Latest news with #Pollard
West Australian
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Actor hailing from regional WA reflects on journey from bush childhood to Shakespearean plays
Spending his childhood in regional Australia gave actor-turned-director Myles Pollard the confidence to succeed in the industry. It was the 'quiet confidence that you get from getting lost in the bush, falling down and dusting yourself off and having another crack,' he told the 2025 Leadership Conference, hosted by Bunbury-Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry. At the conference, Pollard shared his journey of how a kid from rural Australia got to be on stage for Shakespearean plays and then on the big screen, before taking to the director's chair. Growing up in Port Hedland, Karratha and Onslow honed that confidence, a value he said was 'more about presence and consistencies than about your title'. 'They are built not in theory, but they are forged in the fire of lived experience, of falling down, dusting yourself off and having another crack,' Pollard said. After finishing high school and then completing a bachelors degree in teaching, he worked as a teacher before working in the mines. Pollard soon realised his career was definitely not in drilling. 'My theory was, I did not want to be tied down to one predictable career path and I wanted to play everything, and an actor gets to do that,' Mr Pollard said. He then finished an acting degree at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, and soon got into theatre. If what he learnt from the bush was confidence that came with a lot of freedom, being in a Shakespearean play in theatre he found something different. 'The type of pressure and unpredictability, every single night and sometimes twice a day, you've got 800 people staring at you, and they are all scrutinising you, they are all judging you, and you have to stay sharp, you have got to recall a lot of content,' he said. 'There are so many words and so many ideas and so many discoveries, and you're having to do that all in flow, publicly with all that scrutiny and it takes a lot of rehearsal, and it takes a lot of self-management.' Despite his many successes, Pollard shared an audition mishap he said should be used as an example of what not to do when selected as one of the 10 people shortlisted for a franchise like Lord of the Rings. 'I was up against actors like Val Kilmer, Ethan Hawke, Ewan McGregor, Richard Roxburgh and David Wenham,' he said. 'I rocked up, I am in this casting room and there is Peter Jackson, who is the writer, director and producer of the franchise and another reader. Then he said, 'So Myles, what do you think about the books?'' Pollard's response was: 'I have not read it mate, but if I get the gig, I will give it a crack for sure.' Pollard said he knew right away he was not getting a call back.
India.com
a day ago
- Sport
- India.com
India Pull Off Stunning Chase vs West Indies To Set Up High-Stakes WCL 2025 Semi-Final Vs Pakistan
The World Championship of Legends 2025 witnessed a jaw-dropping thriller as India Champions pulled off a stunning five-wicket win over West Indies Champions in match 15 at Grace Road. The victory, sealed in just 13.2 overs, not only ensured India's qualification for the semi-finals but also set up a mouth-watering India vs Pakistan clash in the knockout stage — a contest that promises fireworks. Batting first in a must-win tie, West Indies Champions were rocked early. Chris Gayle and Lendl Simmons were dismissed inside two overs, while Chadwick Walton followed without troubling the scorers. Dwayne Smith laboured to 20 off 21, but the scoreboard pressure continued to mount as wickets kept tumbling. At one point, WI-C were reeling at 72/6 in 13 overs. Enter Kieron Pollard. The Caribbean powerhouse turned back the clock with a vintage display of brute force. His unbeaten 74 off 43 deliveries, peppered with eight sixes and three fours, injected life into what looked like a sinking innings. With a strike rate of 172.09, Pollard's onslaught pushed the total to a competitive 144/9 in 20 overs. On the bowling front, India's Piyush Chawla stood out with 3/18, while Stuart Binny's 2/17 proved vital in keeping West Indies under control. The duo's accuracy and variation stifled the Caribbean batters — except Pollard, who seemed to be playing on a different pitch altogether. India's Qualification Math: 145 in 14.1 Overs For India Champions, it wasn't just about winning — they had to chase 145 in 14.1 overs to qualify on Net Run Rate. A nervy start saw Robin Uthappa (8), Gurkeerat Mann (7), and Suresh Raina (7) perish early. Shikhar Dhawan looked solid with 25 off 18, but his dismissal at 52/4 in 7.1 overs put India under immense pressure. That's when Stuart Binny unleashed a breathtaking counterattack. The all-rounder hammered 50 not out in just 21 balls, smashing four sixes at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 238.10. His fearless batting dismantled the West Indian bowling attack and brought India roaring back into the contest. Skipper Yuvraj Singh chipped in with a handy 21 off 11, but it was Yusuf Pathan's turbo knock — 21 off just 7 balls*, including two monstrous sixes — that sealed the win in dramatic style. India reached the target in 13.2 overs, completing a heist that not only kept their campaign alive but reignited the fire of a legendary rivalry. India vs Pakistan Semi-Final: The Ultimate Showdown With this emphatic win, India jumped into the final four alongside Pakistan, South Africa, and Australia. As per tournament rules, 1st-placed Pakistan will now face 4th-placed India in the first semi-final at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on July 31 at 5:00 PM IST. This India vs Pakistan WCL 2025 semi-final encounter is set to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, especially after their group-stage fixture was washed out. With both teams boasting cricketing legends, the Edgbaston clash promises fireworks, drama, and a trip down memory lane for fans of vintage cricketing rivalries. Standout Performers to Watch in Semis Stuart Binny: A true MVP with both bat and ball, his all-round brilliance has been a game-changer for India. Kieron Pollard: Despite West Indies bowing out, Pollard's blistering form remains a highlight of WCL 2025. Yusuf Pathan: A proven finisher, Yusuf's cameo ensured India met the qualification requirement under pressure. Piyush Chawla: His consistent wicket-taking has added crucial breakthroughs for India throughout the tournament. The semi-finals and final will be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed live on the FanCode app and website, ensuring fans don't miss a single moment of this nostalgia-filled cricketing carnival.
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
POLLARD BANKNOTE SECURES LICENSE TO SUPPLY GAMING-RELATED GOODS AND SERVICES IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
WINNIPEG, MB, July 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Pollard Banknote Limited ("Pollard Banknote") (TSX: PBL) is pleased to announce that it has been approved as a licensed gaming-related vendor by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority ("GCGRA"). The GCGRA is the federal authority that oversees the regulatory framework for all lottery and commercial gaming activities in the United Arab Emirates ("UAE") and is responsible for ensuring the industry's integrity and promoting responsible gaming. This license authorizes Pollard Banknote to provide gaming-related goods and services and reflects the company's interest in supporting regulated lottery operators within the UAE. As a full-service lottery and gaming provider with operations in North America and Europe and lottery clients across the globe, Pollard Banknote's family of companies offer a wide array of products and services to maximize revenue potential. This portfolio of offerings includes an array of impactful retail merchandising solutions from Schafer Retail Solutions +, engaging print products designed for non-traditional lottery retailers from American Games/International Gamco, and forward-thinking digital products across a number of its companies. This is all in addition to Pollard Banknote's innovative instant ticket products and manufacturing operations. "We are very excited for the wide variety of opportunities this new license will afford Pollard Banknote," said Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Pollard Banknote. "We are eager to foster a strong partnership in the UAE and introduce our portfolio of proven, innovative lottery and gaming products and services that will help boost revenue and support charitable causes." About Pollard Banknote Pollard Banknote is a leading lottery partner to more than 60 lotteries worldwide, providing high-quality instant ticket products, licensed games, in-lane ticket options, and sales-driving merchandising solutions from its Schafer Retail Solutions + portfolio. It also offers a full suite of digital offerings, ranging from world-class game apps to comprehensive player engagement and iLottery solutions, including strategic marketing and management services. The company is a proven innovator and has decades of experience helping lotteries to maximize player engagement, sales, and proceeds for good causes. Pollard Banknote also provides pull-tab tickets, bingo paper, ticket vending machines, and its Diamond Game and Compliant Gaming electronic games and devices to charitable and other gaming markets in North America. Established in 1907, Pollard Banknote is owned approximately 64% by the Pollard family and 36% by public shareholders, and is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: PBL). For more information, please visit our website at Forward-looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking" statements and information, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this document, such statements include such words as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "plan," and other similar terminology. These statements reflect management's current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this document. There should not be an expectation that such information will in all circumstances be updated, supplemented, or revised whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, future events, or otherwise. SOURCE Pollard Banknote Limited
Techday NZ
3 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
NZ civil construction sector faces confidence drop, workforce shortage
New research from Civil Contractors New Zealand and Teletrac Navman shows that New Zealand's civil construction industry is contending with a drop in business confidence and shrinking workforce numbers, but many businesses remain focused on finding solutions. The 2025 Construction Industry Survey, now in its ninth edition, compiles feedback from sector professionals and reveals a mixed picture. Of those surveyed, 16 percent reported a positive business outlook - a significant decrease from 50 percent in 2021. Alongside this decline, 42 percent of businesses reported downsizing or laying off staff over the past 12 months, with 73 percent citing a lack of work as the industry's predominant challenge, compared to just 15 percent in 2021. Despite the difficult operating environment, almost half (47 percent) of civil construction businesses expressed confidence in their ability to withstand and overcome current challenges. Many are responding by investing in new technology and climate-resilient projects with the aim of supporting business growth and meeting community needs. Government pipeline concerns Industry leaders point to uncertainty surrounding the project pipeline as a critical factor in declining business confidence. Alan Pollard, Chief Executive at Civil Contractors New Zealand, said: "New Zealand's civil construction industry is facing a confidence crisis where a lack of work, and uncertainty is placing the long-term health of the industry at risk, but there is plenty of hope on the horizon." The National Infrastructure Pipeline, managed by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, currently forecasts projects worth USD $207 billion across central government, local government and private sector contributions. Despite this, Pollard says there is often a gap between forecasted investments and projects reaching the market, with many projects delayed for prolonged periods. He emphasised the need for more transparent communications regarding project opportunities and more stable investment to provide certainty for infrastructure construction workers. The impact is particularly pronounced for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up 60 percent of the sector. The survey found that 27 percent of SMEs expect their revenues to decrease in 2025, which is three times the number from the 2021 survey. Pollard continued: "It's never been more important for central and local government to step up with a clearer, more consistent and visible pipeline of infrastructure construction and maintenance work, rather than just announcements. We see this playing a central role in strengthening business confidence, helping to keep skilled workers in the industry, and ensuring we're ready to meet not just today's needs, but also New Zealand's future infrastructure needs." Skills and workforce challenges The survey highlights that human resources and skills are a significant issue. Seventy-three percent of respondents reported a lack of available work for contractors, up from only 15 percent in 2021. This environment increases the risk of skilled professionals seeking employment overseas or leaving the sector to maintain income security. Looking ahead, 85 percent of civil construction professionals believe that clarity around central and local government projects is needed to restore business confidence and financial stability in the sector. Climate change and infrastructure Resilience to climate change is another matter raised by respondents. Fifty-eight percent are not confident in New Zealand infrastructure's current ability to withstand climate change. Civil construction professionals are unified in calling for greater investment in resilience infrastructure, such as seawalls and stopbanks, seeing these developments as essential for community safety during flood or fire events. Role of technology Technology is increasingly being recognised as a strategy for business efficiency and growth in New Zealand's civil construction sector. More than 40 percent of those surveyed indicated that adopting technology could help improve efficiency and manage ongoing challenges. Over half of business leaders say that mandated technology assists them in securing new work, indicating a shift in how projects are approached. James French, Construction Industry Specialist ANZ at Teletrac Navman, said: "While confidence in the sector is under pressure, our research with CCNZ clearly shows that businesses that embrace digital tools and connected platforms are positioning themselves to win work and navigate today's industry uncertainty. Technology isn't just a nice-to-have for civil construction businesses – It's become a business imperative. This year's Civil Construction Industry Report revealed that 60 percent of business leaders in the sector say that mandated technology helps them win work, so its clear technology is playing a key role in building a more resilient and competitive civil construction industry." The annual report by Teletrac Navman and Civil Contractors New Zealand aims to provide data-driven insights to support the sector as it navigates changing market conditions and prepares for future demands. The 2025 survey was based on 172 responses from civil construction professionals gathered between May and June 2025.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Ex-MI Teammate On Reason Behind Rohit Sharma's Test Retirement: "He Would've Known..."
Former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard spoke on former Indian Test skipper Rohit Sharma's retirement from the longest format. He believes that Sharma, having achieved a lot, knows what he wants for his career and emphasised that Hitman's pride in his performance will always be a driving factor. Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket in May this year, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable journey in whites. He will continue to captain India in ODIs. "It is a personal decision and he would have known why he [Rohit Sharma] wanted to do it. As an individual who has accomplished so much in cricket, he has it within himself to understand and know what he wants going forward. Again, pride of performance is always going to be there." Pollard told ANI. "He's still going to represent India in the 50-over format of cricket. I don't see him changing the hunger and desire not to score runs. He wants to come out and perform and do well," Pollard added. Pollard also expressed his joy in reuniting with former teammates and friends in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. He highlighted the excitement of being competitive again and looks forward to these opportunities. "It feels great, again, reconnecting with your old teammates, old friends, persons that you don't see on a daily basis, you get an opportunity to be competitive again, it's just fantastic and we look forward to it," Pollard told ANI. West Indies Champions Team owner Ajay Sethi praised his team's players, highlighting their success in the IPL and T20 formats. He mentioned their wins against England and expressed confidence in their upcoming match against Pakistan. "They have been greatest player of IPL and T20 format, their records and their performance speaks for itself, this is my best team on the paper and they're performing, they won the England game and then we had the game against Australia, we have a big game tomorrow with Pakistan, I'm very confident that we will definitely go to perform and win the game," Sethi told ANI. West Indies Champions will take on Pakistan Champions in the 11th Match of WCL 2025 at Leeds on Saturday.
