| A recent report highlighted that up to 35% of companies are now considering cloud computing when making the decision to outsource. Many organizations are also making the shift to outsourcing in low wage countries where it’s possible to hire staff for as little $3 an hour.
As Dr Rob Rawson, CEO and co-founder of Staff.com explains, “cloud computing means businesses can use staff in low-wage countries for accounting, customer relations and back-office services.†Dr Rawson recently launched Staff.com, a recruitment website that takes a new approach in connecting local companies with global talent. Dubbed as a “smarter, faster, better way to hireâ€, it allows bosses to to track low-wage workers minute by minute using time tracking software – all in the cloud. Anyone can post a job for free and then interview suitable candidates using online tools before hiring them. Once an employer hires someone (either on a trial or a short term contract), they can monitor everything they are doing on their computer, including the software they use, the amount of time they spend on Facebook, and how long they spend on breaks each day. There is complete transparency and every minute of time is monitored and logged in the cloud along with screenshots from each employee. Staff can also see when they are being monitored and the software only tracks computer usage for time which is logged during work hours. As Dr Rawson notes, “the ability to monitor remote staff using ethical monitoring software that only tracks time at work, means that staff hired via staff.com are more accountable than if they were sitting in the same “In the global marketplace businesses can’t escape the round-the-clock demand for real time support and interaction, which is why outsourcing is no brainer… especially when you consider that it’s now possible to hire staff in the Philippines for as little as $3 to $4 an hourâ€. In one of the most comprehensive reports in outsourcing in Australia, nearly all participants agreed that \”outsourcing general results in improved efficiency, improved service and lower costsâ€. Additional benefits came \”not from merely transferring business processes, but from transforming them\” as old businesses processes are moved from internal system to the cloud. According to finance.gov.au, Australians spent more than 7 billion dollars on outsourcing in 2010, with the amount spent on ICT outsourcing is increasing every year. Globally, outsourcing is a multi-billion dollar industry ($370 billion in 2010). ### For more information, please contact John McCann + 61 407 260 995 or email[email protected] Dr Rob Rawson is available for comment. **** Additional Resources **** PHOTOS of Doctor Rawson, a PDF version of the release and a hi-res version of the Staff.com logo are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/32lk60hqfyclh5x/GK8M-YS3zw INFOGRAPHIC – available for attributed reuse: https://www.staff.com/blog/web-developer-salaries-infographic/ Australian Government guide to ICT outsourcing Staff.com Video Introduction for job seekers Rob Rawson explains how Staff.com works for employers The multi-process Procurement Outsourcing (PO) market will grow about 15 percent and reach US$1.8 billion in annual contract value (ACV) in 2012, representing managed spend of about US$220 billion, according to a new research report, Procurement Outsourcing Annual Report 2012 – The PO Market: Steadily Marching Forward, published by Everest Group, a global consulting and research firm. http://thesauce.net.au/2012/05/study-finds-procurement-outsourcing-has-record-year-of-growth/ **** References **** |
| The app that provides a collection of surf spots around the world.
AUSTRALIA – Available now the app SurfSpotting offers surfers 1250 preset surf spots around the world. Its purpose is to provide surfers with a collection of surf spots around the world with a brief descriiption of each spot. The app is map based and displays surf spots within a 20 kilometre (12 mile) radius from the user’s current GPS location. Users can also search for surf spots by browsing global regions, searching by individual spot names or by entering the current wind and swell directions. The development of SurfSpotting focused on providing preset surf spots, but what makes it different from other ‘surf apps’ is that it allows users to collect and store their own spots. Both the preset and added spots are displayed on the maps and are used with the built-in search functions. Each spot has its own brief description including best wind direction, best swell direction, wave direction (left hander, right hander or both) and a summary of the surface below (rock, reef or sand). The home page displays all spots within a 20 kilometres (12 miles) radius of the user’s current GPS location. Users can also search for surf spots by browsing global regions, searching by individual spot names or by entering the current wind and swell directions. When searching for a spot using the current conditions, the user must input the current wind and swell direction, wave direction they prefer and surface below. The matching results are then displayed on the m ap. SurfSpotting can be used by the travelling surfer or surfers just looking to discover new surf breaks. SurfSpotting is now available for $2.99AU and is priced accordingly in other regions. The app is available world-wide on the Apple App Store ###  If you’d like more information about SurfSpotting, or to schedule an interview with Andrew Scales, please phone +61 417 250 420 or email [email protected] Contact: Andrew Scales Photos and other information can be provided on request. |
| The current debate about the human rights of gays and lesbians is leaving vulnerable gay and lesbian people feeling devalued and at risk according to Freedom2b, a support organisation for gay and lesbian people of Christian backgrounds.
Freedom2b’s President, Michelle Kolev says: “Given the role played by conservative churches in the debate, we are particularly concerned for the welfare of same-sex attracted people from these churches.” Kolev says that “The attacks by the Liberal National Party in Queensland and Katter’s Australian Party are strongly felt among lesbian, gay and bisexual people. The attacks on the rights of same-sex attracted people to marry are also keenly felt.” “Groups such as the Australian Christian Lobby have made a particularly unhelpful contribution to the marriage debate, implying that there is only one viewpoint that Christians hold”, says Kolev. “Within every denomination, there will be people with a variety of views on issues such as the freedom to marry”, Kolev stated. “Some churches are becoming increasingly uncomfortable and unwelcome spaces for many same-sex attracted people. This can create feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression for many same-sex attracted people of faith as they often feel they are stuck in the middle, torn between faith and sexual orientationâ€, Kolev said. “Knowing that this vulnerability can be dangerous, we urge conservative Christian leaders to conduct themselves with sensitivity. We want to remind same-sex attracted Christians of the existence of support services such as Freedom2b, Lifeline, and the gay and lesbian welfare organisations in each State”. At the same time, Ms Kolev also acknowledged and praised the excellent work being undertaken by community groups and some churches to enshrine the human rights of same-sex attracted people in law. For further information, Michelle Kolev on 0403 987.723. ### |
|
An education report by Fulbright Scholar, Mark Harris, has found significant gaps in workforce development of educational staff in Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and US higher education. The report, recently released by the Queensland Department of Education, Training and Employment, identified the impact of limited capacity and capability building of the educational workforce over the previous five years. “Unless action is taken, the Australian VET system will fail to meet the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) National Agreement for skills and workforce development objective,†Mr Harris said. With Australia struggling to meet both current and future workforce needs, Mark Harris has a vision for the future of the VET workforce. He believes a wide-ranging, planned and collaborative approach is required to ensure that the VET sector has the required quality and skills. “Workforce development provides a framework for organisations, sectors and government to navigate and plan sector-wide development when the workforce is on a downward Baby Boomer spiral,†Mr Harris said. Mr Harris’ research began at Southbank Institute of Technology in Brisbane to determine the scope of the ageing workforce challenge. “I studied retirement intentions of ageing faculty,†he said. “SBIT had no strategy to replace the loss of knowledge and expertise through the ageing, retiring workforce. It is critical to prepare teachers and students for new jobs in the recovering economy.†Awarded the 2010 Australian-American Fulbright Professional Scholarship, Mr Harris worked in New York with leading academics, researchers and education administrators at host organisation, The State University of New York (SUNY), Oswego. He examined faculty workforce development in the SUNY Community College and Technology College system, across workforce planning, human resource management, and workforce capability development, and investigated how organisational culture impacts on workforce development strategy and practice. Mr Harris’ report outlines priorities in workforce management, capacity and capability-building and cultural change to meet community and industry needs. “It provides an excellent blueprint in leveraging new approaches and best practices for workforce development in creating a foundation for economic growth,†he said. “Ensuring that workforce skills continue to meet evolving employer needs is central to strengthening the economy,†said Mr Harris. “We need to advance new and innovative partnerships between academia and industry and provide more workforce training resources to help teachers, trainers, students and employers advance critical skills.†Mr Harris was recently invited to present his framework for developing the VET practitioner workforce at the International Vocational Education and Training Association (IVETA) Conference in St Louis. Mark Harris, a former Senior Strategy Officer of DET Queensland, is the Director of Global Education & HR Consultancy Services, which partners with VET Sector institutions and colleges, educational professionals, students and business to promote VET professionals’ capabilities. To download an electronic copy of his Australian-American Fulbright research report, Benchmarking Workforce Development in Education Organisations – A view from abroad go to www.globaleduhr.com ENDS For further information, contact Mark Harris 0400 553 478 |
With the year’s Olympics less than a month away, how much will it cost travelling sport fans once they get to London? |
| Thursday, 12 July 2012 10:48 |
|
London, 12 July 2012: Australians heading to London for this year’s Olympics can expect to find cost of living around 18% cheaper than at home according to ECA International, the world’s leader in the development and provision of solutions for the management and assignment of employees around the world. The continued strength of the Australian dollar against the pound is contributing to savings that would not have been witnessed had the games been held in the English capital at the time of the previous Games, four years ago. Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world so it comes as no surprise that Japanese visitors will see the biggest savings. They can expect to spend almost 28% less on average in central London on a typical basket of goods and services than they would at home. While Chinese visitors will hope to see their nation win the most medals once again, they’ll be less excited at the prospect of living costs being 10% higher in the English capital than at home. Of the top 20 countries to secure the most medals at the Beijing Olympics four years ago supporters from Poland and Belarus will find costs in London the most expensive compared with home. They can anticipate having to spend around 45% more while away. Prices may well increase during the Olympic period so cost differences may be even greater. Win or lose, Australian followers heading to London can look forward to getting three beers (500ml) in a London pub for the price of two at home while canned beers from the supermarket are half the price of those purchased in Australia. Unfortunately these can’t be brought into the Olympic Park where supporters should expect to pay over 6 USD for a 330ml bottle of beer. Beer drinking supporters from Poland may be less impressed – they should expect to pay almost 80% more than they would in a pub than at home. If all the beer leads to a ‘headache’ the next morning, pain tablets are around 20% more expensive in London than when purchased in Australia, so anyone travelling over to Europe for the games would do well to pack these in advance. There will be no problem drinking plenty of bottled water – this can be purchased in the capital for a third of the price at home. Soft drinks bought at a supermarket are over 40% cheaper. Eating out is also generally cheaper than back in Australia. A take away meal will cost around 6 per cent less while those in search of dinner in a smart restaurant could save around 15 per cent on the bill. To access graphs comparing cost of living with London and ECA’s Olympic Beer Index click here. Free downloadable report: Global Perspectives – Cost of Living Downloadable PDF copies of the report are available, along with our previous Global Perspectives reports on tax and accommodation, from the Resources section of ECA’s website here: http://www.eca-international.com/resources/white_papers Notes to Editors The data is used by ECA clients to calculate cost of living allowances for assignees. The survey covers:
Certain living costs such as accommodation, utilities (electricity, gas, water costs), car purchase and school fees are not included in the survey. Such items can make a significant difference to expenses but are usually compensated for separately in expatriate packages. This comparison of cost of living was calculated on a base composed of various developed countries and is used to reflect an international lifestyle. Other indices available from ECA reflect specific city-to-city comparisons, and different levels of shopping efficiency. Percentages used here are based on the entire sample of goods and services in ECA’s shopping basket, and are therefore unlikely to reflect the true spending of a supporter. People going to the UK to watch the Olympics will also have to factor in the cost of flights, hotels and tickets to the matches. Some prices are also likely to go up during the Olympic period. About ECA International Follow ECA on twitter: https://twitter.com/ecaintl ### For further information please contact |
| Advances in web hosting technology and decreasing cost of solid-state hard drives set to allow Australian businesses to increase the speed and reliability of their websites without blowing their budgets.
Allowing disk access up to 100 times faster, with self-healing, high availability cloud-based infrastructure, VPSBlocks new offering of VPS (Virtual Private Server) Cloud Hosting with SSD (solid-state-drives) is surprisingly affordable. “For comparable prices to regular Australian VPS hosting, we can provide a solution to Australian businesses that provides vastly increased speed and reliability.†Will Kruss, CEO of VPSBlocks – the Australian web host to offer the new technology. “Most Australian websites are still using shared hosting where their site has to compete for server resources. With added services such as our managed migration service, our solution appeals to all website owners regardless of technical level, and to those who have already made the switch to VPS or dedicated servers but are looking for something faster and more reliable.†Kruss said. While other web hosts often up-sell their clients to dedicated servers to achieve larger profit margins, VPSBlocks focuses on customer satisfaction, ensuring all their clients have the redundancy of failover technology, ensuring services continue even in the event of a catastrophic server failure, and SSD hard drives with raid technology also protecting clients even in the event of multiple HDD failures. Unlike dedicated servers, Cloud VPS solutions are remotely scalable, allowing clients to increase their RAM, CPU and HDD resources as their website grows with just the click of a button and are self-healing in the case of physical hardware or software failure. By providing Australian based servers with SSD and 10GB networking, at an extremely competitive price, VPSBlocks has removed the traditional speed bottlenecks for Australian websites. SSD drives operate up to 100 times faster than the fastest SAS disk drives and for websites with databases or back-end processing, this will mean a substantial performance improvement. Failover technology means in the event of a physical hardware failure any services on that physical machine are automatically and immediately migrated to another physical machine, turning what was traditionally hours of downtime into mere seconds. VPSBlocks also offers an affiliate program, allowing customers or web designers to earn 10% commission for the life of any customers they refer. This could result in yearly payments of well over $100 for referring a single client. “It’s fantastic to be able to bring innovations like this to small business at a similar price level to traditional hosting environments. We’re proud to be launching a world class service here in Australia where historically we have struggled to keep pace with the US.†Kruss said. VPSBlocks (http://www.vpsblocks.com.au) is an Australian owned and operated business providing VPS Cloud Hosting with SSD. They can be reached at 1300 839 448. ### For further details regarding this press release please contact Will Kruss on (03) 8352 4440 or email [email protected] . VPSBlocks logo available at: http://www.vpsblocks.com.au/images/bannerwhite.png |
Commercial real estate agencies turn to iPads and the cloud with Surga Central |
| Wednesday, 25 July 2012 11:42 |
| Australian commercial real estate agencies are turning to Apple iPads and the cloud to raise sales force productivity, improve customer service and gain competitive advantage. Now, with the release of Surga Central for iPad – a cloud-based CRM software application from Adept Business Systems – field-based commercial property agents can use an iPad to immediately perform business functions previously undertaken by office-bound agency staff.
Taking its name from the Bahasa Indonesian word for paradise, Surga Central for iPad provides a comprehensive software application in the cloud for selling and leasing commercial real estate. In addition to managing contacts and property listings, agents can capture requirements to lease or purchase real estate, add notes and generate property marketing brochures – without the need to involve administrators. Information entered from the iPad is stored in Surga Central’s cloud database and becomes immediately available to other team members, thereby improving collaboration between field-based agents and office staff. Surga Central for iPad features a powerful search facility that can exploit the iPad’s native location services. Real estate agents can visually demonstrate what property listings are available and enhance the customer experience by switching to Google Street View to reveal amenities in close proximity to the property. If interest is expressed, a listing brochure can be generated in the cloud and either emailed to the enquirer or downloaded and stored in the agent’s iBooks library. Enquiry searches can be performed to show owners and buyers property enquiry “hot spots†and “dead spots.†Prominent Brisbane commercial agency, First Commercial Realty, has equipped its entire sales force with iPads and Surga Central. Managing Director, Angelo Efstathis said, “From first contact with an owner or tenant, our agents can converse with authority and professionalism as the information they need is at their fingertips. In the current tough market, when dealing with consumers who have already performed research on the Internet, this provides our agents with a clear competitive advantage.†### (images available upon request) About Adept Business Systems Based in Sydney, Adept Business Systems develops, sells and supports a range of business software applications, including Surga Central – a cloud-based CRM application for commercial real estate (www.surgacentral.com). Customers include First Commercial Realty, Ray White Metro, Ray White Brisbane, Ray White Canberra, Richardson & Wrench North Sydney, Hartigan Bolt, O’Donoghues First National, Facey Industrial, Link Property Services, Madsen Partners, Independent Property Group and Barton Commercial Property. Further Information Steve Clark, CEO, Adept Business Systems Angelo Efstathis, Managing Director, First Commercial Realty, Brisbane |
Online information hub for Brisbane Parents launches today |
| Wednesday, 01 August 2012 14:34 |
| Brisbane’s most comprehensive search directory website for parents of kids aged 0 – 16 launches today.
Kidstodo.com.au features the same in-depth search functionality and useability as well known search directories realestate.com.au and seek.com.au. Offering free membership to parents, www.kidstodo.com.au provides detailed written and pictorial information on over 700 playgrounds, along with a huge range of outdoor facilities, free activities and events in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Kidstodo.com.au offers more search criteria than any other similar website, allowing parents to search by age group, twins and special needs requirements, public transport accessibility and wet weather options. Unlike national search directories, Kidstodo.com.au focuses solely on Brisbane and the Coasts, with information filtered by region (North, South, East, West, Moreton Bay, Ipswich etc). Parents can download a local calendar of activities and events for their area. A year in the making, the site was devised by Brisbane mother of 2 year old twin boys, Karen Ghidella. A time poor working parent, Karen found she was unable to find comprehensive, local, up to date online information on kids’ activities, playgrounds and events. Information was either too broad in terms of location, not easily accessible or reviews were out of date. Kidstodo.com.au goes beyond typical search directories and is a goldmine of information for Brisbane parents. Parents can download free planning guides, shopping lists, ‘husband to do lists’ and toddler learning activities. The site also features regular children’s book and movie reviews, helping parents make informed decisions on what their children read and watch. Phase two of the website is in planning now and when launched later this year, will include reviews of a huge range of children’s services, shopping and online resources. Kidstodo.com.au aims to be a one stop, easily accessible online hub of information for Brisbane parents. ### Media Contact |
Some Aussies are pumping more iron than they need |
| Monday, 06 August 2012 15:51 |
| Haemochromatosis is a scary long word. It means inherited iron overload disorder.
About 1 in every 200 Australians have the genes and may experience chronic fatigue and aching joints. If they load up more iron they may develop liver problems, diabetes, arthritis, heart problems and loss of sexual functions. Although haemochromatosis is very common and can be found by simple blood tests, it is often overlooked. Fortunately it is easily treated if diagnosed early. David Blackmore is famous for pioneering the production of Wagu beef in Australia, serving premium markets all over the world. But for years David didn’t know that he was building up too much iron in his body until he was in real trouble. Now he has a regime of giving blood regularly to unload iron. Giving blood to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service has probably saved David’s life. It has also saved other people’s lives. August 13th to 19th is Haemochromatosis Awareness Week. People who have been feeling unusually tired and flat with aching joints over a long time are encouraged to discuss their symptoms with their GP and to ask about haemochromatosis. People who know that there is haemochromatosis in their family should also ask to be tested. “Haemochromatosis is difficult to say but easy to find and simple to treat†says Ben Marris, President of Haemochromatosis Australia, the non-profit advocacy and support group. “If you think you may have this condition you should be tested now and iron out your future health problems.†For more information visit www.haemochromatosis.org.au or call the Haemochromatosis Information Line 1300 019 028 ### HAEMOCHROMATOSIS AWARENESS WEEK 13th 19th AUGUST PUBLIC INFORMATION EVENTS Sydney Information Session and AGM Port Macquarie Information Session Brisbane Haemochromatosis Seminar Hobart Art Exhibition Adelaide Information Session Perth Information Session Sunshine Coast, Queensland Information Session Melbourne Information Session Gold Coast Information Session ABOUT HAEMOCHROMATOSIS AUSTRALIA Haemochromatosis Australia is the support, health promotion and advocacy group for people with haemochromatosis and their families. The group has operated continuously for 22 years. • It is a not for profit group run entirely by volunteers. The groups medical advisors include some of the leading academics and clinicians in the field of haemochromatosis, including – Prof Emeritus Lawrie Powell, Prof John Olynyk, Prof Martin Delatycki, Prof Darrell Crawford, Prof Katie Allen For more information www.haemochromatosis.org,au ABOUT HAEMOCHROMATOSIS Haemochromatosis, or inherited iron overload disorder, is the most common genetic disorder in Australia. It causes the body to absorb excess iron which builds up in the organs and joints over many years and eventually becomes toxic. Early symptoms include joint pains, fatigue, weakness and sexual dysfunction. If untreated it can lead to serious and potentially fatal symptoms including diabetes, liver cancer and cirrhosis, heart failure and osteoarthritis. Despite being so common (one in 200 have the genetic pre-disposition) it is not well known and is frequently overlooked. Often only the individual symptoms are treated and the underlying cause is not recognised. Tests for the condition are simple and cheap. If iron studies show raised ferritin on two occasions, or if a first degree relative is diagnosed, then then a genetic test is covered by Medicare. If people are diagnosed early and treated then haemochromatosis is no barrier to a normal healthy life. Treatment is simple, drug free and uncontroversial. Regular venesection, like giving blood at a blood bank, unloads iron. Often this can be done at the Red Cross Blood Service and the blood is useful. Perhaps, if the condition needed pharmaceutical treatment, it would be better known Haemochromatosis Week The inaugural Australian Haemochromatosis Week will be held from 13th to 19th August 2012. The purpose of the week is to raise community awareness of the condition and thus improve the rate of early diagnosis. For expertise on haemochromatosis Professor Lawrie Powell AC Professor Emeritus, University of Queensland (07) 3646 2352 Professor Darrell Crawford. Dr Katie Goot GP Liaison Officer, Haemochromatosis Australia (07) 4995 8612 Professor Martin Delatycki Director, Bruce Lefroy Centre – Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Director, Clinical Genetics – Austin Health (03) 9496 4355 Professor Katie Allen Group Leader, Gut and Liver Research Group, 0401 002640 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne Professor John Olynyk Director of Gastroenterology, Fremantle Hospital (07) 3646 2352 Laureate Professor John Aitken Newcastle University available for interview by appointment with[email protected] (02) 49 212 082 For personal stories of haemochromatosis Andrew Chapman, Photographer (03) 9752 1492 0418 557 590 David Blackmore, Wagu beef 0408 507 308 Dr. Daniel Johnstone, Sydney University 0422 074 503 |
| Monday, 06 August 2012 15:51 |
| Haemochromatosis is a scary long word. It means inherited iron overload disorder.
About 1 in every 200 Australians have the genes and may experience chronic fatigue and aching joints. If they load up more iron they may develop liver problems, diabetes, arthritis, heart problems and loss of sexual functions. Although haemochromatosis is very common and can be found by simple blood tests, it is often overlooked. Fortunately it is easily treated if diagnosed early. David Blackmore is famous for pioneering the production of Wagu beef in Australia, serving premium markets all over the world. But for years David didn’t know that he was building up too much iron in his body until he was in real trouble. Now he has a regime of giving blood regularly to unload iron. Giving blood to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service has probably saved David’s life. It has also saved other people’s lives. August 13th to 19th is Haemochromatosis Awareness Week. People who have been feeling unusually tired and flat with aching joints over a long time are encouraged to discuss their symptoms with their GP and to ask about haemochromatosis. People who know that there is haemochromatosis in their family should also ask to be tested. “Haemochromatosis is difficult to say but easy to find and simple to treat†says Ben Marris, President of Haemochromatosis Australia, the non-profit advocacy and support group. “If you think you may have this condition you should be tested now and iron out your future health problems.†For more information visit www.haemochromatosis.org.au or call the Haemochromatosis Information Line 1300 019 028 ### HAEMOCHROMATOSIS AWARENESS WEEK 13th 19th AUGUST PUBLIC INFORMATION EVENTS Sydney Information Session and AGM Port Macquarie Information Session Brisbane Haemochromatosis Seminar Hobart Art Exhibition Adelaide Information Session Perth Information Session Sunshine Coast, Queensland Information Session Melbourne Information Session Gold Coast Information Session ABOUT HAEMOCHROMATOSIS AUSTRALIA Haemochromatosis Australia is the support, health promotion and advocacy group for people with haemochromatosis and their families. The group has operated continuously for 22 years. • It is a not for profit group run entirely by volunteers. The groups medical advisors include some of the leading academics and clinicians in the field of haemochromatosis, including – Prof Emeritus Lawrie Powell, Prof John Olynyk, Prof Martin Delatycki, Prof Darrell Crawford, Prof Katie Allen For more information www.haemochromatosis.org,au ABOUT HAEMOCHROMATOSIS Haemochromatosis, or inherited iron overload disorder, is the most common genetic disorder in Australia. It causes the body to absorb excess iron which builds up in the organs and joints over many years and eventually becomes toxic. Early symptoms include joint pains, fatigue, weakness and sexual dysfunction. If untreated it can lead to serious and potentially fatal symptoms including diabetes, liver cancer and cirrhosis, heart failure and osteoarthritis. Despite being so common (one in 200 have the genetic pre-disposition) it is not well known and is frequently overlooked. Often only the individual symptoms are treated and the underlying cause is not recognised. Tests for the condition are simple and cheap. If iron studies show raised ferritin on two occasions, or if a first degree relative is diagnosed, then then a genetic test is covered by Medicare. If people are diagnosed early and treated then haemochromatosis is no barrier to a normal healthy life. Treatment is simple, drug free and uncontroversial. Regular venesection, like giving blood at a blood bank, unloads iron. Often this can be done at the Red Cross Blood Service and the blood is useful. Perhaps, if the condition needed pharmaceutical treatment, it would be better known Haemochromatosis Week The inaugural Australian Haemochromatosis Week will be held from 13th to 19th August 2012. The purpose of the week is to raise community awareness of the condition and thus improve the rate of early diagnosis. For expertise on haemochromatosis Professor Lawrie Powell AC Professor Emeritus, University of Queensland (07) 3646 2352 Professor Darrell Crawford. Dr Katie Goot GP Liaison Officer, Haemochromatosis Australia (07) 4995 8612 Professor Martin Delatycki Director, Bruce Lefroy Centre – Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Director, Clinical Genetics – Austin Health (03) 9496 4355 Professor Katie Allen Group Leader, Gut and Liver Research Group, 0401 002640 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne Professor John Olynyk Director of Gastroenterology, Fremantle Hospital (07) 3646 2352 Laureate Professor John Aitken Newcastle University available for interview by appointment with[email protected] (02) 49 212 082 For personal stories of haemochromatosis Andrew Chapman, Photographer (03) 9752 1492 0418 557 590 David Blackmore, Wagu beef 0408 507 308 Dr. Daniel Johnstone, Sydney University 0422 074 503 |
Melbourne designer sweeps furniture ‘Olympics’ |
| Tuesday, 07 August 2012 11:07 |
| A furniture designer from Melbourne’s northern suburbs has collected a record six gongs at the 2012 Australian Furniture of the Year Awards, including the title of ‘Best of the Best in Australia’.
Christian Cole Furniture designs and hand-makes solid timber furniture and architectural joinery using 100% recycled timber or timber sourced from sustainable commercial plantations. The company was established 13 years ago by Christian and Fiona Cole in Coburg, in Melbourne’s north. This year, the Awards judges were wowed by Arched Edge Tall Boy, unanimously naming it ‘the best of the best’ in Australian furniture. The piece also took out the title of Best in Victoria/Tasmania and the 2012 Excellence in Manufacture Design. The company further amazed their industry by having their Curved Bedroom Suite pick up the national and state titles for Excellence in Bedroom Furniture. “We were blown away by the number of awards and thrilled and humbled that our hard work and innovation has been recognised by our industry peers,” said Christian and Fiona Cole. The couple are now looking forward to their trip to one of the world’s largest furniture trade shows, the Las Vegas Market Trade Show in the US, which they won for their outstanding performance in the Awards. For more information about Christian Cole Furniture, visit www.christiancolefurniture.com.au. ### MEDIA CONTACT: |