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Warringah Council wants to hear from local businesses to help shape and develop Warringah’s future business landscape for a stronger local economy with benefits for all the community.

“We want to hear from local businesses to help us chart a clear path forward for future economic development activity in the Warringah area,” said Warringah Council’s Administrator Dick Persson.

“We have a consultation program for local businesses including an online survey and oneonone discussions to help paint a picture of the Warringah economy and shape the future of our local area.

“Once we have developed a thorough understanding of Warringah’s business environment we will be better placed to make informed and relevant decisions for our business community and related issues like local employment and training.

“We want to see and actively contribute to thriving local businesses, satisfied staff and plenty of opportunities for local jobs and education.

“While it is essential that we receive quality information from businesses we appreciate that everyone’s time is valuable so the survey has been designed to only take about 10 minutes.

“I encourage all local businesses to participate in this consultation by completing a survey online or contacting Council for an individual interview,” Mr Persson said. To fill out a survey or be involved in a one on one discussion go to www.warringah.nsw.gov.au or contact Council’s Strategy and Policy Team on 9942 2716. ends

Filtra Limited, a Brookvale technology company formed in 1999, recently received a grant of $1.7 million to develop and commercialise a unique liquid/solid separator that will augment or replace clarifiers in sewerage treatment plants.  The money comes from the Government’s flagship innovation grants program, Commercial Ready, which provides $200 million a year to help small and medium-sized businesses bring new and inventive products and services to market.
The original concept for the Filtra technology was inspired by the inventor’s observation of wave cycles in water. His vision was to develop a technology that revolutionised the separation process in industrial operations.

Another local company, Datadot Technology Limited, Frenches Forest, received $1.5 million for further development of the robotic spray processes for the application of their ‘DatadotDNA’ vehicle anti-theft and identification technology. 

Businesses interested in applying for assistance can access more information at www.ausindustry.gov.au

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) is calling for young Australians between the ages of 11 and 18 to enter the Human Writes personal essay and Rights in Perspective art competitions.

The two competitions were first held last year, as part of the Young People and Human Rights Dialogue project. The resulting report, ‘Rights of Passage’, provided a unique insight into what young Australian’s think and feel about human rights.

Human Rights Commissioner, Mr Graeme Innes AM, wants to keep the ‘dialogue’ with young people ongoing in 2006.

“In the competitions’ second year, HREOC aims to seek out some of the most creative and talented young people in the country to illustrate their views on important human rights issues in Australia,” he said.  “Last year the competitions attracted over 150 entries from all states and territories and I am hoping for a similar response in 2006.”

“Last year’s competitions also attracted some very positive feedback from teachers who found the essay and art competitions were a great way to get their students thinking about human rights.”

There are great prizes on offer! HREOC will award iPods or digital cameras to the national winners and the Australian Red Cross has prizes for State and Territory winners.

Winning and shortlisted artworks and essays from last year’s competitions can be viewed on the HREOC website at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/rights_of_passage/art/
and http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/rights_of_passage/essay/

For more information, including entry forms, hints and tips, eligibility, conditions of entry, downloadable posters and an audio file about the competitions go to http://www.humanrights.gov.au/competitions/index.html or call
02 9284 9635

Entries close FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 2006

 

 

At least 18 rock fishermen have been killed on the northern beaches since 1991.  In fact, rock fishing is the most dangerous sport in Australia.  Who would have thought those ordinary, middle-aged blokes standing around on the beach were such daredevils? 

A near-death experience involving a friend who was rock fishing a few years ago at La Perouse inspired a young Sydney designer to tackle the problem.  Justin Alfred was studying Industrial Design at The University of New South Wales when his friend was swept from the rocks and sustained lacerations to the body and head. 

Justin realised that safety equipment for the sport had particular requirements – fishermen needed a jacket that would allow them to move freely while casting.

His efforts resulted in the production of a helmet and jacket which together make up the Rock Fishing Aid. He demonstrated the Aid recently on the ABC’s New Inventors.  A detailed description and illustration of the jacket and helmet can be seen on the programme’s website

Rock Fishing Aid was his 2003 final year student project. His design won silver in the student category at the 2004 Australian Design Awards and is exhibited at the Powerhouse Museum.