14 May 2012

USC students join the Buderim Foundation in going Street by Street

A group of University of the Sunshine Coast students will join the Buderim Foundation in holding a Street by Street fundraising showcase to launch the new Street by Street Challenge and help raise money for the Foundation’s B150 Community Challenge.

Public Relations students, Oceana Kovacs, Stephanie Lauchlan, Mia Lundkvist, Christie O’Sullivan and Emma Street, mentored by Michelle Smytheman from Reflected Image PRoductions, are excited to be putting their PR skills into practice.

Emma Street said she was excited to be part of a worthwhile community project and the event was a great opportunity to apply her classroom learning and get some real-world experience.

“It is rewarding to be able to help and contribute to such a worthwhile organisation, and encourage others to do the same,” Miss Street said.

The students are organising a fundraising showcase that will provide Buderim street communities with fun and easy fundraising ideas that they can then use for their own efforts.

The Street by Street Challenge involves neighbours getting together, and possibly even challenging other streets, to reach fundraising targets while also increasing the awareness of the Buderim Foundation and what it does for the community.

Mia Lundkvist said that the students enjoyed brainstorming simple and effective fundraising ideas that could be showcased at the event and copied by Buderim residents.

“We are hopeful Buderim street communities will take up the fundraising challenge and most importantly have fun with their neighbours,” Miss Lundkvist said.

The Street by Street Challenge Fundraising Showcase will be held on Saturday, 19 May at the Buderim War Memorial Hall, from 10am – 1pm.

It will be a fun day for the whole family with live music, delicious baked goodies and homemade lemonade for sale, car wash, sausage sizzle, rummage sale, kids activities and more.

Miss Lundkvist said she hoped the event would attract over 100 people, and they could recruit a minimum of 150 street coordinators on the day.

The Buderim Foundation’s B150 Community Challenge, part of Buderim’s 150th birthday celebrations, aims to raise money to take their investment fund to $1million.

09 May 2012

Australian crochet designer features in international Vogue Magazine showcase

Australia’s Crochet Queen, Jenny King has been internationally recognised as one of the world’s most talented Crochet designers, featuring in a special Vogue Knitting Crochet issue.

Jenny, one of only two Australian designers to feature in the magazine, said having her design shown in Vogue was a dream come true.

“I have been wishing, hoping and planning to get my designs into Vogue for the past two decades,” Jenny said.

“When I found out that I was going to be featured in the magazine, I was so excited! I crocheted my fingers to the bone over the Christmas break, even at the beach with the family,” Jenny said.

“The design was inspired by an amazing crochet jacked with circles and stripes I saw at the Easton Pearson Exhibition in Brisbane,” Jenny said.

Jenny, who has been crocheting since being taught two simple stitches when she was just 8, has been passing on her love of crochet since the 1990s and is the author of 13 crochet books and countless patters that cover everything from intricate beaded bags and jewellery to swimwear.

Jenny’s love affair with Vogue began over 20 years ago, when Vogue Knitting magazine was reintroduced and became available in Australia.

“Even though I don’t knit, I would adapt patterns from the magazine and made dozens of crochet garments,” Jenny said.

“Then in 1994, Vogue knitting published their first and only issue of Vogue Crochet, a magazine that I have kept, with pride, to this day on my bookshelf,” Jenny said.

Jenny has taught crochet around Australia and internationally including the US and offers a range of classes from her Sunshine Coast shop, JK Designs.

“Crochet is a rapidly growing trend and continues to increase in popularity as more and more crochet fashions appear on cat walks around the world,” Jenny said.

“I believe, that this, in part, has revived the lost art of crochet and prompted people to want to learn the craft themselves,” Jenny said.

“Having my design featured in Vogue and also Interweave Crochet, another truly amazing crochet magazine, are two of the greatest achievements in my career so far,” Jenny said.

The Vogue Knitting Crochet issue is available from 8 May. For more information on JK Designs, go to www.jennykingdesigns.com.

02 May 2012

Gluten Free Grain Free expert to feature at Gluten Free Food Expo

Finding the foods that made her wake up happy and feeling great in the mornings changed gluten and grain free cookbook author Tania Hubbard’s life so she is sharing her experience at a special presentation at the Gluten Free Food Expo in Brisbane on 12 May.

Tania Hubbard, author of cookbook gluten free grain free – food we love said the Gluten Free Food Expo was a great opportunity for thousands of Australians with coeliac disease and gluten intolerances to come together and discover what’s ‘out there’.

With more than 50 exhibitors participating, the expo will showcase a wide variety of gluten free products, new recipes and foods to taste, as well as featuring a number of live cooking demonstrations, informative talks and seminars from some of Australia’s most notable gluten free chefs and industry professionals.

Tania Hubbard will be among the special guests, performing a cooking demonstration and talk at the Coles Information Stage at 1pm on Saturday, 12 May.

“My presentation will focus on Vegetarian Gluten Free and I will be making my delicious and versatile Chick Pea Flat Bread demonstrated three ways – for breakfast, lunch and pizza dinner,” Tania said.

“This will be my third consecutive expo, and every year I look forward to attending. It is fantastic to be surrounded by like-minded people, sharing information and ideas,” Tania said.

The Gluten Free Food Expo is hosted by Coeliac Queensland, a part of the national organisation, Coeliac Australia and will be held on Friday, 11 May from 4pm to 8pm and Saturday, 12 May from 9am to 3pm at the Commerce Building, RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane.

With one in every 100 Australian’s suffering from coeliac disease, the expo attracts thousands of people every year. Although 75 per cent of sufferers remain undiagnosed, the rate of detection is steadily rising and has resulted in a booming gluten free food industry and the release of a variety of new gluten free foods and products onto the market.

Tania’s journey began several years ago when after suffering migraines, chronic fatigue and repeated bouts of pneumonia; she was diagnosed intolerant to the proteins found in cereal grains.

“Since I was diagnosed, my life changed dramatically. I eliminated grains from my diet and all my symptoms disappeared,” Tania said.

“I was determined to continue enjoying food, despite my illness and restrictive diet, so I set to developing my own gluten and grain free recipes,” Tania said.

Tania’s condition turned out to be a blessing in disguise, helping her realise her talent and passion for food, which saw her to go on to open the Husk & Honey Cafe in Nambour with husband and business partner Eric, develop her own gluten and grain free bake@home range and writer her own cookbook.

Tania’s cookbook,  gluten free grain free – food we love, is packed with over 150 pages of mouth-watering recipes, information about stocking a gluten and grain free pantry, label reading and much more.

Tania said her cookbook aimed to provide delicious and easy recipes and also help people understand and enjoy gluten and grain free living.

“My food isn’t just for coeliacs and those with grain and gluten intolerances, it’s for everyone and anyone that wants to enjoy nutritious and wholesome cooking that tastes great,” Tania said.

“Food has turned my life around and I thoroughly enjoy helping others on their path to healthy eating,” Tania said.

Gluten free grain free – food we love is available for purchase from Husk & Honey Cafe in Nambour, Queensland and retails for $37.50. It is also available only at www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au where you will also find information about Tania, Husk & Honey and the bake@home range.

Expo tickets are $5 for Coeliac Queensland Members or $10 for Non-members, children are free. Tickets can be purchased only at www.trybooking.com/BEJX and will be on sale until 4pm, 8 May or cash is accepted at the door. For more information visit www.glutenfreefoodexpo.org.au.

02 May 2012

SCLA workshop to guide aspiring story writers

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is hosting a new workshop – What makes a good story? – that will explore techniques to help writers make their good stories great.

The workshop will be held at Wallace House, 7 Wallace Drive, Noosaville on Saturday, 19 May from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

SCLA President, Bryan Ward said the workshop provided practical story writing tools and techniques and was designed for writers interested in creating gripping stories either for enjoyment or as a profession.

“These workshops are a great way for aspiring writers to start their journey into the wonderful world of literacy,” Bryan said.

“It’s an opportunity to meet other writers, develop skills for writing and get on-the-spot feedback and answers to your questions,” Bryan said.

Presenting the workshop is Jan Bentley, a published author, former columnist and has an MA in creative writing. She has tutored in a women’s prison, for local community groups and within the human resource and training and development industries.

The workshop will cover some theory but will focus mainly on idea generation and exploring story designs. This four-hour session is suitable for all writers from beginners to those more experienced. Participants can share ideas in a creative, supportive and learning environment.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is a not-for-profit association dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and celebrating literary talent throughout the Sunshine Coast region.

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, an annual writing competition, and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of its members.

The workshop is $50 for members or $60 for non-members. Morning tea will be provided but you will need to bring a pen, paper and your enthusiasm.

Places are limited so be sure to book your spot quickly. Tickets must be pre-purchased by calling 07 5450 2690 during business hours or email info@scliterary.org.

For more information on beginning your journey as a writer or becoming a member of the SCLA, please email info@scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2690.

02 May 2012

Foundation challenges neighbours to have fun with fundraising

To launch the Buderim Foundation’s Street by Street Challenge to the Buderim community, a Street by Street Fundraising Showcase will be held at the Buderim War Memorial Hall on Saturday, 19 May.

The Street by Street Fundraising Showcase will provide Buderim street communities with fun and easy fundraising ideas they can use to make their own contribution to the B150 Community Challenge.

Buderim Foundation Chair Professor Paul Clark said with all donations over $2000 to be acknowledged on a commemorative plaque, the Foundation’s new Street by Street Challenge encouraged street communities to work together and collectively make a donation and be acknowledged as a street.

“The Street by Street Fundraising Showcase is a great opportunity for neighbours to get to know each other and inspire them to pool their resources and have some fun while fundraising,” Prof. Clark said.

The event will run from 10am to 1pm with live music, delicious baked goodies, homemade lemonade stand, car wash, sausage sizzle, rummage sale, kids activities and more.

Those attending on the day will be able to join in the fun and help fundraise or they can choose to do more and become a street coordinator. Coordinators will be provided with fundraising kits and resources to assist them in their fundraising efforts.

Professor Clark said while the Street by Street Challenge was an effort to meet fundraising targets, the Foundation wanted to encourage community spirit amongst neighbours.

“Whether its holding a movie night, collecting old clothes and books to sell at a rummage sale, or even just donating to a door knock appeal, everyone in the street can make a contribution,” Prof. Clark said.

The Buderim Foundation’s B150 Community Challenge is part of Buderim’s 150th birthday celebrations and aims to raise money to make its investment fund, which is held in trust, from $450 000 to $1million in just one year.

To help with fundraising efforts, a raffle is also being held at the event with a number of exciting prizes donated by local business. Tickets can be purchased on the day for two dollars each or three for five dollars.

23 April 2012

Specialists to present advances in emission reduction management at free Seminar

Australian specialists in particulates emissions reduction technology will come together to present the latest information about effective management of diesel emissions at a free seminar – Practical Guide to DPM Management – hosted by Peak3 on May 15, 2012.

Peak3 CEO Col Chandler said diesel emissions were one of the many potential health risks facing thousands of Australian miners and the seminar was designed to provide mining industry professionals a practical way to reduce these risks with the latest developments in emission reduction programs and technologies.

“The seminar is open to all mining industry professionals, including those working in occupational health and safety (OH&S), mine managers as well as maintenance and ventilation engineers and officers.”

“The goal is to ensure emissions are being managed effectively and efficiently, without affecting mine productivity,” Mr Chandler said.

This free seminar will be held on May 15th from 12.30pm to 4.30pm in the Vue Function Room at the Wollongong Golf Club, 151-161 Corrimal Street, Wollongong NSW. Afternoon tea will be provided.

Mr Chandler said demand for the seminars came from mine management who needed to ensure they were aware of the latest developments in this rapidly changing sector.

Diesel emissions include up to 41 toxic compounds – which pose health risks to underground miners. There are strict emissions regulations being implemented globally and Peak3 aims to become the ‘standard’ for end-to-end emissions management in the mining industry. The companies focus is on helping companies reduce costs and reduce emissions through better use of new planning, monitoring and treatment technologies and services. At the heart of that approach is Evidence Based Emissions Management.

Peak3 have developed a number of world-leading emissions treatment and monitoring technologies including the Particulate Management Platform that treats nano and ultrafine particulates using ultrasonic agglomeration, a process that was developed with collaborative research assistance from the Australian Coal Association Research Program and CSIRO.

Peak3, a Queensland Science and Engineering company, also provides a range of monitoring and emission planning services to the mining market and has just secured a significant investment from the OneVentures Innovation Fund to commercialise its latest technologies.

“Trying to manage Diesel emissions can cost mining companies a significant amount of money. To do it properly, up to date information is vital which is why we have brought together science and industry leaders to provide the latest information to those managing the problem,” Mr Chandler said.

The seminars will include presentations from seven industry experts:

  • Colin Chandler, CEO of Peak3, will present DPM “The Myths and Reality”
  • Dr Patrick Glynn, CSIRO, will present “Current Treatment and Monitoring in Mines”
  • Dominic Posavec, General Manager of NSW Workshops DMS Underground Division, will present “The Vehicle as a Solution”
  • Dr Richard Brown, Assoc Prof QUT, will present “Diesel Engine Efficiency and Emissions as Mech Markers”
  • Ray Morgan, Chief Scientist Peak3, will present “Monitoring”
  • Dr Zoran Ristovski, Assoc Prof QUT, International Laboratory of Air Quality and Health, will present “The Health Aspects of DPM”; and
  • Neil Davey, Chief Technology Officer Peak3, will present “Treatment and Monitoring Automation.

Places are limited and bookings essential. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to
info@peak3.com.au or call 07 3801 4897 by May 10, 2012.
For more information, a full program and bookings please email cheryl@peak3.com.au or phone 07 3801 4897

23 April 2012

Treat mum to a wholesome cooking experience this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to show mums the appreciation and care we have for them, and what better way to demonstrate this than spoiling mum with a day of fun and wholesome delicious food at a Freestyle Escape cooking class with Tania Hubbard.

Tania Hubbard, author of cookbook gluten free grain free – food we love said mums need to take time for, and value, themselves starting with eating great food, having fun and finding some special time just for themselves.

“Mums have one of the hardest jobs in the world, juggling the roles as mother and wife or partner, running a household, and work commitments and busy, time-poor mothers are guilty of not taking the time to eat properly, particularly those with food intolerances,” Tania said.

“A day at Freestyle Escape gives mums a day away from their hectic lives to just enjoy great food, terrific company and reconnect with themselves and food,” Tania said.

Tania said she thoroughly enjoyed helping others on their path to healthy eating and showing them how easy it is to live a gluten and grain free lifestyle.

“It’s not a fad diet or radical way of eating, but for anyone and everyone who wants to enjoy nutritious and wholesome food that tastes great. It really is food for the every body,” Tania said.

The class will be held on Saturday, 17 June from 9.30am to 4.30pm at Martin Duncan’s Freestyle Escape, in the Hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. During the session, Tania will give participants the tools they need to understand and enjoy gluten and grain free cooking, sharing some of her favourite recipes from her cookbook including Australia’s first gluten and grain free bread and even gluten free pizza. Dessert will also be a crowd pleaser for chocolate-lovers and each participant will receive a personally signed copy of her cookbook on the day.

Tania’s cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love, is packed with over 150 pages of mouth-watering recipes, information about stocking a gluten and grain free pantry, label reading and much more.

The class is $250 per person. To book a space at Tania’s cooking class, visit the Freestyle Escape website www.freestyleescape.com.au.

gluten free grain free – food we love is available for purchase from Husk & Honey Cafe in Nambour, Queensland and retails at $37.50. It is also available online at www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au where you will also find information about Tania, Husk & Honey & the bake@home range.

17 April 2012

Investment in Vaxxas winner at 2012 Vaccine Industry Awards

WASHINGTON, DC, USA and BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA – The $15m syndicated investment in Vaxxas Pty Ltd, developers of the Nanopatch™, a new needle-free vaccine delivery system, was judged the Best Venture Capital Investment at the 2012 Vaccine Industry Excellence Awards, held at the World Vaccine Congress in Washington, DC last week.

Dr Paul Kelly, OneVentures Partner and Chairman of Vaxxas, accepted the award on behalf of the investors and the company. The investment led by OneVentures, with co-investors Brandon Capital Partners, the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF), and US-based HealthCare Ventures was made just seven months ago, enabling Professor Mark Kendall and his team at University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) to take the Nanopatch™ into commercial development.

The Vaccine Industry Excellence Awards have been created to honour and recognise the efforts, accomplishments, and positive contributions of companies and individuals in the vaccine industry over the previous 12 months. This year’s awards were voted upon by global industry representatives and attended by more than 500 senior vaccine industry professionals.

The judging criteria for the award included the structure of the deal, how innovative the investment model was, and what impact the investing company has had and will have on the business.

Dr Kelly said winning the award was an acknowledgement of the innovative approach the syndicate had bought to making this investment. “As well as the OneVentures team, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of my fellow syndicate Directors, Dr Stephen Thompson of Brandon Capital Partners and Douglas Onsi, of HealthCare Ventures.

“The investment is significant because of its size, which ensures the company has appropriate initial funding to achieve key development and commercial milestones, because the investment syndicate includes both Australian and international investors, and also because those investors have a hands-on approach to supporting the company even at this early stage,” Dr Kelly said.

“These resources are not just financial but expertise, networks and the experience in building high-growth globally significant companies and taking novel technologies through to innovative products. Colleagues in the investment syndicate have vaccine industry experience, healthcare business development experience and close relationships with major pharmaceutical companies.”

Dr Stephen Thompson, Managing Director of Brandon Capital Partners and the MRCF, stated that “the OneVentures Innovation Fund, Brandon Biosciences Fund 1 and MRCF are all supported by the Australian Government’s IIF program. The importance of the IIF program is enabling Australian venture capital firms to commercialise the outcomes of Australia’s strong research capability can not be over emphasized. Without this contribution to the venture industry, technologies such as the Nanopatch™ being commercialised through Vaxxas, may never make it off the laboratory bench to international markets.”

Douglas Onsi, Managing Director of HealthCare Ventures, stated that “this award is a tribute to Professor Kendall and the team in his lab at the AIBN who invented and developed the breakthrough Nanopatch™ technology and to UniQuest who provided the managerial and intellectual property support. A venture investment is only as good as its underlying technology and people, and this award represents recognition from the global vaccine industry of Professor Kendall and his team’s accomplishments in solving some of the major issue in vaccine delivery. The entire syndicate looks forward to seeing the Nanopatch™ technology advance towards testing in patients.”

The Nanopatch™ has thousands of small projections designed to deliver the vaccine to abundant immune cells in the skin, whereas the traditional syringe hits the muscle where there are few immune cells. Early stage testing in animals so far has shown that a Nanopatch™ delivered flu vaccine was effective with only 1/150th of the dose compared to a syringe and that the adjuvants currently required to boost the immunogenicity of vaccines may not be needed. In addition to improving the efficiency of delivery, the Nanopatch has the potential to dramatically improve patient convenience and reduce the complications associated with needle phobia, needle stick injuries and cross contamination, which are key global health issues. The Nanopatch™ is designed also to provide vaccine thermostability, removing the need for refrigeration, making transport much cheaper and easier, particularly to developing nations around the world.

 

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