Unlocking the secrets of productivity – A monumental challenge for Australia’s future: Hugh Christie, TFGA
Whilst we are seeing positive changes with international freight capacity returning to levels pre-COVID-19, productivity issues at major Australian container ports identified in the latest Productivity Commission report cost the Australian economy an estimated $605 million annually. These inefficiencies directly impact Australian farmers and if not addressed soon will be a compounding cost for all primary producers as well as exporters more broadly.
Towards World Heritage recognition for Murujuga: Whitby, Plibersek
The Australian Government has nominated Murujuga Cultural Landscape for inscription on the World Heritage List. The formal nomination was submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in late January 2023. If accepted, Murujuga would be the second site in Australia listed for World Heritage Status for First Nations cultural heritage.
TFGA defends Brie, Parmesan, Cheddar against EU’s demands
The Tasmania Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) supports the Australia-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement in principle ... However, the TFGA is concerned about recent demands from the EU to implement a Geographical Indications (GI’s) regime requiring Australian dairy producers to stop using traditional names such as Brie, Parmesan, and Cheddar.
In Ukraine, two halves of a walnut differ from each other
The sale of walnuts is the most common and most criminal business in rural areas of Ukraine. Anyone can make money on nuts. Make it easy. Many walnuts grow on lands without an owner. And dealers buy nuts of any quality in every city market. Not surprisingly, even 15 miles from the site of the fighting with the Russians, the business of selling nuts is booming.
Major boost to NT Health workforce with more on the way: Fyles
Across the Northern Territory, 250 junior doctors will commence at NT Health hospitals this year, including at Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospital, Katherine Hospital, Gove District Hospital, Alice Springs Hospital and Tennant Creek Hospital. The cohort will be made up of both Resident Medical Officers, junior doctors who have obtained full registration after completing least one year of clinical experience, and interns, those who are undertaking their first year of clinical practice after completing their medical degree.
Bursaries bringing international students back to WA’s regions: Templeman, McGurk
Central Regional TAFE has welcomed the first group of international students to Geraldton following their success in the inaugural round of the McGowan Government's regional bursaries for TAFE international students ... Interest in the program has been strong with a total of 22 international students already receiving bursaries to study at TAFE campuses in Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury and Broome in Semester 1, 2023.
Aussie grains harvest complete but Ukraine war’s not over: GPA
Australian grain leaders are calling on other growers and farm businesses to show generosity and donate a tonne of grain or more, to help support Ukraine farmers and rural communities. The #AUSSIEGRAIN4UKRAINE initiative was established last year in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, to give Australian grain producers a way of supporting their farming colleagues and communities facing the continuing challenges and horrors of war.
New country, new life
It’s the little things that count: A plate of food for someone lonely, new in town, from the other side of the world. A volunteer giving an English lesson. Singing together. Men chatting about crafts in their former homes. Leonamedes Bowey, Leony to her many friends, and declared Centralian Citizen of the Year on Thursday, has practised the art of making people welcome to Alice Springs for 40 years ... on Australia Day politics takes a back-seat in Alice Springs.
Fabulous four do Australia proud as riders and ambassadors
A team of Australian Pony Club riders have been having the time of their lives in New Zealand after being selected to be part of this year’s Inter Pacific Exchange. The four riders – Ashleigh Bennett of Young NSW, Bridget Mouat of Riddells Creek Victoria, Georgia Elias of Launceston, Tasmania and Georgia Goss of Eastern Hills WA – competed in two events while overseas, as well as fitting in a lot of sight-seeing across the 18 days of their trip.
Our Australia Day
Large happy crowds turned out for Australia Day at both Naracoorte and Lucindale last week to celebrate local award winners, welcome new Australians citizens and participate in an Australian citizenship affirmation ... Mayor Patrick Ross read a statement from the Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, then introduced guest speaker, Robertson Street Daily Market proprietor, Didar Ali ... “I came to Australia because I ran away from war."
Exports to Singapore get a digital boost: DAFF
Australian exporters will see faster export documentation and easier access into Singapore’s markets, as certification between Australia and Singapore moves towards paperless trading ... “Using electronic export certification (eCert) means the relevant information is sent directly to overseas government agencies almost instantly, allowing for quicker clearance times so producers can get their goods to market faster”: A/g Deputy Secretary Nicola Hinder.
International delegation to provide lasting benefits for the Lockyer Valley
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan is honoured to be part of an upcoming international delegation to north America, which is set to focus on a range of issues for the Lockyer Valley. The Council of Mayors South East Queensland delegation will put a spotlight on waste management issues and better transport connectivity ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
24th International Seaweed Symposium
The 24th International Seaweed Symposium will be held for the first time in Australia. It will take place in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia’s most southern state, from Sunday 19th to Friday 24th February 2023.
South Australia’s world-class medical precinct on show at global tech event: Champion
South Australian medical and biotech companies will get the opportunity to pitch to global investors at a major trade event in the Middle East, which begins today. The Arab Health Exhibition and Congress, held at Dubai’s World Trade Centre, will provide local companies the international platform to showcase their world-class medical products, devices and capability.
Labor must sweeten “major win” for Manuka Honey producers: Littleproud
Australian Manuka Honey Association (AHMA) is celebrating a sweet win as New Zealand Manuka Honey Appellation Society backs out of an appeal over naming rights before the UK High Court and similar legal action in the EU ... Mr Littleproud welcomed the win over New Zealand producers in Europe and the UK, but said the Labor Government and in particular Agriculture Minister Murray Watt had a role to play in supporting our home grown Manuka Honey farmers over their Trans-Tasman rivals.
Consortium departs for Philippines and India on skilled worker search: Kirby
A consortium of Territory businesses are heading to the Philippines and India ... to recruit much needed construction workers and other critical workers needed across the economy ... The expos will promote the Territory as a preferred destination to live and work as well as facilitate connections between potential workers and Northern Territory businesses. Master Builders Global Roadshow will help raise the profile of the Territory and expand and diversify our skill base.
Labour shortage
Even with the current economic uncertainty, if you think the skilled worker shortage problem was all COVID-19 driven and will self-correct over time, then think again ... According to a recent study, 87 per cent of global employers admit that they are currently struggling with skills gaps issues, which is probably why your machinery dealer is telling you that the wait on new equipment is anything up to two years.
Sun Cable fiasco undermines Labor’s 2030 $40b economy, says Barkly MLA
It wasn’t a good start for of the Barkly’s economic future when news broke recently about Sun Cable’s entry in voluntary administration. Member for Barkly and Shadow Minister for Mining and Tourism Steve Edgington says the announcement seriously undermines Labor’s promise of a $40 billion economy by 2030.
Guinness World Record Cup Stacking
With lightning-fast hands, Jaydyn Coggins stacks cups faster than eyes can focus – the former Barham, now Adelaide resident has a Guinness World Record under his belt. Cup stacking is a sport in which competitors race the clock to stack up cups in set formations and pack them up again.
Champions crowned for the 18th time as Taj’s Small Fries concludes in Yallingup
Taj's Small Fries presented by Board.Store concluded in emphatic fashion yesterday in Yallingup, with eight champions crowned in classic summer conditions in Yallingup marking the end of three days of amazing surfing at WA's biggest, best and most prestigious junior surfing tournament.
Australian athletes scope world athletics cross country championship track in Bathurst: Toole, Franklin
The first Australian athletes to qualify for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships have visited the course in Bathurst on 16 January 2023, just over a month out from the event ... "Bathurst is known for adrenaline-fuelled sporting achievements, and the World Athletics Cross Country Championships will be right at home at Mount Panorama with more than 500 athletes competing from 68 nations": Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole.
Nuclear energy must be considered: Bev McArthur
Mrs McArthur said Labor’s Federal position on nuclear submarines further changes the energy landscape, with the Liberal Party federally adopting nuclear as a potential energy solution ... “If the Victorian Government really thinks it is Australia’s most progressive jurisdiction – then it should be brave enough and big enough to drop the moratorium and get real about the energy solution staring us in the face,” Mrs McArthur said.
