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Girl Geek Academy calls on government to increase funding for Girls in STEM

The federal Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, says the “Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review” won’t be complete until the end of this year and Girl Geek Academy says that is too long to wait for funding new programs to increase the number of women and girls in STEM. “With ‘Women in STEM’ programs under review for most of this year, we currently don’t anticipate any new funding commitments until 2024. The government’s third year in office is far too late to wait, we need action now,” said Girl Geek Academy co-founder, Sarah Moran. “While we are supportive of the review of ‘Women in STEM’ programs and hope it eventuates in more funding made available in the long term, we cannot ignore the short term fact that women and girls are falling behind. Ahead of the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), the United Nations highlights in cutting edge fields such as artificial intelligence, only one in five professionals (22%) is a woman. Girl Geek Academy trained over 1000 high school girls in A.I. in virtual classes without government support and had been hopeful that a change of government would bring about fresh funding to support the growth of similar programs. “There has been a drought of these type of programs as most organisations, typically run by women, have not survived the impacts of the pandemic. Girl Geek Academy lost 99.9% of our cash flow overnight when COVID hit and the only reason we still exist is because I went and got a day job to keep us alive. “The government must act as we know women and girls have already slipped too far behind. We’re calling for a solid investment in programs for the May budget to secure much needed support for women in industry to “lift […]

Australia – India strategic research grants now open

Australian researchers can today apply for a share of $6 million in grants to support research collaborations with their counterparts in India. Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic encouraged Australian researchers to apply as part of Round 15 of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF). “International collaboration is a cornerstone of scientific excellence,” Minister Husic said. “Up to $6 million in grant funding is available to support Australian researchers from public and private sectors to work alongside Indian scientists on leading-edge scientific research and technology projects,” Minister Husic said. Minister Husic said the fund is the Australian Government’s largest bilateral science program, highlighting the importance of our relationship with India. It supports research collaborations in science and technology, generating novel solutions to challenges facing both countries. “The AISRF helps build links between Australia and India’s top universities and research institutions. It continues to enhance Australian-Indian collaboration in mutually significant areas,” Minister Husic said. “Previous projects have made important progress in agriculture, biomedical devices and implants, renewable energy, nanotechnology and vaccines. “Science and commercialisation are essential to the productivity and economic growth of both countries, and we will continue to achieve great things by working together.” Since the program was established in 2006, the Australian Government has supported over 360 projects, fellowships and workshops in areas of importance to Australia and India. The AISRF is jointly administered by the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources, and the Indian Government’s Department of Science and Technology and Department of Biotechnology. Applications for Round 15 of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund Collaborative Research Project grants are open until 15 March 2023. More information is available here: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/australia-india-strategic-research-fund-round-15.

Backing research centres to boost economic output

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has announced that Round 24 of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants program had opened for application. CRC grants provide funding for industry-led research centres that can transform Australian know-how into practical outcomes for Australian businesses. The grants can support industry-led collaborative research centres of up to 10 years’ duration. “The Government’s CRC program supports research and development initiatives that result in significant benefits to industry and the community,” Minister Husic said. “This funding can provide an often-missing step between research and commercialisation.” The latest evaluation of the CRC program, released today, shows it is working to strengthen the bond between industry and research organisations. “This evaluation found CRCs will contribute about $32.5 billion towards economic productivity by 2025 through commercialisation of new technologies, products and services that solve real problems for industry,” Minister Husic said. “The evaluation also concluded CRCs will continue to help address Australia’s economic, environmental and social challenges by enhancing capability of the research workforce.” Grant applications are open to all industry sectors and research disciplines, with applicants at least matching the funding sought through cash or in‑kind contributions from partners. Since the CRC program was launched in 1990 under the Hawke Labor Government, it has delivered more than $5.5 billion to establish 236 CRCs and 189 CRC Projects, leveraging a further $16.8 billion in cash and in-kind contributions from partners. “This program generates tangible economic outcomes by supporting projects designed to bolster the productivity and sustainability of Australian industries,” Minister Husic said. Applications for CRC Round 24 close on 7 March 2023. www.business.gov.au/crc. Minister Husic said a schedule for future rounds would soon be published allowing applicants to be better prepared to build collaborations and develop grant submissions. Round 25 is expected to open in December 2023.

What is a Budget -Who is it for?

-Comment Watching the Treasurer deliver a Budget is a very therapeutic event. It provides a reality check as to how the nation is financially…or it confirms that nothing being said has a positive effect on our well-being. What do the numbers mean, how many new houses are going to be built, how many jobs cut? As the Treasurer reeled out the big numbers, I wished the AFL season were just starting so I would have something important to concentrate on. The numbers, I’m afraid, don’t mean much. Or don’t mean much now. They will only be confirmed in two Budget’s time when we will see how effective the policies have been. Economists and deep-thinking consultants, for the money they earn, have strong measured opinions. Furrowed brows confirming to us how the picture will emerge. But they don’t have a clue. Press a button, look at a software package and tell us the best and worse scenarios that is the best they can hope for…and then expect us to take them seriously. Have you noticed how few accountants have been prime ministers…they can’t do the numbers. So just get on with your life. Pay your accountant well and keep your business moving forward. We have our own Treasurer, our accountant, who ensures we do the right things and contribute to society.

Farmer John stumps the doubters with international technology success

Another Australian farmer is following in the footsteps of the inventors of the stump-jump plough by achieving international renown for his ingenuity for down-to-earth solutions for problems encountered by producers globally. Queensland farmer John Bucknell’s hydraulic bolts are now used around the world in applications such as nuclear reactors, boilers, turbines and mining and energy equipment where speed, accuracy and even, precise fastening of multiple sets of bolts is required. The idea originally stemmed from his desire to find a quicker and more secure way to fasten bolts used to tighten gang bolts on large disc ploughs on his family’s property near Nindigully, Queensland (about 500km west of Brisbane). Just like brothers Richard and Clarence Smith of Yorke Peninsula who invented the stump jump plough in 1876 to allow farmers to cultivate land without removing rocks and stumps, John used his disc plough to break in new country, ready for production, after his father converted the property from grazing to agricultural production, predominantly wheat. A better disc plough solution At the time, disc ploughs used scalloped discs mounted in gangs turning in order to chop up the ground. But these were prone to breaking if they encountered a stone, stump, or other obstacle. To replace them involved using a sledgehammer to loosen and tighten the large nut of the centre shaft of the gang. The whole gang had to be taken to replace broken discs, then the whole assembly had to be rebuilt once it was fixed… only for the plough to hit another obstacle 100 metres on, and the time-consuming process had to start again. Frustrated by this laborious process, he developed sets of hydraulic nuts and bolts to do the job of fastening and unfastening disc assemblies simultaneously, far faster and more securely than the old way of twisting […]

Young Talented Male and Female Engineers In a Modern Laboratory Discussing Prototype built with the Help of 3D Printer.

RS PRO & Engineers without Borders partner to launch student competition

RS PRO & Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB) are running a student competition with a strong focus on environmental, sustainability and social impacts. A call out is being undertaken for university students/groups currently working on engineering projects who want to take their ideas to the next level. RS PRO and Engineers Without Borders Australia are asking these students/groups to enter their concepts into the competition. The prizes are one of five product packs worth $3,000 which includes RS PRO components, tools, and accessories tailored to the project. The five winners will be announced later in the year and entries open early September. The competition criteria include: Socio-technical skills. Sustainable design skills, including the environmental, economic and social impacts. The demonstration of effective communication skills through the design pitch application and outline the teamwork skills of the project. A demonstration of how the fund will help the entrant achieve social, economic, and environmental impacts. Scott Philbrook, Managing Director ANZ for RS, the parent company of RS PRO, says he is looking to support future generations of engineers through programs like this. “The last two years has been a strange and stressful year for the evolution of design and engineering in many sectors,” He said. “The opportunity to submit your concept and potentially be given the tools to build the project is a kick-start for any entrant into 2023. The sustainable and environmental criteria is commensurate with current expectations in the industries applicable to these projects.” Entries are open now and the deadline is Monday 31st October, 11:59pm (AEST). To be eligible you must be aged 18 or over living in Australia & NZ and enrolled in a full or part-time university-level academic, engineering, or technology-related programme. To enter or for more information visit https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/m/rs-pro-student-fund

Gold Coast training academy established to support luxury marine industry

The academy at the Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard (GCCM) will begin turning out an in-demand pipeline of skilled marine trades workers to fill labour shortages across the $80-billion industry, from marine labourers, to trade assistants, trimmers, fabricators, painters, electricians, carpenters, shipwrights and plumbers. GCCM CEO Trenton Gay said the marine sector had grown at an unprecedented rate, offering a massive spread of sophisticated and innovative job opportunities. “The marine industry is fast-paced, multi-layered and ever-evolving so for those seeking out new career paths, the academy is an ideal way to get the right advice and appropriate training,” Gay said. “Australia is being recognised internationally now for the quality of marine trades we offer, so it is important that we enhance the flow of job opportunities and talent within the industry.” Close to 40 superyachts have been brought into Australia in the past year, compared to around 10 superyachts in a “normal” year, with the Gold Coast and Queensland a key gateway to the influx. Among the lavishly appointed arrivals was 68-metre Lady Christine superyacht, worth $82 million, that arrived at the Gold Coast for a multi-million-dollar, six-month facelift. Owned by British billionaire, Lord Irvine Laidlaw who is a former member of the House of Lords and founder of the Institute for International Research, the craft was also used by George Clooney and Julia Roberts for their latest blockbuster, Ticket to Paradise, being filmed on the Gold Coast and around Queensland. The GCCM is part of the 250-hectare Gold Coast Marine Precinct, the largest refit and repair yard in the Southern Hemisphere. More than 90 businesses operate from the precinct, covering all aspects of marine refit, maintenance, and construction for vessels. Local employment and training specialists, DGT Employment and Training, will head the GCCM Marine Trades Academy program to deliver tailored support […]

Confident connections

Central Coast-based 4id Solutions opens the door to the true potential of the connected world – its leading-edge technologies enabling customers to track, trace, and protect important assets. Using intelligent labelling, credentials, wearables, and other digital identity technologies, 4id Solutions offers tracking capability to many sectors including healthcare and med tech; manufacturing, transport, and logistics; banking and finance; controlled substances; and entertainment management. 4id Solutions is a worthy nomination for the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) in three categories: Excellence in Innovation; Excellence in Manufacturing Capability; and Manufacturer of the Year – fewer than 50 employees. The Hunter Manufacturing Awards represents all businesses actively engaged in the manufacturing sector, including their allies, in the Upper Hunter, Lower Hunter, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, and Mid-North Coast regions. HMA has a loyal following thanks to its efforts of inspiring and encouraging vibrant and enduring manufacturing in these regions. A mission to promote best practices in manufacturing motivates the HMA. In highlighting the achievements of the best, it encourages and sustains the aspirations of those who want to join them. 4id Solutions is one such operation. 4id Solutions enables enterprises concerned with the wellbeing of people and the movement of material assets to validate, verify, and capture data with confidence. “It is accurate, secure, and reliable for the visibility you need – when you need it most,” says 4id Solutions Marketing Coordinator Michael Glenn. “Use cases include regulatory compliance, item traceability, supply chain security, product authentication, access control, and consumer engagement.” From industry-compliant labels and tags, radio-frequency identification (RFID) conversion and high-resolution printing, encoding and encryption, 4id Solutions has an answer. Powered by innovation, it offers unparalleled accuracy, and optimal cost effectiveness. High-quality labels and tags have various uses including asset tracking and logistics for highly regulated industries. Wristbands and wearables […]

Waste not, want not

Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) Plastic waste is a blight on our environment, but one Newcastle company is “manufacturing change” – reducing plastic pollution and boosting business in the Hunter. Sustainable furniture company Resourceful Living transforms plastic waste into functional household items. Resourceful Living takes tonnes of discarded plastic, shreds it, heat-presses it, and cuts it into practical items ranging from furniture to clocks and even skirting boards. Based at Beresfield, the process “from pollution to practical” can take as little as two days. The company takes waste from yellow bins and environmental clean-up groups. An end goal is to help more big businesses improve their sustainability, all while bolstering the region’s manufacturing industry. As such, it is a worthy nomination for the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) Outstanding Start-Up Award. The Hunter Manufacturing Awards represents all businesses actively engaged in the manufacturing sector, including their allies, in the Upper Hunter, Lower Hunter, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, and Mid-North Coast regions. HMA has a loyal following thanks to its efforts of inspiring and encouraging vibrant and enduring manufacturing in these regions. A mission to promote best practices in manufacturing motivates the HMA. In highlighting the achievements of the best, it encourages and sustains the aspirations of those who want to join them. Resourceful Living is one such operation. With costs rising, particularly the cost of power, which also has issues around availability, it is imperative that local companies support each other. Manufacturing diversity is crucial for the Hunter region. Resourceful Living founder Jess Hodge says everything the business can use, it does use. And the possibilities for the end result are endless. “Covid made Australian companies acutely aware of supply chains and problems accessing products from overseas,” Ms Hodge says. “Now we’re manufacturing, we are also trying hard with […]

Unlock the value of data to drive business intelligence

By Kevin Dherman, CIO at SYSPRO Data forms the backbone of any manufacturing enterprise. With continuous supply chain disruptions, the allure of data and Business Intelligence (BI) is the ability to look deeper into production, performance, and efficiency. For today’s industries the issue isn’t whether they’re generating enough data, it’s whether they’re getting value from that data. SYSPRO research reveals that only 20 percent of manufacturing and distribution businesses have looked at investing in big data analytics tools to process and analyse data in response to ongoing disruptions, and only five percent of businesses have investigated the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to draw any long-term benefits from data collection. As industries look to digitally transform to the factory of the future in a data-first world, investment in technologies is irrelevant without data analytics to understand the internal and external factors impacting a business. Without the right data insights businesses are unable to compete with global supply chains as they don’t have the visibility to anticipate shifts and respond to market changes. Here’s how manufacturers can obtain visibility across the entire operation and collect accurate real-time data to not only automate processes but make data-driven decisions that drive the factory of the future: Actionable insights with ERP Ultimately, ERP fuels data-driven decision making and drives business intelligence. It allows information to be centralised and organised into readable reports and dashboards. With a variety of valuable KPIs, metrics and more information at their fingertips, they can act on new opportunities, respond to issues, and make informed decisions quickly. A SYSPRO customer, Ruprecht, was able to tackle supply chain disruptions and remain competitive through leveraging data insights. The business which supplies ready-to-eat food products in the US integrated their ERP system with AI and a predictive model to maintain […]

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