R[0]="976"; T[0]="Students now in the know about plants and water"; A[0]="By ... Editor"; Dn[0]="20060628"; Dt[0]="Wednesday 28 June 2006"; Acats[0]="a53"; B1[0]="      About 1400 primary and secondary school students taking part in the annual Hermitage Research Station Plant Science Competition now know how much "; B2[0]="water plants use... "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]="      About 1400 primary and secondary school students taking part in the annual Hermitage Research Station Plant Science Competition now know how much "; S2[0]=" water plants use.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries competition organiser, Kerrie Rubie, said students from years 1-12 were asked to plant "; S3[0]=" mungbean and sorghum seed and record how much water the plants used.
      Ms Rubie said the students were also asked to observe "; S4[0]=" and record plant growth, complete a case study, and do some extra research into the issues involved in growing plants in Australia's variable climate.
  "; S5[0]="     She said the competition focus was topical, supported Education Queensland's school science curriculum and judging by feedback was popular with both teachers and "; S6[0]=" students.
      One teacher had said that the competition was an important way of interesting students in agriculture from a very early age.
"; S7[0]="       Ms Rubie said entries came from primary schools, high schools, colleges, SEU classes and pre-schools from all parts of Queensland.
    "; S8[0]="   'The response was outstanding, with 71 schools entering the competition and 160 entries received in the various year categories, involving more than 1400 students.' "; S9[0]=" Ms Rubie said there were five awards in each year category.
      She said prizes for each category included books, CD ROMs, certificates "; S10[0]=" and trophies, and were presented at a special function at the Hermitage Research Station, near Warwick, on Thursday (June 22).
      Judges were "; S11[0]=" impressed with the quality of the winning entries and were particularly enthusiastic about the time, thought and effort that were obvious in the winning entries, "; S12[0]=" she said.
      Windaroo Valley State High School, near Beenleigh, took the honours in the senior category, while the youngest entrants, from the "; S13[0]=" ABC Gatton Development Centre preschool group, received an encouragement award for their work.
      Here are detailed results.
      Years 1-3 "; S14[0]=" Outstanding Achievement Award, Matthew Whittaker (Year 3, Warwick East State School).
      First, Gatton State School (Year 3); second, Killarney State School (Year "; S15[0]=" 2); third, Pilton State School (years 1-3) and Cawarral State School, Central Queensland, (Year 3); encouragement award , ABC Gatton Development Centre (Pre-school).
    "; S16[0]="   Years 4-7 Outstanding Achievement Award, Christina Budur, Fei Fei Jin and Susan Tan (Year 7, Macgregor State School, Brisbane).
      First, Murray's "; S17[0]=" Bridge State School, near Warwick (years 1, 5, 6); second, Killarney State School (Year 4); third, Pilton State School (years 6 and 7) and Gatton "; S18[0]=" State School, including the SEU life skills team (years 6 and 7); highly commended, Ashleigh Whittaker (Year 5, Scots College, Warwick); Rachael Bell (Year 7, "; S19[0]=" Pilton State School); Samuel Coulson, Steven Foster and Kirsty Cameron (years 6 and 7, Amiens State School).
      Years 8-10 Outstanding Achievement Award, "; S20[0]=" Stephanie Pratt (Year 9, Southport State High School).
      First, Theodore State School SEU (years 8-10); second, Windaroo Valley State High School (Year "; S21[0]=" 10); third, Middlemount Community School , Central Queensland (Year 10); highly commended, James Hoffman (Year 9, Killarney State School); Kaitlin Liebke and Emily Bates (Year "; S22[0]=" 10, Windaroo Valley State High School).
      Years 11-12 Outstanding Achievement Award, Goldie Soetianto (Year 11, Windaroo Valley State High School).
    "; S23[0]="   First, Windaroo Valley State High School (Year 11); second, St Ursula's College, Toowoomba (Year 11); third, Goondiwindi State High School (Year 12); highly commended, "; S24[0]=" Racheal Hilton (Year 12, Goondiwindi State High School); Julia Sullivan, Donna Burns and Cara Brown (Year 11, St Luke's Anglican School, Bundaberg).
      "; S25[0]=" Ms Rubie said the Australian Mungbean Association, Queensland Country Life, the CRC for Tropical Plant Protection, the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, the "; S26[0]=" Hylan Seed Company, and Dr and Mrs Joe Baker were again competition sponsors... "; R[1]="967"; T[1]="Extension of agriculture census to small farms welcomed"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20060621"; Dt[1]="Wednesday 21 June 2006"; Acats[1]="a48a51"; B1[1]="      The decision to include more of Australia's small farms in this year's agricultural census has been welcomed by authorities in coastal New "; B2[1]="South Wales... "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]="      The decision to include more of Australia's small farms in this year's agricultural census has been welcomed by authorities in coastal New "; S2[1]=" South Wales.
      Australian Bureau of Statistic's surveys are in the mail this week, including 30,000 to hobby farms that generate as little "; S3[1]=" as $5,000 a year.
      John Williams, from the New South Wales Primary Industries Department, says it will give the first truly accurate "; S4[1]=" account of coastal farm production.
      'The average value of agricultural production on the coast is quite high, approaching $2,000 a hectare.
  "; S5[1]="     So in some of these areas where people are on semi-intensive and intensive industries associated with horticulture and the like, it could well "; S6[1]=" be that there is quite a significant value of agricultural production that is under-reported,' he said... "; R[2]="958"; T[2]="Farmers accused of tree attacks, water grab"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20060621"; Dt[2]="Wednesday 21 June 2006"; Acats[2]="a04a05a40a51"; B1[2]="      Allegations that NSW cotton farmers in the state's north-west have illegally cleared hundreds of hectares of land, including stands of river red "; B2[2]="gums, and diverted flood-plain water to their properties, are being investigated by the NSW Government... "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]="      Allegations that NSW cotton farmers in the state's north-west have illegally cleared hundreds of hectares of land, including stands of river red "; S2[2]=" gums, and diverted flood-plain water to their properties, are being investigated by the NSW Government.
      The investigation follows raids carried out in "; S3[2]=" April by government officers and police on other properties in the Warren, Marthaguy and Coonamble districts, where illegal clearing was allegedly carried out by landowners.
"; S4[2]="       The Department of Environment and Conservation discovered the clearing and flood-plain harvesting on four properties between the towns of Warren and Carinda "; S5[2]=" between November last year and February when its officers flew over the area to monitor river flows in the threatened Macquarie Marshes.
      "; S6[2]=" On one property, officers saw about 73 hectares of cleared land, with at least 60 large piles of vegetation, including river red gums, some of "; S7[2]=" which were alight.
      They passed the information on to the Department of Natural Resources in April, saying that because the areas were "; S8[2]=" large and the impact on the marshes significant, the clearing should be investigated.
      A spokeswoman for the latter department, Lisa Miller, said "; S9[2]=" it had begun to investigate the alleged breaches of the Native Vegetation Act.
      'All allegations of illegal clearing are taken extremely seriously "; S10[2]=" by DNR,' said Ms Miller.
      'For example, compliance action recently undertaken in the Warren area was the specific result of allegations of "; S11[2]=" land-clearing near the Macquarie Marshes.
      The results of those investigations are currently being finalised.' The Macquarie Marshes are one of the largest "; S12[2]=" semi-permanent wetlands in south-eastern Australia, and internationally recognised because of their importance for bird breeding.
      In recent decades, cattle grazing and irrigation "; S13[2]=" for cotton and wheat have severely depleted natural water flows, damaging wildlife and native vegetation.
      Last year, the State Government announced a "; S14[2]=" plan to restore the marshes by buying back water for the environment.
      However, the Government needed to do more than just buy "; S15[2]=" back water for the marshes, according to a waterbird and river ecology scientist at the University of NSW, Richard Kingsford.
      It must "; S16[2]=" protect the flood plains, wildlife habitats and river red gum communities.
      'The red gums are part of the river system,' he said.
"; S17[2]="       'You might be looking after the water but you have to look after other parts of the system, too.' It was common, "; S18[2]=" particularly in catchments such as the Gwydir and the Border rivers, for landowners to harvest floodwater, he said.
      'There is potential for "; S19[2]=" people to take water that has not been allocated to them.
      You don't want to lose that environmental flow to irrigators.' Reece "; S20[2]=" Turner,of the Wilderness Society, said alleged large-scale illegal clearing near the Macquarie Marshes 'put the Iemma Government to shame'.
      'Iemma has announced "; S21[2]=" $118 million for environmental flows for NSW's stressed wetlands with a particular focus on the Macquarie Marshes,' Mr Turner said.
      'But his "; S22[2]=" Government has failed to stop illegal land-clearing occurring right on the back door of these internationally recognised marshes.
      'The NSW Government has "; S23[2]=" hundreds of cases of alleged illegal land-clearing sitting on its desk and has failed to bring one successful prosecution in the last two years … "; S24[2]=" What is needed is political will from the Premier to follow through with the three-year-old promise to end land-clearing.'.. "; R[3]="948"; T[3]="Ley learning package hits the spot"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20060619"; Dt[3]="Monday 19 June 2006"; Acats[3]="a53"; B1[3]="      An action-learning package that highlights the advantages of integrating pastures into cropping land and then increases the knowledge and skills to do "; B2[3]="it is being well received... "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]="      An action-learning package that highlights the advantages of integrating pastures into cropping land and then increases the knowledge and skills to do "; S2[3]=" it is being well received.
      A Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries principal experimentalist, Brian Johnson of Toowoomba, said northern grain belt "; S3[3]=" farmers welcomed the information in the GRDC-supported LeyGrain package and the discussion it created.
      Mr Johnson said LeyGrain had provided some impetus "; S4[3]=" for the 10-21 per cent increase in the area sown to ley pastures in the northern grain belt since the mid-1990s.
      'The "; S5[3]=" swing to ley pastures has been mainly due to higher beef cattle and prime lamb prices, and rising costs and very flat prices for grain "; S6[3]=" crops,' Mr Johnson said.
      He said many farmers in the region had lagged behind their southern counterparts in using ley pastures because "; S7[3]=" they felt there were other ways to improve soil quality, and better returns from grain.
      'Declining soil fertility, soil structure problems, and "; S8[3]=" an increase in pests and diseases now cost the northern grain industry about $450 million a year.
      'This coupled with higher "; S9[3]=" beef prices, rising fuel and fertiliser costs, and weed and disease management challenges continues to fan interest in ley pastures,' he said.
      "; S10[3]=" Mr Johnson said a blend of research information, farmer experience, decision support tools and action learning were at the heart of the LeyGrain package.
  "; S11[3]="     'LeyGrain is delivered to producers in a series of four workshops: benefits and profitability; getting started; making it work; and returning to the "; S12[3]=" cropping phase, that also employ post-workshop, on farm demonstrations and research that enhance the learning', he said.
      'We've presented part or all "; S13[3]=" of LeyGrain to more than 40 groups, most recently under the banner of Grain & Graze,' he said.
      Mr Johnson said a "; S14[3]=" decision support model called PRECaPS was a valued component of LeyGrain.
      'It helps users make better choices in developing rotations by comparing "; S15[3]=" crop and crop-pasture rotation scenarios, considering farm management, seasonal conditions and market strategy,' Mr Johnson said.
      'An extension of LeyGrain workshops to "; S16[3]=" on-farm activities is proving popular.
      We help the farmer set up observation and demonstration areas so he, his group and other producers "; S17[3]=" can share experiences.' Mr Johnson said LeyGrain was now recognised as a strategic package for national use and was being modified for Grain & Graze "; S18[3]=" projects in other states.
      More information on LeyGrain is available from the DPI&F (13 25 23)... "; R[4]="943"; T[4]="Farmers urged to fill out census forms"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20060619"; Dt[4]="Monday 19 June 2006"; Acats[4]="a04a05a48"; B1[4]="      Australia's first farm census in five years is expected to confirm the impact of drought on the nation's rural communities.... "; B2[4]=" "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]="      Australia's first farm census in five years is expected to confirm the impact of drought on the nation's rural communities.
    "; S2[4]="   The Australian Bureau of Statistics has begun mailing out 190,000 census forms to primary producers across Australia.
      The census is "; S3[4]=" being launched today.
      Spokeswoman Karen Connaughtson says it is important farmers fill out the forms and return them as soon as possible.
"; S4[4]="       'It's only done once every five years, so it is important that we get a complete picture because it is a sort "; S5[4]=" of [a] stocktake of farming across Australia,' she said.
      'There's no financial information requested on the forms, we're asking details about production, "; S6[4]=" sheep numbers, cattle numbers and a few questions on water use, tree planting and natural resource management.'.. "; R[5]="887"; T[5]="Big turnout tipped for Farmfest"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20060609"; Dt[5]="Friday 9 June 2006"; Acats[5]="a53a54"; B1[5]="      Despite poor seasonal conditions, consumer confidence is strong at one of Queensland's biggest agricultural field days.... "; B2[5]=" "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]="      Despite poor seasonal conditions, consumer confidence is strong at one of Queensland's biggest agricultural field days.
      Organisers of the "; S2[5]=" three-day Farmfest near Toowoomba say they are on target for about 80,000 visitors, even though the region has had less than 20 millimetres of rain "; S3[5]=" since the start of the year.
      Barry Harley says producers are still opening their wallets.
      'And although I don't "; S4[5]=" believe there's still too many people rushing in and buying a $200,000 tractor on the site, the orders are very genuine and there is a "; S5[5]=" tag on it when it rains, but some of the smaller items like quad bikes and silos and bits and pieces - huge sales have "; S6[5]=" actually been recorded,' he said.
      'So, I think it has shown there is great confidence in this region and obviously when and "; S7[5]=" if it rains that confidence will be realised.'.. "; R[6]="882"; T[6]="Regional Victoria to Benefit from $851m Package"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20060609"; Dt[6]="Friday 9 June 2006"; Acats[6]="a05a07a48a65"; B1[6]="      Regional Victoria is set to benefit from an $851 million Bracks Government package of investments designed to support disadvantaged Victorians and create "; B2[6]="more opportunity... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]="      Regional Victoria is set to benefit from an $851 million Bracks Government package of investments designed to support disadvantaged Victorians and create "; S2[6]=" more opportunity.
      Briefing local councils on the A Fairer Victoria - Progress and Next Steps package, Deputy Premier and Minister for Victorian "; S3[6]=" Communities, John Thwaites, said funding had been targeted at regional areas in need of support.
      'While regional Victoria is thriving, we know "; S4[6]=" there are some areas facing tough challenges,' Mr Thwaites said.
      'We are seeing high levels of building activity, low unemployment and growth "; S5[6]=" in key industries, but we're also seeing some towns losing population and services, dealing with the challenges of ageing populations, and supporting communities where disadvantage "; S6[6]=" is entrenched.
      'That's why regional Victoria is a strong focus of our work to build a fairer Victoria.' Mr Thwaites said the "; S7[6]=" second instalment of A Fairer Victoria included the following programs for regional Victoria: ' LibraryLink: ten country libraries across Victoria will be electronically linked through "; S8[6]=" the LibraryLink service, which allows all libraries' books and resources be searched on the one site and items mailed to the nearest library; ' Youth "; S9[6]=" Transition: eight youth workers will be employed to help young people get back into study or work in Greater Geelong, Ballarat/Mooroobool/Golden Plains, Greater Bendigo/Mt Alexander/ "; S10[6]=" Central Goldfields and La Trobe/Baw Baw; ' Community transport: up to 30 more Flexible Transport Solutions projects across regional Victoria and outer metropolitan Melbourne to "; S11[6]=" help people make better use of existing transport resources such as school buses, taxis and volunteer drivers; ' Refugee nursing services: extra funding to extend "; S12[6]=" hours and availability of refugee nurses in regional areas with high refugee populations; ' Extension of no-interest loans scheme: the Bracks Government will, in partnership "; S13[6]=" with the National Bank, extend low interest loan schemes to 77 communities, many in regional areas; ' Heater rebate: extension of a rebate for installing "; S14[6]=" high efficiency gas heaters in homes in rural areas.
      'This is another way the Bracks Government is making Victoria a better place "; S15[6]=" to work, live and raise a family,' Mr Thwaites said.
      The $851 million package of investments in A Fairer Victoria is on "; S16[6]=" top of the $1.1 billion of investments in regional Victoria delivered in the recent State Budget, including: ' $318 million for transport initiatives for regional "; S17[6]=" Victoria including boosting country bus services, upgrading bus and rail facilities and the Wodonga rail by-pass; ' $160 million to secure water supplies in Bendigo, "; S18[6]=" Gippsland, Wimmera-Mallee, Murray Darling Basin and the Alpine resorts at Mt Buller and Mt Hotham; ' $53 million to benefit parents of the approximately 38,000 "; S19[6]=" students from provincial Victoria starting Prep or Year 7 who will receive the $300 School Start Bonus; ' $44.6 million for primary industries; ' $15.5 "; S20[6]=" million for training in areas of high regional demand and sharing in the statewide investment of $62 million for school and TAFE construction and equipment "; S21[6]=" and $32 million to build at least four new Technical Education Centres, including at Ballarat and Wangaratta; ' $12.3 million to boost community safety with "; S22[6]=" new facilities in rural and regional Victoria; ' $2.4 million to revitalise civic centres for the future growth of provincial transit cities in Ballarat, Bendigo "; S23[6]=" and Geelong.
      Mr Thwaites said the Bracks Government was confident that its strategic approach to breaking the cycle of disadvantage was working.
"; S24[6]="       'The evidence shows in lower child abuse reports, more children in kindergarten, higher Year 12 retention rates, record low class sizes and "; S25[6]=" a low crime rate,' he said.
      In addition the first year's investment in A Fairer Victoria is showing further results such as: "; S26[6]=" ' 8000 children in long day care also attending kindergarten programs; ' An extra 460 children with disabilities able to receive therapy and support; ' "; S27[6]=" 18,000 young people reconnected back into school, training or jobs; ' Increased reporting of family violence incidents with 73.2 per cent more charges laid by "; S28[6]=" police; ' 163 men being helped with anger management through Family Violence Courts orders to attend counselling; ' 300 newly-arrived refugee clients registered for specialist "; S29[6]=" nursing services in Shepparton, Warrnambool, Kensington, Werribee and Dandenong; ' more than 100 small towns are involved in a new wave of community building projects; "; S30[6]=" ' 88 community organisations given funding for upgrading computer equipment to help bridge the digital divide; ' Social housing stock increased by 70 homes and "; R[7]="878"; T[7]="Doctors call for more focus on bush health woes"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20060609"; Dt[7]="Friday 9 June 2006"; Acats[7]="a04a09a48"; B1[7]="      Rural doctors meeting on southern Queensland's western Downs this weekend are expected to warn the State Government not to 'rest on its "; B2[7]="laurels' and do more to address the health crisis in the bush... "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]="      Rural doctors meeting on southern Queensland's western Downs this weekend are expected to warn the State Government not to 'rest on its "; S2[7]=" laurels' and do more to address the health crisis in the bush.
      The Rural Doctors Association of Queensland's annual conference begins in "; S3[7]=" Chinchilla today.
      Health Minister Stephen Robertson is expected to attend the meeting tomorrow.
      The association's Dr Michael Rice says "; S4[7]=" Mr Robertson has promised to hire extra rural GPs, but there is still more to be done.
      'So it's going to have "; S5[7]=" to be backed with additional ancillary services and probably extra training for nursing staff and the other staff that provide care to people in hospital "; S6[7]=" and as long as that's done it's going to work out well,' he said... "; R[8]="875"; T[8]="New environmental guidelines for horticulture"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20060609"; Dt[8]="Friday 9 June 2006"; Acats[8]="a24a53"; B1[8]="      Australia's horticulture producers now have a set of national guidelines to help maintain profitability by introducing sound environmental and natural resource management "; B2[8]="practices... "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]="      Australia's horticulture producers now have a set of national guidelines to help maintain profitability by introducing sound environmental and natural resource management "; S2[8]=" practices.
      The new Guidelines for Environmental Assurance in Australian Horticulture was launched today at a function near Shepparton, Victoria, by the Parliamentary "; S3[8]=" Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Sussan Ley.
      'The guidelines will make a significant contribution to the Australian environment and the profitability "; S4[8]=" of our horticulture industries,' Ms Ley said.
      'Through them, growers have a voluntary guide to good practices and expectations for environmental management.
"; S5[8]="       'The guidelines explain how to tackle environmental assurance in eight key management areas - land and soil, water, nutrients, biodiversity, air, noise, "; S6[8]=" waste and energy.
      They will also assure our producers that they are running sustainable enterprises.
      'And domestic and overseas "; S7[8]=" consumers will know they are buying clean-and-green produce, because the guidelines include a common sense checklist that enables growers to monitor their progress.
    "; S8[8]="   'The 158-page publication represents more than two years work, involving government agencies, industry groups, growers and technical advisers working with existing assurance and environmental "; S9[8]=" management programmes.
      'The credit for developing the guidelines goes to Horticulture Australia - produced under the industry's national Horticulture for Tomorrow Environmental "; S10[8]=" Assurance Project.
      'The $8.7 million Pathways to Industry Environmental Management Systems Programme - part of the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust - "; S11[8]=" assisted with a funding partnership.
      'Since the release of the guidelines in draft form in November 2004, Horticulture for Tomorrow has worked "; S12[8]=" with all sectors of the industry to test and fine-tune them.
      'Last year, 196 growers, and about 40 industry representatives and technical "; S13[8]=" experts from enterprises across Australia, reviewed and tested the guidelines,' Ms Ley said.
      Copies of the Guidelines for Environmental Assurance in Australian "; S14[8]=" Horticulture are available by calling HAL on (02) 8295 2300, fax Alison Turnbull at HAL on (02) 8295 2399... "; R[9]="864"; T[9]="Science and Innovation Awards for Young People"; A[9]="By ... Editor"; Dn[9]="20060608"; Dt[9]="Thursday 8 June 2006"; Acats[9]="a53"; B1[9]="      Young innovators who want to use science, technology and innovation to advance the future of their industry are eligible to apply for "; B2[9]="awards of up to $10,000 per award winner to carry out an innovative project that will benefit rural industries... "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]="      Young innovators who want to use science, technology and innovation to advance the future of their industry are eligible to apply for "; S2[9]=" awards of up to $10,000 per award winner to carry out an innovative project that will benefit rural industries.
      The Science and "; S3[9]=" Innovation Awards for Young People, from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, are funded by a range of agencies including RIRDC.
  "; S4[9]="     The RIRDC-sponsored awards are made available to people aged from 18 to 35 involved in new industries (including new plant and animal industries, "; S5[9]=" wildflowers and Asian foods), established industries (such as horses, rice, fodder, chicken meat and honey) and national rural issues (including human capital, farm health and "; S6[9]=" safety, global competitiveness, natural resource and farm management, and farm forestry).
      To find out more, visit the Science and Innovation Awards for "; S7[9]=" Young People website at www.daff.gov.au/scienceawards , email ScienceAwards@brs.gov.au or phone 02 6272 4197.
      Applications close on 30 June 2006... "; R[10]="863"; T[10]="Rural youth go Heywire!"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20060608"; Dt[10]="Thursday 8 June 2006"; Acats[10]="a53"; B1[10]="      Have your say about what's important for you and for all young people from regional and rural Australia.
      Your "; B2[10]="ideas and your voice on national ABC radio!.. "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]="      Have your say about what's important for you and for all young people from regional and rural Australia.
      Your "; S2[10]=" ideas and your voice on national ABC radio! Five days at the Heywire Youth Issues Forum in February 2007, staying at the Australian Institute of "; S3[10]=" Sport in Canberra with other Heywirers from all over Australia! Entries close Friday 1st September 2006 - freecall: 1800 26 26 46 - More information "; S4[10]=" on abc.net.au/heywire ... "; R[11]="862"; T[11]="Growing Regions Conference"; A[11]="By ... Editor"; Dn[11]="20060608"; Dt[11]="Thursday 8 June 2006"; Acats[11]="a48a53"; B1[11]="      Hilton Brisbane, 25-27 July 2006 - Hosted by the Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services and sponsored by RIRDC.... "; B2[11]=" "; B3[11]=" "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]="      Hilton Brisbane, 25-27 July 2006 - Hosted by the Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services and sponsored by RIRDC.
  "; S2[11]="     The Growing Regions Conference is the premier international regional development conference for 2006 and will present a unique opportunity to discover how different "; S3[11]=" regions are addressing current, common issues across the world.
      It will offer those attending a chance to learn from sessions which place "; S4[11]=" a strong emphasis on innovative approaches to regional policy and research.
      For more details visit www.dotars.gov.au/regional/growingregions... "; R[12]="861"; T[12]="Australian Rural Leadership Program"; A[12]="By ... Editor"; Dn[12]="20060608"; Dt[12]="Thursday 8 June 2006"; Acats[12]="a53"; B1[12]="      Applications are now open for Course 14 of the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) - Australia's premier rural leadership development program with "; B2[12]="an international reputation for producing highly effective leaders... "; B3[12]=" "; B4[12]=" "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]="      Applications are now open for Course 14 of the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) - Australia's premier rural leadership development program with "; S2[12]=" an international reputation for producing highly effective leaders.
      The program's principle objective is to improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of "; S3[12]=" rural Australia - its industries, communities and people - through investment in leadership development.
      It does this by seeking highly motivated women "; S4[12]=" and men already actively involved in their industries and communities, but with a commitment and capacity to take on higher leadership roles.
      "; S5[12]=" The course is hands-on and demanding; involving 60 days of workshops, discussions and outdoor education, around Australia and overseas, over a 18 month period.
  "; S6[12]="     Applications close on 31 July 2006.
      Application forms are available from the Foundation by email info@arlp.net.au phone (02) 6281 0680, "; S7[12]=" or download from the Foundation's website www.rural-leaders.com.au... "; R[13]="857"; T[13]="A hundred winning rural women"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20060608"; Dt[13]="Thursday 8 June 2006"; Acats[13]="a49a53"; B1[13]="      Since 2000, RIRDC has been encouraging and supporting rural women through the Rural Women's Award.... "; B2[13]=" "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]="      Since 2000, RIRDC has been encouraging and supporting rural women through the Rural Women's Award.
      Over a hundred women "; S2[13]=" have been recognized, rewarded and reaped the benefits from this program.
      This month over 80 past recipients gathered for a two-day forum "; S3[13]=" to reflect on what the Award has meant for them, and, in many cases, how it has profoundly changed their lives.
      'The "; S4[13]=" Award opened doors, raised my profile and has given me the opportunity to influence outcomes for our business, the industry, the region and beyond,' said "; S5[13]=" Mary Nenke, the WA Award Winner for 2000.
      Sue McGinn, NSW Award 2000 finalist, said, 'It raised my profile in the dairy "; S6[13]=" industry...
      I became the first female board member in the cooperative's 100 year history.' Past recipients have used the Award and its "; S7[13]=" Bursary to forge new markets and relationships for primary products, including salmon into Japan, olive oil into China, tropical fruit wine into Singapore and Taiwan, "; S8[13]=" yabbies into the United States and wool and alpaca fibre into Europe.
      Australian Award Winner for 2006, Martha Shepherd, urges rural women "; S9[13]=" to get involved: 'If you've got an idea, if you think you could do something, go and apply! Anything is possible.' A publication providing insights "; S10[13]=" into the personal development and professional achievement of recipients of the first six years of the RIRDC Rural Women's Award.
      Winning Women "; S11[13]=" - Just scratching the surface is available from RIRDC.
      For more information on the Rural Women's Award, including the application process for "; S12[13]=" 2007, visit www.ruralwomensaward.gov.au... "; R[14]="855"; T[14]="National RIRDC Rural Women's Award winners"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20060608"; Dt[14]="Thursday 8 June 2006"; Acats[14]="a49"; B1[14]="      Representing almost every region across rural Australia, from all states and the Northern Territory, and coming from a diverse range of business, "; B2[14]="community and farming activities, the women recognised by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation's Rural Women's Awards are anything but ordinary... "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]="      Representing almost every region across rural Australia, from all states and the Northern Territory, and coming from a diverse range of business, "; S2[14]=" community and farming activities, the women recognised by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation's Rural Women's Awards are anything but ordinary.
      "; S3[14]=" Take Martha Shepherd for example - the first-ever Australian winner selected from the seven state winners of 2006 - who has established a high-value niche "; S4[14]=" native-foods crop on her Sunshine Coast farm, as part of a commercially-competitive value-added food enterprise.
      Martha's 35 years experience in the food "; S5[14]=" industry has laid a strong foundation for her venture into a value-added rural enterprise.
      Her challenge was finding a way to make "; S6[14]=" her 4.5 hectare farm to become commercially viable.
      The solution, she believes, lies in a value-chain business model.
      The "; S7[14]=" national RIRDC Rural Women's Award runner-up for 2006, Bev Logue, has a vision of a sustainable rural sector that is less dependent on oil companies.
"; S8[14]="       Bev believes farming regions could be catering their fuel needs with farm -produced, environmentally-friendly biodiesel.
      Congratulating the women, Parliamentary "; S9[14]=" Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry The Hon Sussan Ley MP said, 'Martha and Bev represent the diversity and enterprise of today's rural industries.'.. "; R[15]="806"; T[15]="Teacher Influence Widespread"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20060601"; Dt[15]="Thursday 1 June 2006"; Acats[15]="a53"; B1[15]="      Sixty per cent of voters in polls developed by the Australian Scholarships Group (ASG) on behalf of the NEiTA Foundation believe a "; B2[15]="teacher had the most influence in their life after their immediate family ... "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]="      Sixty per cent of voters in polls developed by the Australian Scholarships Group (ASG) on behalf of the NEiTA Foundation believe a "; S2[15]=" teacher had the most influence in their life after their immediate family .
      The results support the vital role teachers play "; S3[15]=" in the lives of our young people and the tremendous and lasting impression teachers have on many Australians - even as they grow into adulthood.
"; S4[15]="       The NEiTA Foundation's National Excellence In Teaching awards program honours examples of Australia's top teachers as chosen by school communities - secondary "; S5[15]=" students, parents, school councils, and community organisations.
      Fourteen top teachers were today recognised for their excellence in teaching at a ceremony held "; S6[15]=" at Hawker College, Hawker, Canberra (Tuesday, 30 May 2006) for the National Excellence In Teaching awards where Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister "; S7[15]=" for Education, Science, Training and Research, Jenny Macklin MP presented the awards to the recipients in front of guests and students.
      "; S8[15]=" The Award recipients range from early childhood teachers to secondary school teachers in disciplines ranging from music and dance through to mathematics and teaching in "; S9[15]=" government, independent, denominational and private education settings.
      'The majority of Australians have an inspirational story about a favourite teacher,' says NEiTA Foundation "; S10[15]=" Chairman, Terry O'Connell, 'NEiTA award recipients connect with students and parents, and engage them in the learning process, and inspire them to achieve their full "; S11[15]=" potential.
      'These teachers have so impressed others with their creativity, dedication, and passion for their work that school parents and students tend "; S12[15]=" to become dedicated supporters, inspiring praise-filled and heart-warming NEiTA nominations,' he said.
      Launched in Australia in 1994 by the Australian Scholarships Group, "; S13[15]=" the NEiTA Foundation's teaching awards program aims to recognise and honour excellent teachers from local communities, to recognise and highlight excellence in teaching and to "; S14[15]=" encourage students to enter the teaching profession.
      In 2004, the awards program was expanded to include a category for registered early childhood "; S15[15]=" teachers.
      This year's award recipients received crystal apple awards, certificates and professional development grants of $5,000 from the Australian Scholarships Group to "; S16[15]=" apply to their professional development or the special project of their choice.
      The award recipients were selected from more than 2350 national "; S17[15]=" nominations.
      The National Excellence in Teaching awards recipients include: Early Childhood Category:
      * Jannelle Gallagher, Early Childhood Teacher, "; S18[15]=" Kurri Kurri and District Preschool, Spion Kop, NSW
      * Sandra Love and Peddie Cafarella, Early Childhood Teaching Team, Tully Community Preschool "; S19[15]=" & Kindergarten, Tully, Queensland (Peddie Cafarella is now at Mourilyan Kindergarten, Qld)
      * Sonya Plunkett-Smith, K - Year 4 Teacher, Glenora "; S20[15]=" District High School Teacher, Bushy Park, Tas Primary School Category:
      * Susan Moore, Primary & OC Teacher (works with gifted children), "; S21[15]=" Gosford Public School, Gosford, NSW
      * Rob MacFarlane, Primary - Environmental Co-ordinator, McLaren Vale Primary School- McLaren Vale, SA
  "; S22[15]="     * Kerry Bolger, Early Childhood - Year 10, Head of Campus, St Leonards College Cornish Campus, Bangholme, Vic
      * "; S23[15]=" Julie Percy, Primary - Year 2 Teacher and Numeracy Co-ordinator, St Peter's School, Epping, Vic
      * Karen Duffy, Primary - Special "; S24[15]=" Education Teacher, Christ Church Grammar School, Claremont, WA Secondary School Category:
      * Alana McGee, Outdoor Education Teacher, Hawker College, Hawker, Canberra, "; S25[15]=" ACT
      * Conor Finn, Middle-School Teacher - English, Environment and Religious Education, St Joseph's College Gregory Terrace, Brisbane, Qld
  "; S26[15]="     * Helen Willmett, Vocational Education Co-ordinator - Secondary - Home Economics and Hospitality, Blackheath & Thornburgh College, Charters Towers, Queensland (now at St "; S27[15]=" Margaret Mary's College, Townsville, Qld)
      * Aidan Coleman, Secondary Teacher - English and History, Trinity College, Gawler, SA
    "; S28[15]="   * Stephen Corcoran, Secondary Teacher - Mathematics, St Stephen's School Carramar, Tapping, WA.. "; R[16]="804"; T[16]="Victoria's Farm Day Hailed a Success"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20060601"; Dt[16]="Thursday 1 June 2006"; Acats[16]="a53a72"; B1[16]="      Farm Day, an initiative organised by a Victorian farmer to bridge the growing divide between the city and the bush, has been "; B2[16]="hailed a success... "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]="      Farm Day, an initiative organised by a Victorian farmer to bridge the growing divide between the city and the bush, has been "; S2[16]=" hailed a success.
      The inaugural event was held this past last weekend with over 50 city families from across the state traveling "; S3[16]=" to the country to spend a day with a farming family.
      Further events will be held over the next month to build "; S4[16]=" on these efforts.
      Debbie Bain was the visionary behind the initiative.
      The mother of three and her husband, "; S5[16]=" David, run 10,000 head of sheep for wool production at Stockyard Hill, near Ballarat.
      'David and I were talking about how we "; S6[16]=" found it frustrating reading so often about the negative perceptions people have of farmers.
      So we decided to do something about it "; S7[16]=" and we're thrilled with the enthusiasm of both the country and city families who participated.' Josie and Peter Donegan, run a 65-hectare farm at Gordon "; S8[16]=" near Ballarat.
      They introduced three generations to life on the land during Farm Day.
      'We just feel so lucky "; S9[16]=" to be able to bring our five children up in a farming environment, that we decided to open our doors so that other children could "; S10[16]=" experience life on the land,' Josie said.
      David Bailey, who lives in south east Melbourne, headed to the Donegan's farm with his "; S11[16]=" daughter Amanda and grandchildren, aged three and nine-months.
      'Abbey, the three year old, had never been to a farm and she "; S12[16]=" just loved it,' Josie Donegan said.
      'The minute she got out of the car she put on her gum boots and jumped "; S13[16]=" in a puddle.
      She spent the whole day giggling and laughing, helping us to feed the calves and the sheep.
    "; S14[16]="   It was the most amazing day.' Carlene and Craig Whatman who live in Aspendale Gardens, 30 km south east of Melbourne, took their three "; S15[16]=" children, Andrew 11 and twins Thomas and Sophia, 7, to spend a day on a beef and sheep farm owned by the Elliots at Barfold "; S16[16]=" in Central Victoria.
      Craig, a tax manager and Carlene, a secretary at their children's school, grew up in New Zealand and have "; S17[16]=" fond memories of life on the land.
      'But the last time our children visited a farm was when they were babies,' Craig "; S18[16]=" said.
      'We both felt it was important that the kids get to see a farm, learn about the animals and what life "; S19[16]=" on the land is like.
      The Elliot's were wonderful hosts and the kids had a ball.
      They would have "; S20[16]=" stayed there a week if they could,' he laughed.
      Each family took away with them a range of information about farming "; S21[16]=" life, including a book from the Workboot Series of educational resources produced by non-profit farming organisation, Kondinin Group.
      Each of the 13 "; S22[16]=" books in the series focuses on a particular area of the industry from seafood to beef production, and eggs to wheat.
      The "; S23[16]=" books were donated by agricultural equipment manufacturer Case IH.
      'Agriculture runs deep in this country's veins - yet many city kids don't "; S24[16]=" know where their food comes from.
      This is a serious problem given the significance of the agriculture sector to Australia's economy.
  "; S25[16]="     For Australia's agricultural sector to survive, city folk need to understand the industry and support its continued growth and innovation,' said Case IH "; S26[16]=" Business Manager for Victoria, Tasmania & South Australia, Mark Lindner.
      National Farmers' Federation CEO, Ben Fargher, praised the Victorian Farm Day initiative "; S27[16]=" as providing an important link between farmers and city families.
      'Often the ill-informed opinions expressed in the mainstream media are those of "; S28[16]=" activists with a particular agenda or journalists who have never stepped foot on a farm,' he said.
      'Farm Day put ordinary "; S29[16]=" city families in touch with farmers to see and feel a real farming experience for themselves.
      'The Farm Day concept mirrors efforts "; S30[16]=" the NFF is looking to drive at the national level - across every state.
      So much good work is being done by "; R[17]="799"; T[17]="Desert Uplands grazing days to offer timely advice"; A[17]="By ... Editor"; Dn[17]="20060601"; Dt[17]="Thursday 1 June 2006"; Acats[17]="a27a53"; B1[17]="      Landholders throughout the 75,000 square kilometre Desert Uplands region will be able to tap into timely dry season land and herd management "; B2[17]="data to be outlined at three Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries field days next month... "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]="      Landholders throughout the 75,000 square kilometre Desert Uplands region will be able to tap into timely dry season land and herd management "; S2[17]=" data to be outlined at three Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries field days next month.
      DPI&F sustainable grazing systems extension officer "; S3[17]=" Jill Aisthorpe and rangelands scientist Paul Jones, both from Emerald, will present the results of a long term carrying capacity project developed in cooperation with "; S4[17]=" the operators of nine Desert Uplands grazing properties during the past three years.
      The project which involved the collation of paddock-by-paddock carrying "; S5[17]=" capacity data to ensure long term industry sustainability was funded by the Tropical Savannas Cooperative Research Centre.
      Ms Aisthorpe said the 8.30am "; S6[17]=" to 3pm Grazing Tools Field Days would be held at Pentland Hall on June 20; Lake Dunn Recreation Area (70km NE Aramac) on June 21; "; S7[17]=" and at Jericho Shire Hall on June 22.
      The field days effectively cover all sectors of the Desert Uplands bounded by Alpha, "; S8[17]=" Blackall, Barcaldine, Pentland, Charters Towers and Clermont.
      'From our on-the ground observations relating to variable land types, land condition, infrastructure and climatic "; S9[17]=" conditions, we are confident that our calibrated models will be a useful management tool,' Ms Aisthorpe said.
      'The computerised carrying capacity models "; S10[17]=" have been able to accurately reflect landholder predications regarding likely economic benefits of property development or land condition improvement.' The field days would also cover "; S11[17]=" management aspects of dry season breeder nutrition, use of fire to control woody regrowth and identification of poisonous plants in the Desert Uplands.
    "; S12[17]="   Ms Aisthorpe said attending graziers would also be given an overview of the objectives of the newly launched Meat and Livestock Australia/DPI&F grazing systems "; S13[17]=" trial together with an update of the Wambiana stocking rate grazing trial.
      Ms Aisthorpe said people requiring further information should contact her "; S14[17]=" on mobile 0427 007 539 or Paul Jones on 4983 7415... "; R[18]="779"; T[18]="Strong industry demand for Trained Doggers"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20060601"; Dt[18]="Thursday 1 June 2006"; Acats[18]="a53a86"; B1[18]="      There is strong industry demand for graduates from training courses for professional doggers, being coordinated by the Department of Agriculture and Food "; B2[18]="and Agriculture Protection Board... "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]="      There is strong industry demand for graduates from training courses for professional doggers, being coordinated by the Department of Agriculture and Food "; S2[18]=" and Agriculture Protection Board.
      A second round of training for professional Doggers has been completed in pastoral country east of Kalgoorlie, "; S3[18]=" and already all of the graduates have found employment in the industry.
      The course follows last year's successful pilot program, understood "; S4[18]=" to be a national first.
      Course Co-ordinator, Geoff Thomas, of the Department of Agriculture and Food, said the training had been "; S5[18]=" developed in response to the industry review of the effectiveness of the State's Wild Dog Control Program, originally commissioned by the Agriculture Protection Board of "; S6[18]=" Western Australia in late 2002.
      'One of the key findings of the review was that the special knowledge and skills of "; S7[18]=" the experienced Doggers was in danger of being lost forever, unless some form of succession planning was put in place', Mr Thomas said.
    "; S8[18]="   Four new Doggers have successfully completed the latest course, which again was conducted almost exclusively in the bush.
      The course "; S9[18]=" drew on the services of several very experienced Doggers including Danny Carlisle from East Esperance, Terry Pinner from Kalgoorlie and Clayton Boladeras from Laverton.
  "; S10[18]="     Mr Thomas said the industry demand for the services of the new doggers was indicative of the quality of the training being "; S11[18]=" provided.
      The graduates include Peter McShane who will join the Nullarbor Declared Species Group, Gordon Anderson who goes to the Upper "; S12[18]=" Yannerie Declared Species Group, John Bennetts who will assist Bunty King out of Ravensthorpe, and Harry Larkin will be assisting Mark Rhodes with the Department "; S13[18]=" of Conservation and Land Management's control requirements out of Kalgoorlie.
      Other short courses to suit the needs of individual landholders have "; S14[18]=" also been developed in response to industry feedback following the initial pilot Dogger training programme.
      'These are of much shorter duration "; S15[18]=" than those intended for the professional Doggers,' Mr Thomas said.
      'They aim to ensure landholders have sufficient knowledge and skills to "; S16[18]=" prepare and lay their own dog baits, to actively participate in the aerial control programs coordinated by the pastoral Zone Control Authorities, to use firearms "; S17[18]=" to humanely destroy wild dogs in accordance with the applicable best practice, and to set and lay traps as necessary.' Mr Thomas said the "; S18[18]=" shorter courses were ideally delivered to groups of between eight to ten pastoralists /farmers, and could be arranged anywhere in the State according to demand.
"; S19[18]="       Anyone interested in either stream of training (ie.
      professional Dogger or individual landholder) should discuss their requirements and "; S20[18]=" register their details with Geoff Thomas on (08) 9690 2245/mobile 0428 753 817... "; R[19]="758"; T[19]="Town to branch out"; A[19]="By ... Editor"; Dn[19]="20060526"; Dt[19]="Friday 26 May 2006"; Acats[19]="a05a48"; B1[19]="      Outback ingenuity and 21st century science are combining to give Barcaldine's dying Tree of Knowledge a chance of a lucrative afterlife.... "; B2[19]=" "; B3[19]=" "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]="      Outback ingenuity and 21st century science are combining to give Barcaldine's dying Tree of Knowledge a chance of a lucrative afterlife.
  "; S2[19]="     A thriving clone of the 150-year-old ghost gum holds the key to a plan to create hundreds more of the trees - and "; S3[19]=" a bold new tourism venture which could be a saviour of the bush town.
      The historic Tree of Knowledge, revered as the "; S4[19]=" birthplace of the Australian Labor Party, is in critical condition with little chance of survival after it was poisoned by vandals recently.
      "; S5[19]=" There were fears its death would spark tough times for the town as 40,000 cashed-up tourists visit the tree annually.
      But local "; S6[19]=" councillors have concocted a scheme to ensure the spirit of the tree will live on forever and keep the tourist dollars flowing.
      "; S7[19]=" 'We cloned the tree several years ago and its identical twin is living in the grounds of the nearby Workers Heritage centre,' said Barcaldine Council "; S8[19]=" CEO Stuart Randle.
      'We want to take cuttings from that tree and graft them on to others, commercially producing hundreds of new "; S9[19]=" Trees of Knowledge.
      These new trees could then be sold to tourists.
      People would be able to buy their "; S10[19]=" own piece of history and the spirit of the Tree of Knowledge would live on.' The propagation plan, which is likely to be given the "; S11[19]=" green light at the council's Budget meeting in July, would cost about $50,000.
      A new greenhouse would be built in town and "; S12[19]=" Department of Primary Industries scientists, who have already indicated they are happy to help, would be brought on as advisers.
      It would "; S13[19]=" take about a year for trees to grow to a height at which they could be sold.
      The cloning plan has been "; S14[19]=" kept under wraps for several years but mayor Rob Chandler said it was now essential to preserve a part of history - and the town's "; S15[19]=" income from tourism.
      'It is the most photographed tree in the world and half the tourists we get come here just to "; S16[19]=" see it,' Cr Chandler said.
      Police from Longreach CIB say results from toxicology tests on the poisoned tree are due back later "; S17[19]=" this week.
      It is believed up to 40 litres of a chemical pollutant were splashed on the tree.
      The "; S18[19]=" tree was the meeting place for shearers during their unsuccessful strike of 1891, which played a crucial role in formation of the ALP... "; R[20]="754"; T[20]="Rural students think medicine too tough"; A[20]="By ... Editor"; Dn[20]="20060526"; Dt[20]="Friday 26 May 2006"; Acats[20]="a09a53"; B1[20]="      False perceptions are discouraging country students from considering medical careers despite the serious shortage of doctors in rural areas, a study has "; B2[20]="found... "; B3[20]=" "; B4[20]=" "; B5[20]=" "; S1[20]="      False perceptions are discouraging country students from considering medical careers despite the serious shortage of doctors in rural areas, a study has "; S2[20]=" found.
      The year-long study commissioned by the Spencer Gulf Rural Health School - an initiative of the University of Adelaide and University "; S3[20]=" of South Australia - found many country students were pessimistic of their chances of being accepted into medical school.
      The study, "; S4[20]=" which involved 461 students, found: 75 PER CENT incorrectly believed a Tertiary Entrance Ranking higher than 95 was required - a TER of 84 "; S5[20]=" could secure country students a place 93 PER CENT thought they needed at least one specific subject when no prerequisite was required for a "; S6[20]=" Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery ONLY 14 PER CENT understood the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT) process University of "; S7[20]=" Adelaide executive dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Justin Beilby, said gaining entry was not as difficult as many perceived.
      "; S8[20]=" He said only a few rural students applied for entry to medicine each year.
      'If medical schools could attract more country students, "; S9[20]=" they would be more likely to return to a rural area to work as a doctor,' he said.
      'It is a "; S10[20]=" challenge to recruit young people from a rural background into medicine.
      Many believe incorrectly that the required TER is higher than 95.
"; S11[20]="       In fact, the TER required for entry into medicine at the University of Adelaide is 90 but rural students can get the "; S12[20]=" Fairway bonus (six points), so a TER of 84 is theoretically enough.' Australian Medical Association state president Chris Cain said: 'The rural medical workforce "; S13[20]=" is probably the most critical in the state in overall numbers and resources available.
      'People who have a country background are "; S14[20]=" more likely to go back there to work long term.' Medical student Fenella Dermody, 24, plans to return to country SA to work as "; S15[20]=" a GP.
      She is in her sixth and final year at the University of Adelaide and says it is important more country "; S16[20]=" students enrol in medicine to help alleviate the doctor shortage.
      'The job of a rural GP appeals to me.
      "; S17[20]=" It will be challenging and diverse,' she said... "; R[21]="752"; T[21]="Swiss take Uncle Tobys"; A[21]="By ... Editor"; Dn[21]="20060524"; Dt[21]="Wednesday 24 May 2006"; Acats[21]="a07a08a51"; B1[21]="      Another slice of the nation's food industry has fallen into foreign hands, with Swiss giant Nestle paying $890 million for the Uncle "; B2[21]="Tobys snack foods and cereals business... "; B3[21]=" "; B4[21]=" "; B5[21]=" "; S1[21]="      Another slice of the nation's food industry has fallen into foreign hands, with Swiss giant Nestle paying $890 million for the Uncle "; S2[21]=" Tobys snack foods and cereals business.
      The deal, struck yesterday, means brands such as Vita Brits, Uncle Tobys Oats, Uncle Tobys Muesli "; S3[21]=" Bars, Rollups, Le Snak and Country Cup soups, have fallen under Nestle's control as it moves to expand its global range of healthier foods.
  "; S4[21]="     The company has a history of buying up Australian food companies.
      In 1995, it paid $570 million for the ice-cream "; S5[21]=" and chilled dairy business of the ailing conglomerate Pacific Dunlop.
      The move brought Australian brands such as Yoplait yoghurt, Peters Ice Cream "; S6[21]=" and Vitari under its ever-expanding corporate wing.
      With Uncle Tobys now in the Nestle fold, the food giant will sell about $2.5 "; S7[21]=" billion worth of products a year to Australian consumers.
      Nestle will become No2 in the cereal market with a 30 per cent "; S8[21]=" share, second only to Kelloggs, at 34 per cent.
      Uncle Tobys was once part of the Goodman Fielder empire, which was refloated "; S9[21]=" on the stock exchange last year.
      The seller yesterday was Burns Philp, whose majority shareholder is New Zealand's richest man, the reclusive "; S10[21]=" Graeme Hart.
      Mr Hart, however, could reverse the flow of local businesses going into foreign hands.
      With the Uncle "; S11[21]=" Tobys sale, Burns Philp will have $3 billion to play with, and the company is looking to invest in food and other businesses in North "; S12[21]=" America and Britain, as well as in Australia and New Zealand.
      Burns Philp chief executive Tom Degnan said yesterday the company could "; S13[21]=" afford to spend more than $6.5 billion on the right deal... "; R[22]="733"; T[22]="Producers eye profitability following Tasmania dairy study tour"; A[22]="By ... Editor"; Dn[22]="20060518"; Dt[22]="Thursday 18 May 2006"; Acats[22]="a07a26a53"; B1[22]="      Key lessons on business management and profitability are being evaluated by Queensland dairyfarmers who took part in a 2005 Dairy Water Use "; B2[22]="for Profit project study tour of Tasmanian industries... "; B3[22]=" "; B4[22]=" "; B5[22]=" "; S1[22]="      Key lessons on business management and profitability are being evaluated by Queensland dairyfarmers who took part in a 2005 Dairy Water Use "; S2[22]=" for Profit project study tour of Tasmanian industries.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries dairy extension officer Greg Stanley said enthusiasm and "; S3[22]=" a positive outlook towards their businesses were two major outcomes given by the 30 Queensland producers who attended the successful tour.
      'While "; S4[22]=" weather conditions are vastly different to those in Queensland, aspects of dairy farming such as business management and profitability remain important for all milk producers.
"; S5[22]="       This was vitally so for Tasmanian dairyfarmers with most farms inspected showing a return on capital of 8 to 12 percent.' The "; S6[22]=" tour group met with and learned valuable lessons from some of the most progressive and skilled managers in Tasmania while visiting a cross-section of dairy "; S7[22]=" farms with milking herds ranging from 200 to 700 cows.
      'Most irrigation in Tasmania takes place during a four month period over "; S8[22]=" summer with most rainfall during the winter months.
      Most tour group interest was on the island's use of low-pressure irrigation systems such "; S9[22]=" as centre pivots, solid sets and booms but the scale of some irrigation infrastructure also drew keen attention as less water is used by the "; S10[22]=" southern dairy farms,' 'Sustainable farming systems and managing the environmental impact of primary production were areas investigated on the tour.
      It was "; S11[22]=" revealed that as funding for Landcare and environmental issues is made available to Tasmanian producers there was significant allocation of funds on fencing waterways and "; S12[22]=" drainage works,' Mr Stanley said.
      He said similarly to Queensland, some of the farms visited had good effluent systems with owners realising "; S13[22]=" the benefits of effectively utilising this resource.
      Some farms inspected used travelling effluent irrigators to apply liquid wastes to pastures.
    "; S14[22]="   Mr Stanley said the high Tasmanian rainfall created challenges for managing laneways with some farms using woodchips on livestock high use areas which was "; S15[22]=" expensive to implement, but effective in reducing bogging and cow hoof problems.
      'Labour management was a major focus on some Tasmanian farms.
"; S16[22]="       On one property a 38 hour week was imposed for all labour, including managers and owners, in recognition that all staff performed "; S17[22]=" much better when not exposed to extended working hours and with reduced and improved hours they were able to think clearer and have more drive.
"; S18[22]="       'As well as touring leading dairy operations, the tour group also visited aquaculture, food processing operations and forestry businesses and through exploring "; S19[22]=" management, profitability, market focus, labour issues, throughput and efficiency of these industries they were able to gain an understanding of the challenges and identify common "; S20[22]=" issues and solutions that may be incorporated into their own farm management practices in Queensland,' Mr Stanley said.
      He said there was "; S21[22]=" significant optimism in the Tasmanian dairy industry with many farmers relatively young, progressive and enthusiastic.
      They take business management seriously and closely "; S22[22]=" monitor the cost of production to ensure they operate profitable and sustainable businesses... "; R[23]="715"; T[23]="Experts to discuss north Queensland agriculture role"; A[23]="By ... Editor"; Dn[23]="20060518"; Dt[23]="Thursday 18 May 2006"; Acats[23]="a02a53a72"; B1[23]="      A panel of experts will discuss the future for agriculture in northern Queensland at the first Tropical Futures Forum in Townsville today "; B2[23]="(Monday 8 May).
      The event, at CSIRO's Davies Lab, will be opened by Queensland's Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Andrews... "; B3[23]=" "; B4[23]=" "; B5[23]=" "; S1[23]="      A panel of experts will discuss the future for agriculture in northern Queensland at the first Tropical Futures Forum in Townsville today "; S2[23]=" (Monday 8 May).
      The event, at CSIRO's Davies Lab, will be opened by Queensland's Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Andrews.
      "; S3[23]=" 'Queensland agriculture is in a position to take the lead in helping to feed the three billion people living in the tropics,' Professor Andrews says.
"; S4[23]="       'Our clean green image, proximity to markets and isolation from diseases makes our agricultural products increasingly attractive to the tropical world.
  "; S5[23]="     'Queensland's R&D strengths give us the opportunity to not only grow our agricultural industries, but also drive the further development of these industries "; S6[23]=" in other tropical regions.' Professor Peter Valentine, head of JCU's School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography, will present a position paper providing an environmental "; S7[23]=" perspective.
      'Northern Queensland is far from a typical area of tropical agriculture in that the natural environments are of global significance and "; S8[23]=" their protection is the greatest priority,' Professor Valentine says.
      'Finding sustainable ways for people to maintain their livelihoods and quality of life "; S9[23]=" while not degrading the environment is a genuine challenge and one we think can be met' - Professor Iain Gordon.
      'Two spectacular "; S10[23]=" World Heritage sites require the highest quality management and agriculture must be increasingly conducted within that context.
      'In a region where income "; S11[23]=" from tourism based on these natural environments is worth five times the agricultural earnings, society must reconsider its measures of successful agricultural practice.
    "; S12[23]="   This is a significant challenge for everyone.' Mr John Cherry, head of the Queensland Farmers Federation, will also present a position paper, outlining the "; S13[23]=" point of view of the farming sector.
      He will focus on the broader economic, social and environmental trends impacting on agriculture in "; S14[23]=" Queensland, such as the rise of Brazil and China, biotechnology, the increasing regulatory impost of government, declining terms of trade, rising input costs, climate change, "; S15[23]=" risk management and urban encroachment.
      Organiser Professor Iain Gordon, from CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, says north Queensland is well placed to contribute to "; S16[23]=" the wellbeing of communities further afield, as well as improving local conditions.
      He would like to see the creation of intellectual property "; S17[23]=" for truly sustainable tropical ecosystems where agriculture is in harmony with the environment as a contribution of lasting global significance.
      'Sustainable ecosystems "; S18[23]=" science is all about a place for people and what they do in the environment,' Professor Gordon says.
      'Finding sustainable ways for "; S19[23]=" people to maintain their livelihoods and quality of life while not degrading the environment is a genuine challenge and one we think can be met.' "; S20[23]=" Professor Gordon says habitat loss and sediment/nutrient pollution are the two key north Queensland environmental issues that will impact on the development of sustainable agricultural "; S21[23]=" practices.
      The Davies Lab is working on the science, but this work requires partnerships to effect lasting change.
      Consensus "; S22[23]=" on these problems and policy support will go a long way to developing knowhow for dealing with them.
      Professor Gordon wants CSIRO "; S23[23]=" to play a role beyond doing the research - to spark discussion and provide a national perspective.
      He sees the Tropical Futures "; S24[23]=" Forum as signalling a turning point, opening up new ways of thinking about the issues, resetting policy goals and placing emphasis on research strengths in "; S25[23]=" northern Queensland.
      The Forum will be moderated by ABC presenter Peter Thompson.
      Others members of the panel are Mr "; S26[23]=" Alf Cristaudo (canegrowers) and Mr Don Heatley (grazier)... "; R[24]="713"; T[24]="Lets help youth stay in the bush"; A[24]="By ... Editor"; Dn[24]="20060518"; Dt[24]="Thursday 18 May 2006"; Acats[24]="a48a53"; B1[24]="      Stopping the constant flow of youth from the bush to the cities has been highlighted as a major priority on the Back "; B2[24]="to the Bush Outback expedition by Governor-General Michael Jeffery... "; B3[24]=" "; B4[24]=" "; B5[24]=" "; S1[24]="      Stopping the constant flow of youth from the bush to the cities has been highlighted as a major priority on the Back "; S2[24]=" to the Bush Outback expedition by Governor-General Michael Jeffery.
      On the first day of the Year of the Outback trip, from Adelaide "; S3[24]=" to Wilpena Pound yesterday, Mr Jeffery said he fully supported the year's Youth in Front theme.
      Mr Jeffery spent much of "; S4[24]=" the day travelling with Felicia Carboon, 22, a symbolic representative of the nation's youth.
      Miss Carboon, from Bendigo in Victoria, said "; S5[24]=" she had never dreamed she would get a chance to sit in the same vehicle as Mr Jeffery and discuss youth issues with him.
  "; S6[24]="     'One of the things I was talking to him about is that there is often not a lot to do in country "; S7[24]=" towns, but there are opportunities and they need to appreciate them,' Miss Carboon said.
      'I've lived in a country town all "; S8[24]=" my life and I love it, I won't be leaving anytime soon.' Miss Carboon said Lead On had helped a lot of young people "; S9[24]=" to find jobs in regional areas.
      Mr Jeffery said the aim of Year of the Outback's Youth in Front theme was "; S10[24]=" to retain and attract younger people to our regional centres and particularly females.
      'We need to encourage more young people to "; S11[24]=" stay in the country,' he said.
      'It's interesting to note that 85 per cent of Australians live within 50km of the "; S12[24]=" coast and 65 per cent of that lot live in the capital cities.' Mr Jeffery said he wanted to get the message through to "; S13[24]=" urban communities that there are great things to see and a great life to be had in regional areas.
      At the "; S14[24]=" Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden at Port Augusta, Mr Jeffery said the centre had great potential and encouraged doctors, dentists and tradesmen to go there "; S15[24]=" for work.
      He is joining up with Year of the Outback chairman Bruce Campbell to promote rural and regional Australia on "; S16[24]=" the Outback trip which takes in Adelaide to Birdsville on its first leg.
      Mr Campbell said Year of the Outback was "; S17[24]=" involved in a number of measures to try and help determine a brighter future for young people in inland areas.
      It included "; S18[24]=" involvement in youth events around the country including the federal Rural Youth Council.
      'There's a desperate need for youth in the "; S19[24]=" bush to take up family enterprises and careers,' Mr Campbell said.
      'It's hard because so much of what they read is "; S20[24]=" negative, but there are wonderful opportunities.' Mr Campbell said cities were being strained to the limits and encouraged more people to look at the "; S21[24]=" country and see the opportunities for youth... "; R[25]="711"; T[25]="Simulated baby program gets good results with teens : RACP Congress"; A[25]="By ... Editor"; Dn[25]="20060518"; Dt[25]="Thursday 18 May 2006"; Acats[25]="a09a48a49a53"; B1[25]="      New research has found health programs involving infant simulators can change the attitudes of young people regarding safe sex and teen pregnancy.... "; B2[25]=" "; B3[25]=" "; B4[25]=" "; B5[25]=" "; S1[25]="      New research has found health programs involving infant simulators can change the attitudes of young people regarding safe sex and teen pregnancy.
"; S2[25]="       The research is being presented by Dr Bret Hart and colleagues, from the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Western Australia, to "; S3[25]=" The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Scientific Congress in Cairns today.
      'Despite the fact that thousands of these infant simulators are "; S4[25]=" being used in high schools around the world, there has been no research to conclusively demonstrate that there is a difference in pregnancy rates between "; S5[25]=" teenagers managing an infant simulator and those who haven't,' Dr Hart said.
      The Virtual Infant Parenting Program (VIPP) aims to give young "; S6[25]=" people the experience of test driving a simulated baby and experiential learning about pre-conceptual health, pregnancy, childbirth and caring for a baby.
      "; S7[25]=" School health nurses implement the six day program with up to 7 students.
      'Who would spend half a million dollars on a "; S8[25]=" car without trying it out first? This is about how much it costs to raise a child, and yet many young people today venture on "; S9[25]=" the road to parenthood without realising the personal, financial and emotional responsibilities involved and the necessary changes to lifestyle.' It will take a few "; S10[25]=" more years to gather all the results, but so far 2830 year 9-10 female students participated from 58 schools and reported the following pre-intervention information "; S11[25]=" on their beliefs and behaviour: 45% strongly agreed that they would never have sex without using contraception but, of the 16% that said they had "; S12[25]=" had sex, only 55% used contraception.
      'We are not just looking for a difference in rate of pregnancy but other potential "; S13[25]=" benefits from the education package, including the facilitators role of the school health nurse and GP awareness and access For example, is smoking reduced, PND "; S14[25]=" & SIDS prevented, and are immunisation rates increased or child abuse and injuries reduced?' Dr Hart said.
      When asked what they would "; S15[25]=" consider to be the ideal age for them to have a baby, program students indicated that they would like to have a child later in "; S16[25]=" life when compared to their responses prior to the program.
      So far, there have been no reported differences between pre and post "; S17[25]=" attitudes and behaviours towards smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption and sexual behaviour.
      Preliminary results indicate that those participants contemplating teenage "; S18[25]=" parenthood had positive changes in knowledge, attitude and behaviours after completing VIPP.
      This is a good sign particularly for those students who "; S19[25]=" are engaging in potentially health harming behaviours... "; R[26]="682"; T[26]="Three Moos for Raynelle - The Bovine Rain Gauge"; A[26]="By ... Case IH"; Dn[26]="20060423"; Dt[26]="Sunday 23 April 2006"; Acats[26]="a01a51a54"; B1[26]="      With a neck of steel, eyes of plastic and a tail made from the hair of an eight year old boy, Raynelle-the-cow "; B2[26]="was named this year's winner in the Case IH Great Australian Rain Gauge Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show... "; B3[26]=" "; B4[26]=" "; B5[26]=" "; S1[26]="      With a neck of steel, eyes of plastic and a tail made from the hair of an eight year old boy, Raynelle-the-cow "; S2[26]=" was named this year's winner in the Case IH Great Australian Rain Gauge Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
      Raynelle is "; S3[26]=" the creation of John and Julie Bonser and their two sons, Ryan, 11 and Alex, 8, who looking for a sea change moved from Sydney "; S4[26]=" to a 9.5 acre hobby farm at Macksville on the far north coast of New South Wales, two years ago.
      'We "; S5[26]=" decided we'd enter the competition for a bit of fun,' Julie said.
      'Putting Raynelle together was a real family effort - "; S6[26]=" from deciding on her name to getting our son Alex to donate a bit of his long hair for her tail.
      We "; S7[26]=" all just got in there and added a little bit of ourselves.' Raynelle's neck is made from a recycled dog food tin, her eyes from "; S8[26]=" cordial bottle lids and her udder is made from the bottom of a plastic drink bottle.
      'We really enjoyed making her and "; S9[26]=" we're so thrilled that we won.
      I remember I was cooking dinner when we heard the news that Raynelle had made it "; S10[26]=" into the top 20 and I was so excited that I dropped an egg on the floor.' Their prize, a Case IH DX Farmall tractor, "; S11[26]=" mower deck and Owner's Pack valued at over $16,000, will come in exceptionally handy, Julie said.
      'When we told some friends we'd "; S12[26]=" won, they jokingly said at least now you won't have to start your ride on mower with a screwdriver,' she laughed.
      'Just "; S13[26]=" about everything we own is so old it can't be started with the original key or button anymore so it's going to be wonderful to "; S14[26]=" be able to put our first fully functional piece of machinery to work.' Following their win, the Bonser's plan to bring Raynelle home and use "; S15[26]=" her as a mailbox and rain gauge.
      'We're just so proud of her we want to put her on show for everyone "; S16[26]=" to see.' Second and third place getters in the competition received a Case IH merchandise pack valued at $400 and $200 respectively.
      "; S17[26]=" John McDonough from Whalan in New South Wales came second with his double-duty rain gauge and mail box Ettamogah Pub entry.
      'The "; S18[26]=" letterbox is checked daily so you might as well see if there's been any rain as well,' he said.
      It's the intricate "; S19[26]=" details that make this entry a work of art.
      Even the miniature people standing on the verandah are wearing caps to ward "; S20[26]=" off the hot summer sun! Third prize was awarded to Allen Birchall from Mudgee New South Wales for his entry, a man-sized sculpture named Rain "; S21[26]=" Man and Thunder.
      The welded 'man' was a gift to his daughter's partner.
      'My daughter Jessica and her partner "; S22[26]=" Jason live on Sydney's Northern Beaches and I pulled his name out of the hat for our Kris Kringle last Christmas.
      I "; S23[26]=" wanted to make him something a little different and figured they have plenty of rain down there in Sydney compared to us, so Rain Man "; S24[26]=" was born.' The competition attracted entries from around Australia with show goers voting on their favourite entry.
      Phil Withell, Case IH Marketing "; S25[26]=" Manager said, 'With drought still a major issue for many farmers we thought it appropriate to highlight how reliant our country is on rain and "; S26[26]=" bring this everyday icon into the limelight at Sydney's Royal Easter Show.
      A $2000 educational resource package was also awarded to Greenvale "; S27[26]=" College in Goulburn, New South Wales for their entry in the school's section of the competition.
      Students from the college entered three "; S28[26]=" unique rain gauges into the competition including a rain gauge carved into the remains of a stringy bark tree stump, a weather station complete with "; S29[26]=" windmill, clock and thermometer and a sculpture constructed from ironbark and blackbutt timber with the skull of a cow wired to the top to represent "; S30[26]=" Australia's rugged outback... "; R[27]="668"; T[27]="Hands-on AI courses popular"; A[27]="By ... Editor"; Dn[27]="20060413"; Dt[27]="Thursday 13 April 2006"; Acats[27]="a26a27a53"; B1[27]="      Green sleeves were the order of the day for 11 keen participants undertaking a four-day artificial breeding cattle insemination course at the "; B2[27]="Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Brigalow Research Station at Theodore on March 21-24... "; B3[27]=" "; B4[27]=" "; B5[27]=" "; S1[27]="      Green sleeves were the order of the day for 11 keen participants undertaking a four-day artificial breeding cattle insemination course at the "; S2[27]=" Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Brigalow Research Station at Theodore on March 21-24.
      While pushing a gloved arm up the nether "; S3[27]=" region of a cow may not be all that appealing, it is a serious business for stud and commercial cattle breeders keen to maximise the "; S4[27]=" benefits of superior genetics.
      DPI&F senior extension officer with Beef Breeding Services Dennis Boothby has been passing on his extensive knowledge and "; S5[27]=" experience to hundreds of Queensland cattle producers during his career as an instructor spanning more than 30 years.
      Working in partnership with "; S6[27]=" the Australian Agricultural College Emerald campus, DPI&F provides the instruction and access to two research station venues to train qualified AI technicians under the Australian "; S7[27]=" Qualifications Training framework.
      Beef Breeding Services business manager Greg Bell said the department's Brigalow Research Station and the Swans Lagoon Research Station "; S8[27]=" at Ayr provided the ideal facilities with ready access to cows, excellent stockyards and live-in accommodation.
      'Dennis is instructing four courses annually "; S9[27]=" split between Brigalow and Swans depending on where the demand is coming from and also undertakes a number of contracted courses in other regions during "; S10[27]=" the year,' Mr Bell said.
      'We are seeing a high percentage of younger people at these courses with many following in the "; S11[27]=" footsteps of their parents who attended similar AI courses 15-20 years ago.
      'The course teaches the basics of setting up an AI "; S12[27]=" program, provides an insight into genetic evaluation through an understanding of EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values), oestrus synchronisation, herd nutrition, animal selection, safe handling of frozen "; S13[27]=" semen and practical insemination techniques,' Mr Bell said.
      Mr Bell said the cost of the AB course was $975/person with a FarmBis "; S14[27]=" subsidy available for eligible applicants.
      Inquiries should be lodged through the Australian Agricultural College Emerald campus to Elaine Sleeman Ph 4982 8807 "; S15[27]=" or DPI&F Beef Breeding Service on 4936 0212... "; R[28]="666"; T[28]="New ideas at young dairy farmers forum"; A[28]="By ... Editor"; Dn[28]="20060405"; Dt[28]="Wednesday 5 April 2006"; Acats[28]="a53"; B1[28]="      Young dairy farmers have been invited to a forum in Toowoomba that promises to provide fresh ideas on issues of concern to "; B2[28]="young people on the land... "; B3[28]=" "; B4[28]=" "; B5[28]=" "; S1[28]="      Young dairy farmers have been invited to a forum in Toowoomba that promises to provide fresh ideas on issues of concern to "; S2[28]=" young people on the land.
      Called Positive pathways for young dairy farmers, the interactive forum will cover issues as diverse as succession "; S3[28]=" planning and innovation.
      It will be held at the Toowoomba Golf Club on Friday, April 7, from 9am to 2.30pm.
    "; S4[28]="   Darling Downs Young Farmers' Network facilitator Theresa Kunde said the idea of the forum was to help young dairy farmers set up communication networks "; S5[28]=" and provide information and ideas to benefit their enterprises.
      Miss Kunde said forum topics included succession planning, creating dollars from natural resource "; S6[28]=" management, making money while milking cows and dairying to be different.
      'We will have interesting and well-qualified presenters such as Karen Harper, "; S7[28]=" who specialises in family communication, a young Brookstead dairy farmer Daniel Holmes, financial diversification specialist Brian Costello, and an innovative Atherton Tableland dairy farmer, Terry "; S8[28]=" Tranter.
      'The forum will be chaired by ABC Southern Queensland rural reporter Alice Plate,' she said.
      'People wanting "; S9[28]=" to know more or register can contact me (0428147749),' Miss Kunde said.
      She said Dairy Australia, the Condamine Alliance, and Subtropical Dairy "; S10[28]=" set up the Darling Downs Young Farmers' Network to support the new generation of dairy farmers.
      'Dairying is already providing a profitable "; S11[28]=" future for young people on the land and is starting to attract more into the industry,' she said.
      'A previous function held "; S12[28]=" by the Young Farmers' Network attracted more than 40 young people.
      'Our definition of young is aged under 40 or young at "; S13[28]=" heart,' Miss Kunde said.
      She said the Queensland Dairy Accounting Scheme (QDAS), operated by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, showed "; S14[28]=" that while profits fluctuated in recent years with seasonal conditions, dairying was profitable for many farmers.
      'QDAS shows that the dairy farmers "; S15[28]=" with above average dairy operating profit have higher than average production per cow, cow numbers, stocking rates, utilisation of home-grown feeds and fertiliser use.
  "; S16[28]="     'Dairy farmers willing to continually improve these indicators can be profitable... "; R[29]="637"; T[29]="Report paints desperate picture of life in bush"; A[29]="By ... Canberra Times"; Dn[29]="20060324"; Dt[29]="Friday 24 March 2006"; Acats[29]="a50a51a53"; B1[29]="      Rural Australia is battling an escalating social and economic crisis, with new research showing significantly higher rates of unemployment, domestic violence, teen "; B2[29]="pregnancies, suicide, coronary heart disease, diabetes and alcohol-related deaths among young people than in cities... "; B3[29]=" "; B4[29]=" "; B5[29]=" "; S1[29]="      Rural Australia is battling an escalating social and economic crisis, with new research showing significantly higher rates of unemployment, domestic violence, teen "; S2[29]=" pregnancies, suicide, coronary heart disease, diabetes and alcohol-related deaths among young people than in cities.
      A report by Christian charity Mission Australia "; S3[29]=" warns problems are particulary acute among rural Aboriginal communities, with babies born to indigenous mothers twice as likely to be stillborn, and three times more "; S4[29]=" likely to die within their first 28 days.
      The life expectancy of Aboriginal people is also 20 years less than the national "; S5[29]=" average.
      Federal opposition reconciliation spokesman Peter Garrett described the report as 'profoundly disturbing' and accused the Government of spending more on bureaucracy "; S6[29]=" and setting up committees than on dealing with deep-seated health and education problems in Aboriginal communities.
      Mr Garret said figures obtained by "; S7[29]=" Senate Estimates showed one government department spent $327,784 to administer funding worth $34,318.
      'It is a case of the Government spending money "; S8[29]=" on itself rather than the people who need support,' he said.
      'What's needed is more political will and long-term funding for Aboriginal "; S9[29]=" community programs that will address substance abuse and school retention rates.
      But most government support programs are only short-term and therefore they "; S10[29]=" have an in-built cycle of failure,' he said.
      The Mission Australia reports says rural and regional Australians are suffering from 'a geography "; S11[29]=" of disadvantage', with limited public transport options, declining health services and loss of educational and job skills training opportunities.
      Income levels also "; S12[29]=" tend to be lower in the bush, with 16 per cent of rural households having a weekly income of $300 or less.
      "; S13[29]=" Rural Australians also 'suffer from higher rates of injury, mortality, homicide, suicide, diabetes and coronary heart disease', the report says.
      'They also "; S14[29]=" have less access to specialised medical services including obstetric and mental health services.' It says many of the 'preconditions for good health are unavailable to "; S15[29]=" indigenous people', with overcrowded and poor quality housing, inadequate sewerage and unreliable water supplies compounding health problems.
      A recent national health survey "; S16[29]=" has also reported that last year 18,000 adults in remote areas - many on low wages or welfare benefits - regularly went without food for "; S17[29]=" several days because they ran out of money.
      'There are serious problems with availability and affordability of basic, healthy nutritious food in "; S18[29]=" remote areas,' National Rural Health Alliance chair John Wakerman said.
      'Wages are also low, there is limited access to transport and in "; S19[29]=" many cases people will mix up a bit of flour and water to make a kind of damper to eat when they run out of "; S20[29]=" money to buy food.' Mr Wakerman said the recent National Health Survey showed a 60 per cent increase in the number of people going without "; S21[29]=" food in remote areas over the past five years.
      Recent market surveys revealed grocery costs in remote areas of the Northern Territory "; S22[29]=" were up to 37 per cent higher than in Darwin supermarkets.
      'There is simply not enough money for people to buy the "; S23[29]=" food they need because the cost of food is much higher than in cities,' he said.
      Mission Australia has called for the "; S24[29]=" development of a national rural mental health strategy, a new national apprenticeship scheme for women and the expansion of rural finance counselling and drought support "; S25[29]=" programs.
      'The reality is that one-third of Australians live outside of our capital cities.
      We are not talking about "; S26[29]=" a fringe group,' Mission Australia national research director Anne Hampshire said.
      Federal indigenous affairs minister Mal Brough was unavailable for comment yesterday... "; R[30]="636"; T[30]="Fresh Futures - careers in agriculture"; A[30]="By ... Editor"; Dn[30]="20060324"; Dt[30]="Friday 24 March 2006"; Acats[30]="a06a07a54a66"; B1[30]="      A Western Queensland initiative showcasing the diversity of careers in Queensland's primary industries sector will be a highlight of this month's Primary "; B2[30]="Industries Week (PIW) activities... "; B3[30]=" "; B4[30]=" "; B5[30]=" "; S1[30]="      A Western Queensland initiative showcasing the diversity of careers in Queensland's primary industries sector will be a highlight of this month's Primary "; S2[30]=" Industries Week (PIW) activities.
      The Fresh Futures - Careers in Agriculture panel schedule is on Monday 27 March at the Charleville State "; S3[30]=" School and Tuesday 28 March at the Cunnamulla State School.
      The Fresh Futures initiative is a partnership between the Department of "; S4[30]=" Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and south west Queensland schools.
      "; S5[30]=" DPI&F Charleville extension "; S6[30]=" officer, Guy Newell, said that employment and propsperity within the rural sector were integral to the State's economic growth.
      'This initiative "; S7[30]=" will promote the diversity of careers in agriculture and some of the exciting and rewarding jobs in rural industries that school students may not even "; S8[30]=" be aware of,' he said.
      Mr Newell said these interactive sessions were targeted at senior school students.
      'I "; S9[30]=" will be chairing these interactive sessions.
      I will pose several key questions to a panel of young dynamic speakers and invite questions "; S10[30]=" from the student audience that will explore the potential benefits and challenges of choosing an agricultural career.
      'Many students in western Queensland "; S11[30]=" do not realise that there are jobs out here that provide interesting work, good working conditions and flexible working environments with good career pathways' Mr "; S12[30]=" Newell said.
      'The panel speakers, who work in a cross-section of agricultural related careers, will be talking about their jobs, how they "; S13[30]=" got to where they are, why they like what they do, and any challenges and rewards - all with the aim of raising an awareness "; S14[30]=" of what's out there in the rural job field for students.' The speakers are DPI&F Charleville extension officer, Jane Hamilton; Suncorp Charleville Agribusiness Officer, "; S15[30]=" Angela Lube; Devine Agribusiness Charleville Agribusiness Consultant, Tom Marland, and Natural Resources, Mines and Water Charleville Assistant Valuer Brendon Smith.
      PIW "; S16[30]=" 2006 will be held from Saturday 25 March to Saturday 1 April and several events and initiatives are being planned throughout the State.
    "; S17[30]="   Since 1996, PIW has recognised excellence and innovation within our primary industries sector.
      PIW has raised the profile of Queensland's primary "; S18[30]=" industries among the urban community and key decision-makers in public and private sectors.
      PIW is an opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contribution "; S19[30]=" that Queensland's primary industries make to the State's prosperity and the quality of life for all Queenslanders.
      To find out more about "; S20[30]=" the planned activities and initiatives for PIW 2006, phone: 0427 733 515... "; R[31]="634"; T[31]="Country women held back by inequality"; A[31]="By ... Editor"; Dn[31]="20060324"; Dt[31]="Friday 24 March 2006"; Acats[31]="a05a48a49a53"; B1[31]="      An apprenticeship program for rural girls is needed to lift low female employment in the country, a key welfare group says.... "; B2[31]=" "; B3[31]=" "; B4[31]=" "; B5[31]=" "; S1[31]="      An apprenticeship program for rural girls is needed to lift low female employment in the country, a key welfare group says.
  "; S2[31]="     Mission Australia's Rural and Regional Australia: Change, Challenge and Capacity report highlights the need for new training programs specifically for young country women.
"; S3[31]="       It has proposed the development of the rural girls apprenticeship program in conjunction with industry and government.
      "; S4[31]=" Mission Australia's South Australian manager, Mark Herselman, said there would be an outcry if many of the same levels of disadvantage and inequality were prevalent "; S5[31]=" in metropolitan areas.
      'We're finding young women, particularly with young children, suffer from a lack of services in the country,' he "; S6[31]=" said.
      'Young women tend to be more bonded to local areas because of their families.' Mr Herselman said disadvantages facing young "; S7[31]=" women included the lack of women's health services and education facilities.
      Mission Australia's national manager of research and policy, Anne Hampshire, "; S8[31]=" said 36 per cent of Australians live in rural and regional areas in a great diversity of communities.
      'They have shown "; S9[31]=" incredible resilience to the dramatic economic and social changes of the past two decades, but some have still fallen behind metropolitan Australia,' Ms Hampshire said.
"; S10[31]="       She said the inequality in regional Australia needed to be tackled.
      'Most people would agree that an "; S11[31]=" Australia without a thriving and vibrant rural and regional population would be a soulless place,' she said.
      The report's key recommendations include: "; S12[31]=" the need for a special national rural mental health strategy and greater use of mobile outreach and information technology-based service delivery.
      "; S13[31]=" South Australian Farmers Federation chief executive Carol Vincent said she supported Mission Australia's approach.
      'We are putting together a range of "; S14[31]=" strategies to help improve services in regional areas,' Ms Vincent said.
      'Mental health is something we feel very strongly about, along "; S15[31]=" with succession planning, because the human relationship side is causing a lot of distress to farm families.'.. "; R[32]="631"; T[32]="Tropical food puts far north Queensland on the map"; A[32]="By ... DPI"; Dn[32]="20060317"; Dt[32]="Friday 17 March 2006"; Acats[32]="a10a53a54"; B1[32]="      A passion for tropical north Queensland produce is all you need to celebrate the Feast of the Senses in Innisfail.... "; B2[32]=" "; B3[32]=" "; B4[32]=" "; B5[32]=" "; S1[32]="      A passion for tropical north Queensland produce is all you need to celebrate the Feast of the Senses in Innisfail.
    "; S2[32]="   To complement this year's event, now in its third year, is the Tropical Foods Forum at the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries' South "; S3[32]=" Johnstone Research Station on Saturday, March 18.
      Forum coordinator Nola Craig, Australian Tropical Foods marketing manager with the Cairns Region Economic development "; S4[32]=" Corporation, said the forum could be the springboard for the future development of the food industry in tropical north Queensland.
      'We hope "; S5[32]=" for a collaborative approach in focusing on how we can further the industry,' Ms Craig said.
      'For example, chefs and consumers are "; S6[32]=" becoming more discerning about the primary produce they use and their input into what they would like farmers to grow is important.
      "; S7[32]=" 'This trend is already occurring down south.
      'We need to focus on value-adding opportunities as well to help the sustainability of farms "; S8[32]=" and to meet consumer demand.
      'This will develop capacity which in turn will lead to export markets.
      It is "; S9[32]=" important that we be aware of the trends be prepared to market our products effectively.' The stellar line-up of guest speakers at the forum comprises "; S10[32]=" chef and TV food and wine presenter Peter Howard, food consultant Alison Alexander and Food South Australia project manager Annabel Mugford.
      Mr "; S11[32]=" Howard, who played a key role at the inaugural Feast of the Senses in 2004, will speak on consumer expections; Ms Alexander on 'Regional Flavours' "; S12[32]=" and Ms Mugford will discuss how South Australia developed its food regions.
      'Their talks will offer their views on the food and "; S13[32]=" wine tourism potential for tropical north Queensland,' Ms Craig said.
      The afternoon session will feature grassroots achievers who are already adding value "; S14[32]=" successfully to Queensland produce.
      They include: ' Martha Shepherd (Queensland Rural Woman of the Year 2006) - Ms Shepherd's business, Galeru on "; S15[32]=" the Sunshine Coast hinterland, produces fruit sauces and gourmet bakery products.
      She believes producers on small farms could join forces in an "; S16[32]=" innovative way to value-add and market their products.
      ' Marianne Cody (proprietor, Tin Fork, Runaway Dish, Mena Creek) - Ms Cody's "; S17[32]=" boutique dining restaurant focuses on regional foods and recipes using exotic and native fruits in various ways.
     
      "; S18[32]=" * Kerry Jonsson (Jervoise Organic Meat, Tully) -Ms Jonsson, a Greenvale district grazier, established her organic meat processing plant in Tully last year.
    "; S19[32]="   It is the first privately owned, certified organic plant in north Queensland.
     
      * Bood Hickson (Network "; S20[32]=" for Sustainable and Diversified Agriculture) - Mr Hickson's family operates a diverse farming enterprise, Ballintaggart, on the Atherton Tablelands and sits on many industry body "; S21[32]=" executives.
     
      * A panel discussion will follow each session with a workshop to be conducted afterwards where "; S22[32]=" participants will be invited to have their say in developing an action plan for the future of north Queensland's food industry... "; R[33]="622"; T[33]="Wool grower book launched"; A[33]="By ... Editor"; Dn[33]="20060310"; Dt[33]="Friday 10 March 2006"; Acats[33]="a25a53"; B1[33]="      NSW Department of Primary Industries has teamed up with the Australian Sheep Industry Cooperative Research Centre (Sheep CRC) to produce a valuable "; B2[33]="resource book for Australia's future commercial Merino wool growers... "; B3[33]=" "; B4[33]=" "; B5[33]=" "; S1[33]="      NSW Department of Primary Industries has teamed up with the Australian Sheep Industry Cooperative Research Centre (Sheep CRC) to produce a valuable "; S2[33]=" resource book for Australia's future commercial Merino wool growers.
      'The Sheep Business - Production and Marketing Guide for Australian Merino Wool' is "; S3[33]=" based on the collective knowledge of the department's livestock officers, with input from TAFE NSW and livestock specialist from Queensland and Western Australia.
    "; S4[33]="   Designed for students and staff involved in vocational education as well as new entrants to the wool industry, the book will also appeal to "; S5[33]=" wool growers who want to refresh their knowledge or make use of feed tables and other useful references.
      In the race to "; S6[33]=" service the apparel industry, wool growers face intense competition from other fibres, both natural and man-made.
      But despite low wool prices, they "; S7[33]=" can still make profits.
      One of the keys is the ability to lower the cost of production - the other is to "; S8[33]=" know what the customer requires and the flexibility to adjust the breeding objectives to suit.
      The book provides guidance on how to "; S9[33]=" achieve these outcomes as well as a host of other topics.
      It covers everything from establishing your breeding objective and choosing a "; S10[33]=" ram source to ram and ewe management, flock health, nutrition and grazing management.
      Helpful advice is given on preparing and selling your "; S11[33]=" wool clip as well as knowing the value of your wool.
      NSW DPI has made a significant contribution to the project through "; S12[33]=" the CB Alexander Campus of Tocal College, with the material compiled by Education Officer Shauna Dewhurst at the Tamworth Agricultural Institute.
      'The "; S13[33]=" Sheep Business - Production and Marketing Guide for Australian Merino Wool' retails for $39 (GST inclusive) and is a companion to 'The Sheep Business - "; S14[33]=" Prime Lamb Production and Marketing Guide for New South Wales'... "; R[34]="618"; T[34]="High-powered food, agribusiness council meets on Sunshine Coast"; A[34]="By ... Editor"; Dn[34]="20060310"; Dt[34]="Friday 10 March 2006"; Acats[34]="a10a53a54"; B1[34]="      The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries' (DPI&F) Queensland Food, Fibre and Agribusiness Council (QFFAC) will meet on the Sunshine Coast today.... "; B2[34]=" "; B3[34]=" "; B4[34]=" "; B5[34]=" "; S1[34]="      The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries' (DPI&F) Queensland Food, Fibre and Agribusiness Council (QFFAC) will meet on the Sunshine Coast today.
"; S2[34]="       QFFAC executive chair and DPI&F Chief Scientific Advisor Professor Joe Baker AC, CBE said QFFAC is chaired by DPI&F Director-General Jim Varghese, "; S3[34]=" who has just returned from the international Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAC) in Rome to share with the council information on world priorities in food "; S4[34]=" and agribusiness.
      QFFAC will review information on major projects at the world-renowned DPI&F Maroochy Research Station, at Nambour at 8:30am, before convening "; S5[34]=" at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
      Professor Baker said QFFAC advises the Queensland Government through DPI&F on strategic priorities in food, "; S6[34]=" fibre and agribusiness which will generate significant investment opportunities and economic benefits for Queensland and facilitate alliances with research and business organisations in Australia and "; S7[34]=" overseas.
      Under DPI&F's vision of profitable primary industries for Queensland, it has targeted 4.4% per annum growth in the gross value of "; S8[34]=" production of the State's primary industries until 2010-11.
      The Sunshine Coast area has high potential for expanding its food, fibre and agribusiness "; S9[34]=" enterprises on the land and in the sea QFFAC engages in holistic analyses of potential developments, drawing on a very diverse membership of experts, including: "; S10[34]=" · Centre for Rural and Regional Innovation - Queensland Associate · Professor Janelle Allison (Gatton) · Roma region primary producer and former president of the "; S11[34]=" Cattlemen's Union of Australia Jock Douglas AC · KNCDE Partnership principal Dr Laurie Hammond · Horticulture Nursery industry leader John Hawkins · Businesswoman specialising in "; S12[34]=" intellectual property Dr Deborah Kuchler · ABC TV's Landline Executive Producer Kerry Lonergan · Dalby region cotton, grain and aquaculture producer Paul McVeigh · Queensland "; S13[34]=" Wine Industry Association President and South Burnett vineyard owner Maryanne Pidcock · Griffith University's Eskitis Institute Director of Natural Product Discovery Professor Ron Quinn and "; S14[34]=" · Townsville Enterprise Limited Chief Executive Officer Glenys Schuntner... "; R[35]="616"; T[35]="Feast of the Senses Market Day Extravaganza offers a taste of the north"; A[35]="By ... Editor"; Dn[35]="20060310"; Dt[35]="Friday 10 March 2006"; Acats[35]="a10a54"; B1[35]="      Delectable sun-drenched fruits both familiar and rare, mouth-watering beef cuts and a range of value-added products are just a couple of reasons "; B2[35]="why the 2006 Feast of the Senses market Day Extravaganza is expected to be another huge success... "; B3[35]=" "; B4[35]=" "; B5[35]=" "; S1[35]="      Delectable sun-drenched fruits both familiar and rare, mouth-watering beef cuts and a range of value-added products are just a couple of reasons "; S2[35]=" why the 2006 Feast of the Senses market Day Extravaganza is expected to be another huge success.
      An initiative of Department of "; S3[35]=" Primary Industries and Fisheries, the market day is a celebration of the delicious north and the tropical expertise of producers and businesses.
      "; S4[35]=" Innisfail's Central Business District will be the venue for this year's markets on Sunday, March 19.
      'The day will feature a broad "; S5[35]=" range of produce, food and drink stalls, tropical art and crafts, lectures, free tastings of exotic tropical fruits and cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs,' said "; S6[35]=" coordinator Sonya Long from the DPI&F's South Johnstone Research Station.
      'An Eco Expo will be held in Johnstone Shire Hall to inform "; S7[35]=" people on the ecological and economic benefits of energy-efficient house design.' The market day has come a long way in such a short time.
  "; S8[35]="     The markets at the inaugural Feast of the Senses in 2004 were held on a sunny March weekend and attracted some 2500 people.
"; S9[35]="       Word of mouth was so positive that 4500 people braved torrential rain and overcast skies to make last year's markets at the "; S10[35]=" TAFE a success.
      Organisers are confident, with the mounting strong community support, to top this in 2006.
      'This year's "; S11[35]=" venue reflects not just the feast's growth, but the confidence local businesses, community groups and local residents in this annual event,' Ms Long said.
  "; S12[35]="     'The key to our success, we believe, is the fact that the things we want to promote and celebrate are right here in "; S13[35]=" north Queensland.
      'Every region of north Queensland has something special to offer - not only primary produce, but value-added products.
    "; S14[35]="   'DPI&F's vision is profitable primary industries for Queensland, so value-adding is very important to us.
      'We expect stallholders to come from "; S15[35]=" as far as Mossman, Cairns, Tully, Babinda, Mission Beach, Silkwood and Atherton Tablelands.
      'A contingent of producers from Cooktown will be attending "; S16[35]=" this year's Feast of the Senses to look at how they can share in this annual event.'.. "; R[36]="609"; T[36]="TAFE revamp to revive trades in Queensland"; A[36]="By ... Editor"; Dn[36]="20060310"; Dt[36]="Friday 10 March 2006"; Acats[36]="a53a66"; B1[36]="      Queensland's 120-year-old TAFE system will be overhauled and an extra 31,000 training places offered throughout the state, as part of a $1 "; B2[36]="billion plan to tackle skills shortages... "; B3[36]=" "; B4[36]=" "; B5[36]=" "; S1[36]="      Queensland's 120-year-old TAFE system will be overhauled and an extra 31,000 training places offered throughout the state, as part of a $1 "; S2[36]=" billion plan to tackle skills shortages.
      The plan comes amid Federal Government warnings that southeast Queensland business must tap into the 300,000 "; S3[36]=" in the region living on allowances and pensions to fill job vacancies.
      Under the plan, a Brisbane-based Trade and Technical Skills "; S4[36]=" Institute will take control of the development of training in the traditional trades of building and construction, automotive, electrical, manufacturing and engineering.
      "; S5[36]=" As reported in The Courier-Mail yesterday, the centrepiece of the Queensland Skills Plan involves fast-tracking competent apprentices into their chosen field by shortening the "; S6[36]=" duration of three-quarters of apprenticeships by up to one year.
      The Opposition, industry and union groups yesterday welcomed the changes, saying "; S7[36]=" they would ensure Queensland was ahead of other states in addressing the growing problem of skills shortages in Australia.
      Employment and "; S8[36]=" Training Minister Tom Barton said the $1 billion plan - which includes $600 million of new funding - would help ensure Queensland was responding to "; S9[36]=" the changing job market.
      'The plan is the most significant package of reforms in more than 40 years to the way "; S10[36]=" Queenslanders access skilling opportunities,' he said.
      Under the 24-point plan, $303 million will be spent upgrading Queensland's 15 TAFE institutes and "; S11[36]=" they will become more commercially focused.
      There will be more co-operation between TAFE colleges, with most specialising in a certain field.
"; S12[36]="       The $138 million Trade and Technical Skills Institute will have campuses in the north and south of Brisbane and will include "; S13[36]=" a 'try me' section where would-be apprentices can go to decide which field they want to specialise in.
      An additional 17,000 "; S14[36]=" trade apprenticeships and 14,000 para-professional positions will be offered by 2010.
      Nearly $160 million will be spent over four years improving "; S15[36]=" the apprenticeship system, while the Government will now review apprentice wages.
      Among the apprenticeships set to be shortened are bricklaying, carpentry, solid "; S16[36]=" plastering and wall and floor tiling, along with some hospitality, hairdressing, textiles, furnishing, engineering and printing courses.
      Australian Manufacturing Workers Union "; S17[36]=" state secretary Andrew Dettmer said the reforms would encourage more people to consider a trade as a career.
      'At the moment "; S18[36]=" a first-year apprentice is paid less than $300 a week .
      .
      .
      they could get "; S19[36]=" more working in a supermarket,' he said.
      Australian Industry Group's Andrew Craig also welcomed reforms to TAFE, saying the system had "; S20[36]=" not been working well.
      Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said the Coalition would support the initiatives and congratulated the Government for focusing "; S21[36]=" on the skills shortage.
      Federal Workforce Participation Minister Sharman Stone yesterday told an industry breakfast in Brisbane that Australia's labour shortage "; S22[36]=" would worsen over the next five years.
      'There is a substantial untapped labour supply in the Brisbane region,' she said.
  "; S23[36]="     'Currently the number of working-age people in receipt of allowances and pensions in Brisbane and the surrounding Moreton region is over 300,000.
"; S24[36]="       'This is nearly one-fifth of the working-age population.' Dr Stone said business would need to recruit and retain workers from "; S25[36]=" this target group if they were to remain competitive and economically viable.
      'The workforce of the future will be more diverse "; S26[36]=" and will consist of older workers, more parents, more people with disabilities and more people wanting to work part-time,' she said.
      "; S27[36]=" 'The challenge to business and government will be to find creative responses in order to attract and retain workers.'.. "; R[37]="602"; T[37]="Desert Uplands field days target economic benefits"; A[37]="By ... Editor"; Dn[37]="20060308"; Dt[37]="Wednesday 8 March 2006"; Acats[37]="a02a53a72"; B1[37]="      Economic benefits of improving land condition and developing property infrastructure will be outlined to Desert Uplands landholders at three field days in "; B2[37]="late June... "; B3[37]=" "; B4[37]=" "; B5[37]=" "; S1[37]="      Economic benefits of improving land condition and developing property infrastructure will be outlined to Desert Uplands landholders at three field days in "; S2[37]=" late June.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries sustainable grazing systems extension officer Jill Aisthorpe and rangelands scientist Paul Jones, both from "; S3[37]=" Emerald, are on track to complete the three-year Safe Carrying Capacity project funded by the Tropical Savannas Cooperative Research Centre.
      The Desert "; S4[37]=" Uplands covers some 75,000 square kilometres in a region bounded by Alpha, Blackall, Barcaldine, Pentland, Charters Towers and Clermont.
      Ms Aisthorpe said "; S5[37]=" 10 Desert Uplands grazing enterprises were used to develop the computerised carrying capacity models to deliver paddock by paddock information to ensure long term industry "; S6[37]=" sustainability.
      'Preparations are being put into place to hold field days on June 20, 21 and 22 at sites within the northern, "; S7[37]=" central and southern sectors of the Desert Uplands to wrap up the project on June 30,' Ms Aisthorpe said.
      'A great deal "; S8[37]=" of our field work to develop computerised carrying capacity models has been collated from on-the-ground observations relating to variable land types, land condition, infrastructure and "; S9[37]=" climatic conditions.
      'All testing to date indicates that the models have accurately matched landholder predictions,' Ms Aisthorpe said.
      'Our "; S10[37]=" team is confident that the calibrated models will provide a useful management tool that can be used to quantify the likely economic benefits of property "; S11[37]=" development or land condition improvement.' Ms Aisthorpe said the Desert Uplands represented a key bioregion as much of the woodland was intact.
      "; S12[37]=" A loss of perennial grasses and soil erosion in some areas had been linked to overly optimistic assessments of long term 'safe' carrying capacity.
  "; S13[37]="     The June field days will demonstrate the benefits of implementing sustainable management practices based on realistic stocking rate estimates to support a viable "; S14[37]=" livestock business.
      The field day venues will be publicised at a later date... "; R[38]="597"; T[38]="Rural hurdles to education"; A[38]="By ... Editor"; Dn[38]="20060307"; Dt[38]="Tuesday 7 March 2006"; Acats[38]="a48a53"; B1[38]="      Children living in rural and remote Australia are the 'silent victims of the drought', whose access to education is restricted by their "; B2[38]="isolation and financial circumstances... "; B3[38]=" "; B4[38]=" "; B5[38]=" "; S1[38]="      Children living in rural and remote Australia are the 'silent victims of the drought', whose access to education is restricted by their "; S2[38]=" isolation and financial circumstances.
      These young Australians face numerous hurdles in their education - from primary through to tertiary, according to a "; S3[38]=" new report highlighting the impact of the drought on students.
      The paper reveals that students are missing school to help with farm "; S4[38]=" work, turning up to school hungry, and being forced by financial pressures to drop out of university.
      'At all levels there are "; S5[38]=" barriers that shouldn't be there for rural and remote areas,' said the report's co-author, Professor Margaret Alston, of NSW's Charles Sturt University.
      "; S6[38]=" 'It's very serious, because we are looking for skilled labour in rural areas, but we're putting barriers in the way of kids getting an education.' "; S7[38]=" The paper was based on a survey of 21 boarding schools and interviews with several hundred people in seven remote communities in the mainland eastern "; S8[38]=" states, including Cohuna and Kerang in Victoria... "; R[39]="586"; T[39]="Professional development day for State's livestock experts"; A[39]="By ... Editor"; Dn[39]="20060306"; Dt[39]="Monday 6 March 2006"; Acats[39]="a31a53"; B1[39]="      WA livestock experts will attend a professional development day in Perth later this month as part of a push to sustain skilled "; B2[39]="trainers for the State's livestock sector... "; B3[39]=" "; B4[39]=" "; B5[39]=" "; S1[39]="      WA livestock experts will attend a professional development day in Perth later this month as part of a push to sustain skilled "; S2[39]=" trainers for the State's livestock sector.
      Extension officers, farmers and consultants from across the State will attend the Professional Development day "; S3[39]=" on March 24 in Guildford.
      During the day they'll be introduced to the EDGEnetwork training program and have a chance to build "; S4[39]=" their professional networks and learn about topics such as communication methods, behavioural styles, and how to motivate learners.
      As well as presentations "; S5[39]=" by local speakers, the group will be addressed by interstate guests including livestock consultant Brian Ashton, of Rural Solutions South Australia, Leadership Management Australia's John "; S6[39]=" Denton and Meat & Livestock Australia producer capacity building project officer Hilary Heffernan.
      The Professional Development (PD) day is an initiative of "; S7[39]=" farm improvement group Kondinin Group.
      The Kondinin Group facilitates the EDGEnetwork in WA - a national training program which, through practical "; S8[39]=" workshops and learning programs, helps farming families and businesses improve the skills and knowledge needed to manage their livestock enterprises more profitably and sustainably.
  "; S9[39]="     The EDGEnetwork is delivered by WA specialists with vast field experience in the livestock industry and since its inception four years ago more "; S10[39]=" than 300 WA livestock producers have attended a course.
      PD day coordinator and Kondinin Group training manager Ken Foote said the "; S11[39]=" PD day was one way of helping current EDGEnetwork trainers improve their professional skills and introduce potential deliverers to the network.
      Mr "; S12[39]=" Foote said EDGEnetwork deliverers provided training to what was an extremely dynamic and fast-evolving industry.
      'For our livestock producers to remain at "; S13[39]=" the top of their game, it's up to us as industry specialists to remain one step ahead as well,' he said.
      Elizabeth "; S14[39]=" Brown, a livestock specialist based in Geraldton, said training programs such as EDGEnetwork were critical to improving productivity on WA farms.
      Ms "; S15[39]=" Brown, who has been delivering EDGEnetwork workshops for three years, said knowledge about livestock had 'skipped a generation' within the farming community.
      "; S16[39]=" She said many younger producers had had little experience in pastures and livestock and their role in a mixed-farm enterprise.
      'As trainers "; S17[39]=" I think we have a real role to play in filling this gap.
      The livestock production sector has come a long way "; S18[39]=" in recent years and it's important that there's a conduit between those advancements and our producers.' Ms Brown said she also found her role as "; S19[39]=" a deliverer very rewarding, professionally and personally.
      'Particularly when you deliver a longer course, such as PROGRAZE, you see the changes "; S20[39]=" happening on-farms as producers progress through the course - and they see it as well,' Mrs Brown said.
      'I've also found the "; S21[39]=" communication and presentation skills I've learnt as a deliverer has helped in other professional roles.' Those interested in more information about the EDGEnetwork or the "; S22[39]=" PD day should contact Kondinin Group on 1800 200 798, or email training@kondinin.com.au.
      The EDGEnetwork is an initiative of Meat & Livestock "; S23[39]=" Australia and the Victorian Department of Primary Industries.
      More than 10,000 producers across Australia have taken part in an EDGEnetwork workshop since "; S24[39]=" the program began more than five years ago... "; R[40]="579"; T[40]="DPI&F recommends farm profitability workshops in FNQ"; A[40]="By ... Editor"; Dn[40]="20060303"; Dt[40]="Friday 3 March 2006"; Acats[40]="a05a07a54"; B1[40]="      Talking and succession planning can help avoid conflict within farming families.... "; B2[40]=" "; B3[40]=" "; B4[40]=" "; B5[40]=" "; S1[40]="      Talking and succession planning can help avoid conflict within farming families.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries' FutureCane business "; S2[40]=" development officer, Terry Reid, said family disputes could impact badly on farm profitability.
      'Farmers need to discuss the future of the farm "; S3[40]=" business and property assets with their adult children,' Mr Reid said.
      'To help farmers to avoid conflict, DPI&F is facilitating three workshops "; S4[40]=" in far north Queensland this month.' Workshop facilitator, the high-profile succession and asset transfer specialist Lyn Sykes, will use her renowned informative and entertaining style "; S5[40]=" to help families in business improve profitability or business returns through communication and planning.
      Mr Reid said the workshops would help farmers "; S6[40]=" better communicate with business partners or family members when planning for the future and making changes to their businesses.
      The full-day workshops "; S7[40]=" will be held at Georgetown on Thursday, March 9; DPI&F South Johnstone Research Station, Monday, March 13; and Malanda, Tuesday, March 14.
      "; S8[40]=" Issues to be discussed at each workshop include: Succession planning Asset transfer Rural family communication Separating family and business issues How "; S9[40]=" to maximise family members' contributions to the business Appreciating different roles within the family Increasing business returns through enhanced communication skills Family "; S10[40]=" meetings that work.
      Mt Garnet beef producer Greg Brown recommends Lyn Sykes's workshops.
      'She uses humour to engage participants "; S11[40]=" and to drive home some important and perhaps tough messages,' Mr Brown said.
      'I know from other graziers that her commonsense approach "; S12[40]=" has been beneficial to them.
      'The point is that if you feel you don't need her advice at the present time, you "; S13[40]=" may well need it sometime in the future.
      'Lyn Sykes is an outstanding personality and is an excellent communicator.' Numbers for the "; S14[40]=" workshops are limited and registration is required to ensure sponsorship through the FarmBis program.
      People interested in attending are invited to contact "; S15[40]=" Terry Reid on 4044 1658 or Joe Rolfe on 4091 8724.
      'While in the far north, Ms Sykes will meet with individual "; S16[40]=" farm business teams to facilitate discussion on planning for intergeneration transfer of farm businesses and their management,' Mr Reid said.
      Costs of "; S17[40]=" each workshop are supported by FarmBis and local businesses... "; R[41]="575"; T[41]="Science competition draws interest"; A[41]="By ... Editor"; Dn[41]="20060303"; Dt[41]="Friday 3 March 2006"; Acats[41]="a53a54"; B1[41]="      Queensland and interstate schools are keenly interested in this year's Hermitage Research Station Schools Plant Science Competition that asks students to measure "; B2[41]="and record how much water plants use... "; B3[41]=" "; B4[41]=" "; B5[41]=" "; S1[41]="      Queensland and interstate schools are keenly interested in this year's Hermitage Research Station Schools Plant Science Competition that asks students to measure "; S2[41]=" and record how much water plants use.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries competition organiser Kerrie Rubie said she had distributed 484 "; S3[41]=" competition kits to schools throughout Queensland and in NSW.
      Ms Rubie said of the 69 schools requesting the kits, 25 were new "; S4[41]=" to the competition.
      She said the competition supported Education Queensland's school science curriculum, and was popular with teachers, and students who enjoyed "; S5[41]=" the required observation, recording and practical activities.
      'In this year's competition, students from Years 1 to 12 are asked to plant mungbean "; S6[41]=" and sorghum seed in pots and undertake an experiment to record how much water the plants use.
      'Students can add their "; S7[41]=" own garden plants to the experiment if they are curious about their water needs.
      'Students are also required to observe and record "; S8[41]=" plant growth, complete a case study and do some extra research into issues facing Australians growing plants in a variable climate,' Ms Rubie said.
  "; S9[41]="     If asked, DPI&F staff would aim to visit competing schools to discuss the experiment and science as a career, she said.
    "; S10[41]="   'Prizes for each category include cash, books, CD ROMs, certificates and trophies, and will be presented in June at the Hermitage Research Station.
  "; S11[41]="     'The Australian Mungbean Association, Queensland Country Life, the CRC for Tropical Plant Protection, the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Hylan Seed "; S12[41]=" Company and Dr and Mrs Joe Baker are again sponsors of the competition,' Ms Rubie said.
      Ms Rubie said any schools wishing "; S13[41]=" to participate in the 2006 competition should contact her (4660 3601 or kerrie.rubie@dpi.qld.gov.au) as soon as possible to receive a free planting kit and finish "; S14[41]=" the project by May 19... "; R[42]="574"; T[42]="Asbestos buried under more than 100 schools in NSW"; A[42]="By ... Editor"; Dn[42]="20060303"; Dt[42]="Friday 3 March 2006"; Acats[42]="a09a53"; B1[42]="      It has been revealed more than 100 schools across New South Wales still have asbestos buried in their playgrounds.... "; B2[42]=" "; B3[42]=" "; B4[42]=" "; B5[42]=" "; S1[42]="      It has been revealed more than 100 schools across New South Wales still have asbestos buried in their playgrounds.
      "; S2[42]=" The State Education Department has instructed the schools to water down their contaminated fields to prevent asbestos fibres blowing into the air.
      "; S3[42]=" NSW Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt says all precautions are being taken 'As soon as asbestos is discovered at any school the area is cordoned off "; S4[42]=" and it's remediated by licensed experts,' she said.
      'This work is done in compliance with Workcover requirements, it includes the removal of "; S5[42]=" asbestos material, covering the area with topsoil and grass and then watering as a final stage.' Bargo Public is Sydney's south-west is one of the "; S6[42]=" schools affected by asbestos contamination.
      Their local member, Opposition frontbencher Peta Seaton, says the Government is taking short cuts that threaten children's "; S7[42]=" health by leaving asbestos in the grounds.
      'Labor has our kids sitting on a health time bomb,' she said.
      "; S8[42]=" Sharon Canty from the Parents and Citizens Federation says the situation is disturbing.
      'As a parent and as a parent body it "; S9[42]=" is of some concern,' she said.
      'I suppose the main issue is that governments need to make sure they're managing it properly "; S10[42]=" and that the responsibility is not falling on principals, and that the right people are looking into it and making sure it is a safe "; S11[42]=" and secure site for children, parents and teachers to be.
      Workcover says it does not believe any children or staff at schools "; S12[42]=" are at risk from asbestos exposure but it is willing to investigate any particular concerns Bargo Public school has.
      Workcover's general manager "; S13[42]=" of occupational health and safety, John Waston, says digging up asbestos is not always the best solution.
      'It's a balancing situation of "; S14[42]=" whether you potentially increase exposure by removal or indeed add material to the surface of the area to prevent exposure,' he said... "; R[43]="568"; T[43]="Program unlocks the potential of future rural leaders"; A[43]="By ... Editor"; Dn[43]="20060302"; Dt[43]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[43]="a49a53"; B1[43]="      The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries may have the answer with its popular Building Rural Leaders program planned to begin in "; B2[43]="Bundaberg on March 28... "; B3[43]=" "; B4[43]=" "; B5[43]=" "; S1[43]="      The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries may have the answer with its popular Building Rural Leaders program planned to begin in "; S2[43]=" Bundaberg on March 28.
      DPI&F rural development officer Pamela McAllister said positions were still available in the course for people who wanted "; S3[43]=" to develop confidence and skills for a successful future.
      Ms McAllister said the Building Rural Leaders program gave participants the opportunity to "; S4[43]=" realise their potential through an intensive personal development program that had already inspired more than 1,000 Queenslanders.
      'Our greatest resource for growing "; S5[43]=" industries and communities is our people and their potential.
      We are looking for participants who wish to develop themselves, their business, industry "; S6[43]=" and community,' she said.
      'Individual participants grow and develop as they gain knowledge, skills, confidence and motivation to promote positive change for "; S7[43]=" themselves and others.' Graduates of the program have gone on to make a real impact in rural communities, and include success stories such as a "; S8[43]=" drought-affected lucerne grower who now heads a $60 million herb growing facility, or the young single mother who gained the confidence to move from the "; S9[43]=" packing shed floor to be an active member of the local horticulture industry board.
      'Building Rural Leaders offers the motivation and "; S10[43]=" self-development participants need to unlock their own potential.
      Communities gain committed and knowledgeable citizens who create real and positive change.
    "; S11[43]="   New networks between the public and private sectors develop new initiatives that meet genuine community needs.' The Building Rural Leaders program kicks-off in "; S12[43]=" Bundaberg on March 28.
      For more information about the program, including how to enrol, contact Pamela McAllister on 1800 356 621... "; R[44]="567"; T[44]="May field day to uncover more magic in the molasses"; A[44]="By ... Editor"; Dn[44]="20060302"; Dt[44]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[44]="a20a54"; B1[44]="      North Queensland graziers wanting a first-hand look at an alternate way to manage their herd that may reap greater financial benefits should "; B2[44]="mark May 25 in their diaries... "; B3[44]=" "; B4[44]=" "; B5[44]=" "; S1[44]="      North Queensland graziers wanting a first-hand look at an alternate way to manage their herd that may reap greater financial benefits should "; S2[44]=" mark May 25 in their diaries.
      The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries research team will be delivering the results of their "; S3[44]=" high-input system evaluation at a field day at the Rebgetz's Thalanga property, west of Charters Towers.
      The field day will begin at "; S4[44]=" 8.30am and is scheduled to finish at 1pm and be followed by lunch.
      Newly-appointed MLA board member, Jay Simms of Hughenden, will "; S5[44]=" chair the day.
      DPI&F scientist Geoffry Fordyce will explain why beef businesses in the region should consider high-input management systems (HIM) to "; S6[44]=" either complement or replace strategic low-input management (SLIM).
      'High-input management uses high-level fortified molasses feeding, as opposed to low-input, which uses mainly "; S7[44]=" dry licks with fortified molasses for some weaners,' Dr Fordyce explained.
      On show at Thalanga will be cows, calves and steers that "; S8[44]=" have been managed using either HIM or SLIM systems.
      'We will also be providing performance data for breeding female cattle and growing "; S9[44]=" steers using the SLIM and HIM systems, as well as a cost-benefit analysis of the two systems.' Dr Fordyce said the HIM system enabled early "; S10[44]=" tight calving to achieve big weaners which is a vital part of the system that gets steers to 500+ kg at 2.5 years of age.
"; S11[44]="       A key point is that HIM systems are not expected to be cost-effective where pasture utilisation is excessive.
      'On "; S12[44]=" the day, cattle producers will be able to ask questions of many stakeholders about the system,' Dr Fordyce said.
      The high-input systems "; S13[44]=" project is supported by Meat and Livestock Australia, beef producer collaborators, and several commercial sponsors... "; R[45]="562"; T[45]="Drought towns turn to effluent"; A[45]="By ... Editor"; Dn[45]="20060302"; Dt[45]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[45]="a09a40a42a48"; B1[45]="      Australians could be drinking recycled effluent within three years.... "; B2[45]=" "; B3[45]=" "; B4[45]=" "; B5[45]=" "; S1[45]="      Australians could be drinking recycled effluent within three years.
      John Howard is on the verge of agreeing to the "; S2[45]=" partial funding for a $70 million Toowoomba project to recycle wastewater in an effort to solve the Queensland city's dire water shortage.
      "; S3[45]=" If the controversial project received the go-ahead, construction could be completed in 18months, Toowoomba Mayor Di Thorley said.
      The town has "; S4[45]=" been on water restrictions for more than a decade.
      A combination of recycling and demand management was the only solution, Ms "; S5[45]=" Thorley said.
      Toowoomba is seeking $24million in federal funding through the $1.6 billion Water Smart Australia program, which is administered by "; S6[45]=" the National Water Commission.
      The commission has given the Prime Minister its recommendation on the funding decision.
      "; S7[45]=" Chairman and CEO Ken Matthews told The Australian the country should be 'at the cutting edge of delivering economic, safe and healthy recycled water'.
  "; S8[45]="     The commission has also received a proposal for a similar recycling scheme for the parched NSW southern highlands city of Goulburn.
  "; S9[45]="     Goulburn's council is about to embark on a public education program critical to it receiving public and financial support for its sewage "; S10[45]=" recycling plans.
      Goulburn-Mulwaree Mayor Paul Stephenson said the commission was supportive of his call for $11 million in funding.
    "; S11[45]="   'We hope to have the system up and running in four years.' Both town systems would use reverse osmosis to treat the "; S12[45]=" wastewater, the same technology that is used to desalinate water.
      The National Water Commission, the CSIRO, and parliamentary secretary with special "; S13[45]=" responsibility for water Malcolm Turnbull believe it is safe to drinkproperly treated sewage.
      However, they also agree that anysuccessful recycling system needs "; S14[45]=" to be backed by the local community.
      And in Toowoomba the community is divided on the issue.
      "; S15[45]=" Some of the locals, who are desperate for a solution to their water woes, are not quite ready to accept recycling.
      "; S16[45]=" But others appear perfectly happy to drink recycled wastewater, as is already done in other countries across the globe such as Japan, the US, Britain "; S17[45]=" and Singapore.
      Residents for and against the plant are generating their own petitions.
      Industry, Tourism and Resources Minister "; S18[45]=" Ian Macfarlane, who is Toowoomba's local member, says the proposal has divided the community and could taint the city's tourism image.
      "; S19[45]=" 'People are not comfortable with this,' Mr Macfarlane said.
      'I would like to see other options considered, and a regional approach "; S20[45]=" to the issue.' Mr Turnbull said he was comfortable drinking recycled water.
      'The key point about safety is that reverse "; S21[45]=" osmosis will remove any molecules larger than the water molecule (including salts),' he said.
      'It follows therefore that the pathogens, drugs "; S22[45]=" etc of which concern is had will be removed by reverse osmosis.' Western Australia is looking at options for treating sewage for drinking... "; R[46]="553"; T[46]="Broadband boost for rural breast screening"; A[46]="By ... Editor"; Dn[46]="20060302"; Dt[46]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[46]="a09a49"; B1[46]="      Telstra Country Wide® has signed a communications partnership agreement with BreastScreen Victoria to improve the delivery of breast cancer screening services in "; B2[46]="country Victoria... "; B3[46]=" "; B4[46]=" "; B5[46]=" "; S1[46]="      Telstra Country Wide® has signed a communications partnership agreement with BreastScreen Victoria to improve the delivery of breast cancer screening services in "; S2[46]=" country Victoria.
      BreastScreen Victoria is undertaking the Regional Mobile Digital Mammography project to trial digital mammography on its Rural Mobile Screening Service "; S3[46]=" using wireless data technology.
      The use of hard-copy film will be replaced with digital images that can be sent to radiologists anywhere "; S4[46]=" in the state for diagnosis.
      Speaking at the Rural Press Club of Victoria today, the Group Managing Director for Telstra Country Wide®, "; S5[46]=" Mr Geoff Booth, said the agreement demonstrated the company's commitment to improving the delivery of health care services and communications in regional and rural areas.
"; S6[46]="       'Telstra is passionate about this initiative because of its potential to help tackle breast cancer, and therefore make a difference to the "; S7[46]=" lives of thousands of rural Victorian women,' Mr Booth said.
      'Under the agreement, Telstra Country Wide will provide a dedicated integrated wideband "; S8[46]=" IP network, digital image storage facilities and mobile broadband communications solution using 3G technology to enable images to be sent from BreastScreen Victoria's Mobile Screening "; S9[46]=" Service to radiologists based in regional and metropolitan centres.
      'The trial project will help BreastScreen Victoria to offer the latest mammography "; S10[46]=" technology to rural women through the Rural Mobile Screening Service.' BreastScreen Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Onella Stagoll, said the signing of the partnership agreement with "; S11[46]=" Telstra Country Wide is a significant milestone for the project.
      'The use of digital technologies and wireless broadband will improve the efficiency "; S12[46]=" of BreastScreen Victoria's Mobile Screening Service,' Ms Stagoll said.
      'The project will benefit both the rural radiographer workforce and women using the "; S13[46]=" Mobile Screening Service.
      Currently radiographers working on the Mobile Screening Service are unable to develop and view their images.
      "; S14[46]=" The new technology will allow them to view images as they are taken.
      'Not only will this greatly improve the working "; S15[46]=" conditions for radiographers, it will assist BreastScreen Victoria to attract and retain skilled staff in rural areas and improve the service for women.
    "; S16[46]="   'The radiographer will know instantly if another x-ray image is required.
      This will reduce inconvenience to women, who currently need to "; S17[46]=" come back to the mobile service if, for some reason, their first x-ray was not clear enough for us to read.
      We "; S18[46]=" are also expecting the project will provide faster results.' Mr Booth added: 'Our communications agreement is an important step towards the realisation of Telstra's vision "; S19[46]=" of a better connected health environment in regional Australia through the innovative use of broadband and wireless technology.
      'This project will also "; S20[46]=" improve the delivery of mobile broadband services to regional businesses and communities in the Victorian centres involved in the program.' Women over 50 wanting to "; S21[46]=" make an appointment for a free mammogram can contact BreastScreen Victoria on 13 20 50.
     
      * The project "; S22[46]=" has received the following funding: $2 million from the Coordinated Communications Infrastructure Fund (CCIF) administered by the Australian Government Department of Communications, Information Technology and "; S23[46]=" the Arts; $1 million from Multimedia Victoria and $900,000 from the Victorian Department of Social Services... "; R[47]="534"; T[47]="Nation's libraries at your fingertips"; A[47]="By ... Editor"; Dn[47]="20060227"; Dt[47]="Monday 27 February 2006"; Acats[47]="a46a53"; B1[47]="      Australian's will be able to look up library books online and order pages to be emailed to them, under a sweeping revamp "; B2[47]="of access to public libraries... "; B3[47]=" "; B4[47]=" "; B5[47]=" "; S1[47]="      Australian's will be able to look up library books online and order pages to be emailed to them, under a sweeping revamp "; S2[47]=" of access to public libraries.
      The new program, to be launched today by Communications Minister Helen Coonan, will open up access to "; S3[47]=" 40 million items from 800 libraries across Australia.
      From today, people will be able to log-on to a central website, and "; S4[47]=" use a search engine similar to Google, to find what resources are available on a given topic.
      The book can either "; S5[47]=" be sent out on loan by post, or selected pages photocopied or emailed.
      It is part of a scheme to make "; S6[47]=" libraries more accessible to the community, particularly those in rural and remote areas.
      Director-general of the National Library Jan Fullerton said "; S7[47]=" it was an Australian first.
      'Libraries have continually been at the forefront of technology to improve the way people find the "; S8[47]=" information they need,' she said.
      'It puts the individual looking for the information in charge of their search, rather than a "; S9[47]=" librarian.' The new service will cover all collections including books, journals, newspapers, magazines, pictures and manuscripts.
      Assistant director-general Tony Boston "; S10[47]=" said there were more than 600,000 items that were available instantly online.
      'Libraries are increasingly digitising their collections, and there's about "; S11[47]=" 600,000 items that you have access to straight away including unique material, pictures, historical photographs and rare historical maps,' he said.
      "; S12[47]=" 'For other things, it would take a few days to get .
      .
      .
      sent out.
"; S13[47]="       'Making this service freely available is an important step.
      You can use it from Broome to Davenport, to "; S14[47]=" find out which libraries hold a particular item.
      Through your library you can borrow a copy of a book, have it photocopied "; S15[47]=" or emailed, up to 10 per cent of the content, or buy it through our website.' The email option would cost $13 per 50 "; S16[47]=" pages sent.
      Copyright laws dictate that only 10 per cent of a published work can be copied.
      Mr "; S17[47]=" Boston said that common use of Internet search engines had empowered people in searching for their own information, and had led to the model for "; S18[47]=" this new service.
      'We've tried to emulate the internet search engines like Google, where you can search and then narrow in "; S19[47]=" on your search,' he said.
      Access to the new search engine is available through the National Library of Australia's website at "; S20[47]=" www.nla.gov.au/librariesaustralia.. "; R[48]="527"; T[48]="Remote kids now swimming in good health"; A[48]="By ... Editor"; Dn[48]="20060224"; Dt[48]="Friday 24 February 2006"; Acats[48]="a09a48"; B1[48]="      Swimming pools at some of the nation's most remote Aboriginal communities are bringing dramatic health benefits for the children, slashing rates of "; B2[48]="disease and infection... "; B3[48]=" "; B4[48]=" "; B5[48]=" "; S1[48]="      Swimming pools at some of the nation's most remote Aboriginal communities are bringing dramatic health benefits for the children, slashing rates of "; S2[48]=" disease and infection.
      Former Australian of the Year Fiona Stanley joined Olympic swimming legend Shane Gould yesterday to unveil the results of "; S3[48]=" a world-first health study.
      The six-year study provides evidence to support the anecdotal belief that installing pools - described by experts "; S4[48]=" as giant saline solutions - in isolated indigenous communities will cut rates of ear, skin and respiratory disease and reduce the associated use of antibiotics.
"; S5[48]="       At the West Australian community of Jigalong on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert - where temperatures can soar above "; S6[48]=" 50C for days on end - the swimming pool has become a hive of social activity for the locals.
      It is "; S7[48]=" used as an incentive to boost attendance rates at the school and is linked to a drop in petty misbehaviour and an increase in the "; S8[48]=" happiness of otherwise bored children.
      But more startling are the proven health benefits of the pool, described by many in the "; S9[48]=" project as a 'little oasis' in the middle of the desert in the harsh east Pilbara region.
      The study by the "; S10[48]=" Telethon Institute for Child Health Research has shown that since the pool opened in 2000, respiratory disease has been cut by 63per cent and antibiotic "; S11[48]=" prescription is down 41per cent.
      Using six-monthly assessments of all children at the transient community, along with medical records from the "; S12[48]=" health clinic, the research reveals rates of skin disease have fallen 51per cent and the incidence of ear disease has dropped 44per cent.
    "; S13[48]="   At a community swimming carnival yesterday, Professor Stanley, Telethon Institute director, praised the benefits of the pool.
      'There was "; S14[48]=" not a lot of evidence about swimming pools and the impact on kids' health,' she said.
      'It's the first study of its "; S15[48]=" kind in the world, as I understand it.
      The impact is so pronounced that even with the small number of children involved, "; S16[48]=" it is really significant.' Describing the pool as a massive saline solution, Professor Stanley said chlorinated water helped clear the airways and nasal passages "; S17[48]=" without spreading infection.
      She said the statistics justified a push for the state Government to consider expanding the number of swimming "; S18[48]=" pools in remote communities, adding that the most important result was the reduction in the children's number of skin sores.
      Pediatrician "; S19[48]=" Desiree Silva said cutting rates of infection in children had resulted in a benefit of reducing disease among infants in their households... "; R[49]="525"; T[49]="Forestry driven by professionalism"; A[49]="By ... Editor"; Dn[49]="20060224"; Dt[49]="Friday 24 February 2006"; Acats[49]="a04a39a48"; B1[49]="      Forestry driven by professionalism in a way never encountered in his past life as a shearer, says Bombala plantation forest manager, Andrew "; B2[49]="Power, 31... "; B3[49]=" "; B4[49]=" "; B5[49]=" "; S1[49]="      Forestry driven by professionalism in a way never encountered in his past life as a shearer, says Bombala plantation forest manager, Andrew "; S2[49]=" Power, 31.
      Andrew says that 'once upon a time people came to Bombala to retire … that's changing now as people are "; S3[49]=" coming here for careers and contract work'.
      'When I first started with Willmott Forests, I didn't see a career path ahead "; S4[49]=" of me and, even though I had leadership ambitions, I didn't look that far ahead back then,' Andrew says.
      'I started with "; S5[49]=" the company in April 1998 and will have been with the company eight years this year.
      'I left school in 1991 and "; S6[49]=" was a shearer for seven years and did other rural work like fencing around the Bombala region.
      'I got some casual work "; S7[49]=" planting pines for Willmott Forests in 1995 and this was my introduction to the company.' Andrew says that, in 1998, the company advertised for full "; S8[49]=" time staff and he applied and was offered a job.
      'The company was growing and it seemed like a good opportunity to "; S9[49]=" get in on the ground floor, even though I took a pay cut at the time,' he says.
      'Locally the company employs "; S10[49]=" 120 to 130 people directly.
      Plus there are lots of contractors who work for us throughout the year.
      'I "; S11[49]=" began as a field worker and moved on to being a crew leader and then on to being works coordinator.
      'I also "; S12[49]=" had the chance to study at the same time and I got an Advanced Diploma in Forestry from the University of Melbourne campus at Creswick "; S13[49]=" in central Victoria.
      'I wouldn't mind doing a degree, but I'm very busy.
      I really enjoy the job right "; S14[49]=" now.' Andrew was interviewed as part of this month's Timber Communities Australia (TCA) Summer 2006 Outreach program to build on popular support for the regional "; S15[49]=" timber industry.
      'Summer 2006 Outreach is a chance, in times of continuing change, to underscore the critical importance of forest industries to "; S16[49]=" the sustainable growth of regional communities,' according to TCA national director Jill Lewis.
      The outreach program will include a tour of southern "; S17[49]=" NSW by independent ANU Research Fellow Jacki Schirmer talking to local government councils, community groups and media.
      Andrew Power says his role "; S18[49]=" with the company is to coordinate all the work on the ground 'including the dozers and controlling costs so that we work within budgets in "; S19[49]=" preparing new properties for plantations'.
      'Forestry is a very professional industry compared with rural industries when I think back on my days "; S20[49]=" as a shearer,' he says.
      'Things like fencing off buffer zones along water courses and occupational health and safety issues.
    "; S21[49]="   'I came from a rural background.
      My family were farmers and my mum still owns land.
      While I "; S22[49]=" enjoyed shearing, I still didn't want to be doing it at age 65.
      If it wasn't for Willmott Forests, I wouldn't be "; S23[49]=" where I am now.
      I've moved up in the company fairly quickly and I can make a career out of this.' Andrew "; S24[49]=" says the plantation timber industry also brings benefits to the community as a whole.
      'Locally Willmott Forests sponsors the rugby league football "; S25[49]=" down to the Under 7s,' he says.
      'Our company fire units played a critical role in the 2003 fires.
      "; S26[49]=" 'On and off for six or seven weeks, the company supplied full crews.' Andrew is married to Tracy and they have three sons.
    "; S27[49]="   Jake, 8, and Mitchell, 6, are at Bombala Public School and Sam, 4, is at pre-school.
      Tracy is a hairdresser in "; S28[49]=" Bombala.
      Andrew is a galloping front rower with the Bombala Blue Heelers Group 16 first grade rugby league side... ";