The Editor
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App research helps speech therapy for rural Australian children
Research led by a Charles Sturt University academic examined the innovative ‘SayBananas!’ app that may assist children with speech sound disorders (SSD) and their parents living in less populated areas ... the effectiveness study examined the usability and rating of ‘SayBananas!’, a Mario-style video-game providing high-dose individualised speech therapy with rural Australian children.
Mouse tours arm growers with latest management advice: GRDC
Grain growers across the wheatbelt have gathered to hear the latest advice for managing mouse damage to crops this growing season at a series of in-paddock workshops with Steve Henry, leading mouse expert and research officer from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO. The field walks visited 11 locations across four days, from Calingiri down to Beaumont, as part of a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) investment addressing increased mouse activity in WA’s grainbelt.
Productive academic: Frank Batini
Two hundred years ago, a university was judged on the quality of its teaching, today it is on its research output. While there are many dedicated academics who produce useful research, the “publish or perish" syndrome can also lead to undesirable outcomes. I heard recently that a retired scientist published 400 peer-reviewed papers, as well as two books in a 40 year career. I calculated that a paper was produced, on average, every five weeks.
First annual South West Native Title Settlement update outlines significant progress: Buti
The Settlement embodies the principles of the Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy, and the strong partnerships required to achieve the aspirations of the Noongar people. It is made up of six Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs), covering around 200,000 square kilometres of the South-West region. The second of 12 annual State payments of $60 million - plus indexation - was made in April 2022 to the Noongar Boodja Trust (Trust) under the Settlement, taking the total paid to date to $123 million.
Lifeguards expecting significant rise in coastal visitors
In anticipation of the return to a pre-Covid summer, the Australian Lifeguard Service is recruiting new Lifeguards to bolster its team of beach safety professionals ahead of the raising of the flags that signifies the start of the season, taking place in the September school holidays. It presents a fantastic opportunity to engage yourself in a rewarding role which will keep you fit and on the beach across the summer.
RFS and farmers team up to fight fire
A landmark new initiative will help firefighters and farmers work together to better protect communities in regional and rural NSW from bush fires and grass fires. Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke released a first-of-its-kind Operational Guide for the use of Farm Fire Units.
Release of independent flood inquiry: NSW Gov’t
The NSW Government has released and responded to the 28 recommendations of the independent Flood Inquiry, commissioned in response to the major floods earlier this year. Premier Dominic Perrottet said the recommendations of the report provide a blueprint for change and practical actions to ensure communities and government can prepare for floods in the future, and recover faster.
Sentencing reforms for historical crimes introduced to parliament: Speakman
Offenders convicted of historical offences will be sentenced according to current sentencing patterns and practices, under a bill introduced into Parliament. Attorney General Mark Speakman, who second read the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Amendment Bill 2022, said the bill will generally require NSW courts to apply current sentencing practices to perpetrators of all crimes, regardless of when those crimes were committed.
Work on Rail Trail’s new gravel surface starts – Construction is ramping up with rail trail set to open in early 2023
Construction work on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is ramping up with work starting this week on the final gravel surface for the Tweed section of the trail. After an extended run of dry weather, work to lay down the new compacted gravel surface is starting at several points along the trail including at Burringbar, Stokers Siding and South Murwillumbah.
From racing to retirement — study investigates industry misconceptions
In stark contrast to public perception, a detailed investigation into Australia’s thoroughbred racing industry has found more than 90 per cent of horses retiring from racing go on to enjoy life outside the industry as pleasure or companion horses or broodmares. Significant attention has been directed at the industry recently regarding the fate of thoroughbreds retiring from racing.
