nest and the colour of the eggs well distributed over the southern States, especially Tasmania where most of my observations have been made, this fine Raptore can usually be identified by its low, measured flight close to the top of rushes or grain where it hunts, at which time the white rump on the tail coverts is to be seen.
The author, Michael Sharland, was a renowned Tasmanian naturalist and writer, and regular contributor to the Emu and other publications for more than fifty years learn more here.
On the mainland the Swamp Harrier is rarely seen over wooded country, unless on migration or undertaking longer range movements. Many of my observations in recent years have been of immature birds on the move.
11:02
$20,000 State Library of Qld Rainbow Research Fellowship "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Applications are now open for the State Library of Qld Rainbow Research Fellowship. This year, among other benefits, the Fellowship offers a $20,000 stipend. Founded in 2022, the State Library of Qld Rainbow Research Fellowship returns in 2023. The first of its kind in Queensland and probably Australia the Fellowship supports a more ...
The post $20,000 State Library of Qld Rainbow Research Fellowship appeared first on QNews.
11:00
NAIDOC Week is a special time "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
It is special time on our calendar as the City of Greater Geelong celebrates NAIDOC Week.
NAIDOC Week commemorates the culture, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and is observed across Australia in multiple places of work, schools, and tiers of government.
It is an occasion that continues to grow in stature, and I am proud that council is partnering with our First Nation communities again this year.
NAIDOC Week allows residents to get to know our regions First Nations communities in a more meaningful manner and celebrate their significance.
The theme for NAIDOC Week is For Our Elders, which pays tribute to the vital role that Elders have played and continue to play within First Nations communities as trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, and cherished individuals.
As a Council we are proud to be listening to, recognising and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We did this recently at our The Heart A Shared Journey event, which brought Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, First Nations community elders and representatives from Reconciliation Victoria together at Wurriki Nyal.
And we have delivered more events and activities across the region during NAIDOC Week this year.
This week I have had the pleasure of attending several events, including a family-friendly gathering at Narana, which connected newly-arrived culturally and linguistically diverse families to First Nations culture, as well as the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operatives Flag Raising and Community Day.
There are still a number of different ways you can get involved too, including visiting the stunning First Nations art projections on City Hall and checking out the National Wool Museum, where First Nations living cultures, histories and knowledge are at the core of various exhibitions and programs.
I encourage you to get along to one or more of the events that are on across the weekend, and hopefully learn a little about the oldest continuous living culture in the world.
For more information, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/naidocweek and check out what is on.
The post NAIDOC Week is a special time appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.
09:00
Sophisticated new X-Trail "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
In the process of researching this story I came across a review by one of my esteemed colleagues.
Not once did he mention the fact that Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander are one in the same car, sharing a platform and drivetrains. That makes Outlander, the X-Trails most direct competitor, or so I would have thought.
Of course, they dont look the same and there are plenty of other differences, but you wouldnt buy one without checking out the other first. Then again, the latest X-Trail is probably the pick of the mid-sized SUVs at the moment and thats a pretty big call.
STYLING
The styling is evolutionary rather than revolutionary and it is clearly recognisable as an X-Trail, but looks more sophisticated.
Inside, it is a very different story where the car has undergone a complete makeover and looks nothing like the previous model. Piano black has made way for a classy, dark, textured wood-grained effect, while all four doors get wide pockets that can accommodate 500ml drink bottles.
It feels bigger inside too, although slightly shorter than before (4680mm) with the same 2705mm wheelbase.
At the same time, it's 20mm wider and stands 15mm taller, and somehow, theyve managed to find more rear legroom, with rear doors that open wider for easier access.
Prices range from $36,750 for the five-seat, front wheel drive ST up to $52,990 for the top of the range Ti-L 4WD.
While they call it a 4WD, its really all-wheel drive, in the sense that it doesnt have a transfer case or low range gearing like a Patrol.
$3000 which adds all-wheel drive to the mix.Special attention has been paid to ergonomics and tactile feel of the switchgear and buttons used in the cabin to lend them a high-quality feel.
Research has shown a preference for easy-to-use core functions, so X-Trail features simple, intuitive heating/air-conditioning controls, as well as buttons that govern the central screen functions, such as audio and navigation.
A two-tier centre console provides plenty of space to stash items, with a charge pad in more expensive models for mobile devices.
Standard equipment for the entry model includes cloth trim and air conditioning, with second row air vents.
The drivers seat has six-way manual adjustment with power lumbar operation. It rides on 17-inch alloys, with LED head and tail lights, along with auto high beam and dusk-sensing activation plus auto fold, heated exterior mirrors, push-button start, an electric parking brake and rear parking sensors.
By the time you reach the Ti-L (subject of our test), theres larger 19-inch wheels, tan or black quilted Nappa leather, three-zone climate air, a heated steering wheel, intelligent rear-view mirror, matrix 12-element adaptive headlights and a power tailgate with ha...
08:02
Gippsland Alliance for Climate Action "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
From Environment Connect Winter Issue 23
The Gippsland Alliance for Climate Action (GACA) is a formal collaboration of councils across Gippsland working on climate change. The aim is to find shared and collaborative ways to address climate change at the local government level across our region.
The Alliance was established in 2022 and is a partnership between East Gippsland, Wellington, Latrobe City, South Gippsland and Baw Baw. GACA is also collaborating with the seven other Victorian Greenhouse Alliances, to deliver regional mitigation and adaptation programs, including emerging best practice solutions and advocacy.
GACA is auspiced by the Gippsland Climate Change Network, with supporting funds from the Victorian State Government Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and council partners.
The Alliance will assist East Gippsland Shire Council to deliver on our sustainability commitments outlined in the Council Plan 2021-25 and Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2022-32.
The Alliance has developed a Strategic Action Plan 2023-24, with six priority projects proposed for collaborative development, including:
1. Climate change risk analysis
2. Electric vehicle fleet transition
3. Decarbonisation and gas elimination plan
4. Greenhouse gas monitoring
5. ESD adoption in council and community facilities 6. Communications
07:33
1) Rights commission criticised for towing government line in NZ pilot hostage case "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"