Latest news with #GoWest
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Go Span Duran to perform at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
The event will take place on Friday, June 6, combining an afternoon of jump racing with an evening of live music. Following the success of last year's Glast-on-Dee, the racecourse's first live music fixture, this year's event promises an even more vibrant atmosphere. The Summer Music Meet will pay tribute to the famous Live Aid concert. Racegoers can look forward to a trip back to the 1980s with tribute band Go Span Duran taking the stage after the races. The band will entertain the crowd with hits from Go West, Spandau Ballet, and Duran Duran, along with other popular songs from the 80s. The live performance is set to start at around 5pm, after the last race, and will last for about an hour. Go Span Duran will be performing (Image: Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse) The afternoon will see a full card of competitive jump races. As the last horse crosses the finish line, the focus will shift to the stage for Go Span Duran's performance. READ MORE: Emmerdale star breaks silence on return after 6 years and fans 'can't believe it' Sam Martin, head of marketing and communications at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse, said: "We're delighted to welcome Go Span Duran to Bangor-on-Dee for what promises to be a memorable day. "The combination of exciting racing and classic 80s music will create a brilliant atmosphere and a great day out for all. "As a racecourse firmly rooted in the local community, we're proud to continue developing events that bring people together. "We really encourage those living nearby to come along, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a fantastic day with friends and family." For more information about the event, including tickets, timings, travel advice, and hospitality packages, visit the Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse website.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Volunteer teachers illuminate classrooms in rural Xinjiang
Memetyimin (left) gives a class at the primary school of Sheyit Village in Karajol Township on April 23, 2025. – Xinhua URUMQI (May 30): Stars seemed within arm's reach on the Pamir Plateau. Alimbubi Musahun shifted her gaze from the enchanting night sky to the path outside her home, awaiting a special guest. Her living room, set with naan bread and hot tea, stood ready in Kirgiz tradition. Soon, she saw her guest, young teacher Gao Shuxian, approaching alongside Alimbubi's daughter, Dilzada Wurozali, and her schoolmates. Alimbubi greeted the teacher with a warm hug and welcomed her inside. The Kirgiz herder's family cherished Gao's monthly home visits. Alimbubi served Gao a big bowl of homemade yogurt, knowing the 23-year-old woman, who had left home some 3,000 km away, struggled with mutton or beef but adored yogurt. Two years ago, Gao traveled all the way from her hometown in north China's Shanxi Province to become a math teacher at the primary school of Sheyit Village situated in the around 2,000-meter-high Karajol Township under Artux City, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Located just 47 km from the border, Sheyit Primary School is a remote village school that primarily works with children from the Kirgiz ethnic community. Under the 'Go West' programme, a voluntary service programme in China's less-developed western region, Gao and other 22 college graduates now teach here. Volunteer teacher Yan Zefeng gives a class at the primary school of Sheyit Village in Karajol Township on April 23, 2025. – Xinhua photo Hailing from across the country, their Mandarin accents may slightly differ, but they are all united by a single purpose – to light up the path of knowledge for around 300 children. 'Most of their parents are herders or patrollers, so they rarely have time to care for their families,' Gao said. 'That's why these children love school so much. Some of them even come to study on weekends. I'm always surrounded by curious students with endless questions.' 'When motivated students meet dedicated teachers, academic improvement is only a matter of time,' said Jin Wenbin, the school Party chief, adding that the school has finally shed its long-standing position as the lowest-performing in Artux City. Early this year, the school ranked among the top 15 in the city. Since 2023, it has consistently produced graduates who excelled in regional standardised exams, earning admission to Xinjiang's top middle schools under a funded initiative. Alimbubi and her husband hoped that their daughter Dilzada could earn a place in this initiative so that she could build a brighter future through education. Gao assured Alimbubi that her daughter was doing well in school, like her elder son, who had already gained admission to Artux's top middle school. 'I want to give these children a helping hand,' said Gao, her voice breaking as tears welled in her eyes. 'When a mother tells me, 'Miss Gao, we trust you with our child,' I just… I couldn't hold back anymore.' 'We feel completely at ease leaving our children with the teachers. They've become like family to us,' said Alimbubi. In recent years, Xinjiang has continuously increased investment in education. Three years of preschool education and nine years of compulsory education are free across the region's vast rural areas. However, access to quality education still seemed out of reach in remote villages like Sheyit. Efforts like the 'Go West' programme are channeling talent and resources to bolster rural education. Gao and her colleagues are working to narrow the knowledge gap, broaden students' horizons, and inspire them to chase their dreams. In a class, Gao presented the AI-generated career portraits tailor-made for each student. When asked 'what do you want to do when you grow up?', children chimed in, 'I want to visit our teacher's hometown!' 'I'm going to travel around the world!' 'I want to be a teacher, too!' Students have a meal at the primary school of Sheyit Village in Karajol Township on April 23, 2025. – Xinhua photo 'Most kids here have only been to Artux, just two hours' drive away. But if I ask about their dream trip, they'll say, 'Shanxi! That's where you're from!'' Gao's eyes gleamed with emotion as she said. Outside Gao's classroom, her colleague Wang Junwen opened a new window to the world for his students – with rhythms and melodies. As the first-ever music teacher of the school, Wang introduced the children to musical instruments beyond the komuz, a traditional Kirgiz string instrument, and established a drum and bugle corps. He plans to launch a school choir, and even teach children to play piano when they can get one. A year on the plateau has left his cheeks crimson and raw, yet he's now fully adapted to the harsh climate. 'When I first arrived, these children didn't even know do-re-mi, so I started teaching them from the very basics,' said the 23-year-old from east China's Jiangxi Province. 'Now listen to how beautifully they sing!' On the opposite end of the playground, math teacher Memetyimin Khudiret just finished his class and played basketball with the children. Unlike other volunteers, he is a native of Xinjiang. Born and raised in a small village in Shufu County, Kashgar Prefecture, southern Xinjiang, the 25-year-old was also a student who benefited from the 'Go West' programme. Inspired by his volunteer teachers and peers, he has a profound understanding of how education can transform a person's destiny. 'If my teachers were willing to come all the way to Xinjiang, why shouldn't I go to even more remote villages and pastures to help our local children?' said Memetyimin. 'This is where I found my life's purpose. When I see my students growing through my lessons, their progress becomes my reward. And in these moments, I discover the true meaning of my existence,' he added. Gao Shuxian (centre) talks with a student's mother during a home visit in Karajol Township on April 23, 2025. – Xinhua photo Currently, a total of 1,085 volunteers under the 'Go West' programme are teaching at 61 schools in the mountainous prefecture of Kizilsu. Nationwide, over 540,000 college graduates and postgraduates have engaged in voluntary service of various sectors in more than 2,000 county-level areas since the program was launched in 2003, according to the Communist Youth League of China. When the students at Sheyit were asked about their teachers, they eagerly responded, comparing them to the sun and the moon, and describing them as strict yet kind and warm. 'Be like the sun – rise and fall without losing your light!' Gao wrote on social media. 'I'm teaching my students these very lessons, just as my teacher once taught me. I'm extending a helping hand to pull these children toward brighter futures.' – Xinhua A volunteer teacher (centre) runs with students in the morning at the primary school of Sheyit Village in Karajol Township on April 24, 2025. – Xinhua photo China educators schools teachers Xinhua
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Credit Unions Embrace Blockchain to Leverage the Future of Trustworthy Financial Services
SEATTLE, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a bold step toward modernizing financial services, credit unions are exploring blockchain technology to deliver faster payments, stronger fraud protection, and smarter digital tools, all while staying true to their mission of people-first financial services. As the financial landscape evolves, credit unions are proving they're not just keeping up; they're leading the way. By embracing blockchain, they're building a future where everyday banking is faster, safer, and more accessible, especially for the communities they've always served. Through a new partnership between Metallicus, the developer of Metal Blockchain, and GoWest Solutions, credit unions across the west are gaining access to an Innovation Program that empowers them to test and implement blockchain-powered solutions built for the real world. The Metal Blockchain Innovation Program provides a secure, compliance-first infrastructure to help credit unions explore and implement blockchain technologies across key strategic use cases, including: Metal Pay for Credit Unions – A white-labeled Crypto-as-a-Service wallet solution using tokenization and stablecoins to enable compliant digital payments and asset custody. Metal Identity – A digital identity solution offering secure member authentication through verifiable credentials and Single Sign-On (SSO). Next-Gen Fraud Prevention and Risk Mitigation – Tools utilizing private blockchain subnets and advanced access controls to help institutions identify, report, and reduce fraud. "Credit unions have always led with trust, purpose, and technology, and now they can leverage that even further to strengthen their leadership," said Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association. "Through this partnership with Metallicus, credit unions will shape the future of financial services by exploring breakthrough innovations like blockchain, stablecoins, and digital identity in ways that are secure, compliant, and deeply rooted in the needs of their members. This is about building what's next, together." Cameron Smith, Chief Growth Officer for GoWest added, "At GoWest Solutions, we believe the future of financial services will be built through collaboration and bold innovation. This partnership with Metallicus opens the door to cutting-edge blockchain solutions that credit unions can shape together, and creating smarter, safer, and more agile ways to serve their members in a rapidly evolving financial landscape." Credit unions participating in the program will help shape these technologies from the ground up, ensuring they're practical, secure, and designed with everyday people in mind. For more than a century, credit unions have delivered trust, community, and service. Now, with blockchain innovation, they're preparing to deliver that same promise — faster, safer, and more powerfully than ever before. "GoWest represents a powerful network of credit unions who are ready to lead the next wave of financial innovation," said Frank Mazza, Director of Blockchain for Institutions and Fintechs at Metallicus. "We're thrilled to partner with them and make blockchain real, relevant, and accessible for credit unions." Through this partnership, the Innovation Program is now available at no cost to all GoWest member credit unions. To learn more or to join the program, GoWest member credit unions can visit: About GoWest Solutions GoWest Solutions is dedicated to connecting credit unions in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming with innovative, high-impact business partners to lead the future of financial services. The Solutions mission is to create value across the credit union ecosystem by offering access to cutting-edge fintechs, trusted partners, and proven technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and help credit unions better serve their members. GoWest Solutions empowers nearly 300 credit unions to stay ahead of industry trends and deliver meaningful member experiences. Learn more at About Metallicus Metallicus is a leader in blockchain technology for financial institutions and the core developer of The Digital Banking Network (TDBN), an open-source blockchain banking protocol with built-in Digital Identity (DID) and stablecoin integration for secure, compliant global transactions. Additionally, our suite of blockchain-based financial tools provides institutions and developers with digital wallets, and white-labeled crypto offerings. Our CUSO division provides credit unions with blockchain infrastructure for real-time settlement, automated compliance, and improved member services. Learn more at Contact: Madlynn Schreibvogel, Vice President, Public Relations303.513.3765madlynns@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE GoWest Credit Union Association Sign in to access your portfolio
West Australian
14-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
‘Carn West': West Perth supporter Daniel Avery's iconic cry has a cult following around the WAFL
It's a voice that can't be silenced. And each weekend it reverberates around WA Football League grounds in support of West Perth. Daniel Avery's deafening 'Come on West, Go West' has been synonymous with the red and blue now for decades. He belts it out like Pavarotti more than 20 times a game. 'Before I yell, I always take in a deep breath and it all comes from the diaphragm up,' he said. 'Not from the throat because you damage it. 'The older I get, I don't get as hoarse anymore. Some days after a game I'm ready to yell again for another game, some days not.' His cry can be heard from the Whinnen Dempsey Stand at the Falcons' Joondalup ground and from other suburban grandstands whether West Perth are in front on the scoreboard or behind. It ramps up a notch when the team's losing and don't be surprised if his 'Carn West' sounds out when 'the opposition is kicking for goal'. But don't cross him. When a Swan Districts supporter told him to tone it down several years ago, Daniel told him he'd made a mistake and that he'd be yelling louder. The supporter left. And a security guard in the Demons' grandstand at Lathlain Park came off second best when he threatened to remove Daniel. 'Dad and I were sitting next to each other,' Daniel recalled. 'Dad was on the aisle and the security guard came up, tapped me on the leg and said 'quieten down'. 'And I looked up at him and said 'mate that's not going to happen'. 'He said 'well, I'll have to kick you out'. And then the West Perth reserves boys – they were just above me (in the stand) - said to the security guy 'well if you're going to kick him out, you gotta kick all of us out'. 'And he just faded away in the background.' Daniel also volunteers at the club, helping the reserves team and running water for the league side in the pre-game warm-up. 'This is just my family I can't tell you how much I love West Perth,' he said. Club veteran Aaron Black says Daniel has a cult following among the players. 'He's the epitome of what footy clubs are made of,' Black said. 'He's a supporter and a fan first and foremost. And a positive supporter and influence on the playing group. 'That speaks volumes about the guy he is and the players love him for it. 'Like all volunteers, Dan volunteers his time to come in and give water to the boys and creates random nicknames that stick. 'Yeah, a special type of person to do that kind of stuff.' Daniel, 54, is a longtime horticulturist at the City of Swan, rides his horse Bailey in Gidgegannup, Bullsbrook and at Kwinana Beach, and recites his poetry at country festivals and to the West Perth players. It's a lifetime of achievement after the medical profession told his parents when he was born with cerebral palsy that he would never walk or talk. 'If I can give even one person a bit of inspiration from a person that was supposed to do nothing; told mum and dad put him in the wheelchair, sit him in the corner, he won't be able to walk, talk, feed, toilet himself,' Daniel said. 'To get up to do what I do now, my poetry and everything I do at West Perth, even if I give someone inspiration… from what I've said or done, that's awesome. That's what it's all about. 'The world is all about helping each other .' Daniel's a keen student of the game, and can often be seen reaching for the binoculars like Bruce McAvaney to track his Falcons on the far side of the oval. He can reel off many favourite players: 'Aaron Black and back in the day, Paul Mifka; he was one of the best I reckon. 'Nelly Nel (club legend Shane Nelson). What Joey Hinder did in the 2022 grand final against Claremont and Corey Rundle what he did. 'On grand final day they only had eight games between them. 'And Rundle runs off Jye Bolton who is supposed to be the best for Claremont - but we had a kid on him and he kicked two goals on him. So That's awesome. But many more (players) too.' He's aware of his cult-like status at the club and across the league. 'A lot of people know me around the WAFL from other clubs because of my voice,' he said. 'It's all about the voice, it's not about me.' Daniel Avery, humble. An institution at West Perth and an inspiration to many.
Perth Now
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
The man behind the iconic ‘Carn West' cry at Falcons games
It's a voice that can't be silenced. And each weekend it reverberates around WA Football League grounds in support of West Perth. Daniel Avery's deafening 'Come on West, Go West' has been synonymous with the red and blue now for decades. He belts it out like Pavarotti more than 20 times a game. 'Before I yell, I always take in a deep breath and it all comes from the diaphragm up,' he said. 'Not from the throat because you damage it. 'The older I get, I don't get as hoarse anymore. Some days after a game I'm ready to yell again for another game, some days not.' Daniel Avery amongst the weights in the West Perth clubrooms. Credit: Justin Bianchini His cry can be heard from the Whinnen Dempsey Stand at the Falcons' Joondalup ground and from other suburban grandstands whether West Perth are in front on the scoreboard or behind. It ramps up a notch when the team's losing and don't be surprised if his 'Carn West' sounds out when 'the opposition is kicking for goal'. But don't cross him. When a Swan Districts supporter told him to tone it down several years ago, Daniel told him he'd made a mistake and that he'd be yelling louder. The supporter left. And a security guard in the Demons' grandstand at Lathlain Park came off second best when he threatened to remove Daniel. 'Dad and I were sitting next to each other,' Daniel recalled. 'Dad was on the aisle and the security guard came up, tapped me on the leg and said 'quieten down'. 'And I looked up at him and said 'mate that's not going to happen'. 'He said 'well, I'll have to kick you out'. And then the West Perth reserves boys – they were just above me (in the stand) - said to the security guy 'well if you're going to kick him out, you gotta kick all of us out'. 'And he just faded away in the background.' Daniel also volunteers at the club, helping the reserves team and running water for the league side in the pre-game warm-up. Daniel Avery juggling water for the West Perth players pre-game. Credit: Justin Bianchini 'This is just my family I can't tell you how much I love West Perth,' he said. Club veteran Aaron Black says Daniel has a cult following among the players. 'He's the epitome of what footy clubs are made of,' Black said. 'He's a supporter and a fan first and foremost. And a positive supporter and influence on the playing group. 'That speaks volumes about the guy he is and the players love him for it. 'Like all volunteers, Dan volunteers his time to come in and give water to the boys and creates random nicknames that stick. 'Yeah, a special type of person to do that kind of stuff.' Daniel, 54, is a longtime horticulturist at the City of Swan, rides his horse Bailey in Gidgegannup, Bullsbrook and at Kwinana Beach, and recites his poetry at country festivals and to the West Perth players. It's a lifetime of achievement after the medical profession told his parents when he was born with cerebral palsy that he would never walk or talk. 'If I can give even one person a bit of inspiration from a person that was supposed to do nothing; told mum and dad put him in the wheelchair, sit him in the corner, he won't be able to walk, talk, feed, toilet himself,' Daniel said. 'To get up to do what I do now, my poetry and everything I do at West Perth, even if I give someone inspiration… from what I've said or done, that's awesome. That's what it's all about. 'The world is all about helping each other.' Daniel Avery focuses in on his belvoed Falcons. Credit: Justin Bianchini Daniel's a keen student of the game, and can often be seen reaching for the binoculars like Bruce McAvaney to track his Falcons on the far side of the oval. He can reel off many favourite players: 'Aaron Black and back in the day, Paul Mifka; he was one of the best I reckon. 'Nelly Nel (club legend Shane Nelson). What Joey Hinder did in the 2022 grand final against Claremont and Corey Rundle what he did. 'On grand final day they only had eight games between them. 'And Rundle runs off Jye Bolton who is supposed to be the best for Claremont - but we had a kid on him and he kicked two goals on him. So That's awesome. But many more (players) too.' West Perth's Daniel Avery pointing out some of his favourite Falcons players. Credit: Justin Bainchini He's aware of his cult-like status at the club and across the league. 'A lot of people know me around the WAFL from other clubs because of my voice,' he said. 'It's all about the voice, it's not about me.' Daniel Avery, humble. An institution at West Perth and an inspiration to many.
