Newport School's Easter Hat Parade 2018
Avalon Community Garden's Zest For Life Festival Inspired By Young Gardener
The phrase 'out of the mouth of babes' will take on extra meaning next Sunday, April 8th, when the Avalon Community Garden hosts their Zest for Life Festival as this was all the idea of 7 year old Aneira Ravenscroft, one of the keen gardeners who enjoys getting really involved in where her food comes from and sharing the good things that come from the earth.
Aneira and friends will host some kids craft, alike the Frond Masks you see in the picture above, and a Healthy high tea in the Children's area of Avalon community Garden.
Aspara Gus (aka Luke Escombe - The Veggie Plot) will also be on hand to provide some great entertainment for youngsters. The Vegetable Plot are an award-winning bunch of roots musicians who have sprung from the underground on a radical mission: to get kids to fall in love with vegetables.
It's not all for the youngsters though - there's Making Compost From Food Scraps workshop with Tim Seaton - Coastal Environment Centre / ACG, The Importance of Soil talk by Peter Rutherford - Eco House and Garden, Kimbriki, while Make and retain good soil on steep sites using Hugelkulture method by Sam Gibbons will be of interest to many who have just that; steep sites!
Avalon Community Garden members Brita Benjamin and Marion Livingstone Vale sorting the chook food this week
There's great food available, more informative talks and a traditional Smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country to open what will be a brilliant day.
The full program, with times, is listed HERE
The phrase 'out of the mouth of babes' will take on extra meaning next Sunday, April 8th, when the Avalon Community Garden hosts their Zest for Life Festival as this was all the idea of 7 year old Aneira Ravenscroft, one of the keen gardeners who enjoys getting really involved in where her food comes from and sharing the good things that come from the earth.
Aneira and friends will host some kids craft, alike the Frond Masks you see in the picture above, and a Healthy high tea in the Children's area of Avalon community Garden.
Aspara Gus (aka Luke Escombe - The Veggie Plot) will also be on hand to provide some great entertainment for youngsters. The Vegetable Plot are an award-winning bunch of roots musicians who have sprung from the underground on a radical mission: to get kids to fall in love with vegetables.
It's not all for the youngsters though - there's Making Compost From Food Scraps workshop with Tim Seaton - Coastal Environment Centre / ACG, The Importance of Soil talk by Peter Rutherford - Eco House and Garden, Kimbriki, while Make and retain good soil on steep sites using Hugelkulture method by Sam Gibbons will be of interest to many who have just that; steep sites!
Avalon Community Garden members Brita Benjamin and Marion Livingstone Vale sorting the chook food this week
There's great food available, more informative talks and a traditional Smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country to open what will be a brilliant day.
The full program, with times, is listed HERE
RESI The Kitten Steals Free Ride Into The Sydney Royal Easter Show - From Victoria
30 March 2018
Among the hundreds of thousands who have entered the gates at the Sydney Royal Easter Show already in the past week is one who wasn’t meant to. As the dairy cattle were being “bumped in” to the cattle pavilion, marking the start of week two of The Show after the departure of the beef breeds, a tiny ‘stowaway’ was discovered on a vehicle which had just arrived from country Victoria. A kitten who the Easter Show vets estimate to be around four weeks old was tucked up in amongst hay bales on a cattle trailer which had travelled from Invergordon northeast of Shepparton in northern Victoria. The female kitten was found by breeder Callum McPhee; “I was just pulling bales off the trailer, then I saw it, it looked at me and meowed. I just thought “what the hell are you doing here?” “I called someone else over and just said “hey, look at this”, he said. The kitten was quickly checked over by RAS vets and then taken into care by the RAS’ Manager of Venue Operations, Dora Rosa. After a feed of formula the kitten, who Dora has given the name RESI (as in Royal Easter Show), was taken to her home on the conclusion of Day 7 of the Show. Dora says she will offer RESI to a family who will take good care of him.
RESI was a non-paying guest amongst the more than 50,000 who visited the Show yesterday. Today it is estimated more than 115,000 (humans) will scan their way into the Show, many of them taking advantage of discounted tickets after 4pm for the evening program. Full details on the Sydney Royal Easter Show can be found at:
30 March 2018
Among the hundreds of thousands who have entered the gates at the Sydney Royal Easter Show already in the past week is one who wasn’t meant to.
As the dairy cattle were being “bumped in” to the cattle pavilion, marking the start of week two of The Show after the departure of the beef breeds, a tiny ‘stowaway’ was discovered on a vehicle which had just arrived from country Victoria.
A kitten who the Easter Show vets estimate to be around four weeks old was tucked up in amongst hay bales on a cattle trailer which had travelled from Invergordon northeast of Shepparton in northern Victoria.
The female kitten was found by breeder Callum McPhee;
“I was just pulling bales off the trailer, then I saw it, it looked at me and meowed. I just thought “what the hell are you doing here?”
“I called someone else over and just said “hey, look at this”, he said.
The kitten was quickly checked over by RAS vets and then taken into care by the RAS’ Manager of Venue Operations, Dora Rosa.
After a feed of formula the kitten, who Dora has given the name RESI (as in Royal Easter Show), was taken to her home on the conclusion of Day 7 of the Show.
Dora says she will offer RESI to a family who will take good care of him.
RESI was a non-paying guest amongst the more than 50,000 who visited the Show yesterday.
Today it is estimated more than 115,000 (humans) will scan their way into the Show, many of them taking advantage of discounted tickets after 4pm for the evening program.
Full details on the Sydney Royal Easter Show can be found at:
ELSA STEM Program For Preschoolers Pilot Launched: Two Local Participating Preschools
Sunday 25 March 2018: Media Release - Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and TrainingThousands of prechoolers across Australia are set for a science and maths skills boost as part of a new Turnbull Government program.
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said a pilot of the $6 million Early Learning STEM Australia program launching this week would see 4,000 children across 100 preschools learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills through a series of interactive apps.
“This program will be a launch pad for a life-long interest in STEM for thousands of preschoolers,” Minister Birmingham said.
“It’s a game changer in STEM skills for our littlest learners.
“We know engagement with STEM at an early age will be essential for children to develop the skills needed to navigate our rapidly-changing world and the jobs of the future.
“This will help plant the seeds of curiosity and inspiration in STEM from an early age and help with the development of spatial awareness as well as numeracy and problem solving skills.”
Minister Birmingham said throughout the ELSA pilot children would have the opportunity to engage in STEM practices both with the interactive apps on digital tablets and in the real world.
“The ELSA program is an easy-to-use teaching resource that introduces our youngest learners to STEM in fun and engaging ways,” Minister Birmingham said.
“It will complement the skills and experiences of teachers at preschool and of families at home.
“For example, the first ELSA app – ‘Patterns and Relationships’ – introduces preschoolers to the foundational STEM concepts of sorting, ordering, patterning and representations.
“It’s accessible and fun activities like that which have seen our early learning languages program ELLA expand to nearly 2,500 preschools in just three years.”
ELSA is one of three early learning initiatives funded under the Turnbull Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA) and follows the Little Scientists program delivered by Frobel Australia Limited and The Smith Family’s Let’s Count program.
For further information about the ELSA pilot, including the list of 100 participating preschool services, visit: www.elsa.edu.au.
Local participating preschools - Sandcastles Mona Vale, Mona Vale and Belrose Children's & Community Centre, Belrose
Sunday 25 March 2018: Media Release - Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training
Thousands of prechoolers across Australia are set for a science and maths skills boost as part of a new Turnbull Government program.
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said a pilot of the $6 million Early Learning STEM Australia program launching this week would see 4,000 children across 100 preschools learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills through a series of interactive apps.
“This program will be a launch pad for a life-long interest in STEM for thousands of preschoolers,” Minister Birmingham said.
“It’s a game changer in STEM skills for our littlest learners.
“We know engagement with STEM at an early age will be essential for children to develop the skills needed to navigate our rapidly-changing world and the jobs of the future.
“This will help plant the seeds of curiosity and inspiration in STEM from an early age and help with the development of spatial awareness as well as numeracy and problem solving skills.”
Minister Birmingham said throughout the ELSA pilot children would have the opportunity to engage in STEM practices both with the interactive apps on digital tablets and in the real world.
“The ELSA program is an easy-to-use teaching resource that introduces our youngest learners to STEM in fun and engaging ways,” Minister Birmingham said.
“It will complement the skills and experiences of teachers at preschool and of families at home.
“For example, the first ELSA app – ‘Patterns and Relationships’ – introduces preschoolers to the foundational STEM concepts of sorting, ordering, patterning and representations.
“It’s accessible and fun activities like that which have seen our early learning languages program ELLA expand to nearly 2,500 preschools in just three years.”
ELSA is one of three early learning initiatives funded under the Turnbull Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA) and follows the Little Scientists program delivered by Frobel Australia Limited and The Smith Family’s Let’s Count program.
For further information about the ELSA pilot, including the list of 100 participating preschool services, visit: www.elsa.edu.au.
Local participating preschools - Sandcastles Mona Vale, Mona Vale and Belrose Children's & Community Centre, Belrose
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Benefits Of The ELSA Pilot
New Lions The Pride Of Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
March 28, 2018: NSW GovernmentGet up close to eight lions in a new, immersive safari adventure at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.The new 3.8 hectare Lion Pride Lands precinct offers animal lovers the opportunity to:- wander through a replica African Maasai village
- learn about how people live with their domestic livestock in close proximity to lions
- hop on board a purpose-built, fully enclosed safari truck that will take you inside lions' den
- better understand these apex predators.
The $9 million joint investment between the NSW Government and Taronga Conservation Society Australia is the largest investment in an animal exhibit in the zoo’s history.
Minister for the Environment Gabrielle Upton said the exhibit highlighted the zoo’s ongoing commitment to conservation.
“There are less than 20,000 lions remaining in the wild, and to have eight here in NSW is truly special,” Ms Upton said.
“The new Lion Pride Lands is the first major change to the zoo’s exhibits since it opened and is a significant step in helping to prect one of the world’s vulnerable species.”
March 28, 2018: NSW Government
Get up close to eight lions in a new, immersive safari adventure at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.
The new 3.8 hectare Lion Pride Lands precinct offers animal lovers the opportunity to:
- wander through a replica African Maasai village
- learn about how people live with their domestic livestock in close proximity to lions
- hop on board a purpose-built, fully enclosed safari truck that will take you inside lions' den
- better understand these apex predators.
The $9 million joint investment between the NSW Government and Taronga Conservation Society Australia is the largest investment in an animal exhibit in the zoo’s history.
Minister for the Environment Gabrielle Upton said the exhibit highlighted the zoo’s ongoing commitment to conservation.
“There are less than 20,000 lions remaining in the wild, and to have eight here in NSW is truly special,” Ms Upton said.
“The new Lion Pride Lands is the first major change to the zoo’s exhibits since it opened and is a significant step in helping to prect one of the world’s vulnerable species.”
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM'S CLASSIC & WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL 2018
Celebrating the beauty and diversity of Australia’s heritage vessels and their craftspeople, the Australian National Maritime Museum will present the Classic and Wooden Boat Festival from 13-15 April 2018 in Sydney’s iconic Darling Harbour.
A huge range of boats will be on display over the course of the festival including Halvorsen crusiers, yachts and skiffs, classic speedboats, steam launches, tug boats, whalers and Navy workboats from all around Australia, as well as tall ship James Craig and Edwardian superstars in the stunning 1924 luxury ketch Hurrica V, featured in Baz Luhrmann’s film The Great Gatsby, and SY Ena, a magnificent steam yacht now in the museum’s collection, both originally built in Sydney.
In addition to the 100 plus boats moored around the museum and Cockle Bay, visitors will enjoy a vast number of exciting activities. From cruising on Sydney Heritage Fleet vessels including the magnificent James Craig, perusing a maritime marketplace and artworks to witnessing a swimwear parade showcasing a colourful selection of cossies through the ages from the museum’s collection.
Visitors will also discover traditional maritime skills with line throwing, sculling and caulking demonstrations throughout the festival weekend. There’s also the spectacle of the ‘Quick and Dirty’ boat building competition, where the race is on to create makeshift boats and sail them on the harbour in record time.
Each day a host of arts and crafts activities for kids will take place in the ‘kid’s boatshed’. Crafty kids can engage in a smaller boat building competition and make, float and race their very own foam boats to win a trophy.
Lively entertainment throughout the weekend will include live music, a magician, a jumping castle and food trucks. Festival goers can also relax with drinks and music while enjoying the sun setting over Sydney’s iconic harbour at the museum’s waterside café Yots.
JOIN US 13-15 APRIL 2018Come and celebrate the beauty and diversity of Australia’s heritage vessels and meet their craftspeople at the Classic & Wooden Boat Festival.
FESTIVAL ENTRY IS FREE10AM – 5PMEnjoy free entertainment over the whole weekend including live music, street magic, maritime demonstrations, harbour cruises and kid's activities. There's markets, food trucks, an art exhibition, a boat building competition and much more. Join in the fun and discover a hand-crafted, hand-polished world where craftsmanship still reigns supreme.
SEE THE CLASSICS UP CLOSEGet up close to more than 100 classic vessels including two screen stars: Hurrica V from Baz Lurhmann's The Great Gatsby, and the museum's own SY Ena, star of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.
CATCH THE SWIMWEAR PARADEEnjoy our showcase of colourful cossies through the ages, with a tongue-in-cheek trip through the museum's swimwear collection.
PIRATE MAGIC WITH CARDISTRYBe amazed by levitating spinnakers, gold coins popping out of bubbles and a magic treasure chest when Cardistry, Australia's hottest young magic duo bring their street magic to the seaside every day of the festival.
GO OUT ON A JIBEver wanted to climb out over the water on a tall ship but didn't want to get sea sick? Your chance is here! Climb the James Craig jib-boom and test your mettle. Bookings essential.
DISCOVER TRADITIONAL SKILLSTry your hand at caulking, line throwing and sculling, as you get your hands dirty and learn the ancient maritime arts. Step on board the towering tall ship James Craig and ring the ship's bell.
BUILD A BOAT IN 4 HOURS: QUICK & DIRTYForm a team of 4-6 friends to design, build and race a seaworthy craft... in only four hours. We supply the materials, you supply the brains and the brawn. Entry is free: click here for details.
TREAT THE KIDS TO A GREAT DAYJoin in the fun at the Kid's Boatshed where kids can build (and race) their own boats. There's also live music, magic shows, a jumping castle, food trucks and the relaxing waterside haven of Yots Cafe.
TAKE A TALL SHIPS HARBOUR CRUISESee Soren Larsen, star of BBC's 'Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure' at Wharf 7, and book a Sydney Harbour cruise on Southern Swan. Choose between a Kid’s Pirate Cruise or an historical commentary cruise. Special festival rates apply.
Celebrating the beauty and diversity of Australia’s heritage vessels and their craftspeople, the Australian National Maritime Museum will present the Classic and Wooden Boat Festival from 13-15 April 2018 in Sydney’s iconic Darling Harbour.
A huge range of boats will be on display over the course of the festival including Halvorsen crusiers, yachts and skiffs, classic speedboats, steam launches, tug boats, whalers and Navy workboats from all around Australia, as well as tall ship James Craig and Edwardian superstars in the stunning 1924 luxury ketch Hurrica V, featured in Baz Luhrmann’s film The Great Gatsby, and SY Ena, a magnificent steam yacht now in the museum’s collection, both originally built in Sydney.
In addition to the 100 plus boats moored around the museum and Cockle Bay, visitors will enjoy a vast number of exciting activities. From cruising on Sydney Heritage Fleet vessels including the magnificent James Craig, perusing a maritime marketplace and artworks to witnessing a swimwear parade showcasing a colourful selection of cossies through the ages from the museum’s collection.
Visitors will also discover traditional maritime skills with line throwing, sculling and caulking demonstrations throughout the festival weekend. There’s also the spectacle of the ‘Quick and Dirty’ boat building competition, where the race is on to create makeshift boats and sail them on the harbour in record time.
Each day a host of arts and crafts activities for kids will take place in the ‘kid’s boatshed’. Crafty kids can engage in a smaller boat building competition and make, float and race their very own foam boats to win a trophy.
Lively entertainment throughout the weekend will include live music, a magician, a jumping castle and food trucks. Festival goers can also relax with drinks and music while enjoying the sun setting over Sydney’s iconic harbour at the museum’s waterside café Yots.
JOIN US 13-15 APRIL 2018
Come and celebrate the beauty and diversity of Australia’s heritage vessels and meet their craftspeople at the Classic & Wooden Boat Festival.
FESTIVAL ENTRY IS FREE
10AM – 5PM
Enjoy free entertainment over the whole weekend including live music, street magic, maritime demonstrations, harbour cruises and kid's activities. There's markets, food trucks, an art exhibition, a boat building competition and much more. Join in the fun and discover a hand-crafted, hand-polished world where craftsmanship still reigns supreme.
SEE THE CLASSICS UP CLOSE
Get up close to more than 100 classic vessels including two screen stars: Hurrica V from Baz Lurhmann's The Great Gatsby, and the museum's own SY Ena, star of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.
CATCH THE SWIMWEAR PARADE
Enjoy our showcase of colourful cossies through the ages, with a tongue-in-cheek trip through the museum's swimwear collection.
PIRATE MAGIC WITH CARDISTRY
Be amazed by levitating spinnakers, gold coins popping out of bubbles and a magic treasure chest when Cardistry, Australia's hottest young magic duo bring their street magic to the seaside every day of the festival.
GO OUT ON A JIB
Ever wanted to climb out over the water on a tall ship but didn't want to get sea sick? Your chance is here! Climb the James Craig jib-boom and test your mettle. Bookings essential.
DISCOVER TRADITIONAL SKILLS
Try your hand at caulking, line throwing and sculling, as you get your hands dirty and learn the ancient maritime arts. Step on board the towering tall ship James Craig and ring the ship's bell.
BUILD A BOAT IN 4 HOURS: QUICK & DIRTY
Form a team of 4-6 friends to design, build and race a seaworthy craft... in only four hours. We supply the materials, you supply the brains and the brawn. Entry is free: click here for details.
TREAT THE KIDS TO A GREAT DAY
Join in the fun at the Kid's Boatshed where kids can build (and race) their own boats. There's also live music, magic shows, a jumping castle, food trucks and the relaxing waterside haven of Yots Cafe.
TAKE A TALL SHIPS HARBOUR CRUISE
See Soren Larsen, star of BBC's 'Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure' at Wharf 7, and book a Sydney Harbour cruise on Southern Swan. Choose between a Kid’s Pirate Cruise or an historical commentary cruise. Special festival rates apply.
Little Hands On The Land At The Sydney Royal Easter Show
Little Hands on the Land is one of our favourite activations that combines education and entertainment. Taking kids through the crop-to-shop experience so little ones can understand the fundamentals of Agriculture in Australia, this is an activity that you don't want to miss!
Little Hands on the Land is a free activity that takes children aged 2 - 10 on a journey through 10 stations including a chook shed, fruit orchard, tractor pull and more before they get to the farmer's market to trade their produce for farm dollars. Their hard-earned farm dollars can be spent at the last station - the supermarket.
See what fun other youngsters have already been having at this year's Sydney Royal Easter show (on every day 9.30am - 6.30pm);
Photos courtesy Sydney Royal Easter show
Little Hands on the Land is one of our favourite activations that combines education and entertainment. Taking kids through the crop-to-shop experience so little ones can understand the fundamentals of Agriculture in Australia, this is an activity that you don't want to miss!
Little Hands on the Land is a free activity that takes children aged 2 - 10 on a journey through 10 stations including a chook shed, fruit orchard, tractor pull and more before they get to the farmer's market to trade their produce for farm dollars. Their hard-earned farm dollars can be spent at the last station - the supermarket.
See what fun other youngsters have already been having at this year's Sydney Royal Easter show (on every day 9.30am - 6.30pm);
Photos courtesy Sydney Royal Easter show
BYRA News
NS14 State Championships At BYRA Easter 2018
April 8th Portuguese Beach Picnic
It wont be long now until our annual visit to Portuguese Beach between Longnose and the Basin.
For new members it is a time when all three dinghy clubs, Avalon, RPA and BYRA, get together at the end of the racing season to mingle in day clothes without their wetsuits on.Some of us sail there, some take the club launches some even hike there! There are the inter-club sports challenges, the egg hurling/catching contest, the tug of war, the hessian sack race and of course the Lace Monitor spotting pastime. I'll give more details of times and transport nearer the date.
The Bayview Yacht Racing Association (BYRA) is a sailing club based on Pittwater. We specialise in dinghy sailing and offer learn to sail courses and racing for Lasers, Spirals, Flying Elevens, Manly Juniors, Optimists and other classes. We also offer twilight racing on Pittwater for keel boats.
Visit: www.byra.org.au - Profile
It wont be long now until our annual visit to Portuguese Beach between Longnose and the Basin.
For new members it is a time when all three dinghy clubs, Avalon, RPA and BYRA, get together at the end of the racing season to mingle in day clothes without their wetsuits on.Some of us sail there, some take the club launches some even hike there! There are the inter-club sports challenges, the egg hurling/catching contest, the tug of war, the hessian sack race and of course the Lace Monitor spotting pastime. I'll give more details of times and transport nearer the date.
The Bayview Yacht Racing Association (BYRA) is a sailing club based on Pittwater. We specialise in dinghy sailing and offer learn to sail courses and racing for Lasers, Spirals, Flying Elevens, Manly Juniors, Optimists and other classes. We also offer twilight racing on Pittwater for keel boats.
Visit: www.byra.org.au - Profile
Fox Baiting Here - Notice To Pet Owners
Sonic Sea Screening At Avalon Bowling Club
Weeding Out Unnecessary Red Tape For Farmers
Powerful Owl Release
March 18, 2018: Avalon Preservation AssociationPNHA's Jacqui Marlow has advised that a Powerful Owl chick has been released in Plateau Park following its recuperation in Taronga Park.
If you see it there being harassed, or even if you see it at all, can you please phone her on 0458 194 127.
March 18, 2018: Avalon Preservation Association
PNHA's Jacqui Marlow has advised that a Powerful Owl chick has been released in Plateau Park following its recuperation in Taronga Park.
If you see it there being harassed, or even if you see it at all, can you please phone her on 0458 194 127.
Court Convicts And Fines Ardent Leisure $157,950 For Rushcutters Bay Diesel Leak
Sydney Water Enters Enforceable Undertaking For Tunks Park Sewage Discharge
North Ryde Station Urban Activation Precinct
Unearthing Junior Mining Exploration Opportunities
Anglers To Provide Direction For NSW Trout Strategy
Choose The Bilby This Easter
By Taronga Zoo, Sydney1967 was the last recorded sighting of the Lesser Bilby. In fact, that last sighting was nothing more than the discovery of an old skull found in a nest of a Wedge-tailed Eagle —it’s thought that this tiny marsupial became extinct around 15 years earlier.
First discovered in 1887, the Lesser Bilby was a plucky, tenacious little creature. While it was omnivorous, the Lesser Bilby is thought to have been highly carnivorous and even preyed on small mammals. It had a fearsome character and wouldn’t back down from a fight. Despite this, the Lesser Bilby couldn’t compete with introduced predators like the fox and cat and the competition it faced from the introduction of the rabbit.
Fast forward to today and a similar fight is being fought by the Lesser Bilby’s bigger cousin: the Greater Bilby.
In the wild, it’s a fight for survival. And every Easter, its bunnies vs. Bilbies: two burrowers with big feet and bigger ears fighting for the hearts and minds of Australians.
The Greater Bilby is one of Australia’s iconic animals. But unlike the kangaroo or koala, you’d count yourself very lucky if you ever saw one in the wild. The Bilby once occupied vast areas across the Australian mainland but there’s been a significant decline over the last 200 years—and population numbers continue to decrease.
Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis
Today the Greater Bilby is listed as extinct in New South Wales; wild populations only exist in small fragmented pockets of Queensland, Northern Territory Western Australia.
“People think of bilbies as an animal that lives in the very remote, very arid areas of Australia but this wasn’t always the case — they used to occupy a wider range of grassland and woodland ecosystems as well,” says Andrew Elphinstone, conservation and recovery manager at Taronga Conservation Society Australia.
“Introduced predators like foxes and feral cats, and competition with introduced rabbits, are a huge threat to the Bilby. Now the Bilby only exists in quite arid parts of the country where these predators and rabbits aren’t as well adapted to surviving in, or managed reserves free of feral predators.”
So this Easter, give the bunny the bump and help save an Aussie icon.
Be for the WildTaronga is committed to Bilby conservation but it is you who can make the greatest difference to wildlife and habitats. You can do many things to help including being a responsible pet owner and keeping cats indoors at night as well as planting native seeds in your garden. You can make a donation here:
You can also become a Zoo Parent by adopting a Bilby, which will fund Taronga’s work including research and education programs focusing on the Bilby, as well as assisting with the conservation, breeding and preservation of wild animals and their habitat.
By Taronga Zoo, Sydney
1967 was the last recorded sighting of the Lesser Bilby. In fact, that last sighting was nothing more than the discovery of an old skull found in a nest of a Wedge-tailed Eagle —it’s thought that this tiny marsupial became extinct around 15 years earlier.
First discovered in 1887, the Lesser Bilby was a plucky, tenacious little creature. While it was omnivorous, the Lesser Bilby is thought to have been highly carnivorous and even preyed on small mammals. It had a fearsome character and wouldn’t back down from a fight. Despite this, the Lesser Bilby couldn’t compete with introduced predators like the fox and cat and the competition it faced from the introduction of the rabbit.
Fast forward to today and a similar fight is being fought by the Lesser Bilby’s bigger cousin: the Greater Bilby.
In the wild, it’s a fight for survival. And every Easter, its bunnies vs. Bilbies: two burrowers with big feet and bigger ears fighting for the hearts and minds of Australians.
The Greater Bilby is one of Australia’s iconic animals. But unlike the kangaroo or koala, you’d count yourself very lucky if you ever saw one in the wild. The Bilby once occupied vast areas across the Australian mainland but there’s been a significant decline over the last 200 years—and population numbers continue to decrease.
Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis
Today the Greater Bilby is listed as extinct in New South Wales; wild populations only exist in small fragmented pockets of Queensland, Northern Territory Western Australia.
“People think of bilbies as an animal that lives in the very remote, very arid areas of Australia but this wasn’t always the case — they used to occupy a wider range of grassland and woodland ecosystems as well,” says Andrew Elphinstone, conservation and recovery manager at Taronga Conservation Society Australia.
“Introduced predators like foxes and feral cats, and competition with introduced rabbits, are a huge threat to the Bilby. Now the Bilby only exists in quite arid parts of the country where these predators and rabbits aren’t as well adapted to surviving in, or managed reserves free of feral predators.”
So this Easter, give the bunny the bump and help save an Aussie icon.
Be for the Wild
Taronga is committed to Bilby conservation but it is you who can make the greatest difference to wildlife and habitats. You can do many things to help including being a responsible pet owner and keeping cats indoors at night as well as planting native seeds in your garden. You can make a donation here:
You can also become a Zoo Parent by adopting a Bilby, which will fund Taronga’s work including research and education programs focusing on the Bilby, as well as assisting with the conservation, breeding and preservation of wild animals and their habitat.
Veteran Bee Man Bruce White OAM Named RAS Show Legend
29 March 2018
Decades of love and dedication to the bee and honey sector have today seen Bruce White OAM honoured as the 2018 Royal Agricultural Society of NSW “Show Legend” at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Mr White, from Castle Hill in Sydney spent 41 years providing services to the beekeeping industry as an Apiary Officer with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. He has worked with the Sydney Royal Easter Show (The Show) since 1966.
The annual Show Legend award recognises outstanding service and commitment to The Show.
It allows the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) to publicly thank a member of the Show Family who has worked tirelessly towards the betterment of the Show and aims to continue the tradition by helping the Legend pass on their knowledge to the next generation of Show Family members.
RAS President, Robert Ryan OAM, said Mr White’s passion and enthusiasm encapsulates the spirit of the Show.
“As a result of Bruce’s work with the Apiculture Competition, it has grown into what we now know as the Sydney Royal National Honey Competition”, said Mr Ryan.
“He is always happy to speak to exhibitors and showgoers and answer any questions about improving their beekeeping and goes above and beyond to help promote the sector.
“He simply loves his industry and it shows,” Mr Ryan said.
Bruce White is a very familiar face, even if it is covered by his white protective uniform and face mesh to anyone who walks past his “Bee Zeebo” activation in the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome at Sydney Showground each and every year.
Since retiring from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Mr White has continued to pass on his knowledge and passion for honey bees to Showgoers and school students.
His passion has seen him donate countless hours to running other education programs including the Honey Tutorials and an education area during the RAS’ annual “Ag Vision”.
He also volunteers his time to the rural Country shows as a judge and runs workshops for beekeeping through a variety of different fields
Mr White was conducting a television interview when he was surprised by RAS President Robert Ryan OAM and RAS of NSW General Manager Agriculture and Royal Easter Show Murray Wilton today, both presenting him with his much-deserved award.
“It certainly is a great honour and I had no idea it was happening.
“I just do this because I am keen to help agriculture and particularly the RAS and the bee industry,” Mr White said.
Mr White says Australia can trace its European Honey Bee origins to a settlers ship called the “Isabella” in 1822 when introduced crops weren’t be pollinated as was necessary by the native bees. The introduced species loved the Eucalyptus trees and an industry began to thrive.
Mr White says his love of bees and honey began as a very small child when his parents allowed him to keep his first hive on the sill of his open bedroom window.
Pictured in image from L to R: Mr Murray Wilton, RAS General Manager Agriculture and Royal Easter Show; Mr Bruce White OAM, 2018 Show Legend, Mr Robert Ryan OAM, President RAS of NSW.
29 March 2018
Decades of love and dedication to the bee and honey sector have today seen Bruce White OAM honoured as the 2018 Royal Agricultural Society of NSW “Show Legend” at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Mr White, from Castle Hill in Sydney spent 41 years providing services to the beekeeping industry as an Apiary Officer with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries.
He has worked with the Sydney Royal Easter Show (The Show) since 1966.
The annual Show Legend award recognises outstanding service and commitment to The Show.
It allows the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) to publicly thank a member of the Show Family who has worked tirelessly towards the betterment of the Show and aims to continue the tradition by helping the Legend pass on their knowledge to the next generation of Show Family members.
RAS President, Robert Ryan OAM, said Mr White’s passion and enthusiasm encapsulates the spirit of the Show.
“As a result of Bruce’s work with the Apiculture Competition, it has grown into what we now know as the Sydney Royal National Honey Competition”, said Mr Ryan.
“He is always happy to speak to exhibitors and showgoers and answer any questions about improving their beekeeping and goes above and beyond to help promote the sector.
“He simply loves his industry and it shows,” Mr Ryan said.
Bruce White is a very familiar face, even if it is covered by his white protective uniform and face mesh to anyone who walks past his “Bee Zeebo” activation in the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome at Sydney Showground each and every year.
Since retiring from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Mr White has continued to pass on his knowledge and passion for honey bees to Showgoers and school students.
His passion has seen him donate countless hours to running other education programs including the Honey Tutorials and an education area during the RAS’ annual “Ag Vision”.
He also volunteers his time to the rural Country shows as a judge and runs workshops for beekeeping through a variety of different fields
Mr White was conducting a television interview when he was surprised by RAS President Robert Ryan OAM and RAS of NSW General Manager Agriculture and Royal Easter Show Murray Wilton today, both presenting him with his much-deserved award.
“It certainly is a great honour and I had no idea it was happening.
“I just do this because I am keen to help agriculture and particularly the RAS and the bee industry,” Mr White said.
Mr White says Australia can trace its European Honey Bee origins to a settlers ship called the “Isabella” in 1822 when introduced crops weren’t be pollinated as was necessary by the native bees. The introduced species loved the Eucalyptus trees and an industry began to thrive.
Mr White says his love of bees and honey began as a very small child when his parents allowed him to keep his first hive on the sill of his open bedroom window.
Pictured in image from L to R: Mr Murray Wilton, RAS General Manager Agriculture and Royal Easter Show; Mr Bruce White OAM, 2018 Show Legend, Mr Robert Ryan OAM, President RAS of NSW.
New Role To Improve Access To Public Land For Beekeepers
March 28, 2018: NSW Department of Primary IndustriesNSW Department of Primary Industries will develop a single online support desk to simplify access to apiary sites on public land.The support desk will streamline the process for beekeepers to access public land in the state - an important development for NSW government agencies and industry.
NSW Department of Primary Industries Manager Intensive Livestock, Alex Russell, said DPI has recognised the need to develop and manage a support desk to provide a central point of liaison for the honey bee industry in its dealings with government.
“This support desk will include an online platform to present information about available sites, including maps, a customer database and tools to improve communication between agencies and permit holders,” Mr Russell said.
A new Program Coordinator, Apiculture Resource Access role has been created within the Department, based in Orange, to develop the support desk.
“I am pleased to announce that Nick Geoghegan has accepted the role, which is expected to deliver significant improvements in the utilisation of available sites for apiculture with administrative efficiency benefits for both government and industry,” Mr Russell said.
“In particular, Nick will coordinate the implementation of the new policy framework for apiary sites on public land and the establishment of the support desk for apiary site permit holders - beekeepers.
Mr Geoghegan has recently visited apiary sites on the south coast to see first-hand some of the challenges and opportunities that affect beekeepers. He plans to also meet with other relevant stakeholders in the near future.
Mr Geoghegan said forests and other public lands are a critical resource for the industry and he hoped to make it easier for beekeepers to find out about available sites and to better manage their permits.
“I look forward to working with beekeepers and agencies to address issues affecting access to public land and to identify potential new sites,” he said.
Nick has extensive project and program management experience. His qualifications include a Masters of Information Technology (University of Sydney) and a BSc (Management) from Dublin University.
He previously held a number of senior roles in the telecommunications sector, with a strong focus on product development, marketing, stakeholder engagement and customer experience.
L-R NSW DPI Honey Bee Industry Development Officer, Elizabeth Frost and NSW DPI Program Coordinator Apiculture Resource Access, Nick Geoghegan at Tocal College.
March 28, 2018: NSW Department of Primary Industries
NSW Department of Primary Industries will develop a single online support desk to simplify access to apiary sites on public land.
The support desk will streamline the process for beekeepers to access public land in the state - an important development for NSW government agencies and industry.
NSW Department of Primary Industries Manager Intensive Livestock, Alex Russell, said DPI has recognised the need to develop and manage a support desk to provide a central point of liaison for the honey bee industry in its dealings with government.
“This support desk will include an online platform to present information about available sites, including maps, a customer database and tools to improve communication between agencies and permit holders,” Mr Russell said.
A new Program Coordinator, Apiculture Resource Access role has been created within the Department, based in Orange, to develop the support desk.
“I am pleased to announce that Nick Geoghegan has accepted the role, which is expected to deliver significant improvements in the utilisation of available sites for apiculture with administrative efficiency benefits for both government and industry,” Mr Russell said.
“In particular, Nick will coordinate the implementation of the new policy framework for apiary sites on public land and the establishment of the support desk for apiary site permit holders - beekeepers.
Mr Geoghegan has recently visited apiary sites on the south coast to see first-hand some of the challenges and opportunities that affect beekeepers. He plans to also meet with other relevant stakeholders in the near future.
Mr Geoghegan said forests and other public lands are a critical resource for the industry and he hoped to make it easier for beekeepers to find out about available sites and to better manage their permits.
“I look forward to working with beekeepers and agencies to address issues affecting access to public land and to identify potential new sites,” he said.
Nick has extensive project and program management experience. His qualifications include a Masters of Information Technology (University of Sydney) and a BSc (Management) from Dublin University.
He previously held a number of senior roles in the telecommunications sector, with a strong focus on product development, marketing, stakeholder engagement and customer experience.
L-R NSW DPI Honey Bee Industry Development Officer, Elizabeth Frost and NSW DPI Program Coordinator Apiculture Resource Access, Nick Geoghegan at Tocal College.
Powerful Owl Release
March 18, 2018: Avalon Preservation AssociationPNHA's Jacqui Marlow has advised that a Powerful Owl chick has been released in Plateau Park following its recuperation in Taronga Park.
If you see it there being harassed, or even if you see it at all, can you please phone her on 0458 194 127.
Powerful owl family - photo courtesy PNHA
March 18, 2018: Avalon Preservation Association
PNHA's Jacqui Marlow has advised that a Powerful Owl chick has been released in Plateau Park following its recuperation in Taronga Park.
If you see it there being harassed, or even if you see it at all, can you please phone her on 0458 194 127.
Powerful owl family - photo courtesy PNHA
NSW Environment Groups Call On Federal Labor To Support NSW Colleagues And Oppose Coalition’s Sham Regional Forest Agreement Process
March 28, 2018: By National Parks AssociationEnvironment groups in NSW have welcomed NSW Labor’s commitment[1] to no automatic rollover of Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) “until there is a proper independent scientific assessment of their outcomes, and the assumptions of the original RFAs are revisited”, and call on Shadow Environment Minister, Tony Burke, to match his State colleagues’ position.
In February, environment groups in NSW walked away from a sham RFA consultations process that saw the NSW and Federal Coalitions commit to new RFAs prior to any review or reassessment taking place.
NPA CEO Alix Goodwin said: “The RFAs have failed socially, environmentally and economically. The good news is that in the 20 years since the RFAs were signed, other options now exist for the management of public native forests that can benefit the environment and regional communities.
“Tony Burke should match NSW Labor and commit to a process of assessing the RFAs before rollover.”
Dailan Pugh OAM, spokesperson for the North East Forest Alliance, said: “Polling in northern NSW has shown that 90% of people want public native forests protected for wildlife, water, carbon storage and recreation.
“We commend NSW Labor for taking a policy position that offers the communities it aspires to represent the chance to be heard. Federal Labor should do the same.”
Heather Kenway, from the South East Region Conservation Alliance said: “The industry in southern NSW is facing a sharp decline in yields, meaning more forest has to be logged to maintain wood supply. It is running out of large sawlogs.
“After 50 years of woodchipping it is time for major changes to forest management.”
Susie Russell, spokesperson for the North Coast Environment Council said: “On Monday we saw millers in Victoria say that they either need access to national parks and water catchments for timber or an exit package[2].
“The lack of resource is the same in northern NSW, our catchments are already being damaged by logging and industry is seeking access to national parks here too.
“Federal Labor must support a fully funded, genuine process and use the expiry of the RFAs to allow communities to choose the future for public native forests.”
[1]http://www.pennysharpe.com/labor_demands_no_sign_off_of_regional_forest_agreements_unless_a_proper_assessment_is_done
[2]https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/26/exclusive-sawmillers-call-for-access-to-victorian-parks-and-water-catchments
March 28, 2018: By National Parks Association
Environment groups in NSW have welcomed NSW Labor’s commitment[1] to no automatic rollover of Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) “until there is a proper independent scientific assessment of their outcomes, and the assumptions of the original RFAs are revisited”, and call on Shadow Environment Minister, Tony Burke, to match his State colleagues’ position.
In February, environment groups in NSW walked away from a sham RFA consultations process that saw the NSW and Federal Coalitions commit to new RFAs prior to any review or reassessment taking place.
NPA CEO Alix Goodwin said: “The RFAs have failed socially, environmentally and economically. The good news is that in the 20 years since the RFAs were signed, other options now exist for the management of public native forests that can benefit the environment and regional communities.
“Tony Burke should match NSW Labor and commit to a process of assessing the RFAs before rollover.”
Dailan Pugh OAM, spokesperson for the North East Forest Alliance, said: “Polling in northern NSW has shown that 90% of people want public native forests protected for wildlife, water, carbon storage and recreation.
“We commend NSW Labor for taking a policy position that offers the communities it aspires to represent the chance to be heard. Federal Labor should do the same.”
Heather Kenway, from the South East Region Conservation Alliance said: “The industry in southern NSW is facing a sharp decline in yields, meaning more forest has to be logged to maintain wood supply. It is running out of large sawlogs.
“After 50 years of woodchipping it is time for major changes to forest management.”
Susie Russell, spokesperson for the North Coast Environment Council said: “On Monday we saw millers in Victoria say that they either need access to national parks and water catchments for timber or an exit package[2].
“The lack of resource is the same in northern NSW, our catchments are already being damaged by logging and industry is seeking access to national parks here too.
“Federal Labor must support a fully funded, genuine process and use the expiry of the RFAs to allow communities to choose the future for public native forests.”
[1]http://www.pennysharpe.com/labor_demands_no_sign_off_of_regional_forest_agreements_unless_a_proper_assessment_is_done
[2]https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/26/exclusive-sawmillers-call-for-access-to-victorian-parks-and-water-catchments
Desalinated Water To Boost Supply And Protect Victorians
Ending Commercial Net Fishing In Corio Bay
Back Regional Territorians At Risk And And Ban Fracking
To Prevent Collapse Of Tropical Forests, Protect Their Shape
March 30, 2018: University of VermontTropical forests have been called the lungs of the planet. They soak up vast quantities of carbon dioxide, hold the world's greatest diversity of plants and animals, and employ millions of people. And these hot ecosystems -- often a patchwork of trees and grasslands -- are being deeply altered by logging and other land use change.
Now, a team of scientists have made a fundamental discovery about how fires on the edges of these forests control their shape and stability. Their study implies that when patches of tropical forest lose their natural shape it could contribute to the sudden, even catastrophic, transformation of that land from trees to grass.
The new knowledge could help protect tropical forests -- and allow land managers to build new tools to predict the stability of both individual forest patches and larger regional-scale forests.
The study was published March 26 in the journal Ecology Letters.
A mix of forest and grassland characteristic of the Brazilian Cerrado. Credit: Laurent Hebert-Dufresne
LAW OF THE FORESTUsing high-resolution satellite data from protected forests in the savanna region of the Brazilian Cerrado, the scientists found that the shape of these natural forests follow a predictable mathematical relationship between a forest's perimeter and its area -- regardless of its climate region or its size. They call this a "3/4 power law" and it roughly means the forests all tend toward shapes that are neither skinny like a line, nor round and smooth like a circle. "If a forest could grow easily in all directions, we'd expect a circle," says Laurent Hébert-Dufresne, a computer scientist at the University of Vermont who is the lead author on the new study, "but what we actually see is more dendritic, a bit like an octopus or deformed circle."
The team of six scientists -- that included modelers, ecologists and physicists from UVM, the Santa Fe Institute, Stanford, Boston University, Princeton, and the University of Washington -- show that the 3/4 law holds true for tiny forest fragments not much bigger than a basketball court up to large forest patches covering dozens of square miles.
The scientists combined their understanding of real-world data with the results of a new computer model to explain why this happens: fires, that burn easily in the grasslands surrounding forests -- and singe the forests' wet edges -- are in constant battle with the forests' expansive growth out into grasslands. This interplay at the edge between grass and forest, the scientists discovered, creates forest patches that converge on a steady-state shape.
The results of the scientists' model matched the observed results from real forests in Brazil. And an experiment the scientists ran on their model shows that the fate of forest patches over time -- whether they expand or contract -- is determined by their initial shape. Those with compact shapes of all sizes, over time, converge on the more octopus-like 3/4-power-scaling relationship*, while those with skinny shapes and larger perimeter-to-area ratios collapsed, disappearing into grasslands or fragmenting into very small patches.
Which means that this relationship between a forest's perimeter and its area may help predict the stability of individual forest patches. The scientists are optimistic that the study can lead to practical tools that show how far a managed forest patch deviates from this natural geometry will help to determine its stability over time.
STATE CHANGEAnd the new research presents insights at a larger, regional scale into the possible fate of Brazil's forests. "Stepping back and considering the macro scale -- not looking at the shape of every patch, but, instead, at the state of the entire system -- the model suggests that the collapse from forest to grassland can be dramatic," says Andrew Berdahl, a researcher at the Santa Fe Institute and the senior author on the study. "These local, small-scale effects -- perimeter growth and edge burning -- can lead to a critical transition across a whole forest region between a forest-dominated-state and a grass-dominated-state." And once large areas of forest switch to grass it can be difficult to recover the forests. "It is like stepping off a cliff," says Berdahl. "You can't simply step back up."
Ecologists have historically looked at the elements within a forest to understand its condition -- often focusing on its plants and animals -- but there has been little exploration of the geometry of forests and how this might matter. The new study shows a powerful role for fire driving the shape of Brazil's tropical forests, "and we'd now like to see if this pattern holds true in other parts of the world," says UVM's Hébert-Dufresne, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and part of UVM's Complex Systems Center. "Say in Africa we find that elephants pushing over trees changes the equation, or dryness in Australia -- that would be very interesting." And he'd like to expand the research to see whether the relationship observed in the new model -- derived from wild forests -- holds true in logged and other managed forests in Brazil.
"Our fundamental point though is that a forest's shape is very important," he says, "and that its shape is directly related to its stability."
Laurent Hébert-Dufresne, Adam F. A. Pellegrini, Uttam Bhat, Sidney Redner, Stephen W. Pacala, Andrew M. Berdahl. Edge fires drive the shape and stability of tropical forests. Ecology Letters, 2018; DOI: 10.1111/ele.12942
March 30, 2018: University of Vermont
Tropical forests have been called the lungs of the planet. They soak up vast quantities of carbon dioxide, hold the world's greatest diversity of plants and animals, and employ millions of people. And these hot ecosystems -- often a patchwork of trees and grasslands -- are being deeply altered by logging and other land use change.
Now, a team of scientists have made a fundamental discovery about how fires on the edges of these forests control their shape and stability. Their study implies that when patches of tropical forest lose their natural shape it could contribute to the sudden, even catastrophic, transformation of that land from trees to grass.
The new knowledge could help protect tropical forests -- and allow land managers to build new tools to predict the stability of both individual forest patches and larger regional-scale forests.
The study was published March 26 in the journal Ecology Letters.
A mix of forest and grassland characteristic of the Brazilian Cerrado. Credit: Laurent Hebert-Dufresne
LAW OF THE FOREST
Using high-resolution satellite data from protected forests in the savanna region of the Brazilian Cerrado, the scientists found that the shape of these natural forests follow a predictable mathematical relationship between a forest's perimeter and its area -- regardless of its climate region or its size. They call this a "3/4 power law" and it roughly means the forests all tend toward shapes that are neither skinny like a line, nor round and smooth like a circle. "If a forest could grow easily in all directions, we'd expect a circle," says Laurent Hébert-Dufresne, a computer scientist at the University of Vermont who is the lead author on the new study, "but what we actually see is more dendritic, a bit like an octopus or deformed circle."
The team of six scientists -- that included modelers, ecologists and physicists from UVM, the Santa Fe Institute, Stanford, Boston University, Princeton, and the University of Washington -- show that the 3/4 law holds true for tiny forest fragments not much bigger than a basketball court up to large forest patches covering dozens of square miles.
The scientists combined their understanding of real-world data with the results of a new computer model to explain why this happens: fires, that burn easily in the grasslands surrounding forests -- and singe the forests' wet edges -- are in constant battle with the forests' expansive growth out into grasslands. This interplay at the edge between grass and forest, the scientists discovered, creates forest patches that converge on a steady-state shape.
The results of the scientists' model matched the observed results from real forests in Brazil. And an experiment the scientists ran on their model shows that the fate of forest patches over time -- whether they expand or contract -- is determined by their initial shape. Those with compact shapes of all sizes, over time, converge on the more octopus-like 3/4-power-scaling relationship*, while those with skinny shapes and larger perimeter-to-area ratios collapsed, disappearing into grasslands or fragmenting into very small patches.
Which means that this relationship between a forest's perimeter and its area may help predict the stability of individual forest patches. The scientists are optimistic that the study can lead to practical tools that show how far a managed forest patch deviates from this natural geometry will help to determine its stability over time.
STATE CHANGE
And the new research presents insights at a larger, regional scale into the possible fate of Brazil's forests. "Stepping back and considering the macro scale -- not looking at the shape of every patch, but, instead, at the state of the entire system -- the model suggests that the collapse from forest to grassland can be dramatic," says Andrew Berdahl, a researcher at the Santa Fe Institute and the senior author on the study. "These local, small-scale effects -- perimeter growth and edge burning -- can lead to a critical transition across a whole forest region between a forest-dominated-state and a grass-dominated-state." And once large areas of forest switch to grass it can be difficult to recover the forests. "It is like stepping off a cliff," says Berdahl. "You can't simply step back up."
Ecologists have historically looked at the elements within a forest to understand its condition -- often focusing on its plants and animals -- but there has been little exploration of the geometry of forests and how this might matter. The new study shows a powerful role for fire driving the shape of Brazil's tropical forests, "and we'd now like to see if this pattern holds true in other parts of the world," says UVM's Hébert-Dufresne, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and part of UVM's Complex Systems Center. "Say in Africa we find that elephants pushing over trees changes the equation, or dryness in Australia -- that would be very interesting." And he'd like to expand the research to see whether the relationship observed in the new model -- derived from wild forests -- holds true in logged and other managed forests in Brazil.
"Our fundamental point though is that a forest's shape is very important," he says, "and that its shape is directly related to its stability."
Laurent Hébert-Dufresne, Adam F. A. Pellegrini, Uttam Bhat, Sidney Redner, Stephen W. Pacala, Andrew M. Berdahl. Edge fires drive the shape and stability of tropical forests. Ecology Letters, 2018; DOI: 10.1111/ele.12942
More Accurate Estimates Of Methane Emissions From Dairy Cattle Developed
NSW Athletes Go For Gold
March 26, 2018: NSW Government
Nearly half of the NSW athletes will be making their Commonwealth Games debut, with nine representing Australia in international competition for the first time.
Ninety of the athletes competing are supported by the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS).
The NSWIS athletes will compete in athletics, swimming, hockey, shooting, diving, cycling and triathlon.
NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres wished the NSW athletes the best of luck.
“The number of athletes from NSW not only demonstrates the talent we have in our state but also the world-class facilities and support that we offer to enable them to compete against the world’s best,” Mr Ayres said.
The Commonwealth Games will be held on the Gold Coast from 4 April to 15 April 2018.
Appointment Of The Higher Education Standards Panel
Thursday 29 March 2018: Media Release - Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training
The Turnbull Government has appointed a new Chair and five new members to a panel responsible for advice on how to maintain the quality and standards of Australia’s higher education system.
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham congratulated the Panel on their appointments and re-appointments and said Professor Ian O’Connor AC, Vice Chancellor of Griffith University, would take on the role of Chair.
Professor O’Connor will be joined by new members Deputy Chair Professor Kerri-Lee Krause, Dr Don Owers AM, Adrienne Nieuwenhuis, Sadie Heckenberg and Professor Kent Anderson as well as re-appointed members the Hon Phil Honeywood and Dr Krystal Evans.
“I look forward to working with the Panel to strengthen Australia’s world-leading higher education system,” Minister Birmingham said.
As part of an initial work plan, Minister Birmingham has asked the Panel to:
- Oversee a review of the higher education Provider Category Standards
- Work with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) to further improve its regulatory approach
- Assess the effectiveness of the Higher Education Standards Framework for the regulation of overseas campuses of Australian institutions
- Consider whether credit transfer policies and standards in higher education are adequately meeting the needs of students and institutions
- Provide input to the Review of the Australian Qualifications Framework
- Monitor and receive reports from the QILT Working Group and the Higher Education Data Committee’s efforts to reduce duplication in higher education reporting requirements; and
- Identify other deregulatory opportunities in higher education.
“The Panel members’ experience and expertise will continue to help develop and guide Australian higher education policies and practices,” Minister Birmingham said.
“I would like to thank the outgoing chair, Professor Peter Shergold AC, who will complete his term today. Over the last three years he has made an outstanding contribution chairing the Higher Education Standards Panel, and prior to that as Chair of the TEQSA Advisory Council.
“I would also like to thank the outgoing Panel members, Professor Greg Craven AO, Professor Alan Robson AO, and Ms Karen Thomas for their significant contributions.
“Under Professor Shergold’s guidance, the Panel undertook important work to improve student admissions transparency, oversee implementation of the revised Higher Education Standards Framework, reduce the burden of professional accreditation requirements, review the impact of the TEQSA Act on the higher education sector, and examine threats to academic integrity, just to mention a few.
Professor O’Connor will take over as Chair of the Panel following the first meeting of 2018. The Panel members are appointed for three year terms.
Declaring The March 2018 Tathra Bushfires (Bega Valley Shire Of New South Wales) A Disaster For Tax Purposes
March 29, 2018
Office of the Prime Minister of Australia
The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull
The Turnbull Government today declared the March 2018 Tathra bushfires (Bega Valley Shire of New South Wales) a disaster for the purposes of establishing Australian disaster relief funds.
Following a request for help to the Prime Minister from Senator Jim Molan and the Mayor of Bega Valley, Kristy McBain, the Government has acted swiftly to allow new funds and qualifying existing funds established for the relief of people affected by the Tathra fires to receive tax deductible donations.
Tathra has suffered devastating property loss and damage. A large clean-up operation will be required to help the residents rebuild their community.
The Turnbull Government is determined to help.
Funds will need to apply for formal endorsement. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and the Australian Taxation Office are available to assist funds with this process.
Donations to Australian disaster relief funds established to provide relief in the aftermath of the 2018 Tathra bushfires will be tax deductible for a period of two years from 18 March 2018.
Further information on establishing an Australian disaster relief fund is available at www.ato.gov.au or by calling 1300 130 248.
Say Hi To Borobi!
A loveable koala with fur the colour of the ocean and a passion for surfing and adventure was announced as the mascot for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games™ (GC2018).
Borobi—which means 'koala' in the language of the Gold Coast’s Yugambeh people—will play a key role in welcoming the athletes of the world and bringing to life the true spirit of the Games.
Surprisingly, it is the first time a koala has been chosen as the mascot of a major Australian multisport event.
Inspired by a drawing by Brisbane school teacher Merrilyn Krohn, the winner of the GC2018 Mascot Design Competition, Borobi’s outgoing personality will invite the world to Share the Dream™ of GC2018.
From the 4th to 15th of April, history will be made on the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) will welcome more than 6,600 athletes and team officials from 70 Commonwealth nations and territories to the Gold Coast and event cities Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville, to share in the celebration of sport, entertainment and culture.
The largest sporting event to be staged in Australia this decade, GC2018 will feature the largest integrated sports program in Commonwealth Games history, comprising 18 sports and seven para-sports.
Beach Volleyball, Para Triathlon and Women’s Rugby Sevens will make their Commonwealth Games debuts and for the first time at a Commonwealth Games, an equal number of men’s and women’s medal events will be contested.
You can find out more about everything associated with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth games at: www.gc2018.com