R[0]="1721"; T[0]="2003 AFFA Science & Innovation Awards"; A[0]="By ... Editor"; Dn[0]="20030409"; Dt[0]="Wednesday 9 April 2003"; Acats[0]="a53a55a93"; B1[0]="      Young Australians working or studying in rural industries have the opportunity to apply for one of 17 science and innovation awards to "; B2[0]="help them turn a great idea into reality, Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Warren Truss announced today... "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]="      Young Australians working or studying in rural industries have the opportunity to apply for one of 17 science and innovation awards to "; S2[0]=" help them turn a great idea into reality, Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Warren Truss announced today.
      Mr Truss said the "; S3[0]=" awards, which are sponsored by the Commonwealth Government and Australia's rural R&D corporations, are for people aged between 18 and 35.
      The "; S4[0]=" winners receive up to $8,000 to pursue a project of long-term benefit to their industry.
      'These awards help young people involved in "; S5[0]=" Australia's agricultural, fisheries, food or forestry industries to develop the skills to make an important and lasting contribution, and are an opportunity to reward and "; S6[0]=" recognise excellence,' he said.
      'Since the awards began in 2001, 32 young people have undertaken projects ranging from standardising the measurement of "; S7[0]=" wool curvature and using sugar cane as fodder for cattle to finding non-poisonous ways of stopping possums and wallabies eating plantation eucalypt seedlings.' This year, "; S8[0]=" a winner will be chosen from each State and Territory, with nine industry awards on offer.
      'I am pleased to acknowledge the "; S9[0]=" commitment and support of nine of Australia's rural R&D corporations, particularly Land and Water Australia, which is again the major sponsor of the 2003 awards,' "; S10[0]=" Mr Truss said.
      'With the involvement of the R&D corporations, participants in a broad range of industries and disciplines will be included.
"; S11[0]="       Winners will work in fields such as natural resource management, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry and wood products, grains, meat and livestock, sugar, "; S12[0]=" grape growing and wine making, and wool as well as other new and emerging areas.
      'The Federal Government is committed to increasing "; S13[0]=" the participation of young people in our rural industries, and initiatives such as the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia (AFFA) Science and "; S14[0]=" Innovation Awards are tangible proof that we are doing something about it,' he said.
      'We recognise the importance of investing in the "; S15[0]=" long-term future of regional Australia.' The Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) within AFFA will again be coordinating the awards.
      BRS provides scientific "; S16[0]=" advice to policy makers on matters relating to rural and regional Australia.
      Entries close on 30 May.
      For more "; S17[0]=" information on how to apply, and details of previous winners and projects, please call Nicole Cosgrove in BRS on (02) 6272 4690 or 0409 831 "; S18[0]=" 315, or visit the web site - www.affa.gov.au/scienceawards... "; R[1]="1690"; T[1]="Rural leadership key to future rural development"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20030403"; Dt[1]="Thursday 3 April 2003"; Acats[1]="a53a68"; B1[1]="      Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) has reinforced its commitment to rural leadership development.... "; B2[1]=" "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]="      Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) has reinforced its commitment to rural leadership development.
      PIRSA Chief Executive Jim Hallion, "; S2[1]=" speaking at the first day of the 2003 SA Rural Leadership program, said that strong, capable and innovative people would be the State's future driving "; S3[1]=" force.
      'People who can motivate themselves, their industries and their communities, have the capacity to make positive, long-term change and they deserve "; S4[1]=" support,' he said.
      Twenty-one people representing a variety of rural industries from around the State are participating in the program being held "; S5[1]=" this/next week at the Hahndorf Resort.
      The participants have been selected for their ability to demonstrate their potential to be involved in "; S6[1]=" a leadership role in rural industries and communities.
      During the week they will learn about strategic planning and negotiation, lobbying, managing change "; S7[1]=" and team building.
      'It is extremely important that young people who have the potential to provide leadership are given the opportunity to "; S8[1]=" gain the skills they need to do so,' Mr Holloway said.
      'Based on the outstanding success of previous SA Rural Leadership programs, "; S9[1]=" the 21 people on this course will undoubtedly bring new skills and experience to their private businesses, their industries and their communities.' The program will "; S10[1]=" run from 1 April 2003 to 4 April 2003, supported by a follow up session on 10 July and 11 July, 2003.
      "; S11[1]=" The program is financially supported by FarmBis SA... "; R[2]="1647"; T[2]="World class Centre for Education established"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20030325"; Dt[2]="Tuesday 25 March 2003"; Acats[2]="a53"; B1[2]="      Responding to the need for teachers to have access to world class, high profile postgraduate programs, Charles Sturt University and the University "; B2[2]="of Sydney have joined to form the Australian Graduate School of Education (AGSE)... "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]="      Responding to the need for teachers to have access to world class, high profile postgraduate programs, Charles Sturt University and the University "; S2[2]=" of Sydney have joined to form the Australian Graduate School of Education (AGSE).
      The joint initiative will provide the teaching profession with "; S3[2]=" access to world class resources, research and postgraduate education programs - a need highlighted in the recent NSW Ramsey Review of Teacher Education.
    "; S4[2]="   The combined strength of the two partner universities' programs will provide a new critical mass in postgraduate education.
      Sydney and Charles "; S5[2]=" Sturt University both have Faculties of Education that have been identified as national and international leaders in their respective fields.
      'This is "; S6[2]=" a significant partnership which will provide new opportunities for students and strengthen the research base for the education profession', said Professor Gavin Brown, Vice-Chancellor of "; S7[2]=" the University of Sydney.
      'The combination of resources and our complementary strengths, Sydney's quality research and PhD profile and CSU's Masters program "; S8[2]=" and Professional Doctorates, distance education expertise and strong emphasis on the teacher as practitioner, will have a significant impact on education at all levels,' he "; S9[2]=" said.
      Well recognised for their range of degree programs in education covering areas such as literacy, mathematics, curriculum studies, early childhood education, "; S10[2]=" school, TAFE and Vocational Education and Training, both Sydney and Charles Sturt Universities have developed specialist postgraduate profiles that complement each other in key education "; S11[2]=" fields, Professor Ian Goulter, Vice-Chancellor of Charles Sturt University, said: 'The University has actively built on its strong heritage in teacher education and the Graduate "; S12[2]=" School will position our quality programs and research on the world education stage.
      Sydney University's city central location and Charles Sturt University's "; S13[2]=" lead role in distance education, as well as our regional locations across NSW, will enable the Graduate School to offer programs to every teacher in "; S14[2]=" New South Wales, elsewhere in Australia, and internationally.' The Australian Graduate School of Education will feature a combination of University of Sydney and Charles Sturt "; S15[2]=" University postgraduate education programs.
      It will also focus on collaborative research and course development, and strengthening the high quality and extensive research "; S16[2]=" base of both universities... "; R[3]="1482"; T[3]="Online Uni courses offer more for regional communities"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20030220"; Dt[3]="Thursday 20 February 2003"; Acats[3]="a53"; B1[3]="      Originally seen as a panacea for university funding problems, online learning has emerged instead as a tool that can be applied in "; B2[3]="many courses, adding an extra dimension to traditional distance education courses - which still use post, video, audio and telephone - as a delivery system "; B3[3]="on its own, or as an adjunct to on-campus courses... "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]="      Originally seen as a panacea for university funding problems, online learning has emerged instead as a tool that can be applied in "; S2[3]=" many courses, adding an extra dimension to traditional distance education courses - which still use post, video, audio and telephone - as a delivery system "; S3[3]=" on its own, or as an adjunct to on-campus courses.
      Part-time external study has always been popular, with almost 75,000 students "; S4[3]=" choosing this path to a degree in 2001.
      While relatively few students studied full-time by distance education in the past, their "; S5[3]=" numbers have grown enormously and are now at 15,500, up about 60 per cent on 2000.
      Educators feel much of this "; S6[3]=" growth is due to the online availability of courses, or components of courses.
      A federal government report shows the use of "; S7[3]=" the internet in university courses or study units ranges from 100 per cent of units in seven universities to a low of 9 per cent "; S8[3]=" in one.
      All universities are using the web to some extent for teaching.
      Discipline areas with the highest "; S9[3]=" usage of fully online units are management and commerce, education, information technology and health.
      The hardest areas to find online courses "; S10[3]=" are hospitality, the creative arts, and society and culture (the new official name for arts, social sciences and other non-science courses).
      "; S11[3]=" Shirley Alexander, director of the institute for interactive media and learning at University of Technology Sydney, says experiments with new technology over the past decade "; S12[3]=" have helped institutions refine the use of online study to meet the needs of students.
      A survey of about 2500 students "; S13[3]=" by UTS last year found a high level of demand for online learning.
      The concept offers a number of advantages over "; S14[3]=" traditional teaching methods, Alexander says.
      In the UTS survey, students reported a key advantage of online study was its ability to provide "; S15[3]=" access to courses for students who - for any number of reasons - could not get to university.
      Some cited the "; S16[3]=" dangers of public transport late at night, while others mentioned physical disabilities such as arthritis as the reason for preferring home or office study.
  "; S17[3]="     Sue Sawkins, manager of the e-learning program at Southern Cross University - which has campuses at Coffs Harbour and Lismore in NSW, "; S18[3]=" and on Queensland's Gold Coast - says online learning has significant advantages for some students.
      Student access to resources has improved "; S19[3]=" immensely with the new technology, and interaction with peers is much easier than in the past.
      'You might be a mum "; S20[3]=" with kids at home, so you do your study in the middle of the night.
      Or you might study from work,' she "; S21[3]=" says.
      'It's that social learning support for external students.
      They don't feel isolated and they can build up "; S22[3]=" a rapport with other students that would have been much harder without this technology.' But studying online is not for everyone, academics warn.
  "; S23[3]="     Sawkins says online study requires a different type of discipline to traditional campus-based learning.
      'It puts more control and "; S24[3]=" management into the hands of the students,' she says.
      'So they have to be self-motivated and disciplined to make the best use "; S25[3]=" of an online environment.' Rather than being applied on a course-by-course basis, Sawkins says online education can be tailored to suit the needs of "; S26[3]=" individual students.
      While anecdotal evidence suggests most students have embraced some form of online study, the model clearly does not suit "; S27[3]=" everyone.
      Andrew MacDonald, director of the management education program at the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers of Australia, believes "; S28[3]=" mature-age management students are moving away from online work.
      He cites a significant downturn in demand for the association's online courses "; S29[3]=" over the past 12 months.
      'Our first assumption was that we weren't marketing them well, but we've put some effort into "; S30[3]=" that and it hasn't really made a lot of difference.
      'So I would tend to draw the assumption that online learning "; R[4]="1461"; T[4]="Young people from country Australia selected for company directors course"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20030218"; Dt[4]="Tuesday 18 February 2003"; Acats[4]="a53"; B1[4]="      Fourteen young people from rural and regional Australia have been selected to take part in company directors courses in Canberra from February "; B2[4]="to June 2003, Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss announced today... "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]="      Fourteen young people from rural and regional Australia have been selected to take part in company directors courses in Canberra from February "; S2[4]=" to June 2003, Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss announced today.
      The courses are provided under the Corporate Governance Scholarships initiative, part of "; S3[4]=" the Federal Government's Young People in Rural Industries Program.
      'The Coalition Government is strongly committed to improving opportunities for young women and "; S4[4]=" men working in Australia's rural industries,' Mr Truss said.
      'The Corporate Governance Scholarships initiative will allow the 14 young people to undertake "; S5[4]=" one of the courses provided by the Australian Institute of Company Directors to help boost their management and networking skills.
      'Good management "; S6[4]=" skills are vital if they are to contribute to their industries' decision-making processes and help build a successful long-term future for rural and regional Australia.' "; S7[4]=" The participants will attend a five-day, intensive program designed to complete the requirements of the certified and nationally recognised course.
      During the "; S8[4]=" program, they will undertake group work and discussion sessions with experienced directors.
      'The Young People in Rural Industries Program encourages young women "; S9[4]=" and men (18-35 years) to become more involved in industry leadership and decision-making, and to ensure their views on agricultural issues are heard by government,' "; S10[4]=" Mr Truss said.
      'Young people are the most valuable resource our rural industries have, and their participation is essential if we are "; S11[4]=" to ensure the sector remains vibrant and competitive.' For further information, visit AFFA's website www.affa.gov.au/industryleadership, or call Shelley Spriggs on (02) 6272 3984... "; R[5]="1364"; T[5]="Tasmanian E-Learning Expertise"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20030129"; Dt[5]="Wednesday 29 January 2003"; Acats[5]="a46a53a69"; B1[5]="      Premier Jim Bacon has begun a busy three-week overseas promotional mission, today visiting the giant UK publisher Cambridge University Press (CUP) to "; B2[5]="discuss plans for an e-learning research and development centre in Launceston creating 20 jobs in its first year of operation... "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]="      Premier Jim Bacon has begun a busy three-week overseas promotional mission, today visiting the giant UK publisher Cambridge University Press (CUP) to "; S2[5]=" discuss plans for an e-learning research and development centre in Launceston creating 20 jobs in its first year of operation.
      CUP, one "; S3[5]=" of the world’s largest and most prestigious publishing houses, is negotiating the establishment of the centre with Launceston-based company EduArt Multimedia Pty Ltd.
    "; S4[5]="   Mr Bacon said a draft heads of agreement will be signed in the near future forming a draft arrangement between EDUart and CUP.
  "; S5[5]="     “When it happens, the agreement will be a significant achievement for EduArt and the Tasmanian e-learning industry.” EduArt was founded in 1997 and "; S6[5]=" produces e-learning materials, having produced and distributed more than 40 CD-ROM learning products.
      The company currently employs eight people.
      "; S7[5]=" “Under the planned agreement, Cambridge University Press will provide education products from its vast repository to EduArt for conversion to digital format,” Mr Bacon said.
"; S8[5]="       “The initial target market is the UK e-learning education market, which has a known budget of 50 million pounds each year for "; S9[5]=" the next five years.
      “It is expected that a minimum of 20 new technical jobs will be created in the first year, "; S10[5]=" but it is anticipated that there will be further direct and flow-on positions.
      “This relationship between EduArt and Cambridge University Press will "; S11[5]=" be the catalyst to creating a major e-learning industry in Tasmania.
      “It will give the State immediate entry into the European and "; S12[5]=" Asian markets through Cambridge University Press’s global distribution system.
      “Cambridge University Press will utilise EduArt’s network of affiliated companies, including UniTas, which "; S13[5]=" will conduct research in the field of e-learning as part of the arrangement.” Mr Bacon said that CUP would also work to establish government-to-government education "; S14[5]=" department contacts between Tasmania and the UK, and had already sent senior executives to Tasmania to discuss the proposal.
      Cambridge Press’s Education "; S15[5]=" director, John Tuttle, said that while Tasmania may not seem the obvious place to produce software for the UK, it offered a very close fit.
"; S16[5]="       “There is a very high level of technical expertise, experience gained over several years of producing electronic materials for schools in Australia "; S17[5]=" and therefore, a deep understanding of the needs of education for this new medium.
      “We can benefit from our Tasmanian colleagues’ experience "; S18[5]=" in this field, and also trial materials in classrooms during their terms, which gives us a head-start on trialling in the UK,” Mr Tuttle said.
"; S19[5]="       During the visit, Mr Bacon met CUP Chief Executive Officer Stephen Bourne and tonight attended a formal dinner in the candle-lit university "; S20[5]=" hall at Cambridge... "; R[6]="1360"; T[6]="Aussie the spiders in space"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20030128"; Dt[6]="Tuesday 28 January 2003"; Acats[6]="a53"; B1[6]="      It was a big step for Glen Waverley Secondary College and an ever bigger step for its eight spiders.
      "; B2[6]="Now the spiders-in-space project will come close to home when the space shuttle, Columbia, passes over Melbourne this week and lights up the sky... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]="      It was a big step for Glen Waverley Secondary College and an ever bigger step for its eight spiders.
      "; S2[6]=" Now the spiders-in-space project will come close to home when the space shuttle, Columbia, passes over Melbourne this week and lights up the sky.
  "; S3[6]="     Each night until Saturday, the shuttle will be visible for up to four minutes after 9.20pm, in Victoria moving from west to east.
"; S4[6]="       Astronomical Society of Victoria president Perry Vlahos said the shuttle would be easy to spot.
      'It will "; S5[6]=" be as bright if not brighter than any star in the sky,' Mr Vlahos said.
      'It will outshine basically everything.' The "; S6[6]=" shuttle is at 275 kilometres and orbits the Earth every 90 minutes.
      Mr Vlahos said Columbia would be visible tonight at 9.26, "; S7[6]=" about two-thirds of the way up the southern sky, moving from right to left.
      He said that on Wednesday at 9.25pm "; S8[6]=" it would pass almost overhead.
      On Thursday at 9.24pm, the shuttle would be visible high in the northern sky as it moved "; S9[6]=" from west to east (left to right), on Friday at 9.23pm it would pass lower, and on Saturday at 9.22pm even lower.
      "; S10[6]=" Any bushfire smoke will affect visibility.
      The shuttle blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on January 16 as part of NASA's "; S11[6]=" Space Technology and Research Students program.
      The Mt Waverley students, helped by RMIT and Melbourne Zoo, will investigate how garden orb weaver "; S12[6]=" spiders adapt to microgravity and spin their webs, how spiders eat in a weightless environment, and obtain web samples for analysis.
      Other "; S13[6]=" experiments aboard the shuttle involve harvester ants (United States), the growth of crystalline fibres (Israel), medaka fish (Japan), carpenter bees (Liechtenstein) and silkworms (China).
  "; S14[6]="     The shuttle is due to return on Saturday... "; R[7]="1280"; T[7]="International Camping Congress visits Regional Victoria"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20030108"; Dt[7]="Wednesday 8 January 2003"; Acats[7]="a42a48a53"; B1[7]="      Regional Victoria will be showcased during a visit by more than 300 delegates to the International Camping Congress.... "; B2[7]=" "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]="      Regional Victoria will be showcased during a visit by more than 300 delegates to the International Camping Congress.
      Minister "; S2[7]=" for the Commonwealth Games, Sport and Recreation, Justin Madden, said the group would get a taste of regional Victoria when the Congress moved from Melbourne "; S3[7]=" to Bendigo for the final three days of the event.
      'This is the first International Camping Congress to be held in Australia "; S4[7]=" after it was staged in USA, Canada, Russia and Japan,' Mr Madden said.
      'Delegates will travel on a variety of tours that "; S5[7]=" will focus on Victoria's unique attractions including an Aboriginal Cultural tour, Artistic Heritage tour, Australian Animals and Forest Giants and a Goldfields tour.' The Congress "; S6[7]=" will also feature a Research Forum and a series of Workshops that will showcase the Bendigo region.
      A local homestead will also "; S7[7]=" host a 'Great Aussie Bush Night' to enable the group to sample traditional Australian fare, an Aussie bush band and sheep shearing.
      "; S8[7]=" Mr Madden said the aim of the conference was to bring together international delegates involved in the delivery of camping throughout the world, in a "; S9[7]=" bid to improve standards in camping, outdoor education and recreation.
      'The Congress will also focus on the relationship between people and the "; S10[7]=" natural environment, and develop opportunities for international exchanges and employment opportunities,' he said.
      'It's also expected that many of these international visitors, "; S11[7]=" including large groups from the United States, Canada, Russia and Japan, will stay on in Victoria to experience many of the State's other wonderful attractions.'.. "; R[8]="1275"; T[8]="US Prozac approval set to boost its use here"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20030107"; Dt[8]="Tuesday 7 January 2003"; Acats[8]="a09a53"; B1[8]="      Demand for the happy drug Prozac in treating Australian children with depression can be expected to rise after approval by a United "; B2[8]="States authority for its prescription for patients aged seven to 17... "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]="      Demand for the 'happy drug' Prozac in treating Australian children with depression can be expected to rise after approval by a United "; S2[8]=" States authority for its prescription for patients aged seven to 17.
      Psychiatrists say Prozac and similar anti-depressant drugs are rarely prescribed for "; S3[8]=" children in Australia, but more so for adolescents with severe depression.
      But the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "; S4[8]=" for Prozac treatment of depression and obsessive compulsive disorder in children and adolescents was likely to encourage wider use of the drug in Australia, they "; S5[8]=" said.
      There is no restriction on treating young patients with Prozac in Australia, although the federal Health Department precaution states that 'safety "; S6[8]=" and effectiveness in children have not been established'.
      Such prescription meant the doctor bore the consequences of any problems arising from "; S7[8]=" prescribing the drug, a departmental spokesman said.
      The FDA said a clinical study found that after 19 weeks of Prozac treatment, children's "; S8[8]=" growth slowed, Reuters reported.
      They gained, on average, 1.1 centimetres less in height and about one kilogram less in weight compared with "; S9[8]=" those treated with a placebo.
      The clinical significance of this on long-term growth was unknown, the FDA said.
      "; S10[8]=" Despite its high profile as the first in a new generation of anti-depressants, Prozac's sales have been surpassed in recent years by similar drugs developed "; S11[8]=" later, including Zoloft, Aropax and Cipramil.
      Australian doctors write millions of prescriptions for these drugs each year, at a cost to the "; S12[8]=" public of more than $100 million through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
      But Prozac is the first of the group known as selective "; S13[8]=" serotonin re-uptake inhibitors to get FDA approval for prescription to children, after its studies found Prozac offered significant treatment benefits.
      A Sydney "; S14[8]=" specialist in psychiatry for young patients, Louise Newman, said the findings were a long-awaited confirmation of the effectiveness of Prozac and similar drugs for young "; S15[8]=" patients who often suffer disabling and potentially suicidal disease.
      'We might well see an increase in the rate of prescription,' said Dr "; S16[8]=" Newman, chairwoman of the NSW Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
      She "; S17[8]=" said there had been ethical and practical difficulties in researching the impact of such drugs on children, and Australian doctors tended to be more conservative "; S18[8]=" than their US counterparts in using such drugs for children.
      But with the increasing appearance of depression among adolescents, the use of "; S19[8]=" effective anti-depressants such as Prozac had become more common.
      The drug was not associated with toxic side-effects from overdose or addiction.
  "; S20[8]="     But it needed to be prescribed in conjunction with continuing psychological care and close monitoring for growth retardation, Dr Newman said.
    "; S21[8]="   Ian Hickie, head of the national depression initiative beyondblue, said the FDA finding was likely to increase prescription of Prozac to young patients.
  "; S22[8]="     The challenge was to ensure other services such as cognitive behaviour therapy and counselling also increased, he said... "; R[9]="1265"; T[9]="Too few male teachers in Primary Schools"; A[9]="By ... Editor"; Dn[9]="20030102"; Dt[9]="Thursday 2 January 2003"; Acats[9]="a53"; B1[9]="      Teaching has become such a no-man s-land in primary schools that positive discrimination is needed to create role models for boys, according "; B2[9]="to an academic studying men s issues... "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]="      Teaching has become such a 'no-man's-land' in primary schools that positive discrimination is needed to create role models for boys, according to "; S2[9]=" an academic studying men's issues.
      Boys were missing out on the 'blokey and jokey' banter in the classroom due to the chronic "; S3[9]=" shortage of male teachers, said Peter West, head of the University of Western Sydney's research group on men and families.
      With up "; S4[9]=" to 60 per cent of class time made up of 'teacher talk', students hear mainly the motherly tongues of women, who generally 'speak the language "; S5[9]=" of intimacy, affection and closeness'.
      'Male teachers are more commonly talking about power, sport and the outside world ...
      "; S6[9]=" with a much stronger use of humour to deflect conflict and irritation among boys,' he said.
      Dr West, author of What Is "; S7[9]=" The Matter With Boys?, said in a submission to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission that luring more men to teaching may require 'altering "; S8[9]=" the application of a discrimination act' as well as better recruitment and retention strategies.
      'Children learn from what they see as well "; S9[9]=" as what they hear.
      They should not see teachers as only, or mainly, female.
      This reinforces harmful stereotypes,' he "; S10[9]=" said.
      Research with Lebanese and Syrian boys suggested they were most affected by the low visibility of men in schools, because their "; S11[9]=" cultures were 'father-oriented' and they looked to men for authority and respect.
      The human rights commission is expected to rule this "; S12[9]=" month on an application by the Catholic Education Office, Sydney diocese, for a five-year exemption from a provision of the Sex Discrimination Act so it "; S13[9]=" can offer teaching scholarships to male students only.
      Fewer than 20 per cent of teachers in NSW's public and non-government primary schools "; S14[9]=" are men and they fill the majority of principal and deputy principal positions.
      The Catholics' 'special measure intended to achieve equality' aimed "; S15[9]=" to address the 'specific imbalance' between the numbers of male and female teachers.
      There are 937 male teachers (18 per cent) and "; S16[9]=" 4265 women teachers in NSW and ACT Catholic primary schools.
      Enrolments of male primary teaching students at the Strathfield campus of the "; S17[9]=" Australian Catholic University fell from 21 per cent in 1993 to 10 per cent in 1999.
      The Independent Education Union, which represents "; S18[9]=" teachers in non-government schools, strongly opposes male-only scholarships.
      It was entirely inappropriate to use sex discrimination legislation to fill gaps in the "; S19[9]=" labour market, it said.
      It has dubbed the Catholic application a 'quick fix', claiming that for more than a decade, education authorities "; S20[9]=" have failed to plan strategies for the teacher shortage now evident across Australia or for the growing disparity in the numbers of male and female "; S21[9]=" teachers.
      'More male teachers are needed but so are more females in leadership roles in schools and education systems,' the union said.
"; S22[9]="       Better pay, trying to retain teachers who quit after three to five years and debunking views that men and women teach differently "; S23[9]=" are union priorities to attract men to teaching.
      'The IEU supports research which shows that it is not the sex of the "; S24[9]=" teacher that matters but the approach,' it said.
      'Male teachers with traditional views on masculinity may actually be confirming and colluding "; S25[9]=" with the macho culture, not challenging it.'.. "; R[10]="1241"; T[10]="DPI bursary benefits many"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20021217"; Dt[10]="Tuesday 17 December 2002"; Acats[10]="a53"; B1[10]="      Deb McLucas, from Dingo in central Queensland, may have received the 2002 Elaine Brough Bursary as an individual, but her award has "; B2[10]="already benefited more than 150 young rural Australians... "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]="      Deb McLucas, from Dingo in central Queensland, may have received the 2002 Elaine Brough Bursary as an individual, but her award has "; S2[10]=" already benefited more than 150 young rural Australians.
      A former rural journalist who is involved in a cropping and cattle property with "; S3[10]=" her husband, Rob Bauman, Ms McLucas used the $5000 bursary, sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), to establish the Future Farmers Network (FFN), "; S4[10]=" a professional peer support group for rural young people which has attracted 158 members Australia-wide in just four months.
      As the Elaine "; S5[10]=" Brough Bursary has helped to open doors for her project, Ms McLucas is keen to encourage other women to nominate for the award.
    "; S6[10]="   The DPI is now inviting nominations for the 2003 Elaine Brough Bursary.
      'I have no doubt that the FFN would not "; S7[10]=" be in the position it is now without the funding and profile attached to the Elaine Brough Bursary.
      It gave the project "; S8[10]=" credibility and also gave me the confidence to approach and recruit other people.' The Elaine Brough Bursary is awarded annually to a Queensland woman who "; S9[10]=" wished to undertake a project designed to benefit agriculture, rural industries and/or rural life.
      Ms McLucas' project, the Future Farmers Network, aims "; S10[10]=" to equip young rural people with job and career information and advice on training and skills development options, as well as provide them with the "; S11[10]=" opportunity to discuss issues and share views and concerns with their peer group.
      Launched in August by Primary Industries and Rural Communities "; S12[10]=" Minister, Henry Palaszczuk, the FFN aimed to attract 100 members in the first six months - it reached that target within two months.
    "; S13[10]="   'We have been overwhelmed by the response.
      It is obvious that there is a real need for such a group,' said "; S14[10]=" Ms McLucas, who now co-ordinates the network.
      'FFN has attracted members from a range of backgrounds, including banking, research, marketing and training, "; S15[10]=" as well as farmers from different industry sectors.' At present, FFN members mainly communicate via email and telephone.
      The network is also "; S16[10]=" developing a website which will feature a training calendar and access to a database that Ms McLucas hopes will eventually provide members with a 'one-stop "; S17[10]=" shop' for training options.
      'Having access to relevant training opportunities is a strong need among our members,' she said.
      "; S18[10]=" 'They are really keen to learn.
      They're like sponges.' The closing date for applications for the 2003 Elaine Brough Bursary is February "; S19[10]=" 28, 2003.
      Applications are available from the DPI website, www.dpi.qld.gov.au or by contacting Linda Benson on +61 7 3224 8901... "; R[11]="1227"; T[11]="Award for In Vitro Soil"; A[11]="By ... Editor"; Dn[11]="20021212"; Dt[11]="Thursday 12 December 2002"; Acats[11]="a03a53a55"; B1[11]="      A researcher with the Department of Agriculture has won a prestigious StateWest Achievement Award for his work in developing world-first breakthrough technology "; B2[11]="in plant propagation... "; B3[11]=" "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]="      A researcher with the Department of Agriculture has won a prestigious StateWest Achievement Award for his work in developing world-first breakthrough technology "; S2[11]=" in plant propagation.
      Researcher Chris Newell won an individual award for the development of In Vitro Soil, which provided a solution to "; S3[11]=" a problem that had perplexed scientists throughout the world for 30 years.
      The StateWest Achievement Awards recognise Western Australian State, Commonwealth and "; S4[11]=" Local public sector employees and the organisations they represent for outstanding service to the community, outstanding initiative demonstrated in job role, significant efficiency/productivity improvements and/or "; S5[11]=" exceptional performance in job role.
      The Department of Agriculture gained attention from the world's plant scientists in April 2002 with the launch "; S6[11]=" of the world's first In Vitro Soil (IVS) system.
      Mr Newell spent three years developing IVS that combines plant tissue culture techniques "; S7[11]=" with traditional nursery practices to overcome root strike problems, particularly in woody plants.
      Department Director General Graeme Robertson said the StateWest Achievement "; S8[11]=" Award recognised Mr Newell's efforts over a three year period that included testing and demonstrating an outstanding initiative, significant efficiency and productivity improvement and an "; S9[11]=" exceptional overall job performance.
      Dr Robertson said the IVS technique has proven so successful that it is predicted to revolutionise plant tissue "; S10[11]=" culture propagation in Western Australia, and throughout the world.
      Mr Newell also won the award for Best New Innovation of the Year "; S11[11]=" in the 2002 at the Nursery and Garden Industry WA Awards for Excellence.
      He received an Innovation Award from the Department of "; S12[11]=" Agriculture earlier this month and was highly commended at this year's Premiers Awards for Excellence in the Public Sector.
      In addition, the "; S13[11]=" communications strategy for the launch of the new technology won this year's Rural Media Association Award for the Best Communication Campaign... "; R[12]="1154"; T[12]="Outback trek return a computer harvest for outback school"; A[12]="By ... Editor"; Dn[12]="20021122"; Dt[12]="Friday 22 November 2002"; Acats[12]="a47a53"; B1[12]="      It may be one of the most remote schools in Australia but Laverton School is now one of the best equipped with "; B2[12]="new technology... "; B3[12]=" "; B4[12]=" "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]="      It may be one of the most remote schools in Australia but Laverton School is now one of the best equipped with "; S2[12]=" new technology.
      It has received a donation of 50 computers, plus technical support, from a company in Melbourne.
      In "; S3[12]=" August, Peter Mattick and Philip Salter, managing directors of communications company Salmat, spent a night in the town, 350km north-east of Kalgoorlie, during the Outback "; S4[12]=" Car Trek to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
      School principal Des Prizmic said the trekkers discovered staff at the "; S5[12]=" school were trying to raise money for a digital camera.
      They donated $3000 but there was more.
      'Out of "; S6[12]=" the blue, someone from Salmat rang up and asked if we wanted 50 computers,' Mr Prizmic said.
      Mr Mattick, joint managing director "; S7[12]=" of Salmat, said older stock was replaced regularly but was still useable.
      'It was a reasonably affordable way for us to make "; S8[12]=" a difference,' he said... "; R[13]="1099"; T[13]="School Children Embark On Marine Debris Monitoring Program"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20021111"; Dt[13]="Monday 11 November 2002"; Acats[13]="a42a53"; B1[13]="      Tasmanian school children are about to learn first-hand about the rubbish that ends up in our waterways.... "; B2[13]=" "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]="      Tasmanian school children are about to learn first-hand about the rubbish that ends up in our waterways.
      Education Minister, "; S2[13]=" Paula Wriedt, launched the Marine Debris Monitoring Program in Hobart today, calling it a positive and proactive way to care for the environment at a "; S3[13]=" local level.
      'Children from nine Tasmanian schools will monitor their local beaches and record the debris as part of a wider marine "; S4[13]=" education unit,' Ms Wriedt said.
      'Our environment is a concern for all Tasmanians and it is pleasing to see our children taking "; S5[13]=" an interest in marine education at an early age.' Ms Wriedt said the program had already inspired some innovative thinking.
      'I understand "; S6[13]=" children at Blackman's Bay Primary School have consulted with local Council engineers and health officers to design litter traps for stormwater drains that feed onto "; S7[13]=" their beach.
      'I am sure the project will also enable other schools to work more closely with their local communities.
    "; S8[13]="   'I congratulate the schools involved in the monitoring of the debris, including Bicheno, Swansea, Orford, Lauderdale, Howrah, Taroona and Blackman's Bay.' 'I also congratulate "; S9[13]=" the Year 9 students at Rosetta High School who have set up a web site to collect data from the project,' Ms Wriedt said.
  "; S10[13]="     'The Marine Debris Monitoring Program is really the essence of the Essential Learnings Framework, as it highlights social responsibility, personal and world futures.' "; S11[13]=" The program is a joint initiative of the Department of Education in Tasmania and the Tasmanian Environment Centre and is funded through Coastcare... "; R[14]="1068"; T[14]="South East Queensland s opportunity to build more rural eaders"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20021106"; Dt[14]="Wednesday 6 November 2002"; Acats[14]="a48a53"; B1[14]="      Free information sessions on the Department of Primary Industries popular Building Rural Leaders Program will be held in south-east Queensland in November.... "; B2[14]=" "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]="      Free information sessions on the Department of Primary Industries' popular Building Rural Leaders Program will be held in south-east Queensland in November.
"; S2[14]="       The sessions will be held at Boonah, Beaudesert, Nerang, Beenleigh and Warwick to determine the level of interest in running a full "; S3[14]=" program in the region commencing in February next year.
      DPI rural development officer, Debbie Atkins, said the Building Rural Leaders Program had "; S4[14]=" built a strong reputation across the State since 1992 for its innovative and creative way of tackling contemporary rural issues.
      Ms Atkins "; S5[14]=" said the program was a practical course, which helped improve participants' confidence and expertise in leadership, personal management and assisted in building stronger communities.
  "; S6[14]="     She said the benefits of attending the one-hour information session included meeting the program presenters and finding out more about the program.
  "; S7[14]="     'Local past participants will speak about the outcomes and benefits they have gained from the program, and we will also discuss funding opportunities "; S8[14]=" for primary producers through FarmBis,' Ms Atkins said.
      Past participant from Beechmont, Lou Rankin, has benefited from doing the program and is "; S9[14]=" certain that many people in the region will gain results.
      'The course has helped me improve my business and involvement in the "; S10[14]=" community.
      I understand myself and others better.
      I am more organised and have learnt to set and keep priorities,' "; S11[14]=" Ms Rankin said.
      Ms Atkins said leadership roles could be many and varied, ranging from parenthood and involvement in the family business "; S12[14]=" to participation in community and industry groups and organisations.
      'Past participants have come from primary production, agribusiness, small business, shire councils, the "; S13[14]=" education and health sectors, and other rural community members,' she said.
      Information sessions will be held at The Outlook in Boonah from "; S14[14]=" 11 am to 12 noon, and RSL Club in Beaudesert from 5 pm to 6 pm on Wednesday 6 November; Bicentennial Community Hall, Nerang, from "; S15[14]=" 11am to 12 noon, and Woongoolba Hall, Beenleigh, from 5 pm to 6 pm on Thursday 7 November; and DPI Guy Street office, Warwick, from "; S16[14]=" 11 am to 12 noon on Wednesday 20 November.
      For more information on the sessions or to RSVP (attendance is by RSVP "; S17[14]=" three days before the date), phone Debbie Atkins or Rob Nielsen on 1800 356 621, email debbie.atkins@dpi.qld.gov.au or fax (07) 3239 6292... "; R[15]="1046"; T[15]="Toothed whale fossil found on Murray Cliffs"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20021024"; Dt[15]="Thursday 24 October 2002"; Acats[15]="a53"; B1[15]="      The bones of a 20 million-year-old toothed whale have been excavated from the cliffs of the Murray River, making it one of "; B2[15]="the most complete specimens discovered in Australia... "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]="      The bones of a 20 million-year-old toothed whale have been excavated from the cliffs of the Murray River, making it one of "; S2[15]=" the most complete specimens discovered in Australia.
      Four backbone vertebrae and a complete jaw with two teeth were uncovered near Blanchetown, 150 "; S3[15]=" kilometres west of the Victorian border.
      The site lies in the middle of a vast former inland sea, the Murravian Gulf, which "; S4[15]=" was connected to the Southern Ocean.
      The last of the shark-tooth whale's bones were excavated at the weekend by a South Australian "; S5[15]=" Museum palaeontologist, Neville Pledge.
      'I'm very excited,' he told the Adelaide Advertiser.
      'We have been studying this (species) for "; S6[15]=" quite a while.
      This new specimen gives us a bit more to go on.
      In Australia they're pretty rare.
"; S7[15]="       It's the best specimen in South Australia, certainly.' Mr Pledge said the carnivorous shark-tooth whale, or fossil whale, was up to five "; S8[15]=" metres and feasted on fish in the 30-metre-deep waters of the circular inland sea.
      'The whale probably died of old age, floated "; S9[15]=" around the sea for a bit and then sank.
      We have got several vertebrae now and a jaw.
      That's "; S10[15]=" how we know it's got (shark-like) teeth.' Mr Pledge said the fossil site was first identified in 1996, but it was only recently that the "; S11[15]=" proper equipment could be organised to fully excavate the site.
      'We could only get to the site by boat and it took "; S12[15]=" a while to organise that,' he said.
      'It was one year in planning.' He did not reveal the location of the fossil-rich "; S13[15]=" site for fear of poachers.
      The bones were embedded in a hard limestone layer of rock.
      At its maximum, "; S14[15]=" the inland sea covered the southern Murray-Darling basin, extending east beyond the present site of Swan Hill.
      The ancestral Murray, Murrumbidgee and "; S15[15]=" Lachlan rivers flowed into it.
      Mr Pledge said the surrounding land would have been covered with forest.
      It would "; S16[15]=" only have been inhabited by small mammals.
      Shark-tooth whales, known as squalodonts, hunted fish in the world's seas between 10 million and "; S17[15]=" 30 million years ago.
      They are extremely rare in the Australian fossil record... "; R[16]="1040"; T[16]="Victorian regional schools get first benefits of new planning"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20021024"; Dt[16]="Thursday 24 October 2002"; Acats[16]="a48a53"; B1[16]="      Eighteen schools in rural and regional Victoria will be among the first to take advantage of new planning guidelines, adopted by the "; B2[16]="Bracks Government... "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]="      Eighteen schools in rural and regional Victoria will be among the first to take advantage of new planning guidelines, adopted by the "; S2[16]=" Bracks Government.
      Education and Training Minister Lynne Kosky announced the new planning processes, which will enable schools across regional Victoria to begin "; S3[16]=" making plans in preparation for major capital works in the future.
      'Each year a group of schools develop proposals for the redevelopments "; S4[16]=" of existing facilities, and construction of new facilities,' she said.
      'This year, schools in Bendigo, Ballarat, Wodonga and Kooweerup (list attached) will "; S5[16]=" be among the first to take advantage of the new planning processes, developed in response to the recommendations of a Ministerial Facilities Task Force made "; S6[16]=" up of principals, teachers and stakeholders.' The new planning processes include: § Environmental and community use plans will become standard; § Schools will be given "; S7[16]=" more space for teaching, administration and physical education; § Schools will have greater flexibility to build school buildings that fit in with each school's educational "; S8[16]=" charter; § Large primary and secondary schools will be allocated more space for teaching and learning including more space for physical education; § Larger schools "; S9[16]=" will be built with IT technician offices Ms Kosky said the new guidelines would enable schools to more effectively plan for and develop their facilities.
"; S10[16]="       'The guidelines will mean better schools in the future - schools that are better conducive to learning as well as teaching,' she "; S11[16]=" said.
      'New facilities planning guidelines have been developed in response to the way education is being delivered in Victoria.
      "; S12[16]=" 'This increase in available space for schools, combined with a new planning process will help schools tailor facilities to suit the particular needs of their "; S13[16]=" school and local communities.
      'These new strategies will provide a school infrastructure to support the delivery of education well into the 21st "; S14[16]=" century.' Alfredton Primary School Apollio P'ways Primary School Bendigo Senior Secondary College Bright P - 12 Castlemaine PS Colac PS Delacombe Primary School Drouin Secondary "; S15[16]=" College Flora Hill Secondary College Kooweerup Primary School Lorne P-12 (Aireys lnlet campus) Manifold Heights Primary School Murtoa P-12 Newcomb Secondary College South Gippsland Secondary "; S16[16]=" College Specimen Hill Primary School Wodonga Primary School Yarrunga Primary School.. "; R[17]="1037"; T[17]="Murray-Darling Basin Leadership scholarships announced"; A[17]="By ... Editor"; Dn[17]="20021024"; Dt[17]="Thursday 24 October 2002"; Acats[17]="a53"; B1[17]="      Fifteen people with a passion for the future of the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) have been selected to take part in a $300,000 "; B2[17]="pilot program designed to boost their leadership and personal development skills, Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss said today... "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]="      Fifteen people with a passion for the future of the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) have been selected to take part in a $300,000 "; S2[17]=" pilot program designed to boost their leadership and personal development skills, Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss said today.
      'The Murray-Darling Basin Commission "; S3[17]=" Leadership Program is an initiative of the MDB Ministerial Council, which I Chair, and will be delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation,' Mr Truss "; S4[17]=" said.
      'The eight men and seven women taking part in this exciting new program come from all the Basin States - seven "; S5[17]=" from NSW, three from SA, two from Queensland, two from Victoria and one from the ACT.
      [Details attached] 'They include engineers, executives, "; S6[17]=" development officers, farmers, agribusiness owners and conservation professionals.
      'The Murray-Darling Basin is Australia's largest river system.
      It accounts "; S7[17]=" for 41 per cent of our agricultural production and is home to two million people.
      The Basin faces challenges including rising salinity "; S8[17]=" and increasing pressure on its limited water resources.
      'The 15 people on the leadership program share a vision for the basin's environmental, "; S9[17]=" economic and social future and are committed to working with others to make a difference.
      They are proven leaders who want to "; S10[17]=" take the next step to help achieve the changes needed to secure the Basin's long-term future.
      'The program is expected to significantly "; S11[17]=" enhance participants' understanding of integrated catchment management in the Basin and hone their leadership, networking and inter-personal skills so they can work with others to "; S12[17]=" help protect this valuable national asset,' he said.
      Mr Truss also announced that Brad Williams and Michelle Ward would receive this year's "; S13[17]=" Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal Scholarships.
      The scholarships are funded by the Pratt Foundation through the Foundation for Rural and Regional "; S14[17]=" Renewal.
      Mr Williams, who is Executive Director of the NSW Irrigators' Council, said relationships based on understanding and respect between governments, industry "; S15[17]=" and communities are essential to achieving change within the Basin.
      Ms Ward, who is an Executive Officer with Macquarie River Food and "; S16[17]=" Fibre, is keen to find equitable solutions to the sustainable management of the Basin's natural resources.
      Both scholarship winners are also participating "; S17[17]=" in the MDB Leadership Program.
      The MDB Leadership Program will be presented in three sessions over eight months, beginning in South Australia "; S18[17]=" (16-23 November 2002).
      The second session will be held in Canberra (16-23 March 2002), with the location of the final session (22-28 "; S19[17]=" June 2003) still to be determined... "; R[18]="1026"; T[18]="Under-5 drownings increase again"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20021023"; Dt[18]="Wednesday 23 October 2002"; Acats[18]="a09a49a53"; B1[18]="      A disturbing rise has been reported in the number of toddlers drowning in Australia s rivers, oceans and harbours.
      "; B2[18]="And drowning continues to be the main cause of their accidental deaths on rural properties... "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]="      A disturbing rise has been reported in the number of toddlers drowning in Australia's rivers, oceans and harbours.
      And "; S2[18]=" drowning continues to be the main cause of their accidental deaths on rural properties.
      The Royal Life Saving Society said 44 children "; S3[18]=" under five drowned in the year to June 30, up from 35 the previous year.
      Overall, 251 Australians drowned in the 12-month "; S4[18]=" period, a 4 per cent decline on the average and a drop on the previous year's figure of 269.
      'Although the figure "; S5[18]=" (for child drownings) is up on last year, the long-term downward trend is promising.
      However, we must be mindful as this figure "; S6[18]=" represents 44 families who have lost a loved one,' society chief executive Rob Bradley said.
      Five-year figures show that 58 per cent "; S7[18]=" of toddlers who drowned did so in backyard swimming pools because the pool gate was left open or there was no pool fence.
    "; S8[18]="   The society is concerned at the rise in drownings in rivers, oceans and harbours - up from an average of one to eight last "; S9[18]=" year, six of them were in rivers.
      'Children require adult supervision at all times, whether they are on, in or around the "; S10[18]=" water,' Mr Bradley said.
      The report said drowning deaths occurred primarily when people were fishing - particularly rock fishing - walking or "; S11[18]=" playing near water, boating, diving or swimming... "; R[19]="1017"; T[19]="Young people urged to apply for rural scholarships"; A[19]="By ... Editor"; Dn[19]="20021018"; Dt[19]="Friday 18 October 2002"; Acats[19]="a53"; B1[19]="      Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss today invited young Australians involved in rural industries to apply for a Corporate Governance Scholarship under the "; B2[19]="Government s Young People in Rural Industries Program.
      Applications close on 8 November 2002... "; B3[19]=" "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]="      Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss today invited young Australians involved in rural industries to apply for a Corporate Governance Scholarship under the "; S2[19]=" Government's Young People in Rural Industries Program.
      Applications close on 8 November 2002.
      Mr Truss said the scholarships, now "; S3[19]=" in their second year, would allow 14 people (at least one from each State and the NT) to undertake an Australian Institute of Company Directors "; S4[19]=" course to improve their corporate governance, financial and legal skills.
      'This type of training is vital if rural young people are to "; S5[19]=" contribute to their industries' decision-making processes and help build a successful, long-term future for rural and regional Australia,' Mr Truss said.
      'The "; S6[19]=" Coalition Government is strongly committed to improving opportunities for young women and men working in Australia's rural industries.
      'The scholarships highlight the "; S7[19]=" practical, targeted support we are providing young rural people, and represents a fantastic opportunity for 18- to 35-year-olds wishing to take that next important career "; S8[19]=" step.
      'Scholarship winners will attend a five-day, intensive program designed to complete the educational requirements of a certified and nationally recognised course, "; S9[19]=" while at the same time allowing for group work and discussion sessions with experienced directors.' Previous scholarship holders have praised the course with many saying "; S10[19]=" it has already helped increase their participation in industry and community affairs.
      'The Young People in Rural Industries Program encourages young women "; S11[19]=" and men to become more involved in industry leadership and decision-making, and to also ensure their views on agricultural issues are heard by government,' Mr "; S12[19]=" Truss said.
      Mr Truss said there are many opportunities available for young rural Australians under the program, and urged interested people to "; S13[19]=" visit his department's web site www.affa.gov.au/industryleadership for all the details.
      They can also call AFFA on (02) 6272 5625 for more details.
"; S14[19]="       'Young people are our rural industries' most valuable resource, and their increased participation is essential if the sector is to remain vibrant "; S15[19]=" and competitive,' he said.
      Guidelines and application forms are available from the AFFA web site - www.affa.gov.au, by emailing youngleaders@affa.gov.au or "; S16[19]=" by calling (02) 6272 5625.
      .. "; R[20]="967"; T[20]="Young rural people encouraged to apply for study awards"; A[20]="By ... Editor"; Dn[20]="20020918"; Dt[20]="Wednesday 18 September 2002"; Acats[20]="a53"; B1[20]="      People aged between 18 and 35 and working in Australia s rural industries were today reminded by the Federal Minister for Agriculture, "; B2[20]="Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, that they had less than a month to apply for a study award worth up to $12,500... "; B3[20]=" "; B4[20]=" "; B5[20]=" "; S1[20]="      People aged between 18 and 35 and working in Australia's rural industries were today reminded by the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries "; S2[20]=" and Forestry, Warren Truss, that they had less than a month to apply for a study award worth up to $12,500.
      Mr "; S3[20]=" Truss said the awards are part of the Government's $1.3 million Young People in Rural Industries Initiative, and are designed to help young Australians working "; S4[20]=" in our agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries undertake a study project.
      The awards are administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and "; S5[20]=" Forestry - Australia (AFFA).
      'A winner will be chosen from each State and Territory, who can undertake a project relevant to their "; S6[20]=" job or chosen career path, or on an issue important to the long-term wellbeing of their industry or community,' Mr Truss said.
      "; S7[20]=" 'Their project could include taking a study course, a trip to an international conference to hear first-hand about the latest research or a visit to "; S8[20]=" a business employing best practice management strategies.
      'AFFA study awards help Australian industry stay competitive, efficient and world-class, and they provide the "; S9[20]=" participants with the opportunity to learn new skills, build networks and contacts or research specific areas of knowledge,' he said.
      Mr Truss "; S10[20]=" said the study awards are in their third year, and reflect the changing demographics within our rural industries.
      'While recent research shows "; S11[20]=" that the average age of Australian farmers is over 50 years, 18 to 35-year-olds now represent more than a third of all people working in "; S12[20]=" our primary industries, and it is vital they are given opportunities to develop their skills,' he said.
      'Through the study awards, and "; S13[20]=" other programs in the Young People in Rural Industries Initiative, the Coalition Government is ensuring that these opportunities are available.
      'I strongly "; S14[20]=" urge young, rural Australians who meet the eligibility criteria to apply.
      To ensure they have the best possible chance of success, they "; S15[20]=" should call Phillip Jones in AFFA on (02) 6271 6437 to discuss their applications and how best to complete them.' Application forms, and tips on "; S16[20]=" applying, are available from the AFFA web site - www.affa.gov.au/industryleadership, by emailing youngleaders@affa.gov.au, or by calling (02) 6271 6437.
      Applications close on "; S17[20]=" October 14 2002... "; R[21]="906"; T[21]="Local communities grants promote volunteering in WA"; A[21]="By ... Editor"; Dn[21]="20020906"; Dt[21]="Friday 6 September 2002"; Acats[21]="a48a53"; B1[21]="      Involving more people in volunteering and providing support to existing volunteers is the aim of State Government grants totalling almost $360,000 that "; B2[21]="have been allocated to 15 community organisations... "; B3[21]=" "; B4[21]=" "; B5[21]=" "; S1[21]="      Involving more people in volunteering and providing support to existing volunteers is the aim of State Government grants totalling almost $360,000 that "; S2[21]=" have been allocated to 15 community organisations.
      The Minister with responsibility for Volunteering, Sheila McHale, said the grants were part of the "; S3[21]=" Gallop Government's commitment under its Valuing Volunteers policy to provide $500,000 per year over four years to support a range of volunteer organisations and activities.
"; S4[21]="       Announcing the successful applicants today, Ms McHale said the aim of the program was to encourage and strengthen volunteer participation within local "; S5[21]=" communities.
      The funding would be used to support new and existing volunteer resource centres throughout Western Australia.
      'Volunteer resource "; S6[21]=" centres play a vital role in supporting volunteering opportunities across a wide range of organisations and projects,' the Minister said.
      'These grants "; S7[21]=" will encourage greater community participation in volunteering, particularly the involvement of young people, and promote volunteering across the State.' The grants program provided one-off grants "; S8[21]=" of up to $30,000 to support new and existing centres.
      Ms McHale said organisations had to outline how they planned to use "; S9[21]=" the money in order to receive a grant.
      'For instance, the City of Albany plans to introduce Yvolunteer into schools,' Ms McHale "; S10[21]=" said.
      'Yvolunteer provides young people with opportunities to do volunteer work in their local community.
      'Some local communities plan "; S11[21]=" to provide more assistance to very small groups of volunteers who work in the community - particularly in rural areas.
      'Another local "; S12[21]=" government council has developed a strategy to work with other organisations to provide more opportunities so young people can gain experience to enhance their employment "; S13[21]=" options.' Sixty-four grant applications were received... "; R[22]="874"; T[22]="Growing Barramundi in WA s saline groundwater"; A[22]="By ... Editor"; Dn[22]="20020829"; Dt[22]="Thursday 29 August 2002"; Acats[22]="a43a53a67a87"; B1[22]="      Gavin Partridge, an aquaculture scientist based in Fremantle, WA is one of 17 people Australia-wide to receive a 2002 AFFA Science Award "; B2[22]="for Young People... "; B3[22]=" "; B4[22]=" "; B5[22]=" "; S1[22]="      Gavin Partridge, an aquaculture scientist based in Fremantle, WA is one of 17 people Australia-wide to receive a 2002 AFFA Science Award "; S2[22]=" for Young People.
      His award-winning project will look at the potential for using saline groundwater to grow commercial fish species such as "; S3[22]=" barramundi and pink snapper.
      Gavin received his award, which was sponsored by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), from Federal "; S4[22]=" Agriculture Minister Warren Truss at a function in Canberra last night.
      'Losing traditional farming land to rising salinity is a major issue "; S5[22]=" facing many Australian farmers.
      One of the proposed solutions is to pump the saline groundwater from beneath these sites and into evaporation "; S6[22]=" basins,' Mr Partridge said.
      'This award will enable me to look at the aquaculture potential of that saline groundwater.
      "; S7[22]=" If these preliminary trials prove to be successful, a pilot scale fish farm will be built on the site and operated by local people.
  "; S8[22]="     ' 'As an aquaculture scientist I can see great potential in converting this water from a virtually worthless commodity into a valuable resource "; S9[22]=" and by doing so we can hopefully create a new and exciting industry for rural Australia,' he said.
      The awards enable young "; S10[22]=" people to undertake innovative projects of relevance to Australia's agriculture, fisheries, forestry or natural resource industries and are managed by the Bureau of Rural Sciences "; S11[22]=" (BRS).
      'The future of these industries depends on us investing in Australia's up-and-coming innovators and scientists,' said Dr Peter O'Brien, BRS Executive "; S12[22]=" Director.
      'We were impressed with the high quality of applications for this year's awards and are pleased to be working with AWI "; S13[22]=" to help ensure science and innovation in the Australian wool industry receives the recognition and support it deserves.
      ' Federal Agriculture, Fisheries "; S14[22]=" and Forestry Minister Warren Truss presented the awards to the 17 winners from around Australia at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra... "; R[23]="868"; T[23]="Activity book teaches kids about animal care"; A[23]="By ... Editor"; Dn[23]="20020828"; Dt[23]="Wednesday 28 August 2002"; Acats[23]="a53"; B1[23]="      Developing children s interest in animals and teaching them about animal care is the focus of the first in a range of "; B2[23]="activity books being produced by the Department of Primary Industries... "; B3[23]=" "; B4[23]=" "; B5[23]=" "; S1[23]="      Developing children's interest in animals and teaching them about animal care is the focus of the first in a range of activity "; S2[23]=" books being produced by the Department of Primary Industries.
      Linda Murphy, DPI Animal Welfare and Ethics principal scientist, said the activity book "; S3[23]=" was an expansion by the DPI into areas other than producer education.
      'Since the introduction of the Animal Care and Protection Act "; S4[23]=" in March this year, we have been looking at expanding our range of activities to encompass all areas covered by the Act.
      "; S5[23]=" 'This includes children and educating them about their duty of care with animals, including pets.
      'However, introducing this concept is difficult in "; S6[23]=" a young audience and we felt the best way was to include the concept in a range of Help an Animal Smile activity books.' The "; S7[23]=" first book, released to coincide with this year's RNA show, includes a range of activities that are challenging and stimulating for young minds.
    "; S8[23]="   'Our aim is to produce a range of activity books under the 'Help an Animal Smile' banner that will provide an ongoing theme.
  "; S9[23]="     They feature a clan of eight cartoon characters led by Catrina Cat and Dougal Dog,' Ms Murphy said.
      'At the "; S10[23]=" end of this year we plan to send fliers to primary schools throughout Queensland informing them of the availability of the activity books.
    "; S11[23]="   The first book is currently available for free download from the DPI web site www.dpi.qld.gov.au/animalwelfare/.. "; R[24]="859"; T[24]="Rural network s YARN online"; A[24]="By ... Editor"; Dn[24]="20020828"; Dt[24]="Wednesday 28 August 2002"; Acats[24]="a46a48a53"; B1[24]="      Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss today added a cyber dimension to the traditional Australian concept of a good YARN, when he launched "; B2[24]="the Young Australian Rural Network (YARN) in Canberra... "; B3[24]=" "; B4[24]=" "; B5[24]=" "; S1[24]="      Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss today added a cyber dimension to the traditional Australian concept of a good YARN, when he launched "; S2[24]=" the Young Australian Rural Network (YARN) in Canberra.
      Yarn.gov.au is an interactive web site for young people working in rural industries and "; S3[24]=" fulfils a commitment made during the last Federal election.
      'This web site will allow participants in the Commonwealth's Young People in Rural "; S4[24]=" Industries Program, and all 18-35s working in rural industries, to network, share information, promote events and advertise their own networks,' Mr Truss said.
    "; S5[24]="   'The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia (AFFA) will support the web site, but young people will create the content using several "; S6[24]=" interactive features, making it their web site and their online community.
      'YARN will feature their achievements and, in time, become the main "; S7[24]=" hub for events and information of importance to Australia's young rural people.
      'It also establishes a new medium through which AFFA can "; S8[24]=" consult young people in rural industries about their views on the future of their industries.
      AFFA created the web site in consultation "; S9[24]=" with graduates of the Young People in Rural Industries Program.' 'Access to the Internet is improving all the time in rural Australia and young people "; S10[24]=" are keen to use the medium,' Mr Truss said.
      'YARN offers young people's networks and groups without their own web site the "; S11[24]=" chance to promote their activities and attract new members through their own mini-web page.
      'The site also features an events calendar, news, "; S12[24]=" discussion forum and information about the achievements of the participants of the Young People in Rural Industries Program.
      'Through yarn.gov.au, and other "; S13[24]=" programs, the Coalition Government is ensuring young people can continue contributing to the future of Australia's rural industries, wherever they live.
      I "; S14[24]=" strongly urge young, rural Australians to visit the site and I extend the same invitation to organisations that value the views and enthusiasm these young "; S15[24]=" people bring to their industries.' For more information about the website, visit www.yarn.gov.au or call Ms Emily Downie on (02) 6272 5545.
      "; S16[24]=" AFFA's website www.affa.gov.au/industryleadership will provide more information about the Young People in Rural Industry Program... "; R[25]="828"; T[25]="Young innovators recognised: AFFA Awards"; A[25]="By ... Editor"; Dn[25]="20020823"; Dt[25]="Friday 23 August 2002"; Acats[25]="a53a55"; B1[25]="      Seventeen young Australians will receive up to $8,000 each as winners of the 2002 AFFA Science and Innovation Awards for Young People, "; B2[25]="the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, announced today... "; B3[25]=" "; B4[25]=" "; B5[25]=" "; S1[25]="      Seventeen young Australians will receive up to $8,000 each as winners of the 2002 AFFA Science and Innovation Awards for Young People, "; S2[25]=" the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, announced today.
      'The successful projects include studying ants to get an indication "; S3[25]=" of landscape health; turning environmental degradation into cash; using biological controls to make cotton cropping feasible in northern Australia and revolutionising wine quality,' Mr Truss "; S4[25]=" said.
      'To ensure the benefits of these projects are shared far and wide, the participants will make the results available to a "; S5[25]=" range of industry, government and tertiary institutions.
      The award winners will also have the opportunity to tap into new networks and share "; S6[25]=" their ideas with others working in their particular fields of expertise.' Mr Truss said the awards, now in their second year, have proven very popular "; S7[25]=" among young people working in Australia's science and agriculture sectors.
      'I understand the selection panel had a tough job determining the winners,' "; S8[25]=" he said.
      'Seven State winners, and ten others sponsored by Australia's rural R&D corporations, were ultimately successful.' Mr Truss commended the nine "; S9[25]=" rural R&D organisations that participated in this year's awards.
      'Their support demonstrates a strong commitment to the young scientists working or studying "; S10[25]=" in Australia's rural industries.
      It is vital that we encourage young Australians wishing to undertake innovative research - in the laboratory or "; S11[25]=" on the farm - that will help boost the competitiveness of our rural industries and the long-term viability of our regional communities.' Mr Truss urged "; S12[25]=" eligible people to consider applying next year.
      To qualify, applicants must be aged between 18 and 35, and provide an outline of "; S13[25]=" a scientific or research-based project that can be completed within twelve-months... "; R[26]="827"; T[26]="South Aussie wins Land Care Award"; A[26]="By ... Editor"; Dn[26]="20020823"; Dt[26]="Friday 23 August 2002"; Acats[26]="a42a48a53"; B1[26]="      The winner of this year s National Individual Landcarer Award, Joe Keynes, from Keyneton in South Australia, is an example of the "; B2[26]="changing face of Australian agriculture, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, said today... "; B3[26]=" "; B4[26]=" "; B5[26]=" "; S1[26]="      The winner of this year's National Individual Landcarer Award, Joe Keynes, from Keyneton in South Australia, is an example of the changing "; S2[26]=" face of Australian agriculture, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, said today.
      Mr Truss presented the fifth generation farmer "; S3[26]=" with the landcare award at a special awards ceremony attended by the Prime Minister, John Howard, at Parliament House in Canberra, last night (Wednesday).
  "; S4[26]="     'Joe Keynes is an outstanding landcare leader at a local, regional and state level,' Mr Truss said.
      'His family has "; S5[26]=" undertaken many landcare measures on its property in the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, including revegetation and protecting creek lines and enhancing native grasslands.
    "; S6[26]="   'Joe has spent more than a decade teaching people about the importance of sustainable farming and landcare ethics.
      He has helped "; S7[26]=" others implement landcare practices.
      In 1992, he formed the North Rhine Catchment Group to target salinity.
      Joe and Sally "; S8[26]=" Keynes practice what they preach.' Mr Truss said Australia faces many natural resource management challenges.
      'The best way to tackle these challenges "; S9[26]=" is to encourage people to adopt sustainable farming practices.
      Joe Keynes has certainly done this,' he said.
      'It is "; S10[26]=" most important that individuals involved in landcare be publicly recognised, and I congratulate also the other finalists for the National Individual Landcarer Award.
    "; S11[26]="   A project involving over 200 people working to repair 85 kilometres of the Orara River near Coffs Harbour in northern NSW, has won this "; S12[26]=" year's Natural Heritage Trust Rivercare Award.
      The award was presented to the Orara Valley Rivercare Group Management Committee by the Federal Minister "; S13[26]=" for Forestry and Conservation, Senator Ian Macdonald, at a special ceremony in Parliament House, Canberra, tonight.
      'The Orara River has suffered from "; S14[26]=" decades of deterioration brought on by land clearing and gravel and water extraction,' Senator Macdonald said.
      'This award recognises the huge efforts "; S15[26]=" made by the group to revive the Orara River and the group's work towards ensuring a clean water supply for the 60,000 residents of Coffs "; S16[26]=" Harbour and surrounding areas.
      The river is the main water supply for the area.
      'Five different Rivercare groups are "; S17[26]=" working on the master project - which is actively turning the problems around and improving the river and its water quality.
      'The "; S18[26]=" project has now received over $800,000 in funding, and over 200 dedicated individuals are involved.' 'Much of the Orana group's success has been the fact "; S19[26]=" that it has worked with other stakeholders, including the Orara Valley community, local councils, businesses, schools, State agencies and the wider community,' Senator Macdonald said.
"; S20[26]="       'When the project started, 18 landholders and two Rivercare groups were involved.
      Now there are 180 landholders involved and "; S21[26]=" five different Rivercare groups.
      'This award is an example of the thousands of groups across Australia working to address their local natural "; S22[26]=" resource management problems... "; R[27]="805"; T[27]="Internet Delivery of Short Courses for Farmers"; A[27]="By ... Editor"; Dn[27]="20020820"; Dt[27]="Tuesday 20 August 2002"; Acats[27]="a46a53"; B1[27]="      The Internet is changing the way society accesses and processes information.... "; B2[27]=" "; B3[27]=" "; B4[27]=" "; B5[27]=" "; S1[27]="      The Internet is changing the way society accesses and processes information.
      Farmers now have access to a wide range "; S2[27]=" of information about many aspects of their farming systems, but it is often thought by scientists and extension specialists that many lack the skills necessary "; S3[27]=" to use that information to improve their farm profitability and sustainability through technical innovation.
      A RIRDC (Rural Research and Development Corporation) funded "; S4[27]=" project aimed to test whether it was possible to use an Internet-based short course on an aspect of a complex new technology which would be "; S5[27]=" of interest to farmers and would lead to an improvement of their farming skills.
      There are two aspects to the study.
  "; S6[27]="     Firstly, the course had to be technically feasible i.e.
      the information had to be capable of being put into a "; S7[27]=" form where it could be delivered over the Internet, and secondly, there had to be demand for such a course by farmers looking to improve "; S8[27]=" their profitability and sustainability.
      The technical innovation chosen was 'Precision Agriculture' - the use of spatial information gathered from the global positioning "; S9[27]=" system created by the US Navy and using a series of 26 satellites in near earth orbit to measure position on the earth's surface to "; S10[27]=" sub-metre accuracy.
      When combined with measuring devices in the harvester and spray unit, these allow the operator to both measure and control "; S11[27]=" farming operations such as harvest, seeding, fertiliser spreading and spraying within the paddock to take account of spatial variability caused by variations in soil, topography "; S12[27]=" or paddock history.
      This technology is commercially available, and is being used by some of the more innovative farmers, but with variable "; S13[27]=" results.
      The course was developed using standard software, and made available continuously using a username and password via a server in the "; S14[27]=" Department of Agricultural Sciences at La Trobe University.
      Phone and email access to a course tutor was also provided.
      "; S15[27]=" The next stage was to get students.
      Firstly, the course was trialled by the 4th year Agricultural Science class at La Trobe "; S16[27]=" University in 2000, and their comments and suggestions taken into account.
      The course was then advertised in local newspapers in the grain-growing "; S17[27]=" areas of Victoria, then in a statewide agricultural weekly.
      This produced few enquiries, so I attended the Wimmera Machinery field days at "; S18[27]=" Horsham.
      While getting some enquiries, there was only one enrolment.
      The course was then advertised on various Internet sites, "; S19[27]=" mainly those offering agricultural information.
      When this also failed to produce many enrolments, the course was advertised in more specialist magazines produced "; S20[27]=" by GRDC and the Kondinin Group.
      The response to the advertisements was extremely poor, and came mostly from others in the education "; S21[27]=" sector.
      This was true also for the advertising on the web, and was reflected in the server logs of people accessing the "; S22[27]=" introductory page for the course.
      There seems to be interest from the providers, but much less from the potential students.
    "; S23[27]="   Implications It is widely thought that farmers are conservative in their farming methods and require considerable persuasion to change their farming methods.
    "; S24[27]="   Some earlier research by the author (Bell, 1997b) suggested that this may not be true, and that farmers easily accept new practices, but only "; S25[27]=" if they come from a limited range of trusted sources of information (Lewis, 1996; Almonte, 1997).
      Hence, if they trust the source, "; S26[27]=" they are quite willing to take up an innovation in their farming methods.
      This would account for the success of 'over-the-fence' methods "; S27[27]=" of extension, where farmers are usually quite keen to try something they see their neighbour doing.
      This is the principle of the "; S28[27]=" diffusion method of extension, but of course will be quite a slow process.
      This course came from an unknown (and hence not "; S29[27]=" trusted) source, and was offered without faceto- face contact.
      It is perhaps not surprising that it was ignored if farmers are not "; S30[27]=" willing to trust unknown sources of information and could see no obvious benefit for spending the time and money.
      Precision farming is "; R[28]="801"; T[28]="Boots Day raises awareness of youth suicide"; A[28]="By ... Editor"; Dn[28]="20020820"; Dt[28]="Tuesday 20 August 2002"; Acats[28]="a48a53"; B1[28]="      Australians are urged to support National Boot Day on Friday August 16, which aims to increase awareness of youth suicide occurring in "; B2[28]="rural Australia and raises money for the delivery of suicide prevention workshops... "; B3[28]=" "; B4[28]=" "; B5[28]=" "; S1[28]="      Australians are urged to support National Boot Day on Friday August 16, which aims to increase awareness of youth suicide occurring in "; S2[28]=" rural Australia and raises money for the delivery of suicide prevention workshops.
      National Farmers' Federation President, Mr Peter Corish said the scale "; S3[28]=" of this social problem was quite alarming, with Australia having one of highest rates of youth suicide in the western world.
      About "; S4[28]=" 15 young Australians between the ages of 15-24 years are still committing suicide each week.
      'These statistics are of particular concern to "; S5[28]=" NFF as suicide rates are consistently higher in rural and remote areas compared to the metropolitan areas ' Mr Corish said.
      The "; S6[28]=" second National Boot Day is organised by Australian Rural Youth, the peak association of young people and young farmers in rural and regional Australia.
  "; S7[28]="     The official slogan for the campaign is 'it's ok to say hey!' and focuses on encouraging young people to talk about their problems "; S8[28]=" and use help resources such as Lifeline (131 114), Care Ring (136 169) and Kids Help Line (1800 55 1800).
      'It is "; S9[28]=" encouraging to see a such a positive and preventative initiative addressing this often over looked mental health issue, particularly as proceeds will directly aid the "; S10[28]=" development of additional support services in rural Australia.' 'All Australians should strap on their boots, buy a badge and get behind this campaign.
    "; S11[28]="   The funds raised will be used to inform rural youth on the serious issues surrounding suicide and most importantly provide them with strategies to "; S12[28]=" help out their friends' Mr Corish said.
      For information or to make a donation contact National Boot Day Coordinator, Aleks Natora, Australian "; S13[28]=" Rural Youth Inc.
      on 0419 836 244... "; R[29]="794"; T[29]="On-going Learning Theme for The Country Web"; A[29]="By ... Editor"; Dn[29]="20020819"; Dt[29]="Monday 19 August 2002"; Acats[29]="a49a53"; B1[29]="      Learning - the sky s the limit is the theme of the current edition of The Country Web, produced by NSW Agriculture "; B2[29]="s Rural Women s Network... "; B3[29]=" "; B4[29]=" "; B5[29]=" "; S1[29]="      'Learning - the sky's the limit' is the theme of the current edition of The Country Web, produced by NSW Agriculture's Rural "; S2[29]=" Women's Network.
      A diverse range of learning possibilities are featured, from correspondence school, distance education, home tutoring, adult education, vocational education and "; S3[29]=" training to learning via the Internet, self-teaching and volunteer tutoring.
      The Country Web is an important communication avenue for rural women and "; S4[29]=" their families, providing a wealth of information and contacts for its 20,000 readers.
      Acting Editor of the newsletter, Alison Windus, said the "; S5[29]=" 29th edition is an excellent source of education-based information promoting the opportunities that are available to rural communities.
      'Youth are spotlighted in "; S6[29]=" this issue with articles about education links to careers, available courses and an informative page on helping rural youth to bridge the gap between schooling "; S7[29]=" and employment options,' she said.
      'Adult education is also included along with interesting stories from rural people and their learning experiences from "; S8[29]=" life skills to conventional education.' The 29th edition highlights educational opportunities, and contains information about resources, grants and funding.
      There is also "; S9[29]=" a special pull-out section on the next Rural Women's Gathering, to be held in Bourke from September 27 to 29.
      Special guests "; S10[29]=" at the Gathering this year will be the Minister for Agriculture, the Hon Richard Amery,MP, and the Director-General of NSW Agriculture, Dr Richard Sheldrake.
  "; S11[29]="     Copies of the 29th and previous editions featuring themes of '2002 Year of the Outback' and 'Natural Resource Management' are available from Allison "; S12[29]=" Windus at the Rural Women's Network on 6391 3620.
      Copies of The Country Web can also be accessed via the Internet at "; S13[29]=" www.agric.nsw.gov.au/rwn... "; R[30]="790"; T[30]="Applications sought for Young People s Rural Networks grants"; A[30]="By ... Editor"; Dn[30]="20020819"; Dt[30]="Monday 19 August 2002"; Acats[30]="a48a53"; B1[30]="      Applications are being sought from rural networks and organisations for the second round of Young People s Rural Networks grants, the Federal "; B2[30]="Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, said today... "; B3[30]=" "; B4[30]=" "; B5[30]=" "; S1[30]="      Applications are being sought from rural networks and organisations for the second round of Young People's Rural Networks grants, the Federal Minister "; S2[30]=" for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, said today.
      Mr Truss said the Federal Government would provide $88,000 in grants in 2002-03 "; S3[30]=" to support the activities of rural networks and organisations.
      Nine rural organisations had shared $80,000 in the first round.
      "; S4[30]=" The funding, part of the Federal Government's $1.3 million Young People in Rural Industries Program, will help them raise their members' awareness of national issues "; S5[30]=" and assist them in running their organisations.
      'The Coalition Government is strongly committed to improving opportunities for young women and men working "; S6[30]=" in Australia's rural industries,' Mr Truss said.
      'There are many enthusiastic and talented young people involved in these networks, often contributing their "; S7[30]=" time as volunteers.
      The grants enable them to stage additional activities and to develop greater capacity to act as a forum for "; S8[30]=" their members.' Successful applicant organisations can receive up to $40,000 to support their activities.
      In addition to boosting awareness, the grants enable "; S9[30]=" organisations with multi-State to national membership to develop their members' organisational and communication skills.
      The grants also assist organisations to develop as "; S10[30]=" effective forums for consultation, and to contribute to the development of government policy.
      'The different elements of the Coalition Government's Young People "; S11[30]=" in Rural Industries Program has provided many opportunities for young rural Australians,' Mr Truss said.
      'They include the Young Rural Leaders' Course, "; S12[30]=" Study Awards Grants, the Improved Governance Course, the Mentoring Young Leaders initiative and my department's Young People as Clients' Strategy.
      'The Young "; S13[30]=" People in Rural Industries Program encourages young women and men aged 18 to 35 years to become more involved in industry leadership and decision-making, and "; S14[30]=" helps ensure the Government hears their views on agricultural issues.
      'Young people are the most valuable resource our rural industries have, and "; S15[30]=" their participation is essential if we are to ensure the sector remains vibrant and competitive.' For further information, visit the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - "; S16[30]=" Australia's web site www.affa.gov.au/industryleadership or call Shelley Spriggs on (02) 6272 3984... "; R[31]="789"; T[31]="Young Australians selected for rural leadership course"; A[31]="By ... Editor"; Dn[31]="20020819"; Dt[31]="Monday 19 August 2002"; Acats[31]="a48a53"; B1[31]="      Thirty-nine young people from rural and regional Australia will take part in the third Young Rural Leaders Course in Canberra from 26-29 "; B2[31]="August 2002... "; B3[31]=" "; B4[31]=" "; B5[31]=" "; S1[31]="      Thirty-nine young people from rural and regional Australia will take part in the third Young Rural Leaders' Course in Canberra from 26-29 "; S2[31]=" August 2002.
      The courses are one element of the Federal Government's Young People in Rural Industries Program, through which more than 100 "; S3[31]=" men and women aged 18-35 have learned new skills, increased their knowledge and gained valuable networks.
      'The Government is committed to developing "; S4[31]=" young people who have leadership potential, and who demonstrate vision and enthusiasm for rural Australia,' Mr Truss said.
      'The past Young Rural "; S5[31]=" Leaders' courses were an outstanding success and received strong support from the private sector.
      'The Government's Young People in Rural Industries Program "; S6[31]=" encourages young people to become more involved in industry leadership and decision-making, and ensures the Government hears their views on agricultural issues.
      "; S7[31]=" 'It's vital they have the chance to develop management and networking skills so that their views are heard by rural industries, communities and government.
  "; S8[31]="     'The young women and men chosen for the third course represent the future of Australian agriculture, and the rural and regional communities that "; S9[31]=" depend on it.
      'The course will help them to expand their networks and gain a better appreciation of the main policy issues "; S10[31]=" affecting Australian agriculture and regional communities.' Mr Truss said there were many opportunities for young people to develop their skills, networks and knowledge through the "; S11[31]=" Young People in Rural Industries Program including Study Awards, Corporate Governance Courses, Young People's Rural Network grants and a Mentoring Program, as well as the "; S12[31]=" Young Rural Leaders' Course.
      He said that applications were being called for the Young People's Rural Networks grants.
      Further "; S13[31]=" information can be obtained from the web site: www.affa.gov.au/industryleadership... "; R[32]="781"; T[32]="Being Wet N Wise on the Farm"; A[32]="By ... Editor"; Dn[32]="20020816"; Dt[32]="Friday 16 August 2002"; Acats[32]="a09a48a53"; B1[32]="      Wet n Wise is a water safety initiative targeted at schools, teachers, parents and students.... "; B2[32]=" "; B3[32]=" "; B4[32]=" "; B5[32]=" "; S1[32]="      Wet 'n' Wise is a water safety initiative targeted at schools, teachers, parents and students.
      Primary school aged children "; S2[32]=" have the lowest drowning rate in Australia.
      This is in part due to the work of education initiatives such as Wet 'n' "; S3[32]=" Wise, a partnership between Royal Life Saving and ANZ to allow every Australian school child access to water safety information.
      Last year, "; S4[32]=" 269 Australians lost their lives.
      Children aged between 6-14 represented only 12 of these deaths - significantly less than any other age "; S5[32]=" group.
      However, even one death is too many and we must continue working towards arresting the drowning rate in Australia.
    "; S6[32]="   With the goal of educating Australia's kids about safety and fun in the water, Royal Life Saving and ANZ worked together to develop the "; S7[32]=" Wet 'n' Wise Resource Kit and WETNWISE.COM, an interactive water safety website.
      The resource kit is a teacher's resource which was sent "; S8[32]=" to every school in Australia, and WETNWISE.COM, an interactive water safety website.
      The Resource Kit contains lesson plans, teaching resources, posters, and "; S9[32]=" a board game, while the website has interactive games, water safety quizzes, puzzles and water safety tips.
      Students learn that water safety "; S10[32]=" is crucial in all sorts of situations - in the pool, by the river, near a dam, out fishing, on a boat.
      "; S11[32]=" ANZ spokesperson, Glenn Haslam said, 'It's very important to back a major program like 'Wet 'n' Wise' because there's no question that more education on "; S12[32]=" water safety is needed.
      ANZ's partnership with Royal Life Saving means we can play a role in helping with more education to "; S13[32]=" ensure there are fewer tragedies in the water.' The Wet 'n' Wise kits will be available from the Royal Life Saving Stand at Ag Quip "; S14[32]=" in Gunnedah on the 20th, 21st, 22nd August.
      Call (02) 6651 6266 for more information... "; R[33]="769"; T[33]="WA student wins award for wasp research"; A[33]="By ... Editor"; Dn[33]="20020814"; Dt[33]="Wednesday 14 August 2002"; Acats[33]="a15a53a86"; B1[33]="      A search for natural biological control agents for crops like cotton across northern Australia will involve a wasp in the Katherine region.... "; B2[33]=" "; B3[33]=" "; B4[33]=" "; B5[33]=" "; S1[33]="      A search for natural biological control agents for crops like cotton across northern Australia will involve a wasp in the Katherine region.
"; S2[33]="       Andrew Davies from Kununurra has won the Federal Government's science and innovation award for young people in Western Australia.
    "; S3[33]="   Mr Davies says he will conduct the first systematic survey of possible biological control agents that could help the expansion of the cotton industry "; S4[33]=" into tropical regions of northern Australia.
      'We're trying to utilise as many natural aspects of control, cultural changes habitat manipulation things like "; S5[33]=" that to try and improve our chances of natural pest control so we don't have to use the chemicals because we know that they're not "; S6[33]=" going to work,' Mr Davies said.
      'They just seem to cause more problems than they're solving,' he said.
      The "; S7[33]=" CSIRO intends to trial genetically-modified cotton in the Katherine region and Mr Davies' research will include looking for natural biological control agents in agriculture across "; S8[33]=" northern Australia.
      Mr Davies says the wasp lays its eggs in other insect eggs, a tactic which is proving to be successful.
"; S9[33]="       'In Katherine whether it's cotton or any other crop, if this particular pest is attacking it then...
      if "; S10[33]=" you can let's say, enhance the natural population of this wasp, then when you get this pest attacking your crop...
      it's going "; S11[33]=" to help you by reducing the amount of pest species that are actually hatching out and eating your crop,' he said... "; R[34]="751"; T[34]="Student fish research project wins awards"; A[34]="By ... Editor"; Dn[34]="20020812"; Dt[34]="Monday 12 August 2002"; Acats[34]="a42a53"; B1[34]="      Three Bunbury teenagers in Year 12 at Newton Moore Senior High School students have spent two years researching the native western pygmy "; B2[34]="perch... "; B3[34]=" "; B4[34]=" "; B5[34]=" "; S1[34]="      Three Bunbury teenagers in Year 12 at Newton Moore Senior High School students have spent two years researching the native western pygmy "; S2[34]=" perch.
      Their efforts have been rewarded by their project winning a national competition and coming second in an international award The fish, "; S3[34]=" once common in Bunbury waterways, has declined to threatened species levels in recent years.
      The students researched how to supplement the wild "; S4[34]=" perch population by breeding it year-round and releasing it into the wild.
      Two of the students, accompanied by their teacher, wetland coordinator "; S5[34]=" Lorraine Ellis, flew to Stockholm on Friday to enter their project against those of 25 other nations for the international 2002 Junior Stockholm Water Prize, "; S6[34]=" worth $10,000.
      Last year the school won the competition at a national level and was runner-up for the international award.
    "; S7[34]="   Mrs Ellis, who began writing a curriculum for wetlands as an elective for Years 9 and 10 students four years ago, said the school's "; S8[34]=" wetland projects had won $20,000 in environmental competitions.
      With $4000 in grants, this contributed to wetlands projects.
      Students Andrew "; S9[34]=" Shaw, 17, and Nathan Sawyer and Vanessa Hollis, both 16, said the project had given them an insight into scientific method.
      Nathan "; S10[34]=" said he became interested in the project after an earlier one to review the state of Bunbury's wetlands.
      'After I did that "; S11[34]=" I found there were hardly any fish left,' he told the West Australian.
      Andrew said he believed their research would help scientists "; S12[34]=" elsewhere.
      'Our research can be adapted for other endangered species,' he said... "; R[35]="748"; T[35]="Rural schools vital for rural communities"; A[35]="By ... Editor"; Dn[35]="20020812"; Dt[35]="Monday 12 August 2002"; Acats[35]="a48a53"; B1[35]="      New research has shown that rural schools an essential life force for regional communities.
      Country schools serve as a "; B2[35]="link between young people, parents and grandparents and help encourage students to stay and contribute to their towns... "; B3[35]=" "; B4[35]=" "; B5[35]=" "; S1[35]="      New research has shown that rural schools an essential life force for regional communities.
      Country schools serve as a "; S2[35]=" link between young people, parents and grandparents and help encourage students to stay and contribute to their towns.
      Co-authored by University of "; S3[35]=" Tasmania researcher Sue Kilpatrick, the report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation found that rural schools provided previously unrecognised social and economic benefits.
"; S4[35]="       These included training and education of the community as well as students, improved youth retention in regional areas, cultural benefits of sharing "; S5[35]=" school resources, and improved environmental benefits.
      Researchers conducted detailed case studies of five rural communities.
      One was Margaret River "; S6[35]=" in WA, chosen because the South-West community had shown a dramatic improvement in the relationship between adults, business and young people since 1995.
    "; S7[35]="   School and community links in the town included a structured workplace learning program, a recycling program which was started by a teacher at the "; S8[35]=" school and extended into the community, and a volunteer reading program where retired people worked with students.
      Four years ago the school "; S9[35]=" also set up a State Emergency Services cadet scheme.
      School principal Ray Harwood told the West Australian that the 1995 turning point "; S10[35]=" had been due to the school being upgraded to a senior high school which could take Years 11 and 12 students.
      Before "; S11[35]=" that the community's experience and relationships with the students was limited and older students were forced to leave town for their last two years of "; S12[35]=" school.
      'Structured workplace learning was the crucial breakthrough,' Mr Harwood said.
      'When we put our Years 11 and 12 "; S13[35]=" students out into the community to work was when the community attitude started to change.
      'People would ring and say they had "; S14[35]=" always thought the kids were drongos, but after working with them, they suddenly thought they were wonderful and were going to give them jobs.'.. "; R[36]="718"; T[36]="Rural schools vital for community development"; A[36]="By ... Editor"; Dn[36]="20020806"; Dt[36]="Tuesday 6 August 2002"; Acats[36]="a48a53"; B1[36]="      Schools in rural areas provide much more than educational services and are vital to the economic and social wellbeing of many communities, "; B2[36]="a new report has revealed... "; B3[36]=" "; B4[36]=" "; B5[36]=" "; S1[36]="      Schools in rural areas provide much more than educational services and are vital to the economic and social wellbeing of many communities, "; S2[36]=" a new report has revealed.
      Commissioned by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) and titled 'More than an Education - "; S3[36]=" Leadership for rural school community partnerships', the report found rural schools provide a number of economic and social benefits, many of which have not been "; S4[36]=" well understood.
      Author Co-author of the report Dr Sue Kilpatrick, from the University of Tasmania's Centre for Research and Learning in Regional "; S5[36]=" Australia, said rural school community partnerships deliver a variety of positive outcomes for youth and for the community, including the provision of education and training "; S6[36]=" that meets student and community needs, improved school retention, increased retention of youth in rural communities, positive environmental outcomes, cultural and recreational benefits from sharing "; S7[36]=" physical and human school resources.
      'Schools also provide significant economic benefits as a key employer and consumer of local goods and services,' "; S8[36]=" she said.
      'However, schools can also be a vital, but often overlooked, component of rural community development and provide one of the "; S9[36]=" major opportunities for community interaction while also helping to build individual and community social capital, such asincluding knowledge resources.' Knowledge resources refer to knowledge of "; S10[36]=" who, when and where to go for advice or assistance, and knowledge of how to get things done.
      Dr Kilpatrick said rural "; S11[36]=" school community partnerships build knowledge resourcessocial capital by: creating new networks or strengthening existing networks within the community; utilising and making others aware of the "; S12[36]=" skills and knowledge available within the community; establishing clear and widely understood rules and procedures for getting things done; facilitating communication within the community, and "; S13[36]=" providing opportunities for people with differing values and attitudes to come to appreciate each other's viewpoints and work on shared projects.
      The "; S14[36]=" report said it is important for schools and the community to work effectively to maximize these benefits, and has identified 12 indicators of effective school "; S15[36]=" community partnerships and effective leadership.
      In addition, the report also makes eight policy recommendations for the consideration of government.
      "; S16[36]=" A Short Report with the same title is available free of charge from RIRDC, phone (02) 6272 4819.
      Copies of most RIRDC "; S17[36]=" reports can be downloaded free of charge from the RIRDC website www.rirdc.gov.au, which has more than 800 research reports on a wide range of rural "; S18[36]=" industries.
      Hard copies can be purchased online or by phone (02) 6272 4819.
      A free publication catalogue is also "; S19[36]=" available... "; R[37]="689"; T[37]="School kids plants 3000 trees on Murray banks"; A[37]="By ... Editor"; Dn[37]="20020731"; Dt[37]="Wednesday 31 July 2002"; Acats[37]="a39a42a53"; B1[37]="      Students from Adelaide s Westminster School will plant about 3000 native seedlings on the banks of the River Murray this weekend.... "; B2[37]=" "; B3[37]=" "; B4[37]=" "; B5[37]=" "; S1[37]="      Students from Adelaide's Westminster School will plant about 3000 native seedlings on the banks of the River Murray this weekend.
    "; S2[37]="   About 20 Year 12 students have grown the seedlings at home and they will be joined by 30 Year 10 and 11 students to "; S3[37]=" plant them on the school's property, Glenroy, on Sunday.
      The property is near Clayton on the southern Fleurieu Peninsula.
      "; S4[37]=" 'The land was overgrazed and overstocked and pretty bad when we bought it,' the school's head of outdoor education, Gordon Begg, told the Adelaide Advertiser.
"; S5[37]="       'So we are trying to revegetate it.' The school has in place a 10-year program to plant more than 30,000 trees along "; S6[37]=" the property's river foreshore.
      The program is in its third year.
      'We are revegetating the property and it's giving "; S7[37]=" students a greater understanding of promoting biodiversity and the whole idea of doing their bit to help the Murray,' Mr Begg said.
      "; S8[37]=" The Year 12 students who have grown the seedlings are studying outdoor education.
      Michelle Berrigan, 17, has grown 300 coastal wattle and "; S9[37]=" drooping sheoak seedlings, which she will plant on Sunday.
      'That's the reason we are doing it - to help the environment and "; S10[37]=" help the Murray,' she said.
      Ross Powell, 17, said classroom lessons had done much to raise their awareness of environmental issues.
  "; S11[37]="     'We have an obligation to revegetate and help solve the problems for the environment and the Murray,' he said.
      Some "; S12[37]=" of the students are also working on the project as part of their involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
      The awards "; S13[37]=" encourage young people aged 14 to 25 to become involved in the community and outdoor activities.
      Westminster has the largest Duke of "; S14[37]=" Edinburgh Awards program in SA... "; R[38]="678"; T[38]="New Lure for Teachers to go Bush"; A[38]="By ... Editor"; Dn[38]="20020729"; Dt[38]="Monday 29 July 2002"; Acats[38]="a53"; B1[38]="      The number of graduate teachers taking country postings has climbed in recent years but extra incentives are still required.... "; B2[38]=" "; B3[38]=" "; B4[38]=" "; B5[38]=" "; S1[38]="      The number of graduate teachers taking country postings has climbed in recent years but extra incentives are still required.
      "; S2[38]=" 'In certain parts of the country it's very, very difficult to attract staff and that's often due simply to distance,' Secondary Principals' Association president Bob "; S3[38]=" Heath told the Adelaide Advertiser.
      City teachers were reluctant even to work in Nuriootpa or Strathalbyn because of the extra driving involved.
"; S4[38]="       The State Government is hoping grants announced in the Budget will help fix the problem.
      Fifty study grants, worth "; S5[38]=" up to $10,000 each, will be available annually for graduates originally from the country who want to return there for their first posting.
    "; S6[38]="   Teacher shortages are felt in most parts of the state, including the West Coast, north and South-East.
      In Port Augusta, permanent "; S7[38]=" and relief teachers are difficult to secure.
      'Staff are coming to school sick because they know they're not going to get covered "; S8[38]=" if they stay at home,' one Port Augusta principal said.
      'They feel like they're letting the kids and the other staff down "; S9[38]=" if they take a sick day.' Other regional schools reported: STARTING 2002 five teachers short because none with suitable qualifications was available.
      "; S10[38]=" A SHORT-TERM contract teacher living in a caravan park because of the high cost of other short-term accommodation.
      SPLITTING classes because no "; S11[38]=" relief teachers are available.
      This year, 141 teachers who graduated in February accepted country postings.
      That figure - for "; S12[38]=" primary and secondary teachers - was up about 12 per cent from 2000, although there was a decline last year.
      Education Minister "; S13[38]=" Trish White said she hoped the increase would continue because of the Government's $2 million study grants scheme over four years.
      'This "; S14[38]=" major new initiative is evidence of the Government's commitment to schooling in country areas, where it's often difficult to attract and retain teachers .
  "; S15[38]="     .
      .' she said.
      Principals said incentives such as greater access to cheaper accommodation and subsidised motor "; S16[38]=" vehicles would help get more teachers to move to the country.
      Mr Heath said it was particularly difficult for regional high schools "; S17[38]=" to attract specialist secondary teachers.
      'This new program has actually got an incentive for people to go to the country, whereas a "; S18[38]=" lot of the programs in the past have been incentives for people to stay in the country,' he said.
      'The challenge is "; S19[38]=" to get teachers to actually move to the country, and the group that are probably most likely to do that are graduates.'.. "; R[39]="642"; T[39]="NSW Farmers Association Conference begins"; A[39]="By ... Editor"; Dn[39]="20020723"; Dt[39]="Tuesday 23 July 2002"; Acats[39]="a04a53"; B1[39]="      The NSW Farmers Association s annual conference began in Sydney yesterday, with drought and leadership issues high on the agenda.... "; B2[39]=" "; B3[39]=" "; B4[39]=" "; B5[39]=" "; S1[39]="      The NSW Farmers Association's annual conference began in Sydney yesterday, with drought and leadership issues high on the agenda.
      "; S2[39]=" Association president Mal Peters is hoping to survive as leader, despite a challenge by a former president, John Crawford.
      State Government drought "; S3[39]=" assistance, or the lack of it, is expected to dominate debate, closely followed by the Federal Government's plans to sell off the rest of Telstra.
"; S4[39]="       The conference will continue until Thursday.
      The worsening drought looms as a major issue.
      Farmers and "; S5[39]=" graziers across New South Wales struggling with the worst drought in decades now have yet another problem, as falling stock prices hit profit margins.
  "; S6[39]="     With 80 per cent of the State now affected by drought, stock prices have plummetted.
      Cattle and sheep prices are "; S7[39]=" also falling.
      To make things worse, farmers and graziers trying to keep their breeding herds and flocks alive are facing massive price "; S8[39]=" increases for feed.
      Lucerne hay prices are being quoted at up to $14 per bale, more than double the price before the "; S9[39]=" drought took hold.
      The prices for grain and other fodder have also increased dramatically... "; R[40]="620"; T[40]="Community imput sought on agriculture training courses"; A[40]="By ... Editor"; Dn[40]="20020718"; Dt[40]="Thursday 18 July 2002"; Acats[40]="a48a53"; B1[40]="      Victoria s agricultural education system will be reviewed to ensure it yields well-trained graduates with skills to match existing and future employment "; B2[40]="opportunities, Agriculture Minister Keith Hamilton announced today... "; B3[40]=" "; B4[40]=" "; B5[40]=" "; S1[40]="      Victoria's agricultural education system will be reviewed to ensure it yields well-trained graduates with skills to match existing and future employment opportunities, "; S2[40]=" Agriculture Minister Keith Hamilton announced today.
      Mr Hamilton said the joint review with Education, Employment and Training Minister Lynne Kosky would focus "; S3[40]=" on assessing agricultural education at the undergraduate level.
      'The Bracks Government has to ascertain that the quantity and quality of our future "; S4[40]=" agricultural graduates match well with the number and types of jobs that will be available,' Mr Hamilton said.
      'It's imperative that "; S5[40]=" appropriate courses are being provided, that students develop proficient skills during their studies and the mix of courses on offer is diverse but relevant.
  "; S6[40]="     'Maintaining student numbers and strategically locating education facilities are also important issues.' Mr Hamilton said community consultation would be a vital "; S7[40]=" part of the process and that the report would form the basis for further comment.
      'The Bracks Government was elected with "; S8[40]=" a strong commitment to regional and rural Victoria and realises that an effective agricultural education system is the foundation for an innovative and productive agricultural "; S9[40]=" industry,' he said.
      'We are looking for a visionary change, but a vision that is directed by the rural community.
  "; S10[40]="     As such, stakeholders will be invited to attend workshops to consider the findings of the report and have their say.
      "; S11[40]=" 'The report combined with effective community input will allow us to develop a considered and strategic response to the state of agricultural education.' Dr "; S12[40]=" Ras Lawson who has a background in agricultural education will undertake the review.
      Dr Lawson is a former Director of the "; S13[40]=" Gilbert Chandler Institute, a member of the former University of Melbourne School of Agriculture and Forestry Faculty Board and a member of the former Victorian "; S14[40]=" College of Agriculture and Horticulture Board.
      He is also the former Deputy Secretary in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
  "; S15[40]="     For further information contact John Naughtin, Manager Special Project, Agriculture Division, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, phone 96378635... "; R[41]="614"; T[41]="Uni for Goulburn, NSW"; A[41]="By ... Editor"; Dn[41]="20020718"; Dt[41]="Thursday 18 July 2002"; Acats[41]="a53a64"; B1[41]="      The possibility of a university campus in Goulburn is one step closer after a meeting of local government, education institutions and community "; B2[41]="groups... "; B3[41]=" "; B4[41]=" "; B5[41]=" "; S1[41]="      The possibility of a university campus in Goulburn is one step closer after a meeting of local government, education institutions and community "; S2[41]=" groups.
      Goulburn mayor, Max Hadlow, says he hopes the campus could be up and running by the start of next year.
  "; S3[41]="     But first, funds for the campus need to be found, as well as an established university to be associated with the new institute.
"; S4[41]="       Mr Hadlow says a Goulburn campus would benefit the whole region.
      'What we're looking at is probably courses that "; S5[41]=" are at the universities at the moment that they have an overflow and they just can't cater for them,' he told the ABC.
    "; S6[41]="   'Maybe those sort of courses could be shunted to the Goulburn campus and let us run them from there and giving more kids "; S7[41]=" the opportunity to attend these things.'.. "; R[42]="582"; T[42]="Online Book Project An Australian First"; A[42]="By ... Editor"; Dn[42]="20020713"; Dt[42]="Saturday 13 July 2002"; Acats[42]="a46a48a53"; B1[42]="      In an Australian first, Tasmanian school students will work online with a local author to write and publish a new children s "; B2[42]="novel... "; B3[42]=" "; B4[42]=" "; B5[42]=" "; S1[42]="      In an Australian first, Tasmanian school students will work online with a local author to write and publish a new children's novel.
"; S2[42]="       Education Minister Paula Wriedt said today that the project, being led by popular Tasmanian children's author Damian Morgan, was another example of "; S3[42]=" how the State was leading the way nationally in online education.
      'This is a unique opportunity for Tasmanian students to participate directly "; S4[42]=" in every stage of the production of a novel, from story development through to editing and publishing,' Ms Wriedt said.
      'Damian Morgan, "; S5[42]=" who has had 35 published books to his credit, started writing Billy Bathtub this term.
      'Damian will work with a group of "; S6[42]=" Clarence High School students and other students around Tasmania will be able to communicate with him through the online services provided by the Department of "; S7[42]=" Education's Discover website.
      'Importantly, there has been a huge response from schools all over the State.
      'They will be "; S8[42]=" able to participate in online chats with Damian and invite him to their school, offer suggestions on what happens next in the story and take "; S9[42]=" part in online forums about the novel.
      'In addition, Erica Wagner from the book publishers Allen and Unwin, will edit the book "; S10[42]=" online from her office in Melbourne and students will be able to see this process take place as part of the project.' Ms Wriedt said "; S11[42]=" the book would be written day by day and would be accessible by students and teachers through the Education Department's Discover website at http://www.discover.tased.edu.au/billybathtub... "; R[43]="516"; T[43]="Ritalin overused on kids"; A[43]="By ... Editor"; Dn[43]="20020701"; Dt[43]="Monday 1 July 2002"; Acats[43]="a09a53"; B1[43]="      A new study of Ritalin, the most widely used behaviour control drug for children, found evidence of overuse and inappropriate use.... "; B2[43]=" "; B3[43]=" "; B4[43]=" "; B5[43]=" "; S1[43]="      A new study of Ritalin, the most widely used behaviour control drug for children, found evidence of overuse and inappropriate use.
  "; S2[43]="     In the past nine years there has been an alarming increase (1,300 per cent) in prescription rates for stimulants and antidepressants to treat "; S3[43]=" attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Australian school-aged children.
      It is estimated that at least 50,000 Australian children are now on "; S4[43]=" these prescription drugs.
      The Australian Medical Association is concerned that insufficient research has been done into the effects of stimulants on "; S5[43]=" brain development.
      The most popular stimulant medications prescribed for learning difficulties and ADHD are methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dexamphetamine, members of the amphetamine "; S6[43]=" family and closely related tococaine.
      The aim is to relieve or suppress the disorder's unwanted symptoms (hyperactivity, impulsivity, distractibility, forgetfulness, oppositional behaviour), "; S7[43]=" so they are not a cure.
      This is like taking aspirin for pain relief.
      Since the medication is "; S8[43]=" short-lived in the body (about four hours), repeated doses during the day are needed as symptoms return once medication is reduced.
      These "; S9[43]=" drugs were approved decades ago before their long-term effects on young children, whose brains are still developing, could be studied and have yet to be "; S10[43]=" fully established.
      The study sampled a representative group of almost 3600 children aged six to 17, whose parents completed detailed interviews.
  "; S11[43]="     Published last week in the Medical Journal of Australia, the study found boys with the disorder were at least twice as likely as "; S12[43]=" girls to be treated with Ritalin or dexamphetamine - the other major drug in the category - and up to six times as likely if "; S13[43]=" their condition largely manifested as inattentive behaviour.
      Younger boys with the disorder were more likely to be prescribed the drugs - 17 "; S14[43]=" per cent of those aged six to 12 were on medication compared to 12 per cent of 13-to 17-year-olds.
      But the situation "; S15[43]=" was reversed for girls; in the younger age group, 4 per cent were on stimulants, as against 10 per cent of adolescent girls.
    "; S16[43]="   Children taking Ritalin were more likely to be from low-income families with less-educated parents.
      That could be because the condition was "; S17[43]=" more common in some social groups, said the study's lead author, Michael Sawyer, head of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Adelaide and "; S18[43]=" the evaluation unit at Adelaide's Women's and Children's Hospital.
      In addition, parents' perceptions of the severity of their child's condition might turn "; S19[43]=" out to affect the likelihood drugs would be prescribed, he said.
      A NSW parliamentary inquiry is currently investigating the levels of drugs, "; S20[43]=" including Ritalin, being prescribed to children, and reports of self-administering.
      The disorder affects 11 per cent of children, and the survey "; S21[43]=" found 13 per cent of those were taking stimulants.
      However, of all children identified as taking stimulant medication, one in four did "; S22[43]=" not have a diagnosis of ADHD.
      Instead, they were taking the drugs for other problems such as autism or aggressive behaviour.
  "; S23[43]="     'Regrettably, ADHD medication doesn't fix aggression; it doesn't fix most of the other problems,' the study's co-author, Joseph Rey, professor of child and "; S24[43]=" adolescent psychiatry at the University of Sydney, told theSydney Morning Herald.
      Medication was clearly valuable for children with severe cases of the "; S25[43]=" disorder, in which both poor concentration and over-activity were present.
      But the diagnosis had more recently been expanded to include either "; S26[43]=" just poor concentration or impulsive behaviour alone.
      'Should all those kids be treated? ...
      a child [could have] "; S27[43]=" his or her head in the clouds could be for a variety of reasons that may not be ADHD,' Professor Rey said.
      "; S28[43]=" The value of stimulants in the inattentive-only aspects of the disorder was unproven, he said, but the drugs would certainly boost concentration.
      "; S29[43]=" That could raise the spectre of parents seeking an ADHD diagnosis to improve a child's academic performance... "; R[44]="507"; T[44]="Where does that burger come from?"; A[44]="By ... Editor"; Dn[44]="20020628"; Dt[44]="Friday 28 June 2002"; Acats[44]="a10a53"; B1[44]="      The Department of Primary Industries and Hungry Jack s have launched a joint promotion on the Sunshine Coast to highlight the Year "; B2[44]="of the Outback, focusing on the people and communities who produce Queenslands food... "; B3[44]=" "; B4[44]=" "; B5[44]=" "; S1[44]="      The Department of Primary Industries and Hungry Jack's have launched a joint promotion on the Sunshine Coast to highlight the Year of "; S2[44]=" the Outback, focusing on the people and communities who produce Queenslands food.
      A recent survey of school children found that nine out "; S3[44]=" 10 students have never visited a farm and only one in four students said they or their family knew a farmer DPI Acting Director "; S4[44]=" Regional Services, South East, Craig Mathisen said that the promotion sought to provide linkages between city and country people during the Year of the Outback.
"; S5[44]="       He said over 500,000 trayliners have been provided for use in Hungry Jack's stores with a quiz and prizes to be "; S6[44]=" won.
      Prizes include a trip to the outback town of Longreach.
      Prizes have been donated by Qantas, Novotel Twin "; S7[44]=" Waters Resort, Qantas Founders Museum, Stockman's Hall of Fame and Aussie Betta Cabins.
      Mr Mathisen said that up to 6 million burgers "; S8[44]=" are sold by Hungry Jack's staff at some 50 Queensland stores each year, so the trayliner message about the importance of primary industries and the "; S9[44]=" outback will have good exposure.
      Hungry Jack's is a major purchaser of Queensland primary produce: § Beef "; S10[44]=" - sourced from Queensland and used in stores in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and Northern Territory; § Tomatoes - sourced from "; S11[44]=" Queensland (Bundaberg and Bowen) for use in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory; § Buns for all Qld "; S12[44]=" stores are Queensland product; § Vegetable Burger - product sourced from a Queensland supplier for use nation-wide; § "; S13[44]=" Chicken nuggets - sourced from Queensland are used nation-wide; and § Shake and sundae mix - sourced from a Queensland "; S14[44]=" supplier for nation-wide distribution Mr Mathisen said the DPI- Hungry Jack's partnership has been very successful over the past five years in promoting the "; S15[44]=" importance of primary industries, particularly in urban areas... "; R[45]="490"; T[45]="Bushfoods a hit with kids"; A[45]="By ... Editor"; Dn[45]="20020621"; Dt[45]="Friday 21 June 2002"; Acats[45]="a53a78"; B1[45]="      Bunya nut chips, macadamia nuts, lilly pillys and quandong jam were favourite tastes of Cherbourg State School Grade five students at an "; B2[45]="introduction to bushfoods session held at the school recently... "; B3[45]=" "; B4[45]=" "; B5[45]=" "; S1[45]="      Bunya nut chips, macadamia nuts, lilly pillys and quandong jam were favourite tastes of Cherbourg State School Grade five students at an "; S2[45]=" introduction to bushfoods session held at the school recently.
      The children were introduced to a wide range of Australian Bushfoods collected fresh "; S3[45]=" and a range of other foods that are now available in processed form.
      They were given the opportunity to taste many of "; S4[45]=" the basic foods that indigenous people used in the local area such as bunya nuts, various grasses, reeds and seeds.
      Damien O'Sullivan "; S5[45]=" from DPI's Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences, Kingaroy conducted the day under the direction of school cultural officer James Bond and local elder Victor "; S6[45]=" Bond.
      Mr O'Sullivan said 'The students were very familiar with some bushfoods such as bunya nuts, lilly pillys and wattle gum, but "; S7[45]=" were amazed at things like bush tomato sauce, lemon myrtle cordial and Davidson's plum.' He said that the school's Aboriginal studies teacher Michael Blackman and "; S8[45]=" the Department were working together to engender an early interest in bushfoods by the children to increase their knowledge of indigenous foods of Australia.
  "; S9[45]="     Mr O'Sullivan said that the Australian bushfoods industry is growing and has the potential to provide unique and different types of cuisine available "; S10[45]=" both to local resaidents and tourists.
      He said that it was important that children were aware of the significance of bushfoods to "; S11[45]=" the Burnett region.
      'These bushfoods are a proud and important part of the children's cultural heritage and we would like to think "; S12[45]=" that this may encourage them to become part of this industry in the future.' Mr O'Sullivan said.
      He said that future plans "; S13[45]=" for the school include a nature trail and a bushfoods nursery... "; R[46]="487"; T[46]="Rural youth selected for company directors course"; A[46]="By ... Editor"; Dn[46]="20020607"; Dt[46]="Friday 7 June 2002"; Acats[46]="a53"; B1[46]="      Fourteen young people from rural and regional Australia have been sponsored by the Federal Government to take part in company directors courses "; B2[46]="in Canberra this week... "; B3[46]=" "; B4[46]=" "; B5[46]=" "; S1[46]="      Fourteen young people from rural and regional Australia have been sponsored by the Federal Government to take part in company directors' courses "; S2[46]=" in Canberra this week.
      Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Warren Truss said the courses were provided under the Improved Governance "; S3[46]=" Skills Program - part of the Coalition Federal Government's $1.3 million Young People in Rural Industries Initiative.
      'The Coalition parties are strongly "; S4[46]=" committed to improving the opportunities for the young women and men working in Australia's rural industries,' Mr Truss said.
      'The Improved Governance "; S5[46]=" Skills Program will allow 14 young people to undertake a course provided by the Australian Institute of Company Directors to help boost their management and "; S6[46]=" networking skills.
      'This is vital if they are to contribute to their industry decision-making processes and help build a successful long-term future "; S7[46]=" for rural and regional Australia.' The participants will attend a five-day, intensive program designed to complete the educational requirements of a certified and nationally recognised "; S8[46]=" course, while at the same time allowing for group work and discussion sessions with experienced directors.
      Mr Truss said there are many "; S9[46]=" opportunities available for young rural Australians under the Young People in Rural Industries Initiative.
      These include the Young Rural Leaders Course, the "; S10[46]=" AFFA Study Awards Program, the Young People's Rural Networks Program, the AFFA Science Initiative and the department's Young People as Clients' Strategy.
      "; S11[46]=" 'The Young People in Rural Industries Initiative encourages young women and men (18-35 years) to become more involved in industry leadership and decision-making, and to "; S12[46]=" also ensure their views on agricultural issues are heard by government,' Mr Truss said... "; R[47]="481"; T[47]="TopCrop awards: WA"; A[47]="By ... Editor"; Dn[47]="20020614"; Dt[47]="Friday 14 June 2002"; Acats[47]="a04a53"; B1[47]="      The Grass Patch Sustainable Farming Group recently won the State TopCrop Award of excellence.
      Department of Agriculture senior development "; B2[47]="officer Jeremy Lemon said the group was recognised for being strongly cohesive with clear plans, goals and vision... "; B3[47]=" "; B4[47]=" "; B5[47]=" "; S1[47]="      The Grass Patch Sustainable Farming Group recently won the State TopCrop Award of excellence.
      Department of Agriculture senior development "; S2[47]=" officer Jeremy Lemon said the group was recognised for being strongly cohesive with clear plans, goals and vision.
      'The group was formed "; S3[47]=" in 1999 when members who felt isolated in a unique farming area decided to take on trials in their own community to fill information gaps,' "; S4[47]=" Mr Lemon said.
      Grass patch is located 75 kilometres north of Esperance, has an average rainfall of 350 millimetres and a variety "; S5[47]=" of alkaline soil types, similar to mallee areas interstate.
      'With farms becoming larger and families in the district fewer and further between, "; S6[47]=" it was felt that forming a Sustainable Farming Group would help keep the community together and information flowing without a duplication of trials,' Group leader "; S7[47]=" Ron Longbottom said.
      Mr Longbottom said the group achieved its goals through forming an action plan based on sharing the leadership role.
"; S8[47]="       'The group felt survival would depend on our ability to share leadership and responsibilities.
      If there was one key "; S9[47]=" figure running the group and that person decided to leave, the group would be at risk,' Mr Longbottom said.
      'Group members are "; S10[47]=" encouraged to do their own farm trials from simple fertiliser rate demonstrations to trials using the latest technology.
      We believe on-farm trials "; S11[47]=" are the grass roots of on-going research,' he said.
      Regular meetings were held at different farms so seeding and fertiliser demonstrations set "; S12[47]=" up on each farm could be inspected by the group and the interests of each member shared and discussed.
      'Having a different "; S13[47]=" member organise the meetings at a different location each time gives the group a variety of information and activities and ensures long-term membership,' Mr Longbottom "; S14[47]=" said.
      The group also started monitoring local water tables when it received a grant from the Natural Heritage Trust to install bores "; S15[47]=" across the Grass Patch area.
      This information will be used to better manage farming systems to reduce the rise of ground water.
"; S16[47]="       Collection of records and data entry is the group's responsibility, so information and notes from meetings and trials are retained locally and "; S17[47]=" faxed or e-mailed to all other members in the group.
      Mr Longbottom said the social aspect of the meetings were valued by "; S18[47]=" all members for the informal exchange of information and those shy of speaking up in a group had an opportunity to seek information.
    "; S19[47]="   The Grass Patch Sustainable Farming Group won $2,000 dollars for their efforts but have yet to decide on the best use of this award "; S20[47]=" for the following year... "; R[48]="420"; T[48]="Research highlights youth involvement in agriculture"; A[48]="By ... Editor"; Dn[48]="20020525"; Dt[48]="Saturday 25 May 2002"; Acats[48]="a53"; B1[48]="      More than a third of people working in agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries are under 35 years of age, according to research "; B2[48]="undertaken for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia (AFFA)... "; B3[48]=" "; B4[48]=" "; B5[48]=" "; S1[48]="      More than a third of people working in agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries are under 35 years of age, according to research "; S2[48]=" undertaken for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia (AFFA).
      The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Warren Truss, said the research "; S3[48]=" clearly dispelled myths that there were few young people left in Australia's rural industries.
      Mr Truss, who was officially launching his Department's "; S4[48]=" Guidelines for Reaching Our Clients - Young People, said 36 per cent of all people working in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries are aged "; S5[48]=" between 18 and 35.
      AFFA developed the comprehensive set of guidelines following recent research by NFO Donovan Research Pty Ltd to profile "; S6[48]=" the 18 to 35-year-old group in rural industries, and to benchmark staff and client attitudes.
      'The research indicates a significant proportion of "; S7[48]=" young men and women in rural and regional industries are employers or self-employed,' Mr Truss said.
      'It shows 19 per cent have "; S8[48]=" important positions in agriculture, 5 per cent in forestry and 12 per cent in fisheries.' 'Surprisingly, they are not a commonly visible or vocal client "; S9[48]=" group.
      As a result, government, agribusiness and even rural communities may not effectively target this important group of clients when they provide "; S10[48]=" information and services to recognised decision makers.' The AFFA guidelines will ensure its staff takes greater account of the significant role played by young people "; S11[48]=" in rural Australia when developing policies, programs and services.
      'The guidelines will help increase awareness within AFFA that young people constitute an "; S12[48]=" important and considerably under-used client group,' Mr Truss said.
      'They will also provide practical guidance on the development of policies and programs "; S13[48]=" that reflect the concerns and aspirations of our rural women.
      'It is important to ensure that Government is in a position to "; S14[48]=" respond to the changing culture and attitudes in rural industries brought about by more and younger people entering this sector.
      Better consultation "; S15[48]=" means better decisions, and better decisions mean better policies.
      'The Federal Government is keen to help develop the role of young people "; S16[48]=" in agricultural and resource management sector and has provided a range of new initiatives to encourage young people to be active in rural industries.
  "; S17[48]="     Young people are the most valuable resource our rural industries have, and their participation is essential if we are to ensure the sector "; S18[48]=" remains vibrant and competitive.'.. "; R[49]="395"; T[49]="Getting the Quarantine message to kids in the classroom"; A[49]="By ... Editor"; Dn[49]="20020521"; Dt[49]="Tuesday 21 May 2002"; Acats[49]="a33a53"; B1[49]="      Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss today launched a new, national education program for school children from Years 5-8.... "; B2[49]=" "; B3[49]=" "; B4[49]=" "; B5[49]=" "; S1[49]="      Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss today launched a new, national education program for school children from Years 5-8.
"; S2[49]="       Speaking at Rose Bay Public School during the launch, Mr Truss said the travelling unit was a hands-on learning experience that challenged "; S3[49]=" children while teaching them the importance of quarantine.
      'Using the latest scientific techniques students are able to trace and identify illegal quarantine "; S4[49]=" goods and look at some of the implications that pest and disease hitchhikers can have on the Australian environment,' Mr Truss said.
      "; S5[49]=" Like Australian Quarantine scientists, students: · explore chemical methods to identify the foot-and-mouth disease virus; · figure out the difference between red fire ants and "; S6[49]=" other ant species; · examine gel electrophoresis and DNA fingerprints to identify exotic disease causing fungi; · use a microscope to identify fungi responsible for "; S7[49]=" imported apple rot; and · identify mosquito species responsible for the spread of many diseases.
      'Teaching students about the importance of quarantine "; S8[49]=" helps raise awareness about what could potentially come into Australia if we are not vigilant,' Mr Truss said.
      'About 11 per cent "; S9[49]=" of Australian overseas travellers are aged 17-25, so this increased awareness will help them make informed decisions on their future overseas travel.
      "; S10[49]=" 'Federal Government funding of $50,000 has been dedicated by AQIS and CSIRO Education in developing the Quarantine Matters! learning unit, which fits Australian State and "; S11[49]=" Territory education science curricula,' Mr Truss said.
      Quarantine Matters! will travel around Australia for 18 months, being run by CSIRO Education in "; S12[49]=" classrooms or at CSIRO Education Centres.
      It forms part of a suite of education units developed and run by CSIRO Education, attracting "; S13[49]=" some 180,000 students nationally each year.
      In 2002, the Quarantine Matters! learning unit travels to: · Sydney (June 1-29); · Canberra (July "; S14[49]=" 6-11); · Brisbane (July 19-August 30); and · Townsville (November 11-29).
      Other States follow in 2003... ";