Scientists travelling as far as 65 degrees south will investigate why the deep ocean currents near Antarctica are slowing, whether the Southern Ocean will continue to absorb heat and carbon dioxide, and how clouds form over the Southern Ocean

CSIRO’s research vessel (RV) Investigator set off earlier this month (January 5) on the longest voyage in its 10-year history to the Southern Ocean and sea-ice edge. 

The aim of the 60-day voyage is to improve our ability to anticipate the impacts of future climate change. 

The science teams on board, led by the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP) and Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will search for climate clues between the deep ocean, up to six kilometres below the water surface, to low-lying clouds, two kilometres above in the atmosphere. 

Co-Chief Scientist Dr Steve Rintoul, of CSIRO and AAPP, said the Southern Ocean takes up vast amounts of heat and carbon dioxide and acts as a handbrake on climate change, which means it has a profound influence on climate patterns in Australia and the rest of the globe.  

“To anticipate how climate and sea level will change in the future, we need to understand how the Southern Ocean works and how sensitive it is to change,” Dr Rintoul said. 

“What’s amazing about the Southern Ocean is that everything is interconnected – we can’t hope to understand how the region influences climate unless we measure each piece and how it fits with the other parts of the system.” 

The voyage, known as MISO (for ‘Multidisciplinary Investigations of the Southern Ocean’), will explore how links between physics, biogeochemistry, plankton, aerosols, and clouds influence the Earth’s climate.  

A recent VCAT ruling means a large advertising sign for Dan Murphy’s liquor retailer will not be able to be installed in Daylesford as planned.

In VCAT case P493/2023 – Banco Properties v Hepburn Shire Council, VCAT has denied the appeal which would have allowed the sign ( to be installed on the corner of Central Springs Road and Bridport Street.

VCAT agreed with the Hepburn Shire Council and the objectors that the sign was not in keeping with the aesthetics of the area.

The VCAT member stated in the findings: “The introduction of a 5-metre-high pole sign with internally illuminated display areas will be inconsistent with the character of this area, both the commercial land to the north of Central Springs Road and the residential land to the south.”

The original design of the proposed sign had a height of 6.4 metres, width of 1.6 metres, and a panel area of 10.2 square metres. The sign was to be double sided, and internally illuminated with a lux level of 1500 and have Dan Murphy’s face on it.

However, the applicant changed the sign prior to the hearing, reducing the height to 5.0 metres, change the width to a maximum of 3.2 metres, increasing the overall area of the sign, and reducing the internal illumination to 1000 Lux.

However, the overall design was determined by VCAT to be “not compatible with the character of the area or the streetscape or setting.”

An analysis of over 12 million job ads shows interpersonal skills continue to grow in importance for employment in Australia’s post-pandemic, remote-work-friendly labour market.

A study by CSIRO published in Nature Human Behaviour earlier this month reports demand for these interpersonal skills is highest for remote jobs.    

The results can guide individuals’ skills development and inform education and training providers.  

Aussie employers’ demand for workers with strong interpersonal skills has surged following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.  

Researchers analysed more than 12 million online job ads captured by Adzuna Australia between 2015 and 2022, reporting the pandemic further accelerated demand for employees who can work well with others – especially when working from home.  

Lead author and CSIRO scientist David Evans said the results were unexpected given the unemployment rate hit a historic low at 3.5 per cent between 2021 and 2022.  

“Periods of low unemployment are usually associated with a dampening of employer’s skills expectations,” Mr Evans said.  

“Despite this job seekers’ market following the pandemic, we were surprised to observe a further acceleration of interpersonal skills demand across many occupations. 

“You’d also be forgiven for thinking the rise of remote working arrangements might suit introverts or more independent workers. But the data shows working from home is not working alone. We observed job postings offering remote work were 1.2 times more likely to mention interpersonal skills than face-to-face roles.”  

The accelerated demand for interpersonal skills was primarily driven by an increase in job postings seeking skills in communication and collaboration.  

Interpersonal skills were defined using the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) skills hierarchy, which groups over 13,000 detailed skills into four broad classes: Interpersonal, Digital, Manual and Analytical.  

Mr Evans said the findings can help job seekers tailor their applications and interviews, as well as inform the education and training sector.  

“This finding can help individuals’ prioritise what skills to invest in developing. We also know that when employees’ skills are aligned with employers’ expectations, you have happier employees, lower turnover, and higher productivity,” he said. 

“Our results also support the ongoing relevance of calls for Australia’s education and training providers to focus on developing the interpersonal skills of students. The data suggests these ‘soft skills’ are increasingly front of employers’ minds and critical not to overlook,” he said.  

Applications are now open for CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program, targeting start-ups and SMEs in the digital health and medical technology sectors.

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is calling on start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to drive innovation in digital health and medical technologies to apply for its upcoming Innovate to Grow program. 

The free 10-week online program is specifically designed to assist Australian SMEs operating in critical sectors advance their innovative technologies, solutions and ideas through research and development (R&D).  

Professor Susie Nilsson, Biomedical Manufacturing Research Director at CSIRO, underscored the significance of fostering meaningful collaboration between research organisations and SMEs. 

“Developing a sustainable product in the digital health and medical technology sectors is a challenging and often underestimated process,” Professor Nilsson said.  

“The daunting task of navigating stringent testing and product development processes can be particularly overwhelming for SMEs. 

“Innovate to Grow presents a unique opportunity for businesses to gain valuable insights from industry experts about how research and development collaboration can help take their technology to the next level. In particular, the way in which businesses can advance from a research idea to a tangible R&D opportunity.”  

Program participants will collaborate with a mentor from CSIRO or a university to address technical and business challenges, while exploring R&D opportunities, gain insight into partnering with research organisations and craft compelling R&D funding applications. 

Liz Crompton, SME Connect Program Advisor, highlighted the impact of Innovate to Grow since the program’s inception. 

“To date, Innovate to Grow has equipped over 500 businesses with the knowledge and tools to advance their ideas, with many program alumni initiating R&D projects with research organisations like CSIRO within 12 months of completing the program.” Ms Crompton said.  

Participants may also be eligible for dollar-matched R&D funding through the CSIRO Kick-Start program.  The program commences 14 March 2024.

First-hand experience of owning and using an electric vehicle will be the focus of discussion by a knowledgeable panel of speakers at the free community ‘Green Drinks’ event coming up Thursday, February 15 at Ballarat’s Bunch of Grapes Hotel.

Set to get started from 6.30pm, the first talk for Green Drinks in 2024 will be a panel discussion led by BREAZE (Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions) President, Campbell Mercer, with four local EV owners.

The panel will include: Gavin Cerini – BYD Atto 3; Paul Duggan -Tesla 3; Merle Hathaway – Mini EV; and Pat Hockey – Nissan Leaf.

The free community discussion is timed to lead into Buninyong’s Smart Living Expo on Sunday 25 February 10 am – 3:30 pm at Royal Park Buninyong, which also features local EV owners. 

In 2023 Campbell coordinated the Good Car Company’s Show & Shine event in Ballarat, which gave locals a chance to check out and test drive a range of second hand EVs.

The number of new EV sales doubled in Australia over the last year, which means there will be more second hand EVs coming on-stream, making the transition more affordable, organisers of the upcoming Green Drinks event say.

They say those who are interested are welcome to get along with questions to put to the panel on Thursday 15th February and take the opportunity to find out what owning an EV is like at first hand.

The Green Drinks event happens 6.30pm-8pm at the Bunch of Grapes Hotel in Pleasant Street, Ballarat. It is a freebook event through TryBooking online.

Masters in the art of connection, Lindsay Martin (AU) and Victoria Vigenser (NZ) interweave effortless strings, soulful vocals and driving rhythms to form a singular, intense musical voice.

The couple have been called contemporary folk, alt-country and acoustic pop, but words don’t capture their unbelievable musical kinship, or the deeply heartfelt way they relate to their audiences.

Hepburn area locals, however, are about to get the chance to find out as We Mavericks are down to play the Palais on Friday evening , February 9.

Nominated Best Folk Artist in both AU and NZ, this troubadour duo have an inexplicable appeal that has seen them on a steep and fast rise to countless festival billings throughout 2022/23, with their sophomore release due in 2024.

13th Floor, NZ 2022: “He has a familiar soft folk tenor. She has a strong ringing tone with muscle behind a clear crystalline voice… The violin cries for her and the harmony vocals are divine… We Mavericks are a serendipitous pairing…”

Ambient Light, NZ 2022: “… the glorious harmonies and touching melodies of We Mavericks…Together they craft exquisite folk music, evoking spirits originating from Appalachia to Alba”

The Moorabool Shire has welcomed 37 new citizens as part of its Australia Day celebrations at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall on Friday, Australia Day.

The migrants, who come from countries including India, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Malaysia, Russian Federation and Pakistan attended the morning ceremony where Moorabool Shire Mayor, Cr Ally Munari said Australia Day was a significant day to reflect on the privilege of Australian citizenship and what it means to be Australian.

“Australia Day is a time for us to give a warm welcome to our newest citizens and acknowledge the importance of what it means to become a full member of the Australian community. There is no greater privilege than our citizenship. It’s a life-long commitment to Australia’s values of freedom, democracy, equality and respect,” Cr Munari said.

Cr Munari said citizenship is the common bond uniting all Australians, whether you are a citizen by birth or by choice.

An Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony was part of the celebrations at Bacchus Marsh, allowing all Australians to congratulate and welcome new citizens.

“I congratulate those becoming Australian citizens on making their commitment to Australia,” Cr Munari said.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service has this month announced that 2023 was officially the hottest year in recorded history. 

The announcement follows a preliminary press release, 30 November, by the World Meteorological Organization which showed that data even up to the end of October 2023 meant that the year 2023 was about 1.40 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures.     

Copernicus’s full record, which now includes November and December data, saw that record temperature updated to 1.48 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures. 

CSIRO experts, who are undertaking a wide range of research to help governments, industries and communities tackle climate change, have responded. 

Among them Dr Zoë Loh, Observations – Greenhouse Gases Team Leader, says the need to reduce greenhuse gas emissions is “critical”.  

“It is both critical and urgent that we reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is driven by rising concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” Dr Loh says.  

“Until we cut anthropogenic emissions to zero, greenhouse gas concentrations will continue to rise, driving further warming. To avoid smashing heat records year on year, we must reduce emissions as a matter of priority.” 

Shooting to fame at the age of 19 with a viral audition video that now has over 50 million views on YouTube, Karise Eden has arguably one of Australia’s most distinctive voices, with two ARIA Awards, gold and platinum records and multiple Top 5 positions in the ARIA and AIR charts.

The Voice Australia 2012 winner is headed to Hepburn to play the Palais on Saturday Feburary 3, ably supported by young Gippsland muso Olivia Lay.

A formidable vocalist who’s often compared with the likes of Adele and Amy Winehouse, Karise Eden can blow your mind one minute with her powerhouse pipes,yet can break your heart the next with her emotive, soulful ballads delivered with an authentic softness and vulnerability that has had audiences captivated for the past decade.

In Karise’s solo shows, she is armed with just her guitar and a songbook full of her own originals, old and new, plus her own twist on some classics that have influenced her musical journey throughout her career. From blues to soul, rock to power pop, country to Americana, this girl can tackle any genre with authenticity, because to put it simply, she’s got the music in her!

The singer-songwriter started playing guitar at thirteen years of age,and picked up the double bass at the same time. Her debut album My Journey shot straight to #1 on the national ARIA Chart, was certified double platinum and went on to become the biggest selling album by an Australian artist in 2012. In New Zealand the album debuted at #3 and was certified gold.

Karise made ARIA Chart history in the same year when she took out the top three spots on the singles chart with #1 ‘Stay With Me Baby’, #2 ‘Hallelujah’ and #3 ‘I Was Your Girl’, with single ‘You Won’t Let Me’ at #5. Karise was the first artist to achieve this in Australia since The Beatles held the entire Top 6 to themselves back in 1964.

In 2014 Karise’s second album Things I’ve Done was released and featured lead singles ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Loneliness’. The album debuted at #5 on the ARIA Chart, achieved gold sales status and was followed up by sold out shows around the country.

In 2018 Eden’s third studio album, Born To Fight was released to critical acclaim and entered the ARIA Top #40 charts, with Stack reviewer Jeff Jenkins saying, “With her sassy attitude and potent vocal, Eden comes across as a thrilling mix of Janis Joplin and Renée Geyer.”

Karise’s first indie release in 2022, “Into The Black” also featured an AIR No. 1 single and was in the AIR charts’ Top 5.

Fast forward to 2023 and Karise Eden is a mum of two beautiful kids and has found peace nurturing her young family, while still finding time to record in her home studio and take her guitar on the road as an in-demand live performer.

A compelling storyteller with a great sense of humour and a healthy dose of self-deprecation, Karise’s voice has never been so powerful, and she has never been in a better position to share her journey with her audiences.

Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad have earlier this week released images of two men they are looking to identify as part of their investigation into a reported sexual assault in Ivanhoe last month.

Police have been told a man was walking through Ivanhoe Park, which is bordered by The Boulevard and Lower Heidelberg Road, about 10pm on 23 December, 2023.

He had previously been looking at Christmas lights set up along The Boulevard.

The man was approached by two unknown men and after a short discussion, he was sexually assaulted by one of the men.

He has managed to push them away and then ran out of the park.

Police subsequently searched the area but were unable to locate the pair.

Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad are investigating and have released two digital composite images of men they are seeking to identify as part of the investigation

Both men are perceived to be of Caucasian appearance and one man had short light brown hair and the second man had short dark brown hair with a tuft of facial hair on his chin.

One of the men told the victim that they lived close by, so police are particularly appealing for anyone who lives in the area who recognises the men to come forward.

Detectives are also keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area on the night looking at the Christmas lights who may have seen the men.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via the Crime Stoppers website.

An artwork from First Nations artist Daikota Nelson has been unveiled to mark The Capital’s 150th anniversary in recent days.

Ms Nelson’s new work has pride of place in the entrance in a permanent, prominent position as you enter The Capital.

Ms Nelson (pictured above with her work) said the concept encapsulated First Nations storytelling, culture and Country, the history of the area and knowledge of The Capital’s history.

“The artwork resembles a tree when you cut it open, and you can see all the layers of growth,” Ms Nelson said.

“The layers represent time, knowledge and growth over the years.

“One of the layers looks like a bone structure and it depicts strength. 

“Colours that I went with were like the colours that I saw in the building, specifically in the main foyer.

“I wanted to go with something that is somewhat subtle but that also complements the space that it was going to be in.

“Passing of knowledge is a big inspiration for my artwork. Without my Elders and ancestors, I wouldn’t be able to learn about my culture. A lot of my artworks reflect stories that I know.”

Manager Bendigo Venues & Events Julie Amos said she was thrilled with the completed artwork.

“Huge congratulations to Daikota for her incredible artwork, which is a landmark piece to celebrate The Capital’s 150th anniversary milestone,” Ms Amos said.

“It is a striking contemporary artwork with a depiction of the rings of a tree to illustrate the passing of time.
“Ms Nelson’s work will be a celebrated focal point for all visitors to the building to see, talk about and admire.”

The permanent artwork was commissioned last June to mark the heritage building’s historic milestone. 

Ms Nelson’s concept was chosen following an expressions of interest (EOI) process in March 2023. First Nations artists practising or living in central Victoria were invited to apply. 

The EOI attracted a very high standard of submissions and Ms Nelson’s concept made a strong impression on the panel. The $8,000 commission covers the artist’s fee, framing and materials.

A priority action in the Greater CREATIVE Bendigo Strategy is to support First Nations artists and culture, and this high-profile commission is one of many City initiatives to support its commitment to reconciliation. 

Police have in recent days charged five people with more than 140 offences following a series of home invasions in Melbourne’s west last year.

Following an extensive investigation, detectives from Brimbank’s Crime Investigation Unit executed eight warrants in December and arrested eight young men.

Three men, aged 18, have now been charged with around 30 offences each including multiple counts of aggravated home invasion, burglary, theft of motor car and intentionally causing injury.

Two teens, aged 16 and 17, were charged with more than 45 offences including aggravated home invasion and theft of motor car.

The arrests followed a dozen alleged home invasions this year including:

• An aggravated home invasion in Albanvale on 18 May.

• An aggravated home investigation and theft of car in Keilor Park on 24 May. The stolen vehicle was later located burnt out in Brookfield.

• An aggravated home invasion and theft of car in Altona Meadows on 16 August.

• An attempted aggravated home invasion in Sunshine on 23 August.

• A burglary and theft of car in Sunshine on 11 October.

• An aggravated home invasion in Braybrook on 11 October which left a male occupant with serious injuries to his hand.

• An aggravated home invasion and theft of car in Kings Park on 17 October.

• An aggravated home invasion and theft of two vehicles in St Albans on 20 October. One was returned to the owners the next day and the other was located burnt out Braybrook.

• An attempted home invasion in Sunshine West on 11 November.

• An aggravated home invasion in Deer Park on 16 November.

• An aggravated home invasion in Delahey on 16 November which left a male occupant with serious injuries to his face.

• An aggravated home invasion and theft of car in St Albans on 22 November.

During the warrants this month police also arrested a 28-year-old Kurunjang man and charged him with cultivating and possessing cannabis.

He was bailed to appear before Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 22 April 2024.

Another 17-year-old boy was arrested and released pending summons.

Two of the 18-year-old men charged, from Footscray and Caroline Springs, were bailed by the courts and will re-appear before Melbourne Magistrate’ Court on 25 March 2024.

The third 18-year-old man, also from Caroline Springs, was remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 25 March 2024.

The 16-year-old and 17-year-old boys charged were bailed to appear before a children’s court a later date.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online via the Crime Stoppers website.

Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit Senior Constable Samantha D’agostino: “Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their own home. We take these kinds of offences extremely seriously and will investigate thoroughly until we can hold people to account.”

The next stage of a shared path along the busy Glenelg Highway in Ballarat will soon begin with designs released for tender last week.  

A contractor is now being sought to provide safe off-road riding along the Glenelg Highway / Hertford Street from the Midland Highway (Albert Street) to Ballarat’s Phoenix College.

It will provide a safe way for students to access Phoenix College and kindergarten.  

The path will be a wide shared user path, to allow for pedestrians and cyclists to use it, as well as families with prams, and more.  

The path will consist of shared user paths in some sections and separated bike paths where the opportunity arises. Raised crossings across side streets will allow safer access to schools, shops and services for all pedestrians.

The construction of Stage 1, from Midland Highway (Albert Street) to Phoenix College is funded from the State Government’s Spotlight on Sebastopol Project.  

The aim of this project is to:  

• Facilitate active transport for commuters and students with safe, raised crossings for Phoenix College.
• Create a safe, comfortable riding and walking path for recreation with links to the Yarrowee River Trail.  
• Increase pedestrian and cyclist safety through a dedicated path and raised crossings at intersections.
• Preserve existing healthy trees through pruning and mulching.
• Increase provision of greening and natural shade through tree planting.

Existing healthy trees will be retained and new opportunities for additional tree planting identified.  

Rest points are proposed along the path with seating, bins and cycling infrastructure like hoops and bike repair stations.  

There was a community drop-in session at Phoenix College held late 2023 to view the proposed designs and discuss the project.  

Feedback from this session and the online survey was predominantly around the importance of trees for shade along the route, with strong overall support for this connecting path to be constructed.

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson said this project is committed to increasing the safety of people involved in active transport in Ballarat.

“We want to continue to promote the benefits of cycling, walking and running across Ballarat, for our residents to be fit and healthy and to reap the environmental benefits,” he said.  

“We thank the community for their input into these deigns and look forward to seeing many people using these paths to get to and from school, exercising and generally getting from A to B.”

The City of Ballarat is committed to transitioning Ballarat towards a more sustainable future and encouraging active transport, specifically Goal two in the City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021 – 2025, a healthy, connected and inclusive community.

Planning is underway for key connections on;

• Trails and Connections – Sutton Street connecting Victoria Park and Morshead Park.
• Trails and Connections – Whitelaw Avenue from Sutton Street to Doug Dean Reserve.  
• Grenville Street North, from Mair Street to Curtis Street.  
• Yarra River Places and Connections from Nicholson Street to Nolan Street and Anderson Street West
• Macarthur Street, Ballarat Central  
• Forest Street, Wendouree  
• Woowookarung Trail via Callow Street and Pennyweight Gully  
• Yarrowee River to the Bunny Trail Connection via Queen Street North  

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney: “Whether it’s students commuting to school or families going to local shops and services, nothing is more important than the safety of our community members.”

“This shared pathway will assist with just that and we’re proud to see this project come to life.” 

A man wanted for fleecing wannabe investors of at least $8.7 million has now turned his sights on single women, police warn.

Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit detectives have received reports from 15 victims who have each lost between $20,000 and $2.1 million since the investment scam was first reported to police in 2011.

Investigators believe the scams involve a man who approaches people and offers to assist in knocking down their homes.

It is believed the man then offers to build townhouses in their place by convincing his victims that he is an established developer.

Once the victims hand over the funds to build the townhouses, their developments were bought out by other investors without the building works proceeding.

The offender then takes off with the cash from both the original property owner, plus the new investors.

Detectives have received reports of the scam occurring in Murrumbeena, Beaumaris, Bentleigh, Bentleigh East, Carnegie, East Brighton, Toorak and Malvern East areas.

Most recently, it’s believed the man is trying to befriend single women in the Malvern East area in an effort to convince them to invest in construction projects he is involved in.

Anyone with information on fraudulent activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.

A jam-packed program of arts and culture events is being rolled out this year in the Macedon Ranges Shire.

Tickets have gone on sale for a diverse mix of performances and activities ranging from iconic musical acts and laugh-out-loud comedy, through to inspiring theatre performances and creative workshops.

The program kicks off in February with Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks playing live at the Kyneton Town Hall and celebrating 50 years of hits, including all of the Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock favourites.

In March, the Kyneton Museum will launch Unmasked, an exhibition on loan from Her Place Women’s Museum Australia, that celebrates nursing and midwifery in the Macedon Ranges Victoria and beyond.

Throughout April, a range of local bands and artists will perform in the inaugural Live & Local series across the shire’s charming community halls, as part of the 2024 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival.

Featuring You Am I’s Tim Rogers, Juliarna Clark, The Whiskey Rogues, Valley Road and more, and complemented by local wines and food trucks featuring regional produce, this is a series of events that’s expected to be a strong visitor drawcard to the shire.

Children can also burn some creative energy during the April school holidays with the Creative Kids School Holiday Program, where they can join a hands-on, fun collaboration ‘Kids Creative Building Jam’ facilitated by artist and designer Anna Åkerlund over five separate interactive workshops.