December 22, 2010

Real Sub-National ‘States & Regions’ Climate Action

Last year in Copenhagen an Alliance of over 60 state and regional governments committed to ‘tangible actions to reduce emissions’ with a view to reporting on progress Cancun in 2010. The Australian State Governments of Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia […]
December 16, 2010

‘Collaborative Consumption’ To Grow In 2011?

I have just received an email asking me to consider “Collaborative Consumption” for Christmas: “How much stuff do you own that you will never use, DVD’s, old clothes, books, furniture, toys, appliances, gadgets, tools or even unused space? Do you […]
December 15, 2010

Vic. Women On Farms Gathering At Cohuna, March 2011

The 22nd Women on Farms Gathering will take place at Cohuna, Gateway to the Gunbower National Park next March. This will be a 3 day Gathering of Rural Women across the state and interstate, to share: Stories Workshops Tours Inspirational […]
December 15, 2010

Some Grassroots Input To Broadband Debate

Douglas Hicks is having trouble getting his thoughts/concerns through to politicians. As we all have a right to a voice, PWF is passing on what Douglas was endeavouring to communicate 24 November 2010. Dear Sir Re Proposed developments to the […]
December 15, 2010

Neighbour Power – Seattle’s Jim Diers In Australia 2011

Jim Diers, well known for his book ‘Neighbour Power – Building Community The Seattle Way‘ will be in Australia March 2011. Ted Smeaton of Inspiring Communities and Asset Based Community Development Global Consulting tells us that while Jim’s calendar is […]
December 14, 2010

‘The Mens’ Shed’ Now Online…

Mens’ Sheds aren’t as ubiquitous as Community/Neighbourhood Houses – largely a female domain – but they certainly fill a need. There are 400 Men’s Sheds around the country and some 30,000 men involved in these sheds. Thanks to a collaborative […]
December 14, 2010

A Quality FISH Leather Business In Esperance

Some fish skin IS quite thick and tough, but I was amazed to read that there is actually a successful business producing goods crafted out of fish leather – Mermaid Leather, in Esperance WA. Back in 1989 two professional fishermen, […]
December 14, 2010

Perth’s $50 Million Waste Water Trial

From Australia’s water-logged east it is interesting to see that Perth, after one of its driest years on record in their ongoing drought, is running a $50 million recycling water trial, which could mean Perth will be drinking recycled water […]
December 12, 2010

Free Speech Process Needs Rethinking

The National Times has published an article that captures what’s been worrying me about the ongoing WikiLeaks saga. It is written by Julia Gillard’s former boss, Melbourne lawyer Peter Gordon and was tweeted by Craig Thomler. “LAWYERS are used to […]
December 11, 2010

The Go List – ‘Somewhere To Go’ On High Risk Fire Days

The Go List, compiled by Emerald Community House with the help of community house colleagues has been nominated for the 2010 Australian Safer Communities Award and the 2010 Fire Awareness Award. Emerald, A Fire-Stressed Community Emerald, population 7000, is in […]
December 10, 2010

Flat Pack Bike Helmets – No Kidding!

Mandatory bike helmet laws in countries like Australia clearly create problems for bike sharing operations. Brodie McCulloch from Cycle Freo has found a flat pack bike helmet and is asking for feed back on the concept while checking out further […]
December 9, 2010

Visa 457 Versus Training And Employing Older Technicians

Post GFC skills shortages are ‘painfully obviously’ an emerging problem says Nick Greiner speaking for the mining, construction and engineering industries. “At all levels from semi-skilled upwards, the problem, certainly at Bradken [mining supplier] we are finding that it’s heading […]