PRESS RELEASE: We asked ChatGPT to help with doing our laundry. Here’s what happened.

Can artificial intelligence help you do laundry?

While we’re not quite at the stage of having robots load the washer for us (yet), we were curious to see if it could somehow help with doing laundry.

Everyday at Hudstone, we receive laundry-related questions from our customers. We wondered, if ChatGPT can write essays, pass law exams and compose poems, maybe it can also help with the everyday tasks like washing your clothes.

Here’s what happened when we asked ChatGPT for help.

I fired up the chat window and typed in my first request. “Can you help me with my laundry?”

“Of course!” replied ChatGPT.

“To get started, can you please provide me with some information about what you need help with? For example, what type of clothing do you need to wash, what materials are they made of, and do you have any specific washing instructions?”

I typed my response:

“I have a pile of clothes that need to be washed. There are some t-shirts, jeans, and a few sweaters. Most of them are made of cotton or polyester. I don’t have any specific washing instructions, but I don’t want any of the colours to bleed.”

ChatGPT came back with its recommendations.

“1. Based on your preferences, I suggest sorting your clothes into separate piles by color and material before washing. This will help prevent any color bleeding and ensure that each item is washed correctly.

2. Since most of your clothes are made of cotton and polyester, I suggest using a cold or warm water cycle with a gentle detergent. Avoid using hot water or bleach, as this can damage the fabric. For your sweaters, it’s best to wash them on a delicate cycle or hand wash them to prevent any stretching or damage to the material.

3. When it comes to drying, I recommend air-drying your sweaters to prevent any shrinkage or stretching. For the rest of your clothes, you can either air-dry them or use a low-heat cycle in the dryer. Avoid using high heat, as this can also damage the fabric.

4. If you’re concerned about wrinkles, you can either hang your clothes to dry or use a low-heat iron or steamer to remove any wrinkles.”

So what’s our verdict?

We found ChatGPT’s recommendations to be accurate and easy to follow. Anyone can easily get ChatGPT to provide personalised step-by-step instructions for any laundry related issue, big or small.

While AI may not yet be able to fold your laundry or load the washing machine, it can absolutely provide some helpful suggestions to save you time and energy, and answer any laundry questions you may have.

PRESS RELEASE: Anzac Day – Munjed Al Muderis Calls for Medic Support in Ukraine

As Australians and New Zealanders remember those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, Australian surgeon Professor Munjed Al Muderis is issuing a rallying cry to fellow doctors and surgeons to support Ukrainian colleagues in the fight to help military and civilian casualties of the Russian invasion of their country.

Earlier this month Professor Al Muderis and colleagues Dr Karolina Siwicka, A/Professor Kevin Tetsworth, and Dr Wojciech Piwek spent a week in Lviv: “We operated on fifty people, but there are still hundreds with horrific injuries” explained Professor Al Muderis, “the injuries are escalating, there is infection and significant delays, and with an anticipated counter-offensive, that is only set to increase.”

Describing the need he said: “Like many peaceful countries, Ukraine only has a certain number of severe trauma surgeons, in times of war the need for this expertise increases dramatically and this is where my colleagues and I come in and why I am calling for other colleagues in Australia and New Zealand step forward and help. We need to support the Ukrainians on every front.”

Medical professionals with experience in emergency medicine, trauma care, limb reconstruction, and infectious disease control are all needed. Professor Al Muderis and his colleagues will return on several occasions during the year and professionals who want to help should contact him about how they can help.

“I can’t think of a better way to honour the fallen, and those who have made past sacrifices in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations than supporting those currently facing the same awful situations. However modest the help, it will make a difference.”

PRESS RELEASE: Revolutionary Partnership Alert: Montessori Australia and Raiz Join Forces to Teach Aussie Kids Financial Literacy!

Are you worried about your child’s financial future? Do you want them to have the tools to make informed decisions and achieve their goals? Look no further! Montessori Australia, the peak body for Montessori education in Australia, and Raiz, the innovative personal finance management app, have teamed up to bring you an innovative partnership that will revolutionise the way kids learn about money!

Montessori Australia CEO, Hani Ghali, says, “We are thrilled to partner with Raiz to help young Australians build the knowledge and skills they need to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives. This partnership is a natural extension of our philosophy of empowering children to become independent, self-directed learners.”

Raiz CEO, Brendan Malone, adds, “We believe that financial literacy is a critical life skill that every young person should have the opportunity to learn. By partnering with Montessori Australia, we can help children develop a strong foundation in financial literacy and equip them with the tools they need to achieve their financial goals.”

Together, Montessori Australia and Raiz will develop resources, materials, workshops, and programs that will provide accessible, engaging, and relevant financial education to children across Australia. Don’t miss out on this unprecedented opportunity to give children the gift of financial freedom!

For more information about Montessori Australia and Raiz, visit their websites at www.montessori.org.au and www.raiz.com.au.

Contact:
Montessori Australia: Mark Powell, Director of Education Services, [email protected], 0447 727 731
Raiz: Brendan Malone, CEO, [email protected], 0439 339 195

PRESS RELEASE: Roll Dice for Charity – Jasper’s Game Week Aussie Edition 2023

MEDIA RELEASE

22nd April 2023
For immediate release

Roll Dice for Charity – Jasper’s Game Week Aussie Edition 2023

Meeples & Dragons is organising the third year of Jasper’s Game Week Aussie Edition. Sarah Ray-Lawton, 38, has brought together a host of local Aussie talent from the tabletop roleplay gaming (aka TTRPG) space to raise money for mental health awareness and suicide prevention research. Last year AUD$17,400 was raised and this year the proceeds go to benefit Jasper’s Game Day and the Black Dog Institute.

“I lost a school friend at the age of 14 to suicide, and a close family friend at the age of 18. Having also experienced depression and anxiety myself, hearing about the work that Jasper’s Game Day was doing in the US made me want to do something like that here in Australia. We’ve been working with them since 2021 to fundraise for mental health awareness and suicide prevention research charities through tabletop games such as Dungeons & Dragons. It has been an absolute pleasure working with them and the Australian tabletop streaming community to shine a light on suicide prevention and let people know that they aren’t alone, it’s okay to ask for help.”

Jasper’s Game Week Aussie Edition runs from the 15-20th May on the Meeples & Dragons twitch channel (@meeplesanddragons). Each day consists of three games each lasting for 3 hrs. Games start at 12pm, 3.30pm & 7pm AEST with each game containing 1 game master and up to 6 players. Each game contains seats available to the public that will be auctioned off on 28th April. During the games the audience can donate to influence the gameplay, adding random events that require the cast to adlib and adapt on the go. There are even giveaways throughout the event for the Twitch chat to get in on.

“The TTRPG hobby is a welcoming hobby that is safe place for many people, and I don’t know a single person in this space (myself included) who hasn’t been impacted by mental health in some way. We all have our own stories and each year a bunch of us get together to create a fun, chaotic online event to raise funds for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Because at the end of the day, you’re not a critical failure and every roll matters.”

To support the Japer’s Game Week Aussie Edition, visit: https://www.twitch.tv/meeplesanddragons or https://meeplesanddragons.com.au/

To find out more about the Black Dog Institute and mental health research in Australia, visit: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Event details:

What Jasper’s Game Week Aussie Edition

When 12pm-10pm AEST, 15-20th May

Where Twitch

More info Sarah Ray-Lawton, [email protected] , Ph: 0437536786

Interviews and images are available. Please contact (Sarah Ray-Lawton) on (0437536786) or email ([email protected]).

NOTES FOR EDITORS

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call one of the following national helplines:
LIFELINE COUNSELLING SERVICE 13 11 14 SUICIDE CALL BACK SERVICE 1300 659 467 (cost of a local call)

PRESS RELEASE: New charity joins Run the Tan event to raise awareness for Mental Health

As elite athletes prepare to break records at the annual Run the Tan event on 30 April, and celebrities sign up to encourage more public fun run participants to register, a local Melbourne family has entered for the first time to raise funds and awareness of its own charity, Amber’s White Light (AWL).

Amber Wraith lost her battle with mental illness tragically in April 2022 – just 12 months before her brother Montgomery will take to the Tan Track in her memory to raise funds for the charity established in her name.

“The Run the Tan fundraising platform has given me support from the community which has been astounding and honestly overwhelming with donations and support from friends running alongside me,” he said.
Mother Tamara Wraith said the family chose the Run the Tan event for its beautiful natural setting and the platform it provides to promote the need for greater mental health care and support.

“Running was one of Amber’s greatest passions,” she said.

“Singing was another – so if people want to sing while they are running the Tan, that would be a bonus! We are heartened and humbled by the support, especially those standing by our son Monty, as he honours the memory of his sister.”

Tamara and Monty expressed genuine appreciation to the Run the Tan community for their messages of support for the AWL runners.

“(It) feels like an injection of love and commitment to the cause of youth mental health. Each message conveys a level of empathy to the bereaved person honouring Amber, and her struggle. Our community truly cares, and we want to see improvements in the level of care on offer from mental health services. Help-seeking behaviour needs to be met with help-giving behaviour from our health and community services.”

The Wraith family said that their wish for Amber’s White Light, is to shine a light on the areas of mental health support and services that are not adequately resourced to help when it matters most.

“We want our Australian community to be able to talk about complex mental health and not sweep it under the carpet or perpetuate secrecy. Enlightenment does not happen in the dark. We talk about physical pain easily – we need to understand, discuss, and not judge the pain, confusion and altered capacity of those with mental illness.”

Olympian and media personality, Tamsyn Manou (Lewis), is a key Ambassador for Amber’s White Light and will be participating in the Run the Tan event in support of the charity.

Amber’s White Light charity is one of several mental health charities being supported by the annual Run the Tan event on 30 April. Members of the public can still register to take part or to donate via www.runthetan.net

MEDIA CONTACT DETAILS:
• Darren Templeton, Founder, Run the Tan / [email protected] / +61 418 373 679

ABOUT AMBER’S WHITE LIGHT
Founded in 2022 after the tragic passing of Amber Wraith, supports research and implementation of research into complex mental illness and suicide prevention, for teenagers and young adults, especially young women. AWL aims to achieve best practice in support and treatment for young people and their families.

Further information can be found at www.amberswhitelight.au

PRESS RELEASE: Betrayal! Curtin and Chifley would be exerting more power over the RBA, not giving it up

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has committed to dumping the policy for which Labor legends John Curtin and Ben Chifley fought hardest—democratic control of the central bank and banking system.
Chalmers yesterday said he would legislate to implement the first recommendation of the RBA Review, that “The government should remove the power of the Treasurer to overrule the RBA’s decisions.”
This should be shocking to anyone who knows Australian history, and to all Labor Party stalwarts.

Curtin and Chifley

Chalmers is giving up a power which the Labor Party fought for in the 1930s, starting in the depths of the Great Depression when unemployment was more than 30 per cent.
In 1930, Labor Treasurer Ted Theodore turned to the government-owned Commonwealth Bank, which 15 years earlier during the first world war had shown it could massively boost Australia’s economy with investments in local infrastructure and industries.
Theodore directed the Commonwealth Bank to issue £20 million in new notes: one third for agriculture; two-thirds for public works to create jobs for the unemployed.
As Smith’s Weekly reported on 4 October 1930, Commonwealth Bank Governor Sir Robert Gibson replied to the directive:
“Mr Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet, you ask me to inflate the currency by issuing another 20 millions of notes. My answer is that I bloody well won’t.”
Gibson’s defiance was shocking—how could the manager of the bank refuse to follow the orders of the government which owned the bank? Who was really in charge of the financial system?
Labor split soon after and was not able to force the Commonwealth Bank to do its bidding; instead, Bank of England Governor Montagu Norman’s envoy Otto Niemeyer dictated a 20 per cent cut in government spending across the board, including to wages and pensions.
The controversy over Gibson’s defiance led to the Lyons government establishing the 1935-37 banking royal commission, of which future Labor Treasurer and PM Ben Chifley was a member.
The Royal Commission examined the Gibson incident, and declared in its findings in Chapter VI, 530: “The Federal Parliament is ultimately responsible for monetary policy, and the Government of the day is the Executive of the Parliament.”
It recommended that if conflicts arose between the government and the bank board, the government should assure the bank it accepts full responsibility for the decision but “it is the duty of the bank to … carry out the policy of the government.”
In 1937, Labor Party leader John Curtin called it a matter of democratic accountability and sovereignty, declaring: “If the Government of the Commonwealth deliberately excludes itself from all participation in the making or changing of monetary policy it cannot govern except in a secondary degree.”
When Curtin and Chifley took office in WWII, they enshrined the recommendation in the 1945 Commonwealth Bank Act, which Robert Menzies retained in the 1959 Reserve Bank Act, in the clause that Chalmers now intends to remove.

Unused

The RBA Review admits this power has never been used, but warns: “While no Australian Government has used these override powers, there is the possibility that established conventions cease to be observed.”
Australian Citizens Party Research Director Robert Barwick said today: “A growing coalition of politicians and parties are demanding that instead of the RBA creating hundreds of billions to prop up the private banks, the government should be using it as a national bank to invest in infrastructure that benefits all Australians.
“If Theodore, Curtin and Chifley were here they would be calling for it too.
“Labor removing democratic accountability over the RBA and banking system is a shameful betrayal of their legacy.”

PRESS RELEASE: Munjed Al Muderis speaks at Osseointegration Awareness Sessions for Amputees in Europe

The Limb Reconstruction Center in Sydney, in collaboration with Paley European Institute in Warsaw, is launching an informative session on Osseointegration and Limb Reconstruction in Central Europe. The event aims to establish a long-term relationship between the two institutions and create a network of services for amputees in Central and Eastern Europe and will take place at the Paley European Institute in Warsaw, Poland.

Although the procedure has been available in Western Europe for a couple of decades, the global osseointegration network does not yet provided sufficient coverage in Europe’s Eastern part. The Limb Reconstruction Center from Sydney will be aiming to provide a clinical assessment, up to date information, and advice for amputees considering Osseointegration and all the necessary services for those who have already undergone the surgery, close to their homes, without the need to travel to Australia.

During the session, the Limb Reconstruction Center team will be providing information on Osseointegration, its benefits and drawbacks, long-term outcomes, and potential complications. The team will also explain their multidisciplinary preoperative assessment, postoperative care, and troubleshooting in complex situations.

According to Professor Munjed Al Muderis, founder of Osseointegration International and speaker at multiple international sessions on osseointegration: “Osseointegration is still a niche procedure, and most of the expertise is available in Australia, where most cases have been performed. Knowledge about the procedure is scarce in Central and Eastern Europe, despite its availability for a couple of decades around the World. It is important to increase awareness about this procedure and guarantee future patients access to all necessary advice and follow-up closer to their homes.”

The Limb Reconstruction Center hopes to establish a long-term relationship with Paley European Institute and provide patients in Central and Eastern Europe with access to Osseointegration and Limb Reconstruction services.

PRESS RELEASE: Optus Announces Partnership with Leading Retailer Retravision

Optus has announced a partnership with leading retailer Retravision to expand the telco’s distribution partner network across Western Australia, including its reach into regional WA communities.
For the first time, Optus prepaid products and offerings will be available in Retravision stores across Western Australia, giving even more local communities and businesses access to Optus telecommunications services.

Retravision Managing Director, David Dorsett-Lynn, said customers will benefit from Optus products being available to support their technology requirements in one convenient location.
“Connectivity is essential for all Western Australians. With many Retravision stores already supporting people with their technology needs, we saw a fantastic opportunity to support them further by including a range of Optus prepaid products in Retravision stores across the state,” said Retravision Managing Director, Chris Dorsett-Lynn.

Optus Territory General Manager WA, Paul O’Neill, said this is an important partnership for Optus.

“Our partnership with Retravision is an important part of our commitment to giving people across Western Australia, in particular Regional communities, a choice when it comes to deciding on a network provider. With continued investment into our network and infrastructure in Regional WA, it’s important that these communities have access to range of products and services Optus offer, now made available in select Retravision stores.

“Both Optus and Retravision shared an aligned values, passion and service to our customers. The long-term commitment from both sides is a representation of our ongoing dedication to Western Australia and we thank Retravision for their support and look forward to a successful partnership with even greater growth ahead of us,” said Mr O’Neill.

The partnership has seen Optus products and offerings available in five Retravision stores in Western Australia since late March 2023, with a further 14 sites launching across the state in the coming months.

PRESS RELEASE: Ronald Osborne, Award-Winning Business Coach, Addresses the Critical Need for Small Business Owners to Work “On” Their Business

Renowned business coach and entrepreneur, Ronald Osborne, today emphasised the importance of small business owners shifting their focus to working “on” their businesses, rather than being immersed solely “in” them.

Ronald Osborne’s passionate plea comes as he witnesses an alarming number of small business owners struggling to stay afloat and grow their companies, due to a lack of proper strategic planning and optimisation.

With the Australian economy steadily recovering from the pandemic, there’s never been a more crucial time for businesses to adopt strategies that foster growth and maximise their potential. Ronald Osborne, with his extensive experience in guiding entrepreneurs to success, is on a mission to enlighten and inspire small business owners to adopt this essential mindset.

“When small business owners become too involved in the day-to-day operations, they often neglect the bigger picture, which hampers their ability to grow and prosper,” Ronald Osborne explained. “My mission is to empower these entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to create sustainable growth and maximise their performance today and in the years to come.”

Ronald Osborne’s highly effective business coaching programme is designed to provide tailored guidance, enabling small business owners to break free from the rut of working “in” their business. He helps them identify areas of improvement, develop innovative strategies for growth, and establish a strong foundation for long-term success.

By partnering with A business coach, small business owners can expect to achieve:

A clear and actionable plan for business growth
Enhanced understanding of their market and competition
Greater efficiency and productivity in daily operations
A stronger and more resilient business model

“It’s time for small business owners to take charge of their futures,” urged Ronald Osborne. “By working ‘on’ their businesses, they can create a lasting legacy of success and have a profound impact on their communities, employees, and families. I’m here to guide them on this exciting journey and help them unleash their full potential.

PRESS RELEASE: NEW RESEARCH ON KIDS IN CARE MUST NOT MISS OUT ON EDUCATION

MEDIA RELEASE 20/4/23

BEING IN CARE MUST NOT MEAN MISSING
OUT ON SCHOOL – NEW RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT

If you grow up in out-of-home care, you are more likely to miss out on school and only 57% of young care leavers (aged 18-25) manage to complete Year 12 or equivalent, compared to the national average of 85%.

Every child deserves the opportunity granted by attending school and for over 46,212 (AIHW) children and young people in out-of-home care, attending school can be difficult as a result of trauma and frequently moving around.
CREATE is delighted to share that the Australian Research Council (ARC) has approved a linkage project grant for collaborative research working towards understanding why children and young people in out-of-home care in Australia have a higher number of absences from school than their peers and to inform a child-centred framework to enable attendance.

Titled, “Fostering school attendance for students in Out-of-Home Care,” this vital research project is being led by Professor Kitty te Riele (University of Tasmania), and CREATE Foundation is one of the nine organisations along with four universities working towards addressing contributing factors to poorer attendance.

While there are several issues of concern regarding care experiences, quite conversely growing up in care can be positive for many young people. Adequate support around education is a very important area for young people as it serves as the spring board for the rest of their life. CREATE’s 2018 consultation with young people revealed that 92% of respondents feel safe and secure in their current placement; 96% have a connection with a family member they expect to maintain; and 90% can nominate one significant adult who cares about them and who they can depend on. During CREATE’s ongoing consultations with young people many have shared that they want to go to school, and for some it is seen as a reliable safe constant during difficult times.

CREATE Foundation Executive Director of Research, Dr Joseph McDowall shared: “CREATE’s aim is for young people in care to reach their full potential. Having a comprehensive education is an important start. Before young people can reach higher aspirational goals, they must participate in and complete their basic schooling. This study will contribute to maximising educational outcomes by minimising barriers and disruptions to attendance that can impede a successful educational experience.”

The project expects to generate new knowledge about the reasons for absences and to develop solutions to improve attendance through: listening to the children’s views; detailed absence data; policy audit; and case studies of promising practice. Expected outcomes include a comprehensive conceptualisation of absences including those triggered by schools or the care context; and an evidence-informed, child-centred framework to enable attendance and, consequently, improved educational outcomes. This should provide significant social and economic benefits both for children in care and for the community.

Participating organisations: University of Tasmania, The Australian National University, Australian Catholic University and University of South Australia, Life Without Barriers; CREATE Foundation; Berry Street; Stronger Smarter Institute; Allambi Care; Anglicare; Key Assets Australia; MacKillop Family Services; Commissioner for Children and Young People Tasmania.

Read more on this topic via an earlier article: https://theconversation.com/attending-school-every-day-counts-but-kids-in-out-of-home-care-are-missing-out-182299
Refer to the grant announcement via Australian Research Council website: https://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/Web/Grant/Grant/LP220100130

CREATE Foundation is the national consumer body representing the voices of children and young people with an out-of-home care experience (including kinship care, foster care and residential care). CREATE develops policy and research to report on and advocate for a better care system. For more information please visit the CREATE website at www.create.org.au

For further comment from CREATE’s Executive Director (Research), Dr Joseph McDowall, and/or a young person with care experience contact Leigh White, CREATE Media Advisor, via (m) 0431 932 122 or [email protected]

Key statistics on the care sector in Australia:
• 46,212 children and young people were reported in 2020-21 as living in out-of-home care across Australia (Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, 2022).
• 30% of young people experience homelessness within the first year of leaving care. (McDowall, 2020).
• 30% of young people who have left care or preparing to leave care are unemployed.
• 36% children and young people in care do not live with any of their siblings.
• 35% of young people in care have five or more caseworkers during their time in care.
• 67% of young people in care over the age of 15 are not aware of having a leaving care plan.
• Young people in out-of-home care are 16 times more likely to be under a youth justice order than the general population.
• About one fifth (21%) of young people with Youth Justice experience have been in out-of-home care in the last five years.

McDowall, J. J. (2018). Out-of-home care in Australia: Children and young people’s views after five years of National Standards. CREATE Foundation.
McDowall, J. J. (2020). Transitioning to adulthood from out-of-home care: Independence or interdependence? CREATE Foundation.