Business

Royal Wolf lifts club’s spirits

The surprise donation of a shipping container has thrilled a Queensland-based sporting club recovering from theft, vandalism and the ravages of Covid-19. In June 2020, Wynnum Wolves Football Club on Brisbane’s bayside was left devastated after thieves stole soccer equipment and recycled cans worth thousands of dollars. In November, tragedy struck again when vandals ruined new facilities worth more than $50,000. On hearing of the century-old club’s struggles, national shipping container company Royal Wolf stepped in, surprising club members with the donation of a shipping container to store and secure equipment for its community teams. The gesture represented a meeting of wolf packs – two similarly named organisations that value the contribution made by community groups at a grassroots level. Wynnum Wolves Football Club president, Rabieh Krayem, says the club was humbled to be singled out for the donation. He says the theft of 5000 recycling cans as well as valuable club equipment and the subsequent vandalism had been heartbreaking for club members, who volunteered hours of their free time to raise funds to improve club facilities, and to lower fees so more children could enjoy the sport. “Even the kids couldn’t work it out,” says Mr Krayem. “Why would someone come and steal our cans? I think it shocked the kids, but I also think it united the club and brought our members together and other people into the club. “I think when you’re part of a community, people will come. When you see the amount of kids here and the numbers growing, you know that this club means a lot more than just a football team. “It’s part of the community, part of the fabric of Wynnum.” Like many community groups across Australia, the Wynnum Wolves faced an uphill battle to maintain morale during the Covid-19 lockdown. Games […]

Rob Stummer, CEO Asia Pacific, SYSPRO AUS MN

“MOM’s” the word for manufacturers getting a competitive edge

By Rob Stummer, Asia Pacific CEO at SYSPRO The manufacturing sector is incredible with how almost two years into a ‘new normal’, a pandemic is not letting the industry reduce the productions of goods that the world demands. What has remained constant is the expectation that costs and waste stay minimal while the business functions efficiently. Without a doubt, manufacturing is a globally competitive industry that’s often responding to market supply and demands. The unpredictability of some market conditions can make it challenging for domestic manufacturers to often operate efficiently but there are solutions that can help business gain a competitive edge through better operational efficiencies. Most factories have a myriad of data sources that are often neither connected nor integrated. To harness the power of big data analytics and operational optimisation in manufacturing, it is critical to ensure interoperability between data sources. The issue is that from a data collection perspective, every machine can in theory generate megabytes of data that is often not used to its full potential. But what is the best way to improve operational efficiency in a manufacturing environment? Manufacturers should fully embrace connected and automated manufacturing by digitally transforming their operational processes, because connecting with machines to read real-time data without manual inputs will drive efficiency and transparency to manage operational performance better. The best way to achieve this is to ensure the intelligent interconnectivity between automation, digitisation and data analytics, which will drive transformative change within their operations and help them realise the promise of Industry 4.0. The changes this industrial revolution promises are profound and over the next decade, forward-thinking manufacturers will transform themselves through digital interconnectivity. Industry 4.0 is heralding a transformation in the manufacturing sector by facilitating new ways for humans and machines to work together and empowering manufacturers to achieve greater insights, reduce the risk of error and make better decisions. It encompasses three technological trends driving this transformation: interconnectivity, intelligence and automation. It converges […]

Funding growth of nano satellite technology -$26.4m round

·Fleet Space Technologies has secured $26.4m (USD) in investment, valuing the company at $126 million (USD). This represents a major step forward for Fleet Space Technologies, which is committed to creating the world’s most advanced low-power satellite network, securing planet-wide coverage for millions of compatible Internet of Things (IoT) devices by using its in-house Nanosatellite technology. The funding will underpin significant expansion in Fleet Space’s manufacturing footprint and will expand the company’s highly skilled workforce. The investment, which exceeded the initially targeted $25m (USD) is a clear endorsement of Fleet Space’s vision. The Australian start-up, co-founded by Flavia Tata Nardini and Matt Pearson, has created the most advanced smallsat payload yet delivered to orbit. These smallsat devices, roughly the size of a shoebox, generate ten times more throughput per kilo than larger spacecraft and will support radical new efficiencies for hundreds of industries using IoT. This will transform the ability of companies and institutions to manage and control their remote assets across the world and in real time, 24 hours a day, even in remote areas, where cellular connectivity is not available and where operations are critical. The investment also represents a firm commitment to Australia’s rapidly emerging space industry, which the Federal Government plans to grow to a $12 billion, ranking the sector among the nation’s fastest growing industries. Its expansion in the region will also create 70 jobs, including many highly desirable science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) positions in the first phase of growth. These roles not only secure a bright future for the country’s technical innovators and critical thinkers, but will support in making Australia a home for innovative solutions that drive positive change on a global scale. The International Data Corporation predicts that there will be more than 14 billion connected, low-power devices by 2025. To unlock the […]

Tyre ban starts 1 December

Australia’s ban on the export of whole baled waste tyres begins on 1 December and exporters requiring a licence to continue to export tyres overseas are encouraged to apply now. The export of waste tyres is banned except for: tyres that have been processed into crumbs, buffings, granules or shreds tyres that have been processed into fuel tyres exported for re-treading tyres that will be re-used on vehicles overseas. Acting Deputy Secretary, Environment Reforms, James Tregurtha, said that these types of tyres can be exported, but only when exporters are able to satisfy the requirements of the new regulation. “The Department does have strict criteria that apply to every export licence. “When tyres are exported for re-treading or reuse, suppliers must have evidence of a commercial relationship with an importer or with a verified re-treading facility. “All exporters must also pass a fit and proper person test and declare each consignment to the Department and Australian Border Force,” Mr Tregurtha said. Australia’s waste export ban is world-leading with Australia the only country to have banned the export of its unprocessed waste. Australia has already banned the export of unprocessed glass and mixed plastics. Unprocessed single polymer plastics to be banned from 1 July 2022; and paper and cardboard banned from 1 July 2024.Exporters wishing to apply for a licence should go to https://rawr.awe.gov.au/

Australian Hydrogen Council welcomes CEFC funding for hydrogen vehicles

The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) has welcomed the landmark investment by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) of up to $12.5 million to help Queensland-based AHC member Ark Energy Corporation to produce green hydrogen to power fuel cell electric trucks. Dr Fiona Simon, CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) says “We are delighted to see this funding from the CEFC through the Advancing Hydrogen Fund to support hydrogen production, refuelling infrastructure and five zero emissions trucks. “Queensland has chased the hydrogen opportunity with gusto, and this is just another example of Queensland delivering on its ambition to develop a world-leading hydrogen industry. “In the AHC’s recent whitepaper, we called for a Net Zero Fund to assist specific applications that are more dependent on hydrogen for decarbonisation like heavy transport. “The Australian Hydrogen Council sees the trials of hydrogen fuel cell buses and trucks as an immediate priority, given the need to procure vehicles. “We have an enormous opportunity in Australia to create a vibrant hydrogen industry, both for domestic use and export but taking up hydrogen won’t happen without buy-in, funding, co-ordination and the right policy settings from governments. “An acceleration of government policy can get the nation to net zero faster, and it can leverage the incredible resources already being invested by other states and corporations. “ “In the AHC’s recent whitepaper, we called for a Net Zero Fund to assist specific applications that are more dependent on hydrogen for decarbonisation like heavy transport. “The Australian Hydrogen Council sees the trials of hydrogen fuel cell buses and trucks as an immediate priority, given the need to procure vehicles. “We have an enormous opportunity in Australia to create a vibrant hydrogen industry, both for domestic use and export but taking up hydrogen won’t happen without buy-in, funding, co-ordination and […]

SYSPRO delivers more with new ERP software

SYSPRO, a leading global provider of ERP software, has announced the release of SYSPRO R2 2021 which includes industry-built capabilities aimed at assisting manufacturers and distributors to improve control of internal operations, increase self-service and flexibility across the supply chain and provide better insights and intelligence for improved decision-making. “There is no doubt that the pandemic impacted the way that manufacturing and distribution businesses operate. It altered the way that the industry interacts with suppliers and customers, consumer preferences shifted and the workplace as we knew it forever changed. As a result, businesses have needed to re-align with the ‘new normal’,” said Paulo De Matos, Chief Product Officer at SYSPRO (pictured). “With those key considerations top of mind, we looked at incorporating solutions into our roadmap that would allow our customers to not only focus on improving efficiencies across internal operations, but also to help the industry to connect our customers to their suppliers and customers far more effectively and securely. “There is also an appreciation that businesses are expanding – into new geographies as well as into new territories and many are looking for consolidated systems, and central information and intelligence.” A few highlights of the latest release include: Improved control of internal operations A challenge faced by customers has been the growing demand for next-day deliveries. Especially during the pandemic, the industry needed efficient processes and logistical solutions to ship orders quickly to compete in the market. To address this, SYSPRO has introduced new inventory control capabilities for businesses to have accurate control over the stocking process. Warehouse operators will be able to leverage the functionality using a mobile device, which in turn saves time. Improving flexibility and connectivity across the supply chain Manufacturers and distributors have started to see the importance of continuous engagement with an ecosystem of suppliers and […]

CSIRO helping SMEs shoot for the stars

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has opened applications for a new program for small to medium businesses working in the space sector, drawing on its more than 75 years’ space experience to accelerate growth in Australia’s burgeoning space industry. Supported by the Australian Space Agency, CSIRO’s ‘Innovate to Grow: Space’ program will support 20-25 small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with mentoring from some of Australia’s leading space experts, including from CSIRO and the Space Agency, access to world-class research facilities and infrastructure, and support to navigate grant application processes. Innovate to Grow is a free 10-week training program designed to boost the innovation and take-up of research and development (R&D) by Australian small businesses in industries with high innovation potential, like space, agrifood, plastic waste, net zero, and cybersecurity. CSIRO Space Research Program Director Dr Kimberley Clayfield said collaboration was key to growing Australia’s space industry. “CSIRO works with leading global companies, international space agencies and small-to-medium businesses on a variety of space-related activities,” Dr Clayfield said. “SMEs have a lot to contribute and when combined with our strong capabilities in Earth observation, robotics, advanced manufacturing and communications, the sky is no limit to what we can achieve together.” Amanda Falconer, Founder of Bestie Kitchen based in Newcastle, NSW, participated in the Agrifood round of Innovate to Grow. “Innovate to Grow really made research accessible. Before the program, I thought there was no way that a tiny company like mine could work with CSIRO or a university. Now it has been demystified!” Ms Falconer said. Following the program, Bestie Kitchen participated in CSIRO’s Kick-Start program, received Federal Government Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) commercialisation funding, and begun scaled manufacturing from her new factory. Dr George Feast, CSIRO SME Collaboration Lead said the program built on rich foundations. “Innovate to Grow: Space […]

Expanded migration a turning point in the skills crisis

Australian Resources and Energy Group AMMA warmly welcomes the Morrison Government expanding the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) to include several high-skilled occupations in critically low supply across the industry. Many of the 22 new occupations added to the PMSOL, most notably chefs and mining, petroleum and geotechnical engineers, are in severe shortage in Australia’s resources and energy industries, threatening to put a handbrake on Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Australia’s resources and energy industry has been firing on all cylinders throughout the pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of dedicated Australian employees have kept industry among the most productive and prosperous in the world. However, prolonged closed borders to the small pool of international skilled migrants that supplement our domestic workforces has wreaked havoc on Australia’s resources industry, as it has most others. AMMA’s members have been reporting worsening skills shortages that have threatened to cripple our national recovery from the pandemic’s crushing economic impacts. Significant data and evidence have been provided to government at all levels about these serious skills issues for well over a year. The next step is for government to urgently formulate a roadmap to both domestic and international reopening. A clear roadmap will provide the business community with certainty and confidence to plan for future investment and employment opportunities.

$150 million missions to boost Australian agriculture and food sectors

Three major new missions from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, will grow Australia’s agriculture and food sectors targeting $20 billion by 2030. The $150 million investment from CSIRO, government and industry will tackle drought, the food export market and growing the protein market. CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the three missions together aim to capture a $20 billion opportunity for Australian agriculture to extend its position as a world leader. “For over a century, CSIRO has been working with farmers and governments to improve life on this great land – but today we’re bringing all of our newest science and technology, from Artificial Intelligence to genetics and smart materials, to bear on overcoming our oldest national challenge – drought,” Dr Marshall said. “Overcoming the impacts of drought, protecting the authenticity of Australian products, and inventing whole new markets will grow one of our most important national industries. “Australia has a natural competitive advantage in ‘ag-tech’, the way Silicon Valley does in ‘tech’ – these missions leverage that advantage to grow those local companies and grow the quality of life for Australians working in them.” These are part of CSIRO’s program of missions to support Australia’s future where we use science to amplify Australia’s global advantages and strengths. The research missions aim to: Reduce the impacts of drought by 30 per cent Increase the value of Australian agrifood exports by $10 billion, and Produce an additional $10 billion of high-quality protein products by 2030. “Overcoming challenges of this size takes a Team Australia approach, which is why we’re proud to have so many collaborators on board to help Australian agriculture become more resilient, more profitable, and to produce food that is more plentiful and healthier for Australians and our customers around the world,” Dr Marshall said. Meat & Livestock […]

Yatala Enterprise Area reflects Gold Coast industrial growth

Large infrastructure projects across Australia’s east coast have created an explosion in companies expanding or moving their operations to South East Queensland, creating a development frenzy of its own. On Queensland’s Gold Coast, in particular, the 3,300-hectare Yatala Enterprise Area north to the north of the city, the number of companies boosting their presence has risen rapidly, with a raft of new headquarters, manufacturing plants, warehouses and office spaces rising in the industrial park. With a burgeoning pipeline of major infrastructure works and the successful 2032 South East Queensland Olympic bid driving further development, businesses said they were moving to capture a slice of the fast-tracked action along the growth corridor. Compaction equipment sale and hire company, Conplant, said the sustained growth opportunities had motivated the company to construct a new, purpose-built facility at Yatala. Conplant national sales manager Guy Tome said the new facility aimed to meet the company’s growth and customer demand. “We are a national company with our head office in Sydney, but the Gold Coast branch has grown to the largest in the group,” Tome said. “Our biggest branch is the one located at Yatala. We are flat out with a lot more to come.” Tome said the company that hires and sells earthmoving equipment, specialising in compaction equipment used in building roads and rail infrastructure and road maintenance, was projecting sustained growth supplying projects including the Coomera Connector, a new north-south road corridor between Loganholme and Nerang, and the new Inland Rail connecting Melbourne and Brisbane. M1 upgrades underway across Queensland’s southeast corner, Gold Coast Light Rail and other works in northern NSW also justified the new facility that meant the company could supply more equipment and projects, he said. “There’s been a lot in the government planning that’s been fast tracked. Funding is coming […]

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