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NEWS
The Conjunction is coming
Vincent O'Donnell
Vincent O'Donnell
Illustration: Malive.com
9planets.org
"WHEN beggars die there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes." According to Shakespeare, Calpurnia, wife of Julius Caesar, knew something was afoot on the Ides of March.
So what will December 21, the summer solstice, bring? President Trump's recognition of the US election result? Possible, but if you should gaze skywards, to the west after sundown, you will see something not witnessed by mankind in almost 800 years: The conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn.
On the night of Monday, December 21, the two planets will come within 0.1 degree of one another in the sky, that’s less than a quarter of the moon’s angular size. It is an alignment called a conjunction, of significance for both the astrologically and astronomically minded, but the planets remain in their separate, sol-centred orbits, 650 million kilometres apart.
The last time Saturn and Jupiter were in so close a conjunction was in March 1226. Magna Carta had been signed just a decade earlier and King Henry III was on the throne of England.
Over the next days, Jupiter and Saturn will edge closer, before moving apart to Christmas and beyond. But if you miss this conjunction completely, the next will be visible in 2080.
Why the irregularity of this and other planetary conjunctions? Well, there are several periodic variables at play, each quite regular in itself. First, Jupiter and Saturn have very different years, the time for one circuit of the sun, 11.9 earth years for Jupiter and 29.5 earth years for Saturn. Then the plane of the orbit of each is a little different. These close conjunctions occur when the planets align and the orbital planes intersect. That the event is happening at our summer solstice, the day with the most hours of daylight, is much more happenstantial.
And which is which when you look up westward? If you do that tonight, in preparation for December 21, Jupiter is closer to the horizon, and a pure white, while Saturn is above it by about two lunar diameters, and is more yellowy white. And if you have binoculars, and rest them on something solid, you should be able to make out several of the moons of Jupiter.
It was sighting those moons, strung out like pearls on a necklace, and watching them change position as they orbited Jupiter, that gave Galileo his first insight into the structure of our solar system. Share in Galileo wonderment.
So what will December 21, the summer solstice, bring? President Trump's recognition of the US election result? Possible, but if you should gaze skywards, to the west after sundown, you will see something not witnessed by mankind in almost 800 years: The conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn.
On the night of Monday, December 21, the two planets will come within 0.1 degree of one another in the sky, that’s less than a quarter of the moon’s angular size. It is an alignment called a conjunction, of significance for both the astrologically and astronomically minded, but the planets remain in their separate, sol-centred orbits, 650 million kilometres apart.
The last time Saturn and Jupiter were in so close a conjunction was in March 1226. Magna Carta had been signed just a decade earlier and King Henry III was on the throne of England.
Over the next days, Jupiter and Saturn will edge closer, before moving apart to Christmas and beyond. But if you miss this conjunction completely, the next will be visible in 2080.
Why the irregularity of this and other planetary conjunctions? Well, there are several periodic variables at play, each quite regular in itself. First, Jupiter and Saturn have very different years, the time for one circuit of the sun, 11.9 earth years for Jupiter and 29.5 earth years for Saturn. Then the plane of the orbit of each is a little different. These close conjunctions occur when the planets align and the orbital planes intersect. That the event is happening at our summer solstice, the day with the most hours of daylight, is much more happenstantial.
And which is which when you look up westward? If you do that tonight, in preparation for December 21, Jupiter is closer to the horizon, and a pure white, while Saturn is above it by about two lunar diameters, and is more yellowy white. And if you have binoculars, and rest them on something solid, you should be able to make out several of the moons of Jupiter.
It was sighting those moons, strung out like pearls on a necklace, and watching them change position as they orbited Jupiter, that gave Galileo his first insight into the structure of our solar system. Share in Galileo wonderment.
WSFA 12 News
Lean and Nosy like a Ferret
Alan Davidson
Alan Davidson
RIP Mungo MacCallum
(21/12/1941- 9/12/2020)
MY first job was working on the 4th floor at 44 Flinders St at the Herald and Weekly Times. I made the morning and afternoon tea for 30 fellas who were proof readers (and assistants). It was all blokey and horse racing tips and a great sense of camaraderie. The Chairman of the Board, Sir John Williams, used to walk past us and say g'day. It was the day of The (pink) Sporting Globe. One of my co-workers was best mates with the late and great Ted Whitten.
Many years into my H&WT “apprenticeship” my mates were leaving for other jobs. One of them, a compositor, started at IPEC Gordon Barton’s Nation Review. My mate said come on over, it’s fun and pays more. So I did. It was a windowless single storey building in Lorimer St, Fishermen's Bend. We were just 500 metres from the West Gate bridge when it fell.
We were pretty innovative in this those days with the Herald-Sun still producing the paper with hot metal type and compositors and here we were keying it in on a new designer typewriter system and pasting our words on to the page. Quicker and cleaner.
Many years into my H&WT “apprenticeship” my mates were leaving for other jobs. One of them, a compositor, started at IPEC Gordon Barton’s Nation Review. My mate said come on over, it’s fun and pays more. So I did. It was a windowless single storey building in Lorimer St, Fishermen's Bend. We were just 500 metres from the West Gate bridge when it fell.
We were pretty innovative in this those days with the Herald-Sun still producing the paper with hot metal type and compositors and here we were keying it in on a new designer typewriter system and pasting our words on to the page. Quicker and cleaner.
On the day we were getting ready to print (it was weekly) it was all hands on deck – journalists, typesetters, designers and printers making ready.
It was on such occasions that Mungo MacCallum would wander in and be sub-editing or writing his story as it was being pasted on to the page. Beside him, on
occasions, was (former Prime Minister) Malcolm Turnbull watching his story unfold, and with black ink pen in hand, filling the empty spaces on any page that needed it, the wonderful Michael Leunig.
The move changed my life and I've never regretted it. Well, maybe a little! The times were changing and Neil Diamond’s Hot August Night was Number 1.
It was on such occasions that Mungo MacCallum would wander in and be sub-editing or writing his story as it was being pasted on to the page. Beside him, on
occasions, was (former Prime Minister) Malcolm Turnbull watching his story unfold, and with black ink pen in hand, filling the empty spaces on any page that needed it, the wonderful Michael Leunig.
The move changed my life and I've never regretted it. Well, maybe a little! The times were changing and Neil Diamond’s Hot August Night was Number 1.
Health Professionals, ahoy!
CEO Marcella Romero
THE healthcare and medical industry is Australia’s largest and fastest-growing employing 14% of the working population (1.7 million). 58% of those are employed in community and health services, which correlates with the vacant positions that are most in demand including occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, exercise physiologists, rehab counsellors, social workers and job coaches.
Australia’s Arriba Group is launching a recruitment drive for health professionals and graduates across its three businesses through return to work, disability employment and NDIS allied health services.
CEO and Founder Marcella Romero says: “Currently, we have over 60 positions and we anticipate this will double over the coming six months.
“We are certainly experiencing a shortage of qualified allied health professionals and expect the demand for these roles to not only continue but increase in the future, particularly given the drivers of the NDIS, our ageing population and the impact of the pandemic,” says Marcella. “It does highlight that, even despite these uncertain times, there is work out there for those with the right qualifications. It puts those working or studying in these areas in the driver’s seat.
“My advice is to look around and compare what different employers are offering. Of course, money plays a factor, but many other things will also impact whether you will thrive or dive at work.
“We work with some of Australia’s largest organisations, including insurers and government departments and agencies, which opens many interesting doors and opportunities for career progression.”
Arriba Group are also looking for recent graduates. They currently have two academies that provide six-month intensive graduate development programs designed to build the capability of new graduates and a third academy to launch in 2021 not only designed for graduates but also people looking to move into a career of supporting people with disability.
For more information about current and future positions, Contact the Arriba Group
Australia’s Arriba Group is launching a recruitment drive for health professionals and graduates across its three businesses through return to work, disability employment and NDIS allied health services.
CEO and Founder Marcella Romero says: “Currently, we have over 60 positions and we anticipate this will double over the coming six months.
“We are certainly experiencing a shortage of qualified allied health professionals and expect the demand for these roles to not only continue but increase in the future, particularly given the drivers of the NDIS, our ageing population and the impact of the pandemic,” says Marcella. “It does highlight that, even despite these uncertain times, there is work out there for those with the right qualifications. It puts those working or studying in these areas in the driver’s seat.
“My advice is to look around and compare what different employers are offering. Of course, money plays a factor, but many other things will also impact whether you will thrive or dive at work.
“We work with some of Australia’s largest organisations, including insurers and government departments and agencies, which opens many interesting doors and opportunities for career progression.”
Arriba Group are also looking for recent graduates. They currently have two academies that provide six-month intensive graduate development programs designed to build the capability of new graduates and a third academy to launch in 2021 not only designed for graduates but also people looking to move into a career of supporting people with disability.
For more information about current and future positions, Contact the Arriba Group
VRC safety
Photo - James Lee
THE Victoria Racing Club (VRC) has reconfirmed equine welfare as its key strategic priority, spearheaded by providing input to Racing Victoria (RV) on key areas for consideration as part of RV’s broader international injury review.
The key areas identified have the potential to increase the safety in Australia’s flagship race, the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Over the past month, the VRC has consulted with local and international industry stakeholders to consider a number of new measures intended to improve the safety of all horses, including international participants who have sadly been the focus of injuries in the past. Following this process, the VRC has shared with RV key areas for further consideration so that changes can be made ahead of the Cup, to ensure Australia’s greatest race is also its safest.
These areas for consideration include the mandatory use of nuclear scintigraphy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) and/or x-rays of all international runners before they enter quarantine, as well as the appointment of an independent panel of veterinarians to examine all international horses, including trot-ups and scans, before they travel to Australia, with that same panel expected to continue this process once horses arrive in Melbourne.
In addition, the VRC shared with RV the view that all local and international horses would be required to undergo a more rigorous standard of pre-race veterinary examination through to the day before the race, which could include compulsory imaging via the world-class standing CT scanner at the University of Melbourne's U-Vet Werribee Equine Centre.
VRC requests that consideration be given to all relevant veterinary, racing and trackwork records being reviewed before a horse would be permitted to take their place.
The key areas identified have the potential to increase the safety in Australia’s flagship race, the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Over the past month, the VRC has consulted with local and international industry stakeholders to consider a number of new measures intended to improve the safety of all horses, including international participants who have sadly been the focus of injuries in the past. Following this process, the VRC has shared with RV key areas for further consideration so that changes can be made ahead of the Cup, to ensure Australia’s greatest race is also its safest.
These areas for consideration include the mandatory use of nuclear scintigraphy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) and/or x-rays of all international runners before they enter quarantine, as well as the appointment of an independent panel of veterinarians to examine all international horses, including trot-ups and scans, before they travel to Australia, with that same panel expected to continue this process once horses arrive in Melbourne.
In addition, the VRC shared with RV the view that all local and international horses would be required to undergo a more rigorous standard of pre-race veterinary examination through to the day before the race, which could include compulsory imaging via the world-class standing CT scanner at the University of Melbourne's U-Vet Werribee Equine Centre.
VRC requests that consideration be given to all relevant veterinary, racing and trackwork records being reviewed before a horse would be permitted to take their place.
A Covid-safe business summer
Photo: Adrienn
Photo: Taryn
VICTORIAN businesses are optimistic of good news on Victoria’s Roadmap to Reopening this Sunday.
When the Premier unveils the Government’s plan this weekend for a COVID Safe Summer, the Victorian Chamber hopes to see our restriction levels lifted. More closely aligning with NSW would make sense and help to eliminate the risk of inter-state poaching of events, visitors and jobs.
Specifically, local businesses seek:
- Masks to only be required on public transport and in retail/supermarket environments
- Density limits of one person per two square metres with a maximum of 300 patrons for restaurants, cafes and pubs, and allowing standing at outdoor venues
- Up to 5000 people for outdoor events that are fenced, ticketed and seated, subject to the one person per two square metres density requirement
- A commitment to review the COVID Safe Summer framework in January when the hotel quarantine system has been tested and proven effective.
- Victorians have done so well to get to where we are today and further initiatives like the government’s free QR Code for businesses have increased confidence that Victoria can open further and operate safely.
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra said:
“The Victorian Chamber’s negotiations with government around what a COVID Safe Summer should look like are motivated by ensuring that we protect events, businesses, visitors and talent from leaving for other states like NSW.
“Victorians have come so far and business has proven that they can successfully adapt to the new COVID Normal by implementing hygiene practices, density limits, QR Codes and check in systems and staff training.
“The hospitality and events sector in particular will be looking for positive news on Sunday and the boost they need to maximise summer trade and plan for their future. We deserve to have a COVID Safe Summer and for Victoria to be the best place in Australia to operate a business.”
Returning to the pool
Photo: Life Saving Victoria
Photo: Jeremiah Lawrence
AFTER almost eight months out of action, aquatic facilities – including both indoor and outdoor swimming pools – are back, and providing a safe place to return to swimming and plenty of opportunities for local employment this summer.
“Victorian pools are open across the state, but we’ve seen unprecedented changes in how prepared the community is to return to aquatic environments,” said RJ Houston, LSV’s Manager – Pool Safety.
Factors such as reduced swimming ability (particularly in children who missed swimming lessons during lockdown), lack of overall physical activity, and time away from the water are all contributing to lower levels of skill and fitness related preparedness.
“Returning swimmers who think they can swim the same number of laps in the same time as they did previously, without easing back into swimming, could end up in trouble,” said Mr Houston. “This summer, it will be about being aware of your own skills and limitations.”
“Extra care should also be taken bringing infants to the pool for the first time and we remind parents to actively supervise children,” said Mr Houston.
“It’s great to see children getting back into swimming lessons and it’s anticipated that intensive holiday programs will be particularly popular. We encourage people to consider giving the gift of swimming lessons this Christmas.”
Aquatic environments are widely regarded for their social, health and wellbeing benefits, and the implementation of enhanced COVID-Safe measures (written by LSV for the aquatic industry) will help to keep patrons and staff safe, while not detracting from existing water safety measures and messages.
Current restrictions have opened up indoor pools, including swimming lessons, with a cap of 150 patrons, subject to density requirements and no group size limits.
“Victorian pools are open across the state, but we’ve seen unprecedented changes in how prepared the community is to return to aquatic environments,” said RJ Houston, LSV’s Manager – Pool Safety.
Factors such as reduced swimming ability (particularly in children who missed swimming lessons during lockdown), lack of overall physical activity, and time away from the water are all contributing to lower levels of skill and fitness related preparedness.
“Returning swimmers who think they can swim the same number of laps in the same time as they did previously, without easing back into swimming, could end up in trouble,” said Mr Houston. “This summer, it will be about being aware of your own skills and limitations.”
“Extra care should also be taken bringing infants to the pool for the first time and we remind parents to actively supervise children,” said Mr Houston.
“It’s great to see children getting back into swimming lessons and it’s anticipated that intensive holiday programs will be particularly popular. We encourage people to consider giving the gift of swimming lessons this Christmas.”
Aquatic environments are widely regarded for their social, health and wellbeing benefits, and the implementation of enhanced COVID-Safe measures (written by LSV for the aquatic industry) will help to keep patrons and staff safe, while not detracting from existing water safety measures and messages.
Current restrictions have opened up indoor pools, including swimming lessons, with a cap of 150 patrons, subject to density requirements and no group size limits.
Photo: Ashton Bingham
Outdoor pools, including swimming lessons, can open with a cap of 300 patrons, subject to density requirements, with no group size limit.
While staffing challenges, in both aquatic management and service staff level, have presented issues for this hard-hit industry, there’s an exciting opportunity for new and returning staff to get qualified and take up employment opportunities that are available in many centres, in an industry with a total statewide workforce of 40,000 people.
“Now is a great time to become a pool lifeguard, swim teacher or customer service representative and it’s always a great time to learn to save a life or teach a life skill,” said Mr Houston.
“It’s a very important industry employing 74% females and many parents who enjoy the part-time or casual nature of aquatic employment, as well as young people wanting their first job to fit around training or education commitments.”
The aquatic industry supports flexibility and diversity and is a great industry to support because money goes directly back into the local community and each visit to an aquatic centre has been shown to generate $26 in economic benefit.
“As an industry, we’re more engaged and connected than ever with lifesaving and community safety,” said Mr Houston. “We’re all very committed to getting people back into pools.”
For more information, visit Life Saving Victoria
While staffing challenges, in both aquatic management and service staff level, have presented issues for this hard-hit industry, there’s an exciting opportunity for new and returning staff to get qualified and take up employment opportunities that are available in many centres, in an industry with a total statewide workforce of 40,000 people.
“Now is a great time to become a pool lifeguard, swim teacher or customer service representative and it’s always a great time to learn to save a life or teach a life skill,” said Mr Houston.
“It’s a very important industry employing 74% females and many parents who enjoy the part-time or casual nature of aquatic employment, as well as young people wanting their first job to fit around training or education commitments.”
The aquatic industry supports flexibility and diversity and is a great industry to support because money goes directly back into the local community and each visit to an aquatic centre has been shown to generate $26 in economic benefit.
“As an industry, we’re more engaged and connected than ever with lifesaving and community safety,” said Mr Houston. “We’re all very committed to getting people back into pools.”
For more information, visit Life Saving Victoria
Dangerous Days Ahead
Photo: Markus Spiske
A SEVERE heatwave warning has been issued for large parts of the country over the next few days, contributing to dangerous fire conditions, as climate change continues to drive extreme temperatures.
A severe-to-extreme heatwave across every mainland State and Territory is set to bring multiple consecutive days of 40-degree temperatures, with searing heat priming fire conditions.
“As a result of climate change, we are seeing heatwaves starting earlier in the season and they are becoming more frequent and even hotter,” said Climate Councillor and public health physician, Dr Kate Charlesworth.
“Heatwaves are a silent killer, leading to more deaths than all the other extreme weather events combined - including bushfires, cyclones, and floods,” said Dr Charlesworth.
“A year on from the horror that was the Black Summer bushfires, Australians know all too well the dangers associated with prolonged extreme heat,” said Climate Councillor, and climate change expert, Professor Will Steffen.
“2019 was the hottest and driest year on record for Australia, and the second hottest for the entire planet. Extreme heat and dry conditions are part of a long-term warming trend driven by climate change, which set the scene for what was to become the worst fire season Australia has ever experienced,” he said.
“Since 1960, the number of record hot days in Australia has doubled, and this increase is being driven by the burning of coal, oil and gas,” said Professor Steffen.
“To protect Australians we must rapidly and deeply reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and make the switch to renewable energy,” he said.
Please refer to the Climate Council’s guide to keeping yourself, and your loved ones safe during a heatwave.
A severe-to-extreme heatwave across every mainland State and Territory is set to bring multiple consecutive days of 40-degree temperatures, with searing heat priming fire conditions.
“As a result of climate change, we are seeing heatwaves starting earlier in the season and they are becoming more frequent and even hotter,” said Climate Councillor and public health physician, Dr Kate Charlesworth.
“Heatwaves are a silent killer, leading to more deaths than all the other extreme weather events combined - including bushfires, cyclones, and floods,” said Dr Charlesworth.
“A year on from the horror that was the Black Summer bushfires, Australians know all too well the dangers associated with prolonged extreme heat,” said Climate Councillor, and climate change expert, Professor Will Steffen.
“2019 was the hottest and driest year on record for Australia, and the second hottest for the entire planet. Extreme heat and dry conditions are part of a long-term warming trend driven by climate change, which set the scene for what was to become the worst fire season Australia has ever experienced,” he said.
“Since 1960, the number of record hot days in Australia has doubled, and this increase is being driven by the burning of coal, oil and gas,” said Professor Steffen.
“To protect Australians we must rapidly and deeply reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and make the switch to renewable energy,” he said.
Please refer to the Climate Council’s guide to keeping yourself, and your loved ones safe during a heatwave.
This week was the 57th anniversary of the death of JFK
Phil Kafcaloudes
Phil Kafcaloudes
Photo: History in HD
Photo: Science in HD
I GREW up in the era after the assassination, in a period where there was a cry that the killer, Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone in carrying out the assassination.
Over the years not only has the conspiracy theory become entrenched, it has involved so many groups: Russia, Cuba’s Castro, the Mafia, the CIA, the Republicans. Even Kennedy’s own Vice-President Johnson.
I remember Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek’s Mr Spock) voicing a documentary special in the 1970s. This documentary purported to prove that Oswald’s shots were not the only ones fired that day. This doco said that the noises contained in a two-way radio carried by one of the police motorbikes in the escort proved that there were several shooters. It even went as far as to assert that there were shooters in the now-infamous grassy knoll (which was in front of the president’s car).
I remember in 1988 a photo of the face of dead president was released, which showed his face was intact. The conspiracy theorists said this was proof the fatal shot could not have come from behind (where Oswald was positioned). This stayed in my mind until 7 years ago, when I did a special on the 50th anniversary of the assassination. On my international show on the ABC’s Radio Australia, I had several journalists who had investigated the murder.
Their conclusion? There was no evidence to suggest anyone but Lee Oswald was involved. I put to one of them the photo of Kennedy’s face. His response was that he would never assume that bullets and ballistics is an exact science. In other words: there are too many variables. The bullet was coming from above and behind; Kennedy’s head was not straight; the bullet appeared to hit in a glancing blow. This was entirely possible in the circumstances, especially as the Zapruder movie showed the moment the fatal shot hit JFK’s head.
So as a child I was convinced by Mr Spock and the almost-mysticism of the grassy knoll that there had been a conspiracy. The fact of the murder had been skewed by a script-writer’s supposition. It took many many years for the facts of the matter to make me realise that the conspiracy theory was really no more than that; a conspiracy theory. There may have been a conspiracy, but there just hasn’t been the proof for it to be fact.
Over the years not only has the conspiracy theory become entrenched, it has involved so many groups: Russia, Cuba’s Castro, the Mafia, the CIA, the Republicans. Even Kennedy’s own Vice-President Johnson.
I remember Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek’s Mr Spock) voicing a documentary special in the 1970s. This documentary purported to prove that Oswald’s shots were not the only ones fired that day. This doco said that the noises contained in a two-way radio carried by one of the police motorbikes in the escort proved that there were several shooters. It even went as far as to assert that there were shooters in the now-infamous grassy knoll (which was in front of the president’s car).
I remember in 1988 a photo of the face of dead president was released, which showed his face was intact. The conspiracy theorists said this was proof the fatal shot could not have come from behind (where Oswald was positioned). This stayed in my mind until 7 years ago, when I did a special on the 50th anniversary of the assassination. On my international show on the ABC’s Radio Australia, I had several journalists who had investigated the murder.
Their conclusion? There was no evidence to suggest anyone but Lee Oswald was involved. I put to one of them the photo of Kennedy’s face. His response was that he would never assume that bullets and ballistics is an exact science. In other words: there are too many variables. The bullet was coming from above and behind; Kennedy’s head was not straight; the bullet appeared to hit in a glancing blow. This was entirely possible in the circumstances, especially as the Zapruder movie showed the moment the fatal shot hit JFK’s head.
So as a child I was convinced by Mr Spock and the almost-mysticism of the grassy knoll that there had been a conspiracy. The fact of the murder had been skewed by a script-writer’s supposition. It took many many years for the facts of the matter to make me realise that the conspiracy theory was really no more than that; a conspiracy theory. There may have been a conspiracy, but there just hasn’t been the proof for it to be fact.
Lifesavers now on duty
LIFESAVING patrol season for 2020-21 has begun at Victorian beaches. Lifesaving patrols at coastal clubs will begin from Saturday 28 November.
Last season volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards in Victoria performed 475 rescues, attended 2339 first aid incidents and helped keep more than an estimasted 2.34 million visitors to the State’s beaches safe.
Life Saving Victoria's Lifesaving Services General Manager Liam Krige said a number of pre-season rescues at beaches this year highlighted the need for all Victorians to play it extra safe on the water.
“We have presented Everyday Lifesaver awards to Nick Frisby and Ryan King, two 17-year-old lifesavers from Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club who performed an off-duty rescue at Williamstown Beach in September that saved the lives of three boys,” Mr Krige said.
“We’ve seen about a half dozen similar rescues take place at beaches around the State in the lead up to the patrol season. It’s thanks to the immediate actions taken by off-duty lifesavers and members of the public that tragedy has been prevented for a number of Victorian families.”
Mr Krige said while the summer was likely to be a different one for Victorian beachgoers, the important water safety messages remained the same.
“Wherever possible, swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags, make sure to check the weather and conditions, read safety signs and always swim with a friend,” he said.
Last season volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards in Victoria performed 475 rescues, attended 2339 first aid incidents and helped keep more than an estimasted 2.34 million visitors to the State’s beaches safe.
Life Saving Victoria's Lifesaving Services General Manager Liam Krige said a number of pre-season rescues at beaches this year highlighted the need for all Victorians to play it extra safe on the water.
“We have presented Everyday Lifesaver awards to Nick Frisby and Ryan King, two 17-year-old lifesavers from Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club who performed an off-duty rescue at Williamstown Beach in September that saved the lives of three boys,” Mr Krige said.
“We’ve seen about a half dozen similar rescues take place at beaches around the State in the lead up to the patrol season. It’s thanks to the immediate actions taken by off-duty lifesavers and members of the public that tragedy has been prevented for a number of Victorian families.”
Mr Krige said while the summer was likely to be a different one for Victorian beachgoers, the important water safety messages remained the same.
“Wherever possible, swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags, make sure to check the weather and conditions, read safety signs and always swim with a friend,” he said.
Photo: Pinterest.com
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“If you haven’t been out in the water for a while, please take extra precautions and prepare and plan your day. All beaches, even bay beaches, can be dangerous and have hidden dangers such as rips. Make sure to check the weather and conditions, use the beachsafe.org.au website to find patrolled beaches and always go swimming with a friend.
“We ask that all Victorians understand the current public health restrictions prior to heading out to beaches and inland waterways this summer and follow the guidelines - including making sure they wear a fitted mask, are practising physical distancing and observing group size limits.” “LSV has been working closely with the Victorian Government on improved safety arrangements at our beaches and waterways over the upcoming summer period, in line with recommendations for a COVID-Safe summer. We’re actively looking at options for expanded patrol areas and additional life savers patrolling, where safe to do so, and the potential for drones and other checks to ensure the safety of those using our waterways.” |
Vital signs to Greater Melbourne
Photo: Nick Fewings
CELEBRATED as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is now emerging from the toughest COVID-19 lockdowns to face social, economic and environmental challenges.
According to the newly released Greater Melbourne Vital Signs 2020 report, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the weakest points across our socio-economic systems and exacerbated existing social issues such as homelessness and under-employment.
With 12.6 per cent of Melburnians now living in poverty, there is a growing concern that this will only increase.
Launched by Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, this is a report which gathers recognised data to measure and monitor the health and wellbeing of communities in greater Melbourne.
The Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Catherine Brown OAM, said, “This year we have endured a double crisis with the Black Summer bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has also revealed our inherent ability to adapt rapidly whilst also providing opportunities for significant systemic change previously thought impossible.”
As part of the Vital Signs report, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation partnered with The University of Melbourne for the first time to conduct a pilot community perception survey to accurately capture and understand community attitudes and perceptions during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown.
According to the newly released Greater Melbourne Vital Signs 2020 report, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the weakest points across our socio-economic systems and exacerbated existing social issues such as homelessness and under-employment.
With 12.6 per cent of Melburnians now living in poverty, there is a growing concern that this will only increase.
Launched by Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, this is a report which gathers recognised data to measure and monitor the health and wellbeing of communities in greater Melbourne.
The Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Catherine Brown OAM, said, “This year we have endured a double crisis with the Black Summer bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has also revealed our inherent ability to adapt rapidly whilst also providing opportunities for significant systemic change previously thought impossible.”
As part of the Vital Signs report, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation partnered with The University of Melbourne for the first time to conduct a pilot community perception survey to accurately capture and understand community attitudes and perceptions during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown.
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The survey results show that the top three community concerns are homelessness and housing affordability, levels of household debt and poverty.
The top three community concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic include the pandemic’s impact on the short-term economy, long-term economy and increasing level of poverty. The Greater Melbourne Vital Signs report shows that in July the rate of female job loss was five times the rate of male job loss. Youth unemployment sits at 16.3 per cent and Australia’s rate of underemployment has increased by 25 per cent. There is also increasing concern about the mental health and wellbeing of young and older people. There has been a 33 per cent increase in self-harm by young Australians, and of the 592 deaths from COVID-19, 97 per cent were older people over 60 years. Eighty per cent of medical practitioners can see the impacts of climate change and the costs of accessing health services are high because of the bushfires. Dr Brown says that as a society Melbourne’s next steps will be to combat poverty through job creation and overcoming homelessness. |
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“There is huge potential in job creation linked to clean technology transition and renewable energy, supporting women in trades and investing in social enterprises.
“We have proved that homelessness can be solved. We need to continue to house people who are homeless and increase the supply of social and affordable housing; and we need to continue to build community resilience.”
Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation has provided almost $2.9 million in grants to charitable organisations and not-for-profits to support the resilience of the sector and to scale-up existing services.
“We have proved that homelessness can be solved. We need to continue to house people who are homeless and increase the supply of social and affordable housing; and we need to continue to build community resilience.”
Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation has provided almost $2.9 million in grants to charitable organisations and not-for-profits to support the resilience of the sector and to scale-up existing services.
A big battery record
Tesla battery, South Australia. Photo: Teslarati.com
VICTORIA will soon be home to the biggest battery in Australia - and the largest in the southern hemisphere.
The Victorian Government’s 300 MW big battery announcement, which will create clean jobs, make the State’s electricity system more resilient, and tackle climate change.
“At 300MW, this Geelong-based battery will be double the size of the big Tesla battery in South Australia, which was for a time the biggest in the world, and has already saved energy consumers $150 million,” said the Climate Council’s CEO, Amanda McKenzie.
“Battery prices have fallen 90 percent over the past decade, and wind and solar costs have fallen by a similar amount. This trend is expected to continue,” said Ms McKenzie.
“That is why we’re seeing so many States and territories, like South Australia, the ACT, and New South Wales embrace this technology,” she said.
“This is a smart economic move by the Victorian Government, which has been hit extremely hard by the COVID-19 crisis. It will create clean jobs for Victorians, strengthen the State’s clean industries, and lower power bills at a time when households need it most,” she said.
This announcement comes after economic modelling from the Climate Council found that 20,000 direct jobs can be created in Victoria, rapidly getting people back into the workforce while also tackling climate change.
The Victorian Government’s 300 MW big battery announcement, which will create clean jobs, make the State’s electricity system more resilient, and tackle climate change.
“At 300MW, this Geelong-based battery will be double the size of the big Tesla battery in South Australia, which was for a time the biggest in the world, and has already saved energy consumers $150 million,” said the Climate Council’s CEO, Amanda McKenzie.
“Battery prices have fallen 90 percent over the past decade, and wind and solar costs have fallen by a similar amount. This trend is expected to continue,” said Ms McKenzie.
“That is why we’re seeing so many States and territories, like South Australia, the ACT, and New South Wales embrace this technology,” she said.
“This is a smart economic move by the Victorian Government, which has been hit extremely hard by the COVID-19 crisis. It will create clean jobs for Victorians, strengthen the State’s clean industries, and lower power bills at a time when households need it most,” she said.
This announcement comes after economic modelling from the Climate Council found that 20,000 direct jobs can be created in Victoria, rapidly getting people back into the workforce while also tackling climate change.
SOS
THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s office has been inundated by survey responses from distressed travel agents who say their businesses have been decimated by the COVID crisis.
Over 1,000 travel agents have completed an online survey since it was launched last week.
Over 1,000 travel agents have completed an online survey since it was launched last week.
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Ombudsman Kate Carnell says “We’ve had an overwhelming response from mum-and-dad travel agents who are in a world of pain.”
Of the hundreds of travel agents, 98% say they have seen their revenue plunge by more than 75% since COVID restrictions were introduced in March. More than half said their revenue has plummeted by over 100% meaning they have been paying more out in refunds, including previously made revenue, than they are selling in new business. Travel agents are working around the clock to negotiate refunds from travel companies and airlines for their customers. 56% of these small businesses have said they would have already closed down if not for their commitment to ensure their customers were refunded for holidays they could no longer take. Deposits paid by customers are passed on to travel providers (cruise ship or tour companies for instance) minus the commission for the travel agent. The challenge for the travel agent is to get back the deposit, particularly from offshore companies that are also under enormous financial pressure. |
Photo: Sasha Freemind
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If these small business owners were to walk away without facilitating customer refunds, there would understandably be a public outcry. However, these travel agents’ businesses are losing money by staying open and working to do the right thing for their customers.
Ms Carnell said: “At this early stage, we are still consulting with the industry regarding what assistance is required, but it is clear that a targeted response will be needed.
“With international travel restrictions likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future, this is an incredibly difficult situation for small businesses in the tourism sector, but my office will be working towards making economically sensible recommendations to the government that will help travel agents in the near term.”
Ms Carnell said: “At this early stage, we are still consulting with the industry regarding what assistance is required, but it is clear that a targeted response will be needed.
“With international travel restrictions likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future, this is an incredibly difficult situation for small businesses in the tourism sector, but my office will be working towards making economically sensible recommendations to the government that will help travel agents in the near term.”
Stamped with success
Envelope
AUSTRALIA POST is celebrating the 100th running of the W.S. Cox Plate with the release of a commemorative stamp featuring the 9ct solid Yellow Gold Plate Trophy.
Named after William Samuel (W.S.) Cox (1831–1895), a pioneer of thoroughbred racing in Australia who opened the Moonee Valley Racing Club in suburban Melbourne in 1883, the undisputed Weight-For-Age Championship of Australasia has an honour roll that is the envy of the racing world.
Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said Australia Post was happy to mark the historic occasion with the special stamp issue.
“Each of the 99 runnings of the W.S. Cox Plate has delivered unique and exciting moments in the Moonee Valley Racing Club’s history, and in Australian racing history,” he said.
“We celebrated Winx with her own stamp when she won her record-breaking fourth W.S. Cox Plate, and we are so pleased to now be honouring the legendary race itself.”
Named after William Samuel (W.S.) Cox (1831–1895), a pioneer of thoroughbred racing in Australia who opened the Moonee Valley Racing Club in suburban Melbourne in 1883, the undisputed Weight-For-Age Championship of Australasia has an honour roll that is the envy of the racing world.
Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said Australia Post was happy to mark the historic occasion with the special stamp issue.
“Each of the 99 runnings of the W.S. Cox Plate has delivered unique and exciting moments in the Moonee Valley Racing Club’s history, and in Australian racing history,” he said.
“We celebrated Winx with her own stamp when she won her record-breaking fourth W.S. Cox Plate, and we are so pleased to now be honouring the legendary race itself.”
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Moonee Valley Racing Club Chairman Don Casboult said the specially commissioned stamp was a fitting way to celebrate the milestone.
“We’re thrilled that Australia Post has issued this commemorative stamp to celebrate The Race Where Legends Are Made and it is a wonderful way to celebrate the 100th running of the W.S. Cox Plate.” The inaugural W.S. Cox Plate was run in 1922 with English horse Violoncello taking out the honours and the race quickly grew in prominence. In 1946, the race was run in two divisions, resulting in the event being recorded in the official record books twice for that year. In addition to the stamp released today, Australia Post will also be releasing two products after the running of the 100th W.S. Cox Plate: a Medallion Cover featuring the winning horse and a Celebration Race Book that will include statistics of all 100 races and stamp pages of the Cox Plate Stamp. The commemorative stamps will be available at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794, and online while stocks last, and the Medallion Cover and Celebration Race Book will be available from December 8 via the same channels. |
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Getting water to the world
Zambia - queuing to use handwashing stations for people with disability
This week we had Global Handwashing Day and the current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role hand hygiene plays in disease transmission.
Rosie Wheen, CE, WaterAid Australia, said: “We’ve seen handwashing thrown into the spotlight as one of the key ways to help slow the spread of COVID-19. However, billions of people worldwide can’t do this, as they simply do not have access to soap or water. That’s why it’s so inspiring to see how people around the world have created access to handwashing in their communities, and why WaterAid’s work to bring clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene is as important as it has always been.”
Rosie Wheen, CE, WaterAid Australia, said: “We’ve seen handwashing thrown into the spotlight as one of the key ways to help slow the spread of COVID-19. However, billions of people worldwide can’t do this, as they simply do not have access to soap or water. That’s why it’s so inspiring to see how people around the world have created access to handwashing in their communities, and why WaterAid’s work to bring clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene is as important as it has always been.”
India
India
WaterAid India knew they had to get innovative to deliver water to those who needed it most. Enter, mobile handwashing stations attached to rickshaws! This system allows water and soap to reach more people across India with lifesaving handwashing facilities. The mobile handwashing units require just a small pipe, two end caps and a water tap. The pipe holds the water and has a water tap on the bottom, with liquid handwash secured by tape. The unit can hold almost 5 litres of water, sufficient for 12-15 washes!
Myanmar
A little friendly competition is always sure to get people inspired! That’s why WaterAid Myanmar organised a competition to build Tippy-Taps in three villages, with the winners receiving communal funds for their village to further develop water, sanitation and hygiene projects. Tippy-Taps are a simple device for handwashing with running water, where a container of water is tipped with a stick and tied by rope. As soap is the only thing touched by hands, the device is very hygienic. In each village, over 300 households built their own Tippy-Taps, recognising the importance of hygiene in the context of COVID-19.
Cambodia
WaterAid Cambodia took their communications on the road, literally! The team drove through rural villages in the back of a truck, sharing COVID-19 handwashing messages through a loudspeaker. Rain or shine, the team were out there ensuring everyone was aware and preparing for the virus.
WaterAid India knew they had to get innovative to deliver water to those who needed it most. Enter, mobile handwashing stations attached to rickshaws! This system allows water and soap to reach more people across India with lifesaving handwashing facilities. The mobile handwashing units require just a small pipe, two end caps and a water tap. The pipe holds the water and has a water tap on the bottom, with liquid handwash secured by tape. The unit can hold almost 5 litres of water, sufficient for 12-15 washes!
Myanmar
A little friendly competition is always sure to get people inspired! That’s why WaterAid Myanmar organised a competition to build Tippy-Taps in three villages, with the winners receiving communal funds for their village to further develop water, sanitation and hygiene projects. Tippy-Taps are a simple device for handwashing with running water, where a container of water is tipped with a stick and tied by rope. As soap is the only thing touched by hands, the device is very hygienic. In each village, over 300 households built their own Tippy-Taps, recognising the importance of hygiene in the context of COVID-19.
Cambodia
WaterAid Cambodia took their communications on the road, literally! The team drove through rural villages in the back of a truck, sharing COVID-19 handwashing messages through a loudspeaker. Rain or shine, the team were out there ensuring everyone was aware and preparing for the virus.
Papua New Guinea
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Zambia
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Timor Leste
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Sierra Leone
Zambia
The WaterAid Zambia team launched one of the first inclusive universal handwashing stations to include access for people living with a disability, particularly wheelchair users and those unable to use the foot-operated handwashing stations. By removing the foot pump and creating a wider space to accommodate a wheelchair, the universal handwashing station allows everyone access to wash their hands.
Not only this, but the team also used drones to fly over urban areas delivering COVID-19 hygiene messages, using the drones to write messages in the sky!
Sierra Leone
Using traditional methods of communications, WaterAid Sierra Leone deployed town criers to rural areas to deliver hygiene messages and answer questions in local languages. The town criers were trained on hand hygiene and COVID-19 hygiene information by WaterAid, and went village to village explaining hygiene messages through the loudspeaker in order to reach more people at once.
Papua New Guinea
It is not only access to water needed to wash your hands, soap is a crucial element too. That is why WaterAid Papua New Guinea created soap making workshops, where they can teach communities how to make soap out of locally available products, like coconut oil mixed with caustic soda!
The WaterAid Zambia team launched one of the first inclusive universal handwashing stations to include access for people living with a disability, particularly wheelchair users and those unable to use the foot-operated handwashing stations. By removing the foot pump and creating a wider space to accommodate a wheelchair, the universal handwashing station allows everyone access to wash their hands.
Not only this, but the team also used drones to fly over urban areas delivering COVID-19 hygiene messages, using the drones to write messages in the sky!
Sierra Leone
Using traditional methods of communications, WaterAid Sierra Leone deployed town criers to rural areas to deliver hygiene messages and answer questions in local languages. The town criers were trained on hand hygiene and COVID-19 hygiene information by WaterAid, and went village to village explaining hygiene messages through the loudspeaker in order to reach more people at once.
Papua New Guinea
It is not only access to water needed to wash your hands, soap is a crucial element too. That is why WaterAid Papua New Guinea created soap making workshops, where they can teach communities how to make soap out of locally available products, like coconut oil mixed with caustic soda!
A rebuild for businesses
This year's Federal Budget hopefully delivers much-needed support for the survival and recovery of Victorian businesses.
Several measures are closely aligned with the Victorian Chamber’s advocacy, including:
Several measures are closely aligned with the Victorian Chamber’s advocacy, including:
- A 50 per cent subsidy for businesses employing apprentices and trainees
- New JobMaker hiring credit available to employers who hire 16-35 year-olds on JobSeeker
- $1.1 billion for Victorian infrastructure projects, including important regional road and rail upgrades
- The introduction of temporary loss-carry back provisions which means businesses can claim refunds for tax paid on pre-COVID-19 profits
- Temporary full expensing to allow 99 per cent of businesses to write off the full value of assets they purchase
- An $800 million package to support the transition to digital technologies
- A $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy to provide co-funding for large manufacturing projects to help businesses in six National Manufacturing Priority areas to scale-up, collaborate and commercialise
- $1 billion for new research funding for our universities
- $317 million for Australian exporters to continue to access global supply chains
- $550 million to support regional Australia, including $200 million for the Building Better Regions Fund and $100 million for regional recovery partnerships targeted at areas including Gippsland hit hard by drought, bushfires and COVID-19 restrictions.
- Exempting employer-provided retraining activities from fringe benefits tax to encourage reskilling
- Temporary changes to insolvency rules to help businesses stay afloat
- Reinstating $2 billion to the Research and Development Tax Incentive Scheme
- Income tax cuts for more than 11 million low and middle income earners.
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The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive, Paul Guerra, said "This is a budget that will reward local businesses for their grit and determination, the ambitious entrepreneurs who have steadfastly stayed the course, and who are all ready to resume when permitted to grow Victorian jobs once again.
“The Victorian Chamber highlighted three key objectives that we wanted to see in the Budget: protecting and growing local business, cementing and improving our global reputation and the next big infrastructure build. We are pleased the Government has taken up our recommendations. “This historic budget will create jobs, stimulate sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy and technology while investing in rail and roads to improve our liveability. “Incentivising businesses to take on apprentices and trainees has never been more important as the Victorian Chamber has seen a 45 per cent decline in commencements since March; a trend that was likely to continue without intervention. “It’s great to see significant investment in regional Victoria as our tourism areas in particular recover from a horror year of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 restrictions which have effectively cut them off from the metropolitan Melbourne visitation dollar, as well as interstate and overseas markets. “The strong focus on encouraging a business-led recovery in the Federal Budget must be mirrored in next month’s State Budget, which provides a timely opportunity to lower business costs, cut red tape, encourage investment and innovation and generate jobs.” |
Be careful on the road
Photo: Takahiro Taguchi
AS coronavirus numbers continue to drop and Melburnians prepare for Stage Four lockdown measures to be lifted, motorists are being urged to use extra caution on the State’s roads.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers road injuries Special Counsel Voula Lambropoulos said many drivers would be out of practise after not driving far from home for several months, which could potentially put themselves and other road users at risk.
“We’ve been in lockdown for such a long time, so we all need to be mindful as restrictions start to ease and we get back behind the wheel that our driving skills are probably going to be a little bit rusty, especially in different weather conditions and driving longer distances,” Ms Lambropoulos said.
“We can also expect to be sharing the roads with increased traffic compared to what we’ve been used to so it’s important that all road users take extra care when sharing the road with others.
“Tragically, more than 160 lives have already been lost on Victorian roads this year. But it’s important to remember that for every person killed on our roads, another 30 people are seriously injured, so we all need to slow down, obey road rules and avoid taking risks so that no more lives are lost or changed forever.”
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers road injuries Special Counsel Voula Lambropoulos said many drivers would be out of practise after not driving far from home for several months, which could potentially put themselves and other road users at risk.
“We’ve been in lockdown for such a long time, so we all need to be mindful as restrictions start to ease and we get back behind the wheel that our driving skills are probably going to be a little bit rusty, especially in different weather conditions and driving longer distances,” Ms Lambropoulos said.
“We can also expect to be sharing the roads with increased traffic compared to what we’ve been used to so it’s important that all road users take extra care when sharing the road with others.
“Tragically, more than 160 lives have already been lost on Victorian roads this year. But it’s important to remember that for every person killed on our roads, another 30 people are seriously injured, so we all need to slow down, obey road rules and avoid taking risks so that no more lives are lost or changed forever.”
Caravans in the sky
Photo: Neil Kelly
Photo: Maël Balland
THE Victorian caravan and camping industry contributes $2.3 billion to the Victorian economy. Or it used to!
This year we can go to the Victorian Caravan and Camping show from the comfort of our loungeroom. Here we can compare and purchase products from over 150 exhibitors yet it’s free and can visit 24 hours a day.
Even with the challenges Victorian’s and Australians have faced in recent times, first bushfires and then the Covid-19 pandemic, Australian’s still spent 56.8 million nights caravanning and camping. With both the industry and consumers suffering from lockdowns, travel restrictions and future uncertainty this show, organised by the Caravan Industry Victoria, will provide a positive opportunity for planning a way forward and reclaiming what is a traditional Australian pastime.
Over the past six months, it's not only been an industry; specifically, Victoria which accounts for over 90% of all recreational vehicle manufacturing in Australia that has suffered but as shown in studies completed after the first month of the Covid-19 pandemic mental health problems were at least twice as prevalent as in non-pandemic circumstances. This was due to people’s lives being impacted by issues such as study stress, loneliness, employment uncertainty, finances and health concerns which are all still relevant today.
Rob Lucas, CEO Caravan Industry Victoria, stated, ‘This virtual show is a way that the Association can assist both the industry and many people by providing a safe online opportunity that allows consumers to engage with exhibitors in real time through online chats, observe demonstrations, obtain quotes and get excited about planning their next caravan and camping holiday.’
This year we can go to the Victorian Caravan and Camping show from the comfort of our loungeroom. Here we can compare and purchase products from over 150 exhibitors yet it’s free and can visit 24 hours a day.
Even with the challenges Victorian’s and Australians have faced in recent times, first bushfires and then the Covid-19 pandemic, Australian’s still spent 56.8 million nights caravanning and camping. With both the industry and consumers suffering from lockdowns, travel restrictions and future uncertainty this show, organised by the Caravan Industry Victoria, will provide a positive opportunity for planning a way forward and reclaiming what is a traditional Australian pastime.
Over the past six months, it's not only been an industry; specifically, Victoria which accounts for over 90% of all recreational vehicle manufacturing in Australia that has suffered but as shown in studies completed after the first month of the Covid-19 pandemic mental health problems were at least twice as prevalent as in non-pandemic circumstances. This was due to people’s lives being impacted by issues such as study stress, loneliness, employment uncertainty, finances and health concerns which are all still relevant today.
Rob Lucas, CEO Caravan Industry Victoria, stated, ‘This virtual show is a way that the Association can assist both the industry and many people by providing a safe online opportunity that allows consumers to engage with exhibitors in real time through online chats, observe demonstrations, obtain quotes and get excited about planning their next caravan and camping holiday.’
For more information, to see who’s exhibiting, what’s on, list of prizes and to register visit The Victorian Caravan & Camping Virtual Show
open from 7am Wednesday, September 30 until 11.50pm Sunday, October 4 (AEST)
open from 7am Wednesday, September 30 until 11.50pm Sunday, October 4 (AEST)
Pinning a Cox Plate
THE Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) is delighted to announce that the Club will again partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania (RMHC Vic & Tas) in raising much-needed funds through the sale of our 2020 Cox Plate Carnival Charity Pins.
The Pins will be available to purchase online for $5 from tomorrow (Sept 27), all the way through to the Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival on October 23-24 or until sold out.
The Cox Plate Charity Pin this year will reflect the special 100th Cox Plate Trophy, which for the 100th running of the legendary race is a 9ct Solid Yellow Gold Plate. The Pin will become a collector’s item in time given the significance of this year’s race and even more so given the unlikelihood of crowds trackside.
“This year, more than ever, we are asking people to dig deep to help raise as much as we possibly can in what is a tough time for many Victorians, especially those who are caring for a seriously ill child at this time”, said Michael Browell, MVRC CEO.
All proceeds from the sale of the Pins will be going to RMHC Vic & Tas, and the MVRC will also be launching other fundraising initiatives throughout the Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival to help us reach our target of $35,000. The MVRC & RMHC are also excited to announce Jacqueline Felgate as the 2020 Cox Plate Charity Ambassador, allowing the Club to raise as much awareness as possible for this fantastic cause.
RMHC Vic & Tas works to enhance the quality of life for families with sick children by providing a home-away-from-home that is welcoming, caring, and supportive. There are four Ronald McDonald Houses across Victoria & Tasmania, located at Monash, North Fitzroy, Parkville, and Hobart. The Houses are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and accommodate up to 102 families every night. Their goal is to ensure that we never have to turn away eligible families who need their services.
Click here to view the Cox Plate Carnival Charity Pin and to purchase.
The Pins will be available to purchase online for $5 from tomorrow (Sept 27), all the way through to the Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival on October 23-24 or until sold out.
The Cox Plate Charity Pin this year will reflect the special 100th Cox Plate Trophy, which for the 100th running of the legendary race is a 9ct Solid Yellow Gold Plate. The Pin will become a collector’s item in time given the significance of this year’s race and even more so given the unlikelihood of crowds trackside.
“This year, more than ever, we are asking people to dig deep to help raise as much as we possibly can in what is a tough time for many Victorians, especially those who are caring for a seriously ill child at this time”, said Michael Browell, MVRC CEO.
All proceeds from the sale of the Pins will be going to RMHC Vic & Tas, and the MVRC will also be launching other fundraising initiatives throughout the Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival to help us reach our target of $35,000. The MVRC & RMHC are also excited to announce Jacqueline Felgate as the 2020 Cox Plate Charity Ambassador, allowing the Club to raise as much awareness as possible for this fantastic cause.
RMHC Vic & Tas works to enhance the quality of life for families with sick children by providing a home-away-from-home that is welcoming, caring, and supportive. There are four Ronald McDonald Houses across Victoria & Tasmania, located at Monash, North Fitzroy, Parkville, and Hobart. The Houses are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and accommodate up to 102 families every night. Their goal is to ensure that we never have to turn away eligible families who need their services.
Click here to view the Cox Plate Carnival Charity Pin and to purchase.
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Sparing insolvency pain
September 24, 2020 
THE Federal Government has thrown struggling small businesses a lifeline today, announcing plans to overhaul insolvency rules.
The new rules making it easier for small businesses to restructure or wind up, are in line with the recommendations outlined in the Insolvency Practices Inquiry final report handed down by the Ombudsman in July. More ... |
Let's get digital
September 23, 2020 
Under a three-year plan, NBN Co has pledged to build fibre optic cable to business premises free of charge and make business-grade fibre services more affordable.
“1.4 million businesses across Australia are now eligible to have fibre installed to their premises at no cost,” Ms Carnell says. More ... |
The 5km "Friend Zone"
An example 5km radius from the centre of Puckle St., Moonee Ponds
WITH Melbourne residents prevented from going further than 5km from home during lockdown, an interactive map developed by Monash University researchers is making it easier to see a friend outdoors.
The tool, called Melbourne Friend Zone, allows users to plug in their address along with their friend's location to see if the 5km radius between each location overlaps. In addition to clearly identifying your 5km range, the map also pin points nearby barbecue facilities and playgrounds to make the most of your two hours outside.
Developed by a team of researchers from the Faculty of Information Technology (IT), the intention was to build an interactive map that allowed Melburnians to stay connected with an easy-to-use online tool.
Since its launch less than a week ago, the platform has already had 1,900 unique users and is expected to grow with warm weather forecast for the weekend.
There are also plans to further enhance the map by enabling shareable links between users and creating a more friendly mobile phone interface.
The 1.5 metre social distancing guidelines and mandatory masks are still applied with all outdoor gatherings.
To see how Melbourne Friend Zone works, visit: Melbourne Friend Zone.
The tool, called Melbourne Friend Zone, allows users to plug in their address along with their friend's location to see if the 5km radius between each location overlaps. In addition to clearly identifying your 5km range, the map also pin points nearby barbecue facilities and playgrounds to make the most of your two hours outside.
Developed by a team of researchers from the Faculty of Information Technology (IT), the intention was to build an interactive map that allowed Melburnians to stay connected with an easy-to-use online tool.
Since its launch less than a week ago, the platform has already had 1,900 unique users and is expected to grow with warm weather forecast for the weekend.
There are also plans to further enhance the map by enabling shareable links between users and creating a more friendly mobile phone interface.
The 1.5 metre social distancing guidelines and mandatory masks are still applied with all outdoor gatherings.
To see how Melbourne Friend Zone works, visit: Melbourne Friend Zone.
Pubs ‘bleeding with debt’
VICTORIAN hotels and pubs will ‘bleed further with debt and face going over the cliff’ under the recent extension of the Stage 4 COVID-19 virus restrictions.
The Australian Hotels Association (Vic) President David Canny said Victoria’s pub industry is bitterly disappointed with further delays to re-opening, placing publicans on a ‘debt cliff’ which will see many not meeting Premier Daniel Andrews’ desire for a ‘family Christmas’.
Mr Canny said moving the thresholds again placed further anxiety on hotel and pubs owners and their employees. AHA (Vic) has 1450 members employing more than 52,000 people and contributing $4.2 billion to the State’s Gross State Product.
“These decisions are going to change the whole hospitality landscape from which it may never recover,” he said. “We are on the verge of becoming a ‘welfare state’ if our members are any indication of what the lockdown restrictions are having on us.
“Closing down the industry is the easiest decision the government can make. The hardest is for our people to deal with mounting debt, employee welfare and mental health and not being the ‘community hub’ for many of our patrons and the broader community.
“Our country pubs and those in other States have proven the hospitality industry can comply with restrictions and minimise cases. We believe we can achieve this here.”
Mr. Canny said it was now time for the Victorian Government to look to the expertise from New South Wales and Queensland who have a proven ability to manage the risks related to hospitality businesses and the broader economy in order to re-emerge from COVID-19 restrictions.
He said Victorian pubs had proven they can manage the COVID-19 risks by implementing plans for social distancing, superior hygiene practices, digital contact tracing and robust measures for patron management.
“We are frustrated with the lack of consideration for business interests and the potential for massive job losses for the staff employed in the industry,” he said.
“We have ongoing mounting fixed costs - electricity bills, insurance, Council rates and lease of equipment of which there is no relief. Each pub has a limit of just how much debt it can take before decisions are made to close the business for good. This is the cliff we are now facing.
“Local pubs are on the debt cliff and will never recover if they cannot re-open soon. We could lose the iconic corner pub because of the debt the Victorian Government restrictions have put on them.
“We are on the edge of that debt cliff and unless Government commences our re-opening then it is over we go.”
The Australian Hotels Association (Vic) President David Canny said Victoria’s pub industry is bitterly disappointed with further delays to re-opening, placing publicans on a ‘debt cliff’ which will see many not meeting Premier Daniel Andrews’ desire for a ‘family Christmas’.
Mr Canny said moving the thresholds again placed further anxiety on hotel and pubs owners and their employees. AHA (Vic) has 1450 members employing more than 52,000 people and contributing $4.2 billion to the State’s Gross State Product.
“These decisions are going to change the whole hospitality landscape from which it may never recover,” he said. “We are on the verge of becoming a ‘welfare state’ if our members are any indication of what the lockdown restrictions are having on us.
“Closing down the industry is the easiest decision the government can make. The hardest is for our people to deal with mounting debt, employee welfare and mental health and not being the ‘community hub’ for many of our patrons and the broader community.
“Our country pubs and those in other States have proven the hospitality industry can comply with restrictions and minimise cases. We believe we can achieve this here.”
Mr. Canny said it was now time for the Victorian Government to look to the expertise from New South Wales and Queensland who have a proven ability to manage the risks related to hospitality businesses and the broader economy in order to re-emerge from COVID-19 restrictions.
He said Victorian pubs had proven they can manage the COVID-19 risks by implementing plans for social distancing, superior hygiene practices, digital contact tracing and robust measures for patron management.
“We are frustrated with the lack of consideration for business interests and the potential for massive job losses for the staff employed in the industry,” he said.
“We have ongoing mounting fixed costs - electricity bills, insurance, Council rates and lease of equipment of which there is no relief. Each pub has a limit of just how much debt it can take before decisions are made to close the business for good. This is the cliff we are now facing.
“Local pubs are on the debt cliff and will never recover if they cannot re-open soon. We could lose the iconic corner pub because of the debt the Victorian Government restrictions have put on them.
“We are on the edge of that debt cliff and unless Government commences our re-opening then it is over we go.”
A relief for small businesses
Extended insolvency protections
Photo: Frank Busch
THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, has welcomed the Federal Government’s extension of temporary insolvency and bankruptcy protections, to support struggling small businesses impacted by the COVID crisis.
Regulations reducing the threat of creditors taking action against small businesses impacted by trading restrictions have now been extended to 31 December 2020.
The changes also extend the temporary relief for directors from any personal liability for trading while insolvent.
“These necessary measures give otherwise viable small businesses more time to recover, preventing a wave of unnecessary insolvencies,” Ms Carnell says.
“While we support this temporary relief for financially distressed businesses, there will also be a number of zombie businesses kept artificially afloat as a consequence.
“ASIC data shows insolvencies are tracking at close to 50% below 2019 levels, which goes to show the extent to which government stimulus and protection measures are keeping businesses on life support, including businesses that have not been viable for some time.
“Deloitte Access Economics modelling estimates about 240,000 small businesses are at risk of failure, highlighting the critical need for small businesses to sit down with their trusted financial adviser for a viability assessment.
“My office continues to recommend the establishment of a small business viability voucher program, where small business owners facing financial stress can obtain a voucher valued up to $5,000 to access tailored advice on the state of their business.
“The voucher would ensure small businesses have access to the expertise they need to judge business viability.
“Unfortunately small businesses with cash flow issues, compounded by falling revenue, may not seek out professional advice because it’s deemed to be unaffordable. This could prove to be devastating for the business owner and their family, down the line.
“We know the sooner a small business owner experiencing financial stress seeks assistance from an accredited professional, the better the outcome,” says Ms Carnell.
“The voucher would ensure small businesses have access to the expertise they need to judge business viability.
“Unfortunately small businesses with cash flow issues, compounded by falling revenue, may not seek out professional advice because it’s deemed to be unaffordable. This could prove to be devastating for the business owner and their family, down the line.
“We know the sooner a small business owner experiencing financial stress seeks assistance from an accredited professional, the better the outcome,” says Ms Carnell.
Axe fringe benefits tax
THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell has urged the Federal Government to abolish fringe benefits tax (FBT) for at least two years to provide a much-needed cash flow boost to the economy and support struggling small businesses.
In a letter to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Ms Carnell argued this small change to the tax system would provide a big boost to small businesses in the industries hardest hit by the COVID crisis.
“Small businesses are unfairly impacted by the fringe benefits tax,” Ms Carnell says.
“As it stands, small businesses are required to pay FBT on items that large businesses often provide in-house to retain staff such as meals, gyms and childcare centres.
“Larger businesses can actually claim some services as business expenses, without paying FBT.
“But small businesses that provide the same benefits to their teams offsite have to pay FBT.
“A the same time, high rates of FBT acts as a disincentive to businesses spending with small businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and tourism sectors which are hurting the most right now.
“A weekend away, lunch at a restaurant or a team bonding game of golf, all attract FBT.
“FBT is discouraging businesses from spending with small businesses, which reduces the amount of money flowing into the economy.
“Fringe benefits tax accounted for less than 1% of government revenue in 2019/2020 and that figure is likely to be even less in the current financial year due to the economic downturn.
“Abolishing the FBT would cost no more than $4 billion a year to the Government but it would be an effective support measure for small businesses and also stimulate cash flow into the economy at a time when we need it most.
In a letter to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Ms Carnell argued this small change to the tax system would provide a big boost to small businesses in the industries hardest hit by the COVID crisis.
“Small businesses are unfairly impacted by the fringe benefits tax,” Ms Carnell says.
“As it stands, small businesses are required to pay FBT on items that large businesses often provide in-house to retain staff such as meals, gyms and childcare centres.
“Larger businesses can actually claim some services as business expenses, without paying FBT.
“But small businesses that provide the same benefits to their teams offsite have to pay FBT.
“A the same time, high rates of FBT acts as a disincentive to businesses spending with small businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and tourism sectors which are hurting the most right now.
“A weekend away, lunch at a restaurant or a team bonding game of golf, all attract FBT.
“FBT is discouraging businesses from spending with small businesses, which reduces the amount of money flowing into the economy.
“Fringe benefits tax accounted for less than 1% of government revenue in 2019/2020 and that figure is likely to be even less in the current financial year due to the economic downturn.
“Abolishing the FBT would cost no more than $4 billion a year to the Government but it would be an effective support measure for small businesses and also stimulate cash flow into the economy at a time when we need it most.