text:
With so many NSW Northern Rivers businesses relying on the JobKeeper wage subsidies to retain staff in the face of loss of trade due to the COVID-19 pandemic the regional economy may decline further now Morrison's JobKeeper cuts start to kick in
The first federal government JobKeeper subsidised wage payments were received by employers in the first week of May 2020 and by 21 July 2020 est. 3.5 million Australians were receiving this payment.
By 22 July 2020 the percentage of NSW Northern Rivers Businesses relying on JobKeeper Payments by Local Government Area were:
Byron 60.39%
Tweed 47.79%
Ballina 39.56%
Clarence Valley 34.52%
Lismore 35.05%
Richmond Valley 27.45%
Kyogle 21.3%
In July the JobKeeper subsidised wage was $1,500 (before tax) per fortnight
The JobKeeper payment rate is now as follows…...
Australian Treasury, Economic Response to the Coronavirus - Extension of the JobKeeper Payment, 10 August 2020:
The JobKeeper Payment rate
From 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021, the JobKeeper Payment rates will be:
• $1,200 per fortnight for all eligible employees who were working in the business or notfor-profit for 20 hours or more a week on average in the four weeks of pay periods before either 1 March 2020 or 1 July 2020, and for eligible business participants who were actively engaged in the business for 20 hours or more per week on average; and
• $750 per fortnight for other eligible employees and business participants.
From 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021, the JobKeeper Payment rates will be:
• $1,000 per fortnight for all eligible employees who were working in the business or notfor-profit for 20 hours or more a week on average in the four weeks of pay periods before either 1 March 2020 or 1 July 2020, and for business participants who were actively engaged in the business for 20 hours or more per week on average; and
Businesses and not-for-profits will be required to nominate which payment rate they are claiming for each of their eligible employees (or business participants).
The Commissioner of Taxation will have discretion to set out alternative tests where an employee or business participant's hours were not usual during the February and/or June 2020 reference period (the period with the higher number of hours worked is to be used for employees with 1 March 2020 eligibility). For example, this will include where the employee was on leave, volunteering during the bushfires, or not employed for all or part of February or June 2020.
Guidance will be provided by the ATO where the employee was paid in non-weekly or non-fortnightly pay periods and in other circumstances the general rules do not cover.
The JobKeeper Payment will continue to be made by the ATO to employers in arrears.
Employers will continue to be required to make payments to employees equal to, or greater than, the amount of the JobKeeper Payment (before tax), based on the payment rate that applies to each employee. This is called the wage condition.
By the end of December 2020 it is possible that only around 1.2 million people will still be eligible to receive JobKeeper payments under the new rules and it is possible that up to 2.1 million additional people will have joined the ranks of the unemployed. With up to another 1 million without a job by March 2021.
Posted by clarencegirl at 00:16
Labels: COVID-19, economy, pandemic, regional economies, welfare payments, welfare recipients
Regional town water security virtually ignored for last six years by NSW Coalition Government
The NSW Auditor General's audit report of 24 September 2020, titled Support for regional town water infrastructure, reveals that state government has failed to meet its responsibilities and fulfil its undertaking for the last six years under the leadership first of Liberal Premier Barry O'Farrell, then of Liberal Premier Bruce Baird and finally of Liberal Premier Gladys Berejiklian
In fact NSW Liberal and Nationals politicians didn't begin to get even remotely serious about regional town water security until 2018-19.
Audit Report Executive Summary, excerpt:
"The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (the department) is the lead agency for water resource policy, regulation and planning in NSW. It is also responsible for ensuring water management is consistent with the shared commitments of the Australian, State and Territory Governments under the National Water Initiative. This includes the provision of healthy, safe and reliable water supplies, and reporting on the performance of water utilities.
Ninety-two Local Water Utilities (LWUs) plan for, price and deliver town water services in regional NSW. Eighty-nine are operated by local councils under the New South Wales' Local Government Act 1993, and other LWUs exercise their functions under the WM Act. The Minister for Water, Property and Housing is the responsible minister for water supply functions under both acts.
Audit Report Conclusion, section in full:
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has not effectively supported or overseen town water infrastructure planning in regional NSW since at least 2014. It has also lacked a strategic, evidence-based approach to target investments in town water infrastructure.
A continued focus on coordinating town water planning, investments and sector engagement is needed for the department to more effectively support, plan for and fund town water infrastructure, and work with Local Water Utilities to help avoid future shortages of safe water in regional towns and cities.
The department has had limited impact on facilitating Local Water Utilities' (LWU) strategic town water planning. Its lack of internal procedures, records and data mean that the department cannot demonstrate it has effectively engaged, guided or supported the LWU sector in Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) planning over the past six years. Today, less than ten per cent of the 92 LWUs have an IWCM strategy approved by the department.
The department did not design or implement a strategic approach for targeting town water infrastructure investment through its $1 billion Safe and Secure Water Program (SSWP). Most projects in the program were reviewed by a technical panel but there was limited evidence available about regional and local priorities to inform strategic project assessments. About a third of funded SSWP projects were recommended via various alternative processes that were not transparent. The department also lacks systems for integrated project monitoring and program evaluation to determine the contribution of its investments to improved town water outcomes for communities. The department has recently developed a risk-based framework to inform future town water infrastructure funding priorities.
The department does not have strategic water plans in place at state and regional levels: a key objective of these is to improve town water for regional communities. The department started a program of regional water planning in 2018, following the NSW Government's commitment to this in 2014. It also started developing a state water strategy in 2020, as part of an integrated water planning framework to align local, regional and state priorities. One of 12 regional water strategies has been completed and the remaining strategies are being developed to an accelerated timeframe: this has limited the department's engagement with some LWUs on town water risks and priorities. [my yellow highlighting]
Labels: Berejiklian Government, far right politics, regional NSW, water policy politics, water security, water storage
In the lead-up to the 3 November 2020 U.S. presidential election Donald Trump repeats his threats from 2016
In just 37 days - on 3 November 2020 - United States citizens go to the polls to elect their 46th President.
In person absentee voting has already started in Alabama, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Vermont, Missouri, Illinois and Michigan. Thirty-eight other states will begin in person absentee voting during October.
Trump is replaying his threats of 2016 - presumably in an effort to discourage voter turn-out and/or lay the groundwork for justification of a legal challenge in the U.S. Supreme Court if he fails to secure enough votes to retain the presidency.
Forbes, 23 September 2020:
President Trump on Wednesday refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if former Vice President Joe Biden wins the election in November, calling for the elimination of mail-in ballots, which he said would ensure the "continuation" of his presidency…..
Trump has been a vocal opponent of states' efforts to expand mail-in voting in response to coronavirus, often spreading unfounded or outright false claims about widespread fraud from mail-in ballots and even tweeting, "The 2020 Election will be totally rigged if Mail-In Voting is allowed to take place."
Pressed further on committing to a peaceful transfer of power on Wednesday, Trump called to "get rid of the ballots," adding "we'll have a very peaceful- there won't be a transfer, frankly, we'll have a continuation."
Trump also said at an earlier event on Wednesday that his push to get a ninth justice confirmed to the Supreme Court before the election is so the U.S. has a full slate of justices to rule on the "scam the Democrats are pulling" with mail-in ballots.
The comments come after Trump mused about passing an executive order to prevent Biden from becoming president because, in his words, "You can't have this guy as your president."……
https://youtu.be/0MOSpK8O54o
Labels: 2020 US presidential election, Donald Trump
Dispatches from the Australian Koala War - Part Two
The Sydney Morning Herald, 24 September 2020:
One of the NSW Nationals' most vocal opponents of the koala planning policy relayed concerns about the divisive issue to Planning Minister Rob Stokes on behalf of political donors connected to a major property venture.
Nationals MP for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead wrote to Mr Stokes in February, passing on an email from Raymond Stack, the chairman of Stacks Finance, concerning the state's new koala planning policy.
The letter to Mr Bromhead from Mr Stack on February 24, released to NSW Parliament on Wednesday, included correspondence from two other engineering and land development companies raising concerns with the state's koala planning policy.
"Is there anything that can be done to delay it 'till there is proper consultation," Mr Stack wrote to Mr Bromhead……
It follows confirmation from Mr Stokes' office that the only stakeholder correspondence he received from Nationals leader and Deputy Premier John Barilaro about the policy was from developer and former Newcastle mayor Jeff McCloy.
The Stack family are donors to the Liberal and Nationals parties at a state and federal level.
Mr Stack is also one of several directors of Hocana Pty Ltd, which owns land set to become part of the multimillion-dollar Taree development Figtrees on the Manning.
He made a $100,000 donation to the federal Liberal Party ahead of the 2016 election, according to electoral commission disclosure records.
"So far as I know that donation was a perfectly legitimate donation and I reported it as required," Paul Stack said.
Other members of the Stack family have made donations to the Nationals, including a $2000 donation in 2015 to the party, labelled "Stephen Bromhead election campaign".
There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by the Stack family…..
The other businesses featured in the email chain Mr Bromhead forwarded to the Planning Minister were Hopkins Consulting and Land Dynamics Australia.
The koala planning policy, which sparked the bitter civil war in the Coalition, will be debated at the next cabinet meeting on October 6, with the Nationals demanding a raft of changes.
Port Stephens Examiner, 10 September 2020:
A grassroots campaign to save the threatened Port Stephens koala population in Brandy Hill has resulted in Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley delaying her decision on the proposed expansion of a rock quarry operated by Hanson. Ms Ley was expected to hand down a decision on Tuesday, September 8 but a concerted community push led by Brandy Hill and Seaham Action Group (BHSAG) has resulted in a stay of execution and the deadline for a decision being extended to October 13. The quarry expansion, which includes 52 hectares of core koala habitat, was granted by the Independent Planning Commission in July, but required federal approval because the project had been deemed likely to have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance.
The Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie NSW:
Evans Head CW
On examination CW was found to have a ruptured left eye and minor limb injuries – consistent with being hit by a car. His left eye was removed, and he was placed into care and was treated for his injuries. CW will be part of the hospital's breeding program.
Ballina Franklin
This young male koala was admitted into care, responding well to treatment with his care progressing as expected. Ballina Franklin is not only now part of our permanent team of koalas, but he is now an integral part of our wild koala breeding program – something we are sure he will handle quite well!
Tyler koala this morning was about 80 metres from the proposed Toondah Harbour environmental destruction area, near the proposed new location for the ferry terminal. #toondahharbour #koalas #qldpol #Queensland pic.twitter.com/L8mZ6qInjj
— Chris Walker (@WildRedlands) September 24, 2020
Labels: extinction crisis, Koala, local extinction, New South Wales
While the Northern NSW Nationals posture in the media about Queensland border restrictions and moves to protect the state's koalas, NSW Labor Member for Lismore is doing the hard yards
While Northern NSW Nationals Chris Gulaptis, Geoff Provest and Ben Franklin run to mainstream media outlets to huff and puff about Queensland's border restrictions and, Gulaptis in particular cries that the sky will fall if New South Wales koalas receive the protection they deserve, the NSW Labor Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin just gets on with the job of representing her electorate.
Office of the Member for Lismore, media release, 25 September 2020:
Saffin pushes for immediate and strategic support of regional economy
LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin is calling on the Berejeklian-Barilaro Government to deliver urgent financial support to businesses on the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands and to strategically establish a Special Activation Precinct to turbo charge the regional economy.
It will help our region climb out of COVID. We have projects ready, the collaboration and the will, but we need our share of New South Wales' available resources, including the $1.75 billion owed to regional and rural NSW from Restart NSW, Ms Saffin said.
Ms Saffin has used a series of Notices of Motion to NSW Parliament to focus the Government's attention on the Electorate of Lismore, still recovering from 2017's major flood, drought, last year's bushfires, this year's COVID-19 lockdown and the Queensland-NSW border closure.
Ms Saffin said that while she had successfully lobbied for the Border Bubble to include the Lismore City, Byron Shire, Ballina Shire, Richmond Valley and Glen Innes Local Government Areas, many businesses were still hurting economically.
"NSW Business Northern Rivers estimates that businesses have been losing an average of $10,500 a week in revenue so there is still an urgent need for the Government to come good with a rescue package like the $45-million one it offered to NSW businesses near the Victorian border," Ms Saffin said.
"I thought it was important for me to advocate for our region through a combination of Notices of Motion, Questions on Notice to Ministers and direct reps to Ministers, and at next week's meeting with Regional Development Australia-Northern Rivers, we can flesh this out in more detail.
"Having a Special Activation Precinct here on the Northern Rivers, and all of the extra government support that comes with these precincts, would give real teeth to my earlier calls for a Regional Jobs Plan.
"Another major issue is that the NSW Government has introduced a Whole of Government Procurement Policy for collecting waste from Health, TAFE and caravan parks on Crown reserves, squeezing out our local regional companies in favour of the big multinationals, and killing off local jobs."
Ms Saffin has moved Notices of Motion on the need to develop and fund a Regional Jobs Plan; expanding Special Activation Precincts to the region; supporting small businesses impacted by the Queensland-NSW border closure; unlocking Restart NSW funding; and fairer Procurement Policies.
On a Regional Jobs (Employment Development) Plan, Ms Saffin moved that the Lower House:
1. Notes the Regional Development Australia's Remplan Report estimates 15,471 jobs have vanished from the Northern Rivers regional economy between February and May 2020, with accommodation/hospitality and retail sectors hardest hit.
2. Notes job losses are similar in the New England North West Region.
3. Notes the Government needs to develop and fund a Regional Jobs Plan, coordinated by the NSW Department of Regional Development and enlisting the expertise of Regional Development Australia, Business NSW, local chambers of commerce, local government councils through joint organisations, business leaders, trade unions and all local Members.
On Special Activation Precincts, Ms Saffin moved that the Lower House:
1. Notes the Government established Special Activation Precincts in Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Snowy Mountains, Moree and Williamtown to turbo charge these regional locations to become thriving business hubs through infrastructure investment, Government-led studies, Government-led development and business concierge services.
2. Recognises the need to expand the network of Special to the Northern Rivers region, home to many cutting-edge entrepreneurs in its stated range of industries, including freight and logistics, defence, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and tourism.
On Queensland-NSW Border Closure – Small Business Support, Ms Saffin moved that the Lower House:
1. Notes the Government moved quickly to provide a $45-million rescue package for New South Wales small businesses adversely impacted by its decision to close the NSW-Victorian border to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
2. Notes there is an urgent need for the Government to extend a similarly generous grant program to all local small businesses in Northern NSW, which, having endured drought and bushfires, are now really struggling to cope with the Queensland-NSW border closure.
On Restart NSW Funding, Ms Saffin moved that the Lower House:
1. Notes the Government has failed to deliver the legislated commitment to allocate 30 per cent of Restart NSW funds to regional and rural New South Wales in any year since its inception, delivering only 18.9 per cent of $3 billion instead of $4.75 billion from 2012 to 2019.
2. Calls upon the Premier and the Deputy Premier to deliver the promises Restart NSW funding of 30 per cent each year and to pay the debt of $1.75 billion owing to the people of regional and rural New South Wales.
On Procurement Policies, Ms Saffin moved that the Lower House:
1. Notes the Government's Expression of Interest (EOI) for NSW Whole of Government Waste Management for Health, TAFE and caravan parks on Crown Reserves favours large operators and squeezes out small and medium size Australian-owned regional companies because the EOI effectively makes redundant the Government's Small and Medium Enterprise and Regional Procurement Policy.
2. Recognises the need for an urgent review of these procurement policies and consultation with small and medium size regional companies to ensure that they still have a seat at the tendering table and are not disenfranchised to the point that their revenue streams can be reduced by a third, leading to job losses in Northern NSW during an economic recession.
Ms. Saffin gave notice of the aforementioned motions in the NSW Legislative Assembly on the following dates:
17/10/2019 RESTART NSW FUNDING
15/09/2020 QUEENSLAND-NEW SOUTH WALES BORDER CLOSURE - SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
17/09/2020 REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT
24/09/2020 SPECIAL ACTIVATION PRECINCTS
24/09/2020 PROCUREMENT POLICIES
I note that there appears to have been no motions or speeches specifically on these matters in the same timespan by either Chris Gulaptis, Geoff Provest or Ben Franklin.
Labels: government funding, health, Janelle Saffin, Lismore electorate, Northern Rivers, NSW Labor Party, public health order, regional economies
The dramatic increase in COVID-19 deaths in Australia's aged care homes begs the ethics around our treatment of people in aged care, says a UNSW expert
MediaNet Release, 24 September 2020:
Treating our elderly people ethically and with transparency
UNSW's Richard Hugman says it is time to stop treating elderly people as objects, as the Royal Commission into Aged Care and Safety continues.
The dramatic increase in COVID-19 deaths in Australia's aged care homes begs the ethics around our treatment of people in aged care, says a UNSW expert. In less than four months, deaths from COVID-19 in aged care have increased from 28 to 580, at the time of writing.
UNSW Emeritus Professor Richard Hugman, a social worker who specialises in the aged care professions, says Australia's service provision needs to treat older people as human beings rather than objects.
"To use a similar ethos in caring for human beings that you would use in producing physical things for sale, I think is an unfortunate way to think about the world," the former professor of social work at UNSW Arts & Social Sciences, says.
"The way policies are framed around running these [places], it is as if they are running a factory. I understand good management techniques are transferable across settings, but you also need to understand the content of what you're managing."
Causes of the COVID outbreaks in aged care
A range of factors have been blamed for the outbreak of COVID-19 in care facilities, including a lack of training in the use of Personal Protective Equipment and supplies available for care staff.
Melbourne's aged care homes have been the worst hit, with all but five of the 115 aged care homes affected by the virus in Victoria. St Basil's recording 44 deaths, Epping Gardens 36 deceased and Twin Parks Aged Care in Reservoir with 21.
In Sydney, Newmarch House recorded the state's highest death toll in aged care with 19 cases, including two residents who had COVID-19 when they died from other causes. And the numbers are growing.
Newmarch and St Basil's had alarming numbers because they decided not to transfer patients to hospital, Prof. Hugman says.
"I haven't seen the detail, but the question I would be asking is, 'were those homes actually using established infectious disease control methods?'" he says.
The decision not to transfer patients is exacerbated by the fact that today there are very few qualified nurses in nursing homes, Prof. Hugman says.
"Some nursing homes don't even actually have a nurse on duty at all times. If they're looking after 100 people and they've got one nurse on duty to supervise other people, then they might have somebody who has a certificate from TAFE administering drugs and medications.
"Whereas in a hospital, someone would actually have to be a qualified nurse to be doing that."
Care staff working across multiple sites during the pandemic have also reportedly been a likely source of COVID-19 transmission. Prof. Hugman says staff have to work between homes just to earn enough to survive on.
"It's not just in Victoria, despite what the government says. These are all reflections of the broader ethics of the social value that is placed on [ageing] people, so that they seem to be less well cared for than they could be otherwise."
Early findings from the Royal Commission's interim report
The Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (RCACQS) is looking at better financing models, including regulation of aged care providers, in its latest hearings expected to run until September 22.
It comes after a survey by the University of Queensland for RCACQS estimated it would cost $621 million per year to improve the quality of all aged care homes to better standards. In its October 2019interim report, the RCACQS' scathing review stated that aged care is a "shocking tale of neglect" in Australia that fails to meet the needs of our elderly people.
Australia's aged care sector is "unkind and uncaring" towards older people, it does not deliver uniformly safe and quality care and often neglects them, according to the interim report.
Prof. Hugman says while the Royal Commission creates an opportunity for people to speak up, the real challenge lies in the government's response and how it then permeates into the wider society.
A lack of transparency
Prof. Hugman says there is a lack of transparency in how government funding is spent by management in aged care facilities in comparison to community-based social services where monitoring is stringent.
He says claims by some aged care homes, particularly those from the for-profit sector, that they have to spend less on staff relative to residents in order to cover their costs just doesn't stack up.
"And those claims about non-profitability do not explain how or why the [aged care] for-profit sector remains [in operation]," he says.
For-profit aged care homes have reported more cases of COVID-19 than facilities operating on a not-for-profit framework, heightening concerns about staff numbers, training and supplies.
Raising the social value of elderly people
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre has since been set-up to coordinate efforts to stabilise any further COVID-19 outbreaks across the private and public aged care sectors, with an infection control officer now stationed in each facility.
And the Royal Commission is set to release its final report by 26 February 2021.
Prof. Hugman recommends the government respond to the Royal Commission by not only providing sufficient funding but by also ensuring older people are treated with dignity and care.
"[The government needs to] focus on improvements to the aged care sector that are not reflective of a sense that older people needing care are a burden on society," Prof. Hugman says.
[Instead, they need to focus on the fact] that older people are part of society and that a good society is one that values all its members."
Prof. Hugman also says there needs to be an emphasis placed on the expression of positive values about how to treat and view elderly people as human beings.
"Frankly, there are some places I've visited in the last few years, either because I've had friends or relatives who are living in them or I've gone to visit for professional reasons," Prof. Hugman says.
And they're places, "I wouldn't go anywhere near".
Labels: aged care, COVID-19, deaths, ethics, health, human rights, pandemic, royal commission, safety
New South Wales 2020: the problem of water greed & outright theft
The rapid growth of blueberry and other intensive farming in northern NSW has prompted a crackdown on illegal water use and sparked concerns about pollution in rivers and in the state's first marine conservation area.
The Natural Resources Access Regulator found 28 of 31 farms it inspected around the Coffs Harbour region in the first two stages of the clampdown were allegedly non-compliant with water laws.
The regulator said in the five years prior to the start of the campaign, agencies received more than 130 reports of alleged breaches in the region. "This potentially indicated a high level of non-compliance," a spokeswoman for the regulator said.
For the first two phases, the regulator ordered 13 farms to reduce the capacity of dams among 25 directions. Other actions include 20 penalty notices, with more likely after a third stage of investigations last month.
The problems stem in part from the conversion of banana farms to blueberries, raspberries and cucumbers, among other products, in the past two decades. Farms with set water licences have been subdivided, with new owners apparently adding bores, pumps and even dams on the smaller plots.
Water quality, too, has been compromised as the more intensive crops increase the use of fertilisers, pesticides and other chemicals. That's prompted the Coffs Harbour City Council to commission multiple studies by researchers from the Southern Cross University, among others.
One report found levels of nitrogen soared after rains as fertiliser from farms washed into rivers, reaching 695 times that of drier conditions.
"These [nitrogen oxide] loads were amongst the highest reported for catchments on the east coast of Australia, and similar to loads in rivers throughout China, Europe and India with strong agricultural or urban influences," the 2018 study found.
Shane White, one of the Southern Cross University researchers, said the Coffs region is prone to short, heavy rain bursts. Soils in the hilly area are typically shallow and sit on a clay base that limits the absorption of water, leading to significant run-off….
Breaches of NSW water laws have also been found in the Northern Rivers area in 2020 to date - 1 direction notice and 2 penalty notices have been issued to Clarence Valley LGA landowners, 2 direction notices to Ballina LGA landowners, 3 penalty notices to Byron Bay LGA landowners, 3 penalty notices to Lismore LGA landowners and 1 direction notice and 3 penalty notices for Tweed LGA landowners.
Labels: dams, environment, government policy, New South Wales, water quality, water security, water theft
David Rowe
Cathy Wilcox
Labels: climate change, coal, Coal Seam Gas Mining, environmental vandalism, far right politics, fossil fuels, government policy, Liberal Party of Australia, mining, National Party of Australia, universities
Tweets of the Week
Nature is much better than we are at 'carbon capture and storage'...take this flooded gum in the precious (and threatened) rainforests of northern NSW... pic.twitter.com/QiIPu9XV0R
— Peter Hannam (@p_hannam) September 19, 2020
Video from today's #freedomday protest. Anti-lockdown protesters with police hot on their tails at Elwood Beach. Melbourne. Victoria. #melbournelockdown #WWG1WWGA pic.twitter.com/glMj8YJRi4
— precursor (@occupy_now) September 19, 2020
TURN ON SOUND
Labels: Australia, environment, trees
Deaf community celebrating Auslan in 2020 with a Leaders Challenge
MediaNet, 22 September 2020:
Australian Leaders Participate in the Auslan Community Leaders Challenge
Australian Community Leaders sign a message of support for the Deaf Community for International Day of Sign Languages.
On Wednesday 23rd September, the United Nations sanctioned International Day of Sign Languages, the Auslan Community Leaders Challenge hits social media.
Leonie Jackson, Executive Manager, Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships at Deaf Services and the Deaf Society says "the second Auslan Community Leaders Challenge invites Australian Community Leaders to demonstrate their support for 30,000 Australians who use Auslan; Australian Sign Language, as their primary language.
"This year 52 Community Leaders accepted the challenge to try their hand at signing their name and their support for the Deaf community," Mrs Jackson says.
"We are pleased to see so many Community Leaders recognise the importance of access for Deaf people through the Auslan Challenge."
"In line with this year's theme, these messages acknowledge the importance of improving access to emergency information, accredited interpreter services and information for families of Deaf children that outlines the full spectrum of opportunities available to their child.
"New in 2020, Deaf Community members have also developed their stories demonstrating the significant impact improved access to information and interpreters has had on their lives."
Who's involved?
• The Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia,
• The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Leader of the Opposition, Leader of the Labor Party
• His Excellency General the Hon. David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley
• Her Excellency the Hon. Margaret Beazley AC QC Governor of New South Wales • Her Honour the Hon. Vicki O'Halloran AO, Administrator of Northern Territory
• His Excellency the Hon. Paul de Jersey AC Governor of Queensland
• Her Excellency Professor the Hon. Kate Warner AC Governor of Tasmania
• The Hon. Linda Dessau AC Governor of Victoria
• His Excellency the Hon. Hieu Van Le, AC Governor of South Australia
• The Hon. Kim Beazley AC Governor of Western Australia
To celebrate International Day of Sign Languages these videos will be posted on social media using the hashtags: #AuslanCommunityLeadersChallenge2020 #Auslan #InternationalDayofSignLanguages #IWODP #IDSL2020 #IWDeaf2020.
The Auslan Community Leaders Challenge is a collaboration between Deaf Services and the Deaf Society, alongside Ms Julie Owens MP, Member for Parramatta. Deaf Services and the Deaf Society would like to thank Access Plus WA Deaf in Western Australia and Deaf Can:Do in South Australia, who worked alongside their Vice Regals and Patrons this year.
For more, visit: http://wfdeaf.org/iwdeaf2020.
To see last year's Auslan Leaders Challenge: https://deafsociety.org.au/auslan-leaders-challenge
Labels: Australian society, sign language
Morrison Government continues to drag its feet on national greenhouse gas emissions reduction
Renew Economy, 21 September 2020:
Morrison said, of net zero emissions:
"Well, as you know, our policy is to achieve that in the second half of this century, and I certainly will achieve that, and that's why this week's announcements were so important because it was about the technology we need to invest in now, which will make it a reality, particularly on the other side of 2030. The target that you've talked about becomes absolutely achievable. I'm interested in doing the things that make that happen. I think that is very achievable"…..
Morrison was, in fact, effectively stating that Australia would reach net zero emissions by 2100. Heck, what's a half-century between friends?
In fact, Australia's Paris climate agreement targets are neatly aligned with reaching net zero by 2100, whereas Labor's old 45% by 2030 targets were aligned with net zero by 2050 (the far safer option). Unfortunately, the latest projections from the government are wildly off course, not only for net zero by 2050, but also for net zero by 2100….
If the rate of yearly emissions drops between 2020 and 2030 in Australia's government projections continue, by my own reckoning, Australia will reach net zero emissions in the year 2300….
The Guardian, 22 September 2020:
The Morrison government's rejection of a net zero emissions target for 2050 is at odds with the Paris agreement and more than 100 countries that have backed the goal, according to some of Australia's most experienced climate experts.....
countries in Paris including Australia had specifically asked the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to examine what 1.5C of heating would mean, and what needed to be done to avoid it.
The resulting report, released in 2018, found global emissions needed to effectively be cut in half by 2030 – to be 45% below 2010 levels – and to reach net zero by 2050. It found staying within 2C heating would require net zero by 2070, but the impact of that was likely to be far worse.
Australia chose to stick with its existing 2030 target of a 26% to 28% cut below 2005 levels and is yet to set a date to reach net zero.....
By contrast, [Erwin] Jackson said, Australia was "confusing the market". "On the one hand, it has signed up to an international agreement that is supposed to put it on a path to net zero emissions by no later than 2050," he said. "On the other, it keeps talking about 'low emissions'. We've moved on from a conversation about low emissions. Globally, we have recognised we need to get to zero emissions."
Australia is almost standing still when it comes to reducing its national annual greenhouse gas emissions. At the end of 19 calendar years in 2019 federal government policy has only resulted in our annual greenhouse gas emissions falling by a trifling 18.5 metric tonnes in comparison with the annual emissions at the end of the year 2000.
Estimated National Greenhouse Gas Emissions in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent or MTCO2e over last 20 years - includes Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry:
2000 - 551 Mt CO2-e
2011 - 546.3 Mt CO2-e
2012 - 551.9 Mt CO2-e (total excludes Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry)
2013 - 538.4Mt CO2-e
2016 – 543.3 Mt CO2-e
2019 – 532.5 Mt CO2-e (this annual total marks a difference of only -18.5 Mt CO2-e compared with the year 2000 annual total)
2020 – 528.7 Mt CO2-e (total up to 30 March)
Unadjusted figures found in Australian Government National Greenhouse Gas Inventory: Quarterly updates.and at Australian Dept. of Environment and Energy.
The estimated totals from 2000 to 2009 are from Dept. of Energy and Environment.
Labels: climate change, far right politics, global warming, government policy, greenhouse gases, Liberal Party of Australia, Morrison Government, National Party of Australia
With so many NSW Northern Rivers businesses relyin...
Regional town water security virtually ignored for...
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Associate Board Get to Know Us
Lindsay Buckwell
Program Manager, Evergreen Consulting Group
Lindsay manages utility funded energy efficiency programs across the Midwest and Northeast, focused specifically on increasing efficiency in agricultural sites. She works with a team who supports famers and cultivators in the controlled environmental agriculture space, along with more traditional farm settings. Before her current role in agriculture, Lindsay focused on food on a much different scale. Prior to joining Evergreen, Lindsay worked as a consultant to McDonald's Corporation where she managed energy efficiency programs across their 15,000 restaurant U.S. portfolio. In addition to energy efficiency, she worked with their sustainability team to draft a water conservation plan for the corporation. She is most proud of working on the first Net Zero quick service restaurant in the U.S. that McDonald's opened in Orlando, Florida
In her free time, Lindsay enjoys cooking, baking, and hosting gatherings for friends and family.
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Cybersecurity Jobs Added to UK's Shortage Occupation List
Blog / By Syndicated Content
Cybersecurity engineers and analysts have been identified as being on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), in the first full review of officially recognized careers where the shortages "are most severe and where the consequences of those shortages are most serious" since February 2013.
According to the UK Government's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), "job shortages in roles such as cybersecurity analysts/engineers and IT network engineers" are now recognized, while the "occupation as a whole ranked highly in our shortage indicators and had an above average vacancy rate."
In the previous partial update, published in 2015, the job "cybersecurity specialist" was added under the section "information technology and communications professionals not elsewhere classified." Then, the shortage related to "a person with a minimum of five years' relevant experience and demonstrable experience of having led a team."
Since the 2015 partial update, while the need for more skilled cybersecurity professionals remains in this list, it now states "there will be no minimum experience requirement as applying an experience caveat could hinder the development of cybersecurity at all levels."
This change in requirement follows criticism of hiring practices, where five to 10 years experience is common and cited as a deterrent to new applicants.
In an email to Infosecurity, Ed Williams, director EMEA of SpiderLabs at Trustwave, said: "The security industry is to blame to some degree, there is very much a gatekeeper philosophy, which is starting to be broken down, but not nearly quick enough from my perspective. This industry is so fast paced and exciting, we should be pulling in the brightest and best – these don't have to come from Computer Science backgrounds."
The MAC stated the impact of the skills shortage on cybersecurity development, saying that there have been reported delays to "software improvements and features as they do not have the labor or expertise to fulfil demand" and this has led to "an increasing reliance on workers from outside the UK and there is a growing concern surrounding the future skills base for roles within new technical areas."
The MAC cited "several sources amongst Government and the private sector" who agreed that there is a shortage of digital skills within the UK, evidenced by consistent vacancies in digital occupations, growth in demand for digital skills as well as documented deficiencies across the population in terms of digital skill. However, the MAC acknowledged that "there is not enough domestic supply of sufficiently skilled labor to fill this demand."
According to Deloitte's Digital Disruption Index for 2019, only 18% of respondents believe that UK school leavers and graduates have the right digital skills, while only 25% of digital leaders in the UK believe their workforce has sufficient knowledge and expertise to execute their digital strategy.
In the section 'Digital and IT Occupations,' careers as IT specialist managers, IT project and programme managers, IT business analysts, architects and systems designers, programmers and software development professionals, web design and development professionals and information technology and telecommunications professionals were listed as being in shortage. Cybersecurity careers appeared under section SOC 2139 – information technology and telecommunications professionals.
The MAC said that "short-term mitigations have helped to fill shortages to some extent, but this has had limited impact as the skills required simply are not available."
As well as short-term mitigations, the MAC said that long-term strategies also have their limitations; as up-skilling staff "is constrained by the lack of expertise in cybersecurity and secondly, these strategies are yet to mature, and so the scale of their impacts cannot truly be assessed until the future."
As part of the UK's Digital Strategy, it stated that "there will be even greater demand for people with specialist digital skills" as the digital economy grows.
"As we leave the European Union, it will be even more important to ensure that we continue to develop our home-grown talent, up-skill our workforce and develop the specialist digital skills needed to maintain our world leading digital sector," then Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Karen Bradley MP stated.
She acknowledged then that "a strong pipeline of specialist skills – from coding to cyber" was needed, and initiatives like the NCSC's Cyberfirst have enabled that. However, a more immediate solution is needed until the next generation begin work.
To be placed on the SOL, a job must meet three requirements:
Skilled (are the jobs skilled to the required level?)
Shortage (is the job in shortage?)
Sensible (is it sensible to try to fill those shortages through migration?)
According to the Migration Advisory Committee, being on the SOL conveys certain advantages:
Not having to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT)
Exemption from the £35,000 minimum income threshold for settlement
Priority in the event that the cap binds
In the last Cybersecurity Workforce Study from (ISC)2, it claimed that there is a 2.9 million workforce "gap," with the APAC region suffering the biggest shortfall of 2.14 million, followed by North America (498,000), EMEA (142,000) and Latin America (136,000).
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COMPONENT 8 - COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES
Component 8 includes members who provide health services in our communities.
They work in home support, drug and alcohol treatment centres, adult day care, detox and emergency shelters, women's clinics, services to seniors, mental health group homes, regional health units and other community-based health services.
Member Update - Budget 2016 Response
BCGEU president Stephanie Smith provides the union's response to the BC government's 2016 budget, which was introduced to the legislature on February 16, 2016.
BCGEU unionizes advocacy group Leadnow
Leadnow employees have organized to join the BCGEU. The organization works to promote democracy and social justice in Canada. It describes itself as: 'an independent advocacy organization that runs campaigns on the major issues of our time, engages people in participatory decision-making, and organizes in communities across Canada.' "We're delighted to welcome Leadnow into the BCGEU family. T...
Local 805 meeting
DATE: March 7, 2016 TIME: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. PLACE: Kamloops BCGEU Office – 158 Oriole Road (evening Entrance at right rear of building) AGENDA • Regular Order of Business Light meal will be provided. Please RSVP to mikeconnolly.bcgeu@gmail.com To attend by conference call, dial 1-866-562-0090 at the meeting's start time. When asked for the Conference ID #, input 520138 o...
Increased funding for MCFD welcome news, investment overdue in other ministries
"We welcome the increased funding for the Ministry for Children and Family Development announced in today's budget. Our union, and especially our frontline members, have worked hard to convince government that a significant increase is crucial for the ministry. Their concerns were detailed in the BCGEU report Choose Children, and these efforts have paid off. Additional frontline social workers,...
Congratulations David Vipond!
Today is a day many thought would never happen: it is BCGEU Director David Vipond's last day on the job before retirement. For those that don't know David, he's been one of the behind the scenes heroes of the BCGEU throughout the last 35 years, and it's hard to imagine what the BCGEU will be like without him. David's history with the BCGEU began as an member, working at the B.C. Liquor Dist...
Local 804 nominations for local executive
Nominations are now open for the following positions on the Local Executive: Youth Member (one position) (eligible candidates must be 29 year or younger) Member-at-Large – Mental Health Group Homes (one position) The current term will end January 2018. Information on the responsibilities and activities of each office is attached and also available from your Area Office. The deadline for...
Local 803 OH&S committee member course
TO: All BCGEU Local 803 OH&S Committee Members only DATE: Monday, March 7, 2016 TIME: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm PLACE: BCGEU – Lower Mainland Area Office (Auditorium B) 130 – 2920 Virtual Way, Vancouver AGENDA The Union will be hosting a course for all Local 803 OH&S Committee members only at the Lower Mainland Area Office on March 7, 2016. This course will prevent incidents b...
Information on bullying and harassment
On Wednesday, February 24, 2016, we stand together to say no to bullying. The Workers Compensation Board approved three Occupational Health and Safety policies under sections 115, 116, and 117 of the Workers Compensation Act. These policies deal with workplace bullying and harassment. The policies define bullying and harassment, and explain the duties of employers, workers, and supervisors to p...
All Local 803 BCGEU members meeting
TO: All Local 803 BCGEU Members DATE: Thursday, February 25, 2016 TIME: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm PLACE: Lower Mainland Area Office, Auditorium B 130 – 2920 Virtual Way, Vancouver AGENDA Know Your Rights as a Member I.e.: filing grievances, appealing grievances Community Health Care Workers Issues at Work I.e.: seniority not being followed,...
Throne speech: province to expand on Plecas' recommendations, modernize commu...
The BCGEU is welcoming news the provincial government plans to implement and expand on the recommendations contained in the Plecas report on the Ministry for Children and Family Development. The news was announced in the throne speech this afternoon. Plecas' report corroborated most of the findings and recommendations from BCGEU's 2014 Choose Children report and concerns raised by B.C.'s Repres...
Important Information regarding Integrated Health for Northern Health Authori...
1. The employer served the union with notice this past summer of their intent to restructure the leadership within Northern Health and begin the transition to Integrated Health. Since that time, the union has continuously met with the employer regarding this transition. Although the employer has the right to make these changes, your union has challenged the implementation process at each ...
Join us on February 14 for the 26th annual Women's Memorial March – "Their Sp...
The annual February 14 Women's Memorial March was started in 1991 in Vancouver in response to the murder of a Coast Salish woman on Powell Street. Since then, marches have been held every year to honour the lives of missing and murdered women. Please join BCGEU president Stephanie Smith and fellow activists in supporting this women-organized, women-led event, to come together to grieve, to rem...
BCGEU signs First Nations Solidarity Accord opposing oil sands pipelines and...
First Nations/union alliance emerges in wake of Supreme Court ruling requiring BC government to make a decision on Northern Gateway pipeline and to consult with First Nations. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, COAST SALISH TERRITORY – (February 4, 2016) – The BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) signed a Solidarity Accord today, affirming its support of the Save the Fraser Declaratio...
BCGEU wishes members a happy Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year starts on Monday February 8. This marks the start of a fifteen day festival and holiday. Celebrations have started around the world as we say goodbye to the Year of the Sheep and hello to the year of the Fire Monkey. "We wish our members and their families a very happy and prosperous Lunar New Year," says BCGEU President Stephanie Smith. "We wish you luck, good health and g...
BCGEU celebrates the 20th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada
The BCGEU joins Canadians to celebrate Black History Month this February, which marks the event's 20th anniversary. Our federal government officially recognized Black History Month after passing a parliamentary motion introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first black Canadian woman elected to Parliament. "This February, take some time to learn about black Canadians' tremendous cont...
Submission to the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and ...
On January 27 our union presented a submission to the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). The foundation of public trust in government is transparency, accountability, and a consistently demonstrated respect for the rights of individuals. FIPPA is designed to protect and uphold these values; yet, public practice in information managemen...


Wow–the end of the "Karla Trilogy" at last…and a damned-good ending!
I was glad to read this book, though I wish I didn't have so many priorities take me away from it so often. I was afraid I might've missed some crucial info, but once I got the chance to really stick with it and read it the past two days, it got really good. So good that last night I had 6 chapters left and kept getting up to read more.
I finished around 3:30 a.m., probably feeling about the same way Smiley did by the end of the book (hee hee).
Smiley's People is a great story about an old Russian émigré who had supposedly outlived his usefulness to British Intelligence, at least until he was found murdered. In the days prior, he tried to find "Max" (Smiley), who is brought out of retirement (again) to try and understand what got Vladimir in such a state. Smiley takes on the case of what was so important and had this defector willing to risk everything.
It soon becomes clear that the reason for the old Russian's fervor is Smiley's reclusive counterpart from Moscow Centre, Karla. The game is on–and it's a REALLY good one.
I found myself comparing the two men's relationship to that of Sherlock Holmes and Prof. Moriarity (and laughed when some of the characters made the same reference when they talked with Smiley, admiring with a hint of "You're losing it, old boy" in their tone). It does give off that vibe, teasing and seeing and piecing together the information to find out how the hell they're trying to go after Karla–though it seems to be mostly Smiley doing the work.
It seems a roundabout way to do things, but by the end of the book, you can put the pieces together along with Smiley.
I found it neat to read and really get a bead on Smiley. If there's one thing I'm enjoying about LeCarre's writing, it's that he can write inside a character's head. It might be distracting that a character will go "off-tangent" and make analogies to other things in their life while working on something, but let's face it–our minds go every which way, even when we're trying to concentrate. And it helps with the suspense, because who knows what seemingly-random connection a character remembers or ponders ends up breaking the case wide open, right?
Wish he could teach a Masterclass on that.
I found myself enjoying this book just as much as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (#1), and much more than The Honourable Schoolboy (#2), which feels more and more like an aberration. Apparently, it was so for Hollywood and Europe as well, because to date no one's tried to make a film based on The Honourable Schoolboy (I think the adaptation would cause ulcers) but in 1982 Alec Guinness starred in a mini-series version of Smiley's People (and who can forget the Gary Oldman turn as Smiley in the 2011 Tinker Tailor… film?).
Filmic aspirations aside, Smiley's People brings the best of this world LeCarre created back together: Smiley, the dark shadow of Karla, and the chessboard of Europe between them. Smiley's People is very "wow"–we're going along after Smiley's "Dark Grail" at last.
As far as how Smiley and his people try to do it, and their end game? I'll let you enjoy it…because it's quite satisfying.
For myself, what would've helped me along in this trilogy is knowing more about British-isms for one, but finding good books on British Intelligence during the Cold War before reading was another. I'll probably tackle the whole series again after reading up on that subject…yes, even T.H.S., though I thought I wouldn't bother.
Maybe I'll re-review after, too.


Basin Transit is our local bus line. They operate six routes in Klamath Falls, with two interchange stops.
San Francisco's Muni Transport Agency is a newer version of last century's trolley line.
Hampton Jitney Service is a commercial jitney (small-bus) service located on Longg Island.
Ben Franklin Transit dial-a-ride service serves several counties in Washington State.
Yakima Transit's dial-a-ride service in Washington State.
What's a 'Bus Rapid Transit' system?
Bogota's modernized transportation system recently sparked its selection as one of 10 top cities for sustainability.
Curitiba's BRT system, the first such system worldwide.


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It's Not About The Blokes: Aussie Women's Team Preview
I've been enjoying Lisa Jacobs' blog every since I first heard about it nearly a year ago and have been keen for her write a guest post for us ever since. Lisa is one of those girls who puts most of us blokes to shame. Lawyer, top notch cyclists, blogger and all-round great person…I'm astonished she had the time to write anything for us at all!
I thank Lisa for giving us a rundown on the Australian Womens team who will be tearing up the streets of Geelong this week. We have a good shot at having another World Champion on Wednesday and Saturday. Good luck girls!
by Lisa Jacobs – Ride Happy
This week, like most of the cycling world, I am getting super excited about the world champs. I love the circus of these events, and I love the fact that world champions will be decided on home soil and I don't even need to fly anywhere to see it. But mostly, I'm excited that I get to see my friends race. The Australian women's team is a formidable line up and will be out to do some damage. So, if you've got yourself a green n gold kit, a bucket of white paint and are wondering which names you need to paint on the roads, read on…
Ruth Corset: Our national champion and team leader for the road race. She can climb, she can sprint, and the Geelong course plays to her strengths. At last year's world champs in Mendrisio she suffered a mechanical and still finished 12th… if she gets a clean run this year she'll be one to watch. She's a top chick too. Often mistaken for a 15 year old schoolgirl thanks to a teeny tiny build and a softly spoken demeanour, she's actually a ruthless (no pun intended) killing machine who will be taking no prisoners on the course. The 33-year old supermum won the national road title in January in brutally hot conditions (remember the melting roads?) by attacking on the hills and leaving the rest of us in her wake. Later she admitted to vomiting and cramping on the last lap but, 'I just gritted my teeth and went for it'. Folks, this is a girl who can dig deep. Ruth won't have the support this time of Tibco team-mate Emma Mackie, but she does have one of the strongest Aussie teams we've seen supporting her and that should boost her confidence. Also cheering on the sidelines will be Ruth's husband and two little girls. If that isn't enough to make your heart melt, go out and get a transplant.
Vicki Whitelaw: One of Australia's more experienced riders, Vicki will be saddling up for Australia twice next week – first for the time trial and then for the road race as a super domestique for Ruth Corset. The Lotto rider has timed her form perfectly, with recent wins in the Tour of Ardeche (GC) and Trophee d'Or (time trial stage) showing that she will be coming to Geelong in stomping shape. She must have a good coach…* Vicki started out as a time-trial specialist, but her strength now is her versatility, as well as her capacity to bury herself; she's one of our best tour riders and a great hill climber. She is also in my top 3 list of hard women of the pro peleton. My favourite Vicki story is from last year when she was racing as a domestique for Nicole Cooke in Europe and pushed herself so hard that she actually blacked out 200m from the finish line. Respekt. In the Tour of New Zealand earlier this year, Vicki sustained serious injury in stage 1 when she got taken out by another rider on a descent. While most riders would have withdrawn, Vicki rode on, her only complaint being that the stitches in her hip were preventing her from riding at full power out of the saddle. Basically, Vicki loves anything involving pain, which makes the worlds course perfect for her. If you see her, ask her about the time at Giro Donne this year when her wheel flew out of its drops during a sprint finish…
* I should probably disclose that we share the same coach (Donna Rae-Szalinski, aka The Supercoach), along with Bridie O'Donnell and Sharon Laws (Great Britain).
Sharon Laws (GB) and Donna Rae-Szalinski in Buninyong on Sunday
Tiffany Cromwell: The only person I know who can win a jersey for Most Elegant Rider during a tour in the mud and rain (Iurreta-Emakumeen Bira, Spain, June 2010). During the Giro Donne, whenever we were called up for team presentations, the mere presence of Ms Cromwell was enough to send the announcer into a frenzy. "Teeeeeeffany Cromwelllll!" Apparently she has that effect on most Italians, which may explain why she moved to Spain this year. The 22 year old has recently signed for Lotto for 2011 and is one of the more experienced Aussies in the peleton. She's also a versatile rider, but will show real strength on the climbs in Geelong. Expect to see her on the front of the bunch and chasing down attacks during the road race. After the race, expect to see her at the discotheque, rebuffing advances from Fabian Cancellara.
Tiffany on Willunga Hill at TdU last year
Shara Gillow: A climbing specialist, Shaz has also proven herself to be a mean time trialler, and has earned a spot for both the time trial and road races at worlds. A mechanical forced her out of contention at nationals and she's spent the year with the Aussie team in Europe posting solid results since, including a 15th on GC at the Giro Donne. The 22 year old Queenslander comes from cycling pedigree, with father David Gillow racing in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. This is Shazza's first worlds, and it's my bet is it won't be her last. Anyone who can clock up 4-hr ergo sessions is hardcore. Expect to see Shaz in the road race till the end.
Amanda 'Spratty' Spratt: Spratty has the respect of all the Aussies thanks to her no-fuss attitude and screw-tightening capabilities. Her speciality is the Early Breakaway – a kamikaze move which she has pulled with considerable success this year at the Grand Prix de Beauraing and the Route de France. Expect to see this signature move during worlds. Spratty has hit the European scene hard this year after spending over a year in rehab at the AIS with a chronic sciatic nerve injury. As good as the AIS dining hall is, it's a sentence you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. Spratty's background is all bike – BMX, track and road – which gives her a complement of technical skills and a lot of experience on two wheels. She's also one of the longest-serving national team members, despite being only 23: rumour has it she's been with the AIS so long that they're considering naming a residential wing after her. Spratty's quiet determination and work ethic make her a coach's dream, and she can be relied upon to put the team's interests ahead of her own. Add to this a talent for reading races, and Spratty will be a valuable soldier for Team Australia.
Bridie O'Donnell: The poster girl for the world championships, Bridie has spent 2010 riding for Team Valdarno, an Italian pro team home to current world champion Tatiana Guderzo. She secured her spot on the worlds team by winning the Oceania road championships in November in a 90km solo breakaway. The Melbourne doctor followed this up with an outstanding national champs in January, where she placed 2nd in both the time trial (to Amber Halliday) and road race (to Ruth Corset). Since then she's had a challenging year, narrowly missing selection for the worlds time trial, but riding for a European team has meant that at least now she can swear about it in 4 languages. Bridie has proven herself as a loyal domestique and there's no question she will dig deep into the box for Ruth in the road race. Check out Bridie's race bike if you can – a Parlee bling-a-thon with custom artwork from local outfit St Mel.
Carla Ryan: Another time triallist and mountain goat. A former cross-country runner, Carla has spent the past 2 years riding for Cervelo in Europe, playing a key domestique role for Emma Pooley. In 2009 she won the double whammy of Australian cycling – national time trialand road titles – but personal circumstances prevented her from defending her titles in 2010. It hasn't stopped her success in Europe this year though, with wins in stages of the Tour of Ardeche and Tour de l'Aude (TTT). Her role as a domestique has meant that she's often had to sacrifice her chances for the sake of her team, so behind those results have been many more impressive performances. Carla hasn't raced with the Aussie girls this year, though, so will be relying on instruction more than feel to carry out her duties. Nevertheless, she's one of the strongest riders in the Aussie outfit.
Alex Rhodes: Al has been in Aussie national teams since 2002, on both the road and the track, and is one of the most respected riders in the country. She will be contesting the time trial only at these world champs (as Oceania time trial champion) and she will certainly give them a shake. She has podiumed at both the 2008 and 2009 national titles, and was one of the favourites in 2010 but was forced out after suffering mechanicals and a flying bike. Al has consistently been one of Australia's top time triallists over the past few years, although she escapes the 'time trial specialist' tag simply because she's so bloody good at everything else. Criteriums, track racing, road racing… she's got more national titles to her name than I can count, and she's only 25. Watch out for Al at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Other riders to watch: My pick for the road title is Marianne Vos. She's an unbelievable rider and the course really suits her. For the time trial, my money's on Emma Pooley, although I think she'll also go well on the road race course. Watch out also for Nicole Cooke – no one really knows what form she's in right now but if she's firing, look out – and Judith Arndt, who knows the course backward and is one of the most experienced riders out there.
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At the present time we can only recommend Apple's iTunes as a podcasting client for White Rose content. It properly handles authentication and other issues that have been a large support problem for us.


text:
module HealthSeven::V2_7_1
class Eqp < ::HealthSeven::Segment
  # Event type
  attribute :event_type, Cwe, position: "EQP.1", require: true
  # File Name
  attribute :file_name, St, position: "EQP.2"
  # Start Date/Time
  attribute :start_date_time, Dtm, position: "EQP.3", require: true
  # End Date/Time
  attribute :end_date_time, Dtm, position: "EQP.4"
  # Transaction Data
  attribute :transaction_data, Ft, position: "EQP.5", require: true
end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


I know some of you have been wondering where to find my writing.
I have a new site and I invite you to follow me there.
I focus on how to "actively age" - overcome aches & pains, get as healthy and fit as possible and stay that way. ! typically post 1-3 times per week.
Exercise and Food: What Should You Eat And When?
I hope you'll join me on my new site.


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Advanced Optimization Procedure for the Design of Small Hydro Turbines.
Assessment and Validation through Web Testing.
Small scale hydro plants are characterised by relatively low efficiencies. This doesn't result from the limitations imposed by the theoretical background of hydrodynamics but is largely due to the fact that the design is not based on a design-optimization procedure.
In principle, designers of small hydro projects refrain from using optimization techniques for the turbines, since a precise design is a costly and time consuming task and consequently could not be afforded by the majority of small size turbines manufacturers, in view of the small hydro projects budgets.
HYDROACTION will develop a methodology for the design-optimization of small hydro turbines. The procedure will be oriented towards small action type turbines, as well as of the reaction type Matrix turbine.


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Henry Cho Entertains Gallo Center for the Arts
On Friday, comedian Henry Cho made his way to Modesto, California to perform at the Gallo Center for The Arts. Henry Cho's country style comedy was a hit...
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Paula Abdul Straight Up Rocks The Showroom!
On Sunday, November 11th, Paula Abdul and the Straight Up Paula! tour took the stage at The Showroom Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino.
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Three Dog Night Rocks Chandler Arizona!
On Friday, November 9th, the classic American rock band Three Dog Night made their way to Chandler Arizona. They performed for a sold-out crow
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Los Angeles Azules Returns to Nashville!
Los Angeles Azules made their return to "America's Music City" this past Friday, November 9th, 2018. The performance took place in Nashville, TN
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Los Angeles Azules Heads to The Observatory
On Sunday, Los Angeles Azules made their way further down the coast of California to San Diego for a performance at The Observatory in North Park.
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Los Angeles Azules Rocks Topicalia Music and Taco Festival
On Saturday, Los Angeles Azules took their talents to the Main Stage of the Tropicalia Music and Taco Festival at the Queen Mary in Long Beach California.
https://www.mm-group.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/azules-20181103.jpg 558 1030 mmgroup ../../wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mm-group-logo-blue.png mmgroup2018-11-03 13:00:052018-11-06 00:48:55Los Angeles Azules Rocks Topicalia Music and Taco Festival
Bronco Amazes Tropicalia Fest In Long Beach, CA
Bronco's U.S. tour returned to California this weekend with a performance at The Tropicalia Fest in Long Beach, California.
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Watch the video of the second FEHRL webinar by Ruud Smit on 21st February 2013 to learn all about the latest work carried out by the joint European Technology Platform (ETP) task force.
Ruud Smit (Rijkswaterstaat) has been chairing a transport-led, joint European Technology Platform (ETP) task force on transport infrastructure research and innovation for Horizon 2020, which has been developing a cross-modal roadmap on Transport Infrastructure Innovation. The development process includes two workshops, with the second to come on 28th February 2013. Immediately after the workshop, the roadmap will be finalised and sent to the boards of the ETPs involved for endorsement.
On 21st February 2013, a special webinar was held for FEHRL Institute members who joined from various countries ranging from Lithuania to Portugal and from the UK to Croatia where Ruud outlined more details of this process. But don't worry if you missed this webinar, as you can watch it here and download the slides from the link below.
Contact Catherine Birkner, FEHRL Communication Officer at catherine.birkner@fehrl.org if you have any questions about this webinar or would like to suggest future topics for FEHRL webinars.


These beautiful pumps, DANA, are of the brand Peter Kaiser.
These beautiful pumps, DANA, are of the brand Peter Kaiser. This damask shoe is made of smooth calf leather and is also made of leather on the inside.This damask shoe is made of smooth calf leather and is also made of leather on the inside. This elegant model has a pointed nose.This elegant model has a pointed nose. Striking are the three elastic bands that run over the rub. and over the rubble are three elastic bands that make for a beautiful fit.Striking are the three elastic bands that run over the rub. and over the rubble are three elastic bands that make for a beautiful fit. Fine to combine with a jeans, dress or skirt.
Additional Colors: Black Fine to combine with a jeans, dress or skirt.
Copyright © 2007-2019 Best Women Shoes All rights reserved.


Once again my writing has been nominated for the Small Business Book Awards. Because I published two books during the qualifying period, both of them have been nominated. This happened once before, two years ago when I wrote one book and co-authored another, and they were both nominated as well.
This year almost two hundred books are in the running. Mine are both in the marketing category, as you would expect from someone who is an online marketing strategist. I had almost forgotten that I had published both of these books during 2015, and that's because one was published in January and the other in October.
Write. Publish. Prosper: How to Write Prolifically, Publish Globally, and Prosper Eternally teaches you how to to write a book, publish it yourself, and create a business based on your topic. In this step by step and detailed training, I show you how to write a full length book in the next four to six weeks and turn that information into an online business.
Book. Blog. Broadcast: The Trifecta of Entrepreneurial Success is the blueprint that will take you step by step to the life and business you want and deserve through strategies I have used for almost ten years. In it you will learn how to use your book, your blog, and your broadcasts to build a lucrative online business.
Having my books nominated for this prestigious award is meaningful to me for a variety of reasons. Writing can be a lonely process, and knowing that your thoughts and ideas will be shared with people all over the world alleviates this feeling. I live to help others achieve their goals, and my writing has enabled me to do that with a much wider audience. I appreciate Anita Campbell from Small Business Trends for starting the Small Business Book Awards and including authors like myself in what she is sharing.
Self-publishing has allowed me to add a new dimension to my life and to my business. My publishing company, Hunter's Moon Publishing continues to grow and serve other authors and entrepreneurs as they get their messages out to the world.
Congratulations on your nominations. You are an inspiration to us.
Thanks so much, Adrienne. Authorship has added a new dimension to my life and business that I never could have imagined.
Congratulations! I voted for both!
Congratulations Connie! I voted for both.
Thanks so much, Roger. You're the best.
Enjoyed both books, Connie, and you inspire me to get my own out there instead of just being a contributor to books.
Happy to support you and congratulations on the nomination.
Hooray, Kit! I want to read your book when it is published.
Congratulations! That's fantastic! Both of the books you discuss here sound like they are great reads and would really be a good resource for people who are looking to become successful, published authors. Nicely done! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by, Morgan. I appreciate your comment.


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Evaluating Social Programs: The Case of World Health Partners-Sky
Karthik Sivaram
This case looks at the challenges of managing and evaluating new models of healthcare delivery in international development.
Is it Possible to Say No to China? The Case of the Kirchner-Cepernic Dams in Argentine Patagonia
Juan Lucci
This case analyzes Argentinian President Macri's decision to continue or suspend the construction of two mega dams financed by Chinese banks in the Santa Cruz River.
Not many people go into farming to get rich. Low commodity prices, high operational costs and limited profit opportunities cloud the outlook.
Brett McGurk, the former Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, has had a busy summer.
Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering MARTIN HELLMAN recently served as the Heidelberg Lecturer at the 69th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (#LINO19).The annual, week-long event occurs each...
David Studdert, LLB, ScD, MPHProfessor of MedicineProfessor of LawStanford UniversityDavid M. Studdert is a leading expert in the fields of health law and empirical legal research.
Russia Resurrected: Its Power and Purpose in A New Global Order
Abstract: If before 2014 Russia was widely dismissed by the international community as a regional power whose global influence had died with the Soviet Union, its recent muscle flexing abroad has...
European Security Initiative
The CISAC European Security Initiative features speakers addressing the challenges that a more assertive Russia presents to the European security order; Europe's ability to meet and defend against...
A New Cold War?: Sharp Power, Strategic Competition, and the Future of U.S.-China Relations
Trade conflict has exploded. The media is rife with stories of China's unfair trade practices, cyber theft, IP theft and forced technology transfers.
South Asia Colloquia
Launched in 2016, this series of public lectures features academics, government practitioners, and business experts who explore contemporary issues focused on the countries of South Asia—their...
The World Heritage Bluff: Comparing Vienna's historic city center with Ephesos
Comparing Vienna's historic city center with Ephesos, Sabine Ladstätter discusses how a consciousness for cultural heritage, apart from touristic-economic incentives and beyond national (in many cases regional) borders, can be created.Sabine...
Elections in a time of fragmentation and polarization: the European Parliament and Belgium
As the European Parliament elections draw near this month, Christophe Crombez discusses what he sees as the possible outcomes in this period of fragmentation and polarization in the European Union.Christophe Crombez is Senior Research Scholar at...
Brett McGurk Lecturer
H.R. McMaster Bernard and Susan Liautaud Visiting Fellow
Dr. Chonira Enushka Aturupane Senior Research Scholar, CDDRL, Lecturer in the Ford Dorsey Master's in International Policy (MIP) Program
Colin H. Kahl Senior Fellow Steven C. Házy Senior Fellow at the Center for International Security and Cooperation, Professor, by courtesy, Political Science
Saumitra Jha Senior Fellow, FSI, Associate Professor of Political Economy, GSB
Gabrielle Hecht Senior Fellow Professor, History
Philip W. Halperin FSI Advisory Board Chair, President, Silver Giving Foundation


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I have been wanting to talk about charity shops, or thrift stores, in Edinburgh. I am having a hard time narrowing down the scope of that project given the sheer volume of them so I have decided to do a series about them based on what neighborhood they are in since there so many neighborhoods with sooooo many charity shops.
Here is a sneak peek into that series. Today I took photos in shops in Morningside, one of my favorite neighborhoods in general, especially for charity shops.
I saw this Pringle coat in the British Red Cross charity shop. I know a lot of brands, but am just becoming familiar with UK ones and I feel in love with this coat. It is a rain coat, very good quality, super pretty and it was in perfect condition. Talk about a functional piece for rainy Edinburgh. No, I did not get it, even wearing just a tank top underneath, it was too snug, but oh my, it was lush! that's one of my new words, thank you "Gavin & Stacey". If you have not watched "Gavin & Stacy" it's on Netflix. Anyway, apparently Pringle of Scotland is an iconic historic brand, founded in 1815, and best known for its cashmere. Oh, to find a Pringle cashmere piece in a charity shop, a girl can hope!
FYI, it's harder to take a photo of yourself in a mirror than you would think.


My work, reasons behind it and what happens to it.
Viewing single post of blog My work, reasons behind it and what happens to it.
Well the Threshold Festival is over and I've arranged my next day off (tomorrow) to de-install and pack away the installation … until next time.
There was a quote in one of the reviews about my work which said ' Because the time that has gone into this installation is so hard fought that it may well end up deserving more time than lifetimes tend to give'. However that is meant to be read, I personally saw it as 'why put all that effort into something if you are not being paid for it? I guess that's just the way I felt at the time as it was so exhausting making and installing it, it probably wasn't what the reviewer was really saying at all.
What I actually got out of it was the satisfaction of creating a piece I wanted to do, of having the space to do it in, of making something that drew an audience, of having the work as a banner on a-n's social media sites (how amazing was that? Thank you again a-n!!) ..and hearing people still talking about it a week later.
It was good not to be invisible for a couple of weeks.
So yes…. 6 weeks til we go to Athens for the artists Platform exhibition and our fundraising efforts have filled the making paper houses void .
We'd already raised enough to pay for the exhibition space and inclusion in the catalogue by auctioning works, so the next stage is to pay for flights. Its going well, sort of. We've already reached a third of our target and still have two weeks to go, but I feel that we have exhausted all of the sources that may donate.
Facebook is being a pain too. Every time the campaign is shared, less and less people are able to see it. When I posted the link recently, it was seen by 2 people. I guess they want us to pay to boost the post.