NBN Co selects Amazon’s Project Kuiper to bring low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband to Australia
NBN Co and Amazon have announced an agreement to deliver high-speed, wholesale fixed broadband to customers in parts of regional, rural and remote Australia via Project Kuiper’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology. ARR.News had some questions for NBN Co and Amazon.
J Robotics selected as finalist in Australia’s first AI and Robotics Sprint
J Robotics has been selected as a finalist in the inaugural Propel-AIR program ... with their chemical-free vineyard treatment platform. The Ocean Grove-based agricultural technology company has developed a smart platform that uses targeted UVC light to treat grapevines for powdery mildew without chemicals.
New life-saving first aid app brings emergency help to rural families
Launch of ground-breaking new first aid app, the All Hands Lifesaver app. “We wanted to put access to immediate help in every parents' pocket across Australia, removing some of the barriers rural and regional people face when it comes to both first aid education and access to emergency healthcare”: Grace Larson, co-founder of charity The Sisterhood Project and paediatric intensive care nurse.
BCG’s Ag Tech Expo: Farmers from new and far
Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) organised leading experts in fields of sensor technology, weed management and automation support, including interactive panels with leading tech-savvy growers to answer any questions that arose on the day. Peer-to-peer learning was a key focus of the day, as discussion between farmers turns knowledge into practical insight ...
The brains behind the baa: Advanced AI models move into the paddock
A quiet revolution is set to transform how Riverina sheep farmers manage their flocks, as advanced AI-based facial recognition technology rapidly moves from research to real-world application. This cutting-edge innovation could soon mean the end of traditional ear-tagging, offering a more efficient and humane way to identify and monitor individual animals.
World-first kiosks for the Grampians and Wimmera-Mallee
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism, with the support of the Victorian Government and local councils including Southern Grampians Shire Council, Northern Grampians Shire Council, and Buloke Shire Council, is thrilled to announce the installation of three world-first off-grid Digital Inspiration Kiosks powered entirely by renewable energy sources – solar and wind – using sodium ion batteries to address the harsh Australian environment.
NRLE eID work nearing completion
The Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange is close to finalising the installation of electronic identification (eID) equipment and infrastructure for sheep. The Naracoorte Lucindale Council confirmed the progress, noting that it allocated nearly $1 million in this financial year for improvements to the sheep yards.
Staying connected when there’s no tower in sight
Picture this: you're out checking the back paddock, kilometres from the nearest mobile tower, when your phone buzzes with a text message. Not from a satellite phone or special device, but from your regular iPhone or Samsung, somehow managing to reach up to space and back down to deliver that simple "all good here" message ...
Invest in small batch mobile olive processor
Small scale olive growers often struggle to harvest the minimum amount for processing by commercial contractors, so Bendigo-based The Long Road Olive Co-op is looking to solve this problem by purchasing a mobile processing line. A steering committee, driven by community advocate and passionate olive oil producer Ceilidh Meo, is forming the co-operative to foster community benefits for both olive producers and consumers.
Real time tracking of on-farm fatalities and injuries across Australia now available: AgriFutures Australia
The first real-time dashboard for tracking on-farm fatalities and injuries has launched, giving journalists, farm safety advocates, researchers and the farming community early insights into where and how agricultural incidents are occurring. Developed by AgHealth Australia as part of the Ag Safety Data Net project, the Rural Media Farm Injury Dashboard draws on live media reports…
Worst ever drought is only three years away
A Riverina-based engineer with vast experience in climate and infrastructure has repeated his warning that Eastern Australia should prepare for the worst drought ever experienced. The prediction is for a drought that would affect entire communities, not just farmers.
Focus on pests sharpened in biosecurity boost: DAFF
An Asian hornet’s incredible compound eyes, the distinct ventral spine of a mottled shieldbug and the diamond-like bling of a polished green stink bug are among remarkable high-resolution images now bolstering Australia’s biosecurity system. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry recently added high-tech digital stacking capabilities to its laboratory imaging set-ups, to photograph tiny pests with deeper depth of field than ever before, and without any loss of clarity.
Support for Victoria’s proposed fair fuel plan
RACV welcomes mandatory fuel price reporting but urges the Victorian Government to share pricing data to support more Victorian motorists. RACV this week announced its support for Victoria's proposed Fair Fuel Plan, subject to the data being freely available to all platforms so that fuel price data remains open and accessible through existing consumer platforms.
Telstra phone outage proves need for Universal Service Obligation reform: Littleproud
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud is calling for Universal Service Obligation (USO) reform, as a mobile phone outage in the Western Downs continues to cause havoc. Mr Littleproud said a full shutdown and outage of mobile phones over the past week and a half is frustrating and worrying locals, due to a Telstra rebuild of the main tower serving Dalby, a town of over 15,000 people.
Starlink’s partnerships offer hope for rural Aussies
Starlink’s SpaceX satellite internet constellation is transforming telecommunications in Australia through partnerships with major telcos like Telstra and Optus. By leveraging its Direct to Cell (DTC) technology, Starlink will enable text and voice services in remote areas, addressing mobile blackspots and enhancing connectivity nationwide. Local farmer, Sam Chapman, said the technology has the potential to be a game-changer.
Graziers want high country opened up
Jeff Bourman of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party of Victoria and Member for the Eastern Region, has called for a pilot project for the reintroduction of grazing cattle to the High Country ... "The Mountain Cattlemen's Association has been looking after the high country for more than 150 years and they know the area like the back of their hand."
Tennis club recognition for world-wide tournament organiser
Tony Callaghan. Steve Longworth won this week's Foodworks, Hay Services and Fitness Club and AFF weekly awards for his continued success managing tournaments worldwide. Steve continues to manage and run tournaments with his invented tennis tournament computer system known as C.A.T., the system also used in other countries around the world.
The great regional disconnect: Why the only towers getting funded are the ones that don’t make calls
The brutal truth? We’ve hit the wall on new mobile towers in the bush ... If the government wants to be taken seriously on regional development—and on spreading the half-million migrants arriving each year beyond our major cities—then it must stop treating mobile connectivity as a private-sector problem. It’s time to treat it like the essential service it is.
Time of sowing trials equip WA growers to adapt to variable seasons: GRDC
Western Australian grain growers are set to benefit from a series of targeted projects focused on time of sowing in response to increasing seasonal variability. Delivered through the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) National Grower Network (NGN), the local projects are designed to support growers in making more informed sowing decisions...
Drones trialled to enhance NSW Ambulance aeromedical and special operations: Park
NSW Ambulance has trialled the use of drones to enhance its aeromedical and special operations capabilities during search and rescue missions. The two-month Remotely Piloted Aeromedical Clinical Systems (RPACS) trial, utilised cutting-edge technology to enhance patient care, operational safety and efficiency ... This initiative was made possible through the NSW Ambulance partnership with Toll Aviation ...
New tech gives second life to plastic farm waste: La Trobe University
Researchers from La Trobe University in Bendigo have developed an innovative recycling solution for synthetic bale twine, helping to address the growing problem of agricultural waste. In a study published in the journal Recycling, the research team analysed the thermal, physical and mechanical properties of various plastic waste materials...
Need for speed at Clifton State High
The only Queensland high school that will have a team compete at the Australian Human Powered Vehicle Super Series is Clifton State High School - and it has not one, but two. Clifton State High School (CSHS) has had human powered vehicle (HPV) teams for several years and so far 2025 is shaping up to be easily the best year yet, even after the girls' team became state champions last year.
