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All the details: WA Shearing Industry Association set to hold AGM with Merino focus in June

All the details: WA Shearing Industry Association set to hold AGM with Merino focus in June

West Australian2 days ago

Former leader of the WA Opposition Mia Davies joins a line-up of speakers at the WA Shearing Industry Association's annual general meeting this month.
The AGM will focus on industry initiatives and challenges in the wake of a particularly difficult period, showcasing the industry's value while also providing networking opportunities for farmers.
The recent candidate for the Federal seat of Bullwinkel, Ms Davies, will speak on her time in politics, her thoughts on the WA agricultural sector and what she envisions for the future to close out the event.
She will be joined by Western Australian sheep producer and Sheep Producers Australia chair Bindi Murray, and speakers from Australian Wool Innovation, Stud Merino Breeders, PSC Insurance, Heiniger, woolgrowers, brokers and buyers.
Presentations will centre on the theme of the value of the Merino across the five-hour event at Ingot Hotel on June 21.
A panel session facilitated by The Livestock Collective will also feature, as well as a presentation from WA WoolTAG.
Attendees can gather for coffee from 8.30am, with the event start time set for 9am, finishing at 2pm.
The event is $35 per person to cover the cost of morning tea and lunch.
A raffle with prizes from Top Gun Shearing, Heiniger and AWI is included.
RSVPs are required via the WASIA
website
.
The AGM will be an expanded format of WASIA's recent member meeting in January which featured president Darren Spencer's bi-annual report and an address from Australian Wool Innovation WA director Neil Jackson.

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'Our biggest challenge': Facilities heads list of goals for NNSW football board
'Our biggest challenge': Facilities heads list of goals for NNSW football board

The Advertiser

time6 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

'Our biggest challenge': Facilities heads list of goals for NNSW football board

NORTHERN NSW Football (NNSWF) chairman Mike Parsons has confirmed that promotion-relegation in its premier competitions is here to stay, the return of a senior representative program is under consideration, and that the governing body plans to strengthen ties with the Newcastle Jets,. But Parson stressed the biggest challenge facing the board was the urgent need for improved infrastructure and facilities to accommodate booming player numbers. Parsons, who is based in Taree, was re-elected for a third term as chairman at the NNSWF AGM in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. There was one change to the board, with Stephen Sneddon elected ahead of incumbent deputy chair Mark Trenter. As well Parsons, Lauren Edwards was re-elected. "Stephen has an extensive background in football," Parsons said. "He is a B-licenced coach and has played at various levels for Weston and West Wallsend. He also has a strong business accumen and brings strategic value to the organisation. "Mark has been a valued contributor and the catalyst facilitator for promotion-relegation which the board introduced and has been successful. It is staying in place and will flow down the [football] pyramid as well." An extremely wet start to the season has put further stress on already inadequate facilities. In some cases, teams have gone five weeks without playing games. "We are the largest team particpant sport in the country with 1.9 million participants," Parsons said. "Our biggest challenge is to provide infratsructure and facilities that are suitable for our players. "I am a massive supporter of grassroots football. I acknowledge that pathways are important but 98 per cent of our players play, what I call, Saturday afternoon park football. "It's not always about winning premierships, it's about social inclusiveness and interaction and support at all levels. "Our game is growing exponentially and we need to bring infrasructure along for the ride to provide an enjoyable and better experience, in particular, for females and all-abilities. "The sport is under funded. We need to engage more diligently and closely with governments. We have recently appointed a full-time government relations manager, Gary Fisher, to represent our region. "We look forward to working with Football Australia and the other member federation states in gaining better access to our politicians and ensuring we are singing from the same hymn sheet." Trenter had been exploring the return of a senior representative program for NPL players. An NNSWF NPL side would potentiall play other NPL sides over a period at the end of the season. It would add to the new regional super league, which involves teams from the mid-north coast, north coast and northern inland. "We have discussed at board level the potential for representative games, whether it is against the Jets or other member federations," Parsons said. "It would allow scouts to eye talent that might not be seen otherwise and give the pathway an extra level. That would extend to our match officials as well." New Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said in an interview in the Newcastle Herald last week that the A-League club hoped to work closer with NNSWF for the betterment of both organisations. "I think there is an opportunity for us to partner closer," Drinkwater said. "NNSWF has a catchment of 100,000 registered players. Young kids want to play for the Jets. How do we use our brand with their reach, and the amazing work they do across the state? We are stronger together rather than working in our own patches." Parsons said he was "looking forward to strengthening that relationship" and would invite Drinkwater to a NNSWF board meeting. The Hunter has by far the most particpants of the seven member zones in NNSWF Sneddon is the sole board member from the region. "In the past, we have traditionally had a more Newcastle-centric board," parsons said. "I'm really proud that the board is representative across the entire footprint. "To have people on the ground in regional areas, who understand some of the difficulties of service delivery is a real benefit. The board has a vast and extensive skill set, which includes a love and level of support for the game." NORTHERN NSW Football (NNSWF) chairman Mike Parsons has confirmed that promotion-relegation in its premier competitions is here to stay, the return of a senior representative program is under consideration, and that the governing body plans to strengthen ties with the Newcastle Jets,. But Parson stressed the biggest challenge facing the board was the urgent need for improved infrastructure and facilities to accommodate booming player numbers. Parsons, who is based in Taree, was re-elected for a third term as chairman at the NNSWF AGM in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. There was one change to the board, with Stephen Sneddon elected ahead of incumbent deputy chair Mark Trenter. As well Parsons, Lauren Edwards was re-elected. "Stephen has an extensive background in football," Parsons said. "He is a B-licenced coach and has played at various levels for Weston and West Wallsend. He also has a strong business accumen and brings strategic value to the organisation. "Mark has been a valued contributor and the catalyst facilitator for promotion-relegation which the board introduced and has been successful. It is staying in place and will flow down the [football] pyramid as well." An extremely wet start to the season has put further stress on already inadequate facilities. In some cases, teams have gone five weeks without playing games. "We are the largest team particpant sport in the country with 1.9 million participants," Parsons said. "Our biggest challenge is to provide infratsructure and facilities that are suitable for our players. "I am a massive supporter of grassroots football. I acknowledge that pathways are important but 98 per cent of our players play, what I call, Saturday afternoon park football. "It's not always about winning premierships, it's about social inclusiveness and interaction and support at all levels. "Our game is growing exponentially and we need to bring infrasructure along for the ride to provide an enjoyable and better experience, in particular, for females and all-abilities. "The sport is under funded. We need to engage more diligently and closely with governments. We have recently appointed a full-time government relations manager, Gary Fisher, to represent our region. "We look forward to working with Football Australia and the other member federation states in gaining better access to our politicians and ensuring we are singing from the same hymn sheet." Trenter had been exploring the return of a senior representative program for NPL players. An NNSWF NPL side would potentiall play other NPL sides over a period at the end of the season. It would add to the new regional super league, which involves teams from the mid-north coast, north coast and northern inland. "We have discussed at board level the potential for representative games, whether it is against the Jets or other member federations," Parsons said. "It would allow scouts to eye talent that might not be seen otherwise and give the pathway an extra level. That would extend to our match officials as well." New Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said in an interview in the Newcastle Herald last week that the A-League club hoped to work closer with NNSWF for the betterment of both organisations. "I think there is an opportunity for us to partner closer," Drinkwater said. "NNSWF has a catchment of 100,000 registered players. Young kids want to play for the Jets. How do we use our brand with their reach, and the amazing work they do across the state? We are stronger together rather than working in our own patches." Parsons said he was "looking forward to strengthening that relationship" and would invite Drinkwater to a NNSWF board meeting. The Hunter has by far the most particpants of the seven member zones in NNSWF Sneddon is the sole board member from the region. "In the past, we have traditionally had a more Newcastle-centric board," parsons said. "I'm really proud that the board is representative across the entire footprint. "To have people on the ground in regional areas, who understand some of the difficulties of service delivery is a real benefit. The board has a vast and extensive skill set, which includes a love and level of support for the game." NORTHERN NSW Football (NNSWF) chairman Mike Parsons has confirmed that promotion-relegation in its premier competitions is here to stay, the return of a senior representative program is under consideration, and that the governing body plans to strengthen ties with the Newcastle Jets,. But Parson stressed the biggest challenge facing the board was the urgent need for improved infrastructure and facilities to accommodate booming player numbers. Parsons, who is based in Taree, was re-elected for a third term as chairman at the NNSWF AGM in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. There was one change to the board, with Stephen Sneddon elected ahead of incumbent deputy chair Mark Trenter. As well Parsons, Lauren Edwards was re-elected. "Stephen has an extensive background in football," Parsons said. "He is a B-licenced coach and has played at various levels for Weston and West Wallsend. He also has a strong business accumen and brings strategic value to the organisation. "Mark has been a valued contributor and the catalyst facilitator for promotion-relegation which the board introduced and has been successful. It is staying in place and will flow down the [football] pyramid as well." An extremely wet start to the season has put further stress on already inadequate facilities. In some cases, teams have gone five weeks without playing games. "We are the largest team particpant sport in the country with 1.9 million participants," Parsons said. "Our biggest challenge is to provide infratsructure and facilities that are suitable for our players. "I am a massive supporter of grassroots football. I acknowledge that pathways are important but 98 per cent of our players play, what I call, Saturday afternoon park football. "It's not always about winning premierships, it's about social inclusiveness and interaction and support at all levels. "Our game is growing exponentially and we need to bring infrasructure along for the ride to provide an enjoyable and better experience, in particular, for females and all-abilities. "The sport is under funded. We need to engage more diligently and closely with governments. We have recently appointed a full-time government relations manager, Gary Fisher, to represent our region. "We look forward to working with Football Australia and the other member federation states in gaining better access to our politicians and ensuring we are singing from the same hymn sheet." Trenter had been exploring the return of a senior representative program for NPL players. An NNSWF NPL side would potentiall play other NPL sides over a period at the end of the season. It would add to the new regional super league, which involves teams from the mid-north coast, north coast and northern inland. "We have discussed at board level the potential for representative games, whether it is against the Jets or other member federations," Parsons said. "It would allow scouts to eye talent that might not be seen otherwise and give the pathway an extra level. That would extend to our match officials as well." New Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said in an interview in the Newcastle Herald last week that the A-League club hoped to work closer with NNSWF for the betterment of both organisations. "I think there is an opportunity for us to partner closer," Drinkwater said. "NNSWF has a catchment of 100,000 registered players. Young kids want to play for the Jets. How do we use our brand with their reach, and the amazing work they do across the state? We are stronger together rather than working in our own patches." Parsons said he was "looking forward to strengthening that relationship" and would invite Drinkwater to a NNSWF board meeting. The Hunter has by far the most particpants of the seven member zones in NNSWF Sneddon is the sole board member from the region. "In the past, we have traditionally had a more Newcastle-centric board," parsons said. "I'm really proud that the board is representative across the entire footprint. "To have people on the ground in regional areas, who understand some of the difficulties of service delivery is a real benefit. The board has a vast and extensive skill set, which includes a love and level of support for the game." NORTHERN NSW Football (NNSWF) chairman Mike Parsons has confirmed that promotion-relegation in its premier competitions is here to stay, the return of a senior representative program is under consideration, and that the governing body plans to strengthen ties with the Newcastle Jets,. But Parson stressed the biggest challenge facing the board was the urgent need for improved infrastructure and facilities to accommodate booming player numbers. Parsons, who is based in Taree, was re-elected for a third term as chairman at the NNSWF AGM in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. There was one change to the board, with Stephen Sneddon elected ahead of incumbent deputy chair Mark Trenter. As well Parsons, Lauren Edwards was re-elected. "Stephen has an extensive background in football," Parsons said. "He is a B-licenced coach and has played at various levels for Weston and West Wallsend. He also has a strong business accumen and brings strategic value to the organisation. "Mark has been a valued contributor and the catalyst facilitator for promotion-relegation which the board introduced and has been successful. It is staying in place and will flow down the [football] pyramid as well." An extremely wet start to the season has put further stress on already inadequate facilities. In some cases, teams have gone five weeks without playing games. "We are the largest team particpant sport in the country with 1.9 million participants," Parsons said. "Our biggest challenge is to provide infratsructure and facilities that are suitable for our players. "I am a massive supporter of grassroots football. I acknowledge that pathways are important but 98 per cent of our players play, what I call, Saturday afternoon park football. "It's not always about winning premierships, it's about social inclusiveness and interaction and support at all levels. "Our game is growing exponentially and we need to bring infrasructure along for the ride to provide an enjoyable and better experience, in particular, for females and all-abilities. "The sport is under funded. We need to engage more diligently and closely with governments. We have recently appointed a full-time government relations manager, Gary Fisher, to represent our region. "We look forward to working with Football Australia and the other member federation states in gaining better access to our politicians and ensuring we are singing from the same hymn sheet." Trenter had been exploring the return of a senior representative program for NPL players. An NNSWF NPL side would potentiall play other NPL sides over a period at the end of the season. It would add to the new regional super league, which involves teams from the mid-north coast, north coast and northern inland. "We have discussed at board level the potential for representative games, whether it is against the Jets or other member federations," Parsons said. "It would allow scouts to eye talent that might not be seen otherwise and give the pathway an extra level. That would extend to our match officials as well." New Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said in an interview in the Newcastle Herald last week that the A-League club hoped to work closer with NNSWF for the betterment of both organisations. "I think there is an opportunity for us to partner closer," Drinkwater said. "NNSWF has a catchment of 100,000 registered players. Young kids want to play for the Jets. How do we use our brand with their reach, and the amazing work they do across the state? We are stronger together rather than working in our own patches." Parsons said he was "looking forward to strengthening that relationship" and would invite Drinkwater to a NNSWF board meeting. The Hunter has by far the most particpants of the seven member zones in NNSWF Sneddon is the sole board member from the region. "In the past, we have traditionally had a more Newcastle-centric board," parsons said. "I'm really proud that the board is representative across the entire footprint. "To have people on the ground in regional areas, who understand some of the difficulties of service delivery is a real benefit. The board has a vast and extensive skill set, which includes a love and level of support for the game."

What the Federal Government's solar rebates mean and how to cut your power bills
What the Federal Government's solar rebates mean and how to cut your power bills

Canberra Times

timea day ago

  • Canberra Times

What the Federal Government's solar rebates mean and how to cut your power bills

WATCH: Where Aussie Airbnb hosts earn THE MOST | | 7NEWS The Federal Government's new solar battery rebate, announced as part of the 2025 Budget, is an important piece of the puzzle that is Australia's energy transition and quest for Net Zero by 2050. While one in three Australian homes currently have solar panels, shockingly, only one in forty is equipped with a battery. That's about to change. Slimline batteries are unobtrusive and blend into your home. Pic Solar Battery Group From 01 July, the new scheme gives eligible households across Australia a 30 per cent upfront discount on solar batteries, unlocking long-term power bill savings, helping to reduce grid pressure, and supporting the country's carbon-neutral mission. But, what does the rebate really mean for Australian homeowners and how does the scheme fit into the bigger picture? To find out, View reporter Jessica Agoston Cleary did a deep dive into the research and talked to the chief executive officer (CEO) of Solar Battery Group, James Hetherington. As the man in charge of the largest solar battery provider in Australia, Hetherington is not only an expert on the topic, he's also firmly committed to making energy sustainable and affordable. Here's what you need to know. How much could you save? The new scheme "is a win for family budgets and for the country's energy transition," Mr Hetherington says. "The savings are significant. A family with a 5kW solar system and a 10kWh battery can trim grid usage by about 60 to 80 per cent. At today's tariffs, that's roughly $2,300 a year." What's equally as impressive is that the benefit appears from the very first quarterly bill - provided usage habits remain consistent. These savings go beyond reductions in your power bill. Having lower energy costs translates into an increase in disposable income, which is always a good thing in today's economy. According to an LBL report, even a $100 drop in annual energy costs leads to a 2.3 per cent drop in mortgage default odds. How does the rebate work? Unlike state-based schemes, the Federal Government's rebate applies at the point of sale. . "From 1 July 2025 the accredited installer applies the 30 per cent Federal discount; you see the price reduction on your invoice and the installer later redeems the value," Mr Hetherington says. This makes it simpler and more immediate than many state incentives, which typically provide fixed rebates or interest-free loans after installation. The Federal solar scheme is national, uncapped, and percentage-based, with a one batter per household limit. Can I combine it with state incentives? The short answer that we all want to hear is yes! "The Commonwealth has designed the new rebate to be 'stackable'," Mr Hetherington confirms. "In Victoria, New South Wales or Western Australia, for example, you may add the 30 per cent discount to your state rebate or loan, provided the combined support does not exceed the installed cost." It's important to note that while the battery rebate scheme is 'stackable', the other available incentives and schemes vary from state to state. To find out more about how to maximise your savings visit your state government website. Against natural timber cladding the batteries may stand out more but theyre part of sustainable design choices. Pic Solar Battery Group Who's eligible - and what are the common traps? Eligibility for the scheme is broad, with owner-occupiers, landlords and small businesses connected to the grid able to access the rebate, as long as they install an approved battery between 5kWh and 100kWh with a Clean Energy Council-accredited installer. As with any new government scheme, there are a few misconceptions floating around. "Retrospective claims on existing batteries are not allowed," Mr Hetherington cautions. He also points out that "taking the Federal rebate does not cancel your state incentive." What are people asking - and what should they be asking? Since the announcement, Solar Battery Group has seen inquiries triple. Most callers want to know how cheap a battery can be. But Hetherington says the better questions to ask are: "What is my evening usage profile? What is the warranty of batteries? Can the system join a virtual power plant?" For those new to the solar conversation, a virtual power plant (VPP) probably sounds more like science fiction than reality. However, there are numerous VPP's around the country. In Victoria, for example, more than 700,000 households use solar energy. Essentially, a VPP creates a microgrid. By connecting individual household batteries in an energy-sharing network, small amounts of surplus energy are fed back into the network for use by others in the community. This not only helps balance out supply and demand on the electricity grid, it also reduces individual power bills as you can even be paid for your contribution. WATCH: What is a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)? | Solar Victoria Asking the questions Mr etherington suggested, together with finding out if your community has a VPP, will help to determine the real-world performance and revenue potential of your solar energy system. What kind of system does a typical home need? The right size depends on your night-time energy usage and the capacity of your solar panels. The most important factor is that your battery is able to store every kilowatt of precious energy your solar panels generate so that none of it gets lost. "Most families would require a 10kWh unit, which after the rebate, allows us to bring our prices down to $5,000," Mr Hetherington says. Solar Battery Group's batteries feature integrated smart technology to monitor usage, and their team of dedicated agents are available to help homeowners understand and optimise their systems. There are also a number of great resources and tips for optimising your solar energy system at Smaller batterys can be easily mounted to any external wall. Pic Solar Battery Group When will I break even? As with anything to do with property, return on investment (ROI) is always top of mind, and thanks to the rebate, payback periods have shortened dramatically. "Most households can expect a return on investment in three to four years," Mr Hetherington says. "Well within the 10-year product warranty and well before the battery's 15-year expected lifespan." How can I check I'm not being misled? "Make sure you do your research," Mr Hetherington says. "Start by understanding your power consumption and current solar generation. Then check the Clean Energy Council approved suppliers and products list and speak to a certified installer." Once again, has some excellent guides and resources about making the switch to solar. From installation, maintenance, figuring out what size system you need, to estimating your cost savings. Beyond bills: what else can a battery do for me? The benefits of having a solar battery storage system go well beyond cutting costs. "Black-out resilience, the ability to join virtual power plants and earn credits, readiness for EV charging, higher property value, and a lower carbon footprint," Mr Hetherington says. "It also eases peak-demand pressure on the grid." As already noted, energy-efficient homes command a premium sale price, which is music to any property owner's ears. But, there are far greater benefits to owning and living in an energy efficient, sustainable home. As noted on prefab modular home website Ecolive, "A sustainable energy efficient home provides lifestyle benefits, such as cross-ventilation, north-facing orientation, heat recovery ventilation, and solar panels." Track usage and monitor savings digitally. Pic Solar Battery Group Is now the right time to act? There are two ways to look at answering this question. On a larger, macro level, as part of the Paris Agreement, Australia has set itself the goal of being Net Zero by 2050. As stated by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, "A strong Australian contribution to emissions reduction helps in the global effort to reduce major environmental, health and economic risks from the dangerous effects of climate change. This global effort is essential to protecting Australia from the worst climate impacts." You might be thinking 'I'm all for playing my part, but what impact will transitioning to solar really have in the grand scheme of things?" You'd be surprised. On a micro level, the impact of individual household choices has a significant part to play. "Residential buildings are responsible for around 24 per cent of overall electricity use and more than 10 per cent of total carbon emissions in Australia." The time to act is now, and there is no time like the present - especially when it comes to climate change and taking full advantage of government incentives. "Early adopters capture the full 30 per cent discount; the percentage tapers down each year to 2030," Mr Hetherington says. With 2050 just 25 years away, winter bills looming and installer demand set to spike, getting your ducks in a row - such as working out your energy needs and doing your due diligence on installers - will put you in the perfect position to maximise savings and realise the multifaceted ROI benefits as soon as July first arrives.

Rio Tinto, Juukan Gorge traditional owners sign deal after 2020 caves destruction
Rio Tinto, Juukan Gorge traditional owners sign deal after 2020 caves destruction

Herald Sun

timea day ago

  • Herald Sun

Rio Tinto, Juukan Gorge traditional owners sign deal after 2020 caves destruction

Don't miss out on the headlines from Mining. Followed categories will be added to My News. The traditional owners of land destroyed by Rio Tinto's explosives in 2020 have signed a management agreement with the mining giant. 'This is a groundbreaking and innovative agreement,' PKKP Aboriginal Corporation chairman Terry Drage said. 'I believe it will change the way mining is carried out, certainly in the Pilbara, and hopefully across Australia. 'The PKKP community have made it clear to me that they are not against mining, it just has to be undertaken in a culturally sensitive way, with traditional owners at the forefront.' In May 2020, Rio Tinto destroyed the prized, 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge in WA's Pilbara region. On Monday, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura Aboriginal Corporation announced it had signed a management agreement with Rio Tinto. The agreement guarantees traditional owners 'will receive certainty that our important places on country will be protected from mining, while at the same time Rio Tinto will receive certainty around where they can develop much earlier in the mine cycle,' Mr Drage said in a statement. Rio Tinto's legal destruction of the heritage site in 2020 garnered international news coverage and sparked a federal parliamentary inquiry. The inquiry concluded Rio Tinto 'knew the value of what they were destroying but blew it up anyway'. 'Rio Tinto's conduct reflects a corporate culture which prioritised commercial gain over the kind of meaningful engagement with traditional owners that should form a critical part of their social licence to operate,' the final report said. The Western Australian government was already drafting new Indigenous heritage laws when the two caves were destroyed. The state government, under considerable pressure from the farming and resources sectors, then backflipped and revoked the laws just five weeks after they took effect in 2023. Rio Tinto has been paying a PKKP Aboriginal Corporation-linked charity undisclosed amounts since the caves were destroyed. The dollar figure has been kept secret to avoid putting a price on heritage. On Monday, Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Simon Trott again admitted the blasting of the caves was a mistake. 'Our actions were wrong. We failed to uphold our company values, and our systems and processes were inadequate,' he said. 'Simply put, it should never have happened, and for that we will forever be sorry.' The First Nations corporation had graciously educated Rio Tinto, he said. 'Through the open and gracious sharing of knowledge and experiences, the PKKP have helped to shape a renewed approach to managing cultural heritage protection and mining activities,' Mr Trott said. The two Juukan caves had been cared for by the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura/Binigura people for more than 40,000 years. The shelters had been archaeologically excavated multiple times and contained a high number of artefacts and stone tools, preserved human hair, and pollen sediments that mapped thousands of years of ecological history. Originally published as Rio Tinto, Juukan Gorge traditional owners sign deal after 2020 caves destruction

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