Local Futures

July 31, 2012

Government To Monitor All Our Online Activity?

A reader has alerted us to a discussion paper released by the Attorney-General’s Department suggesting that ISPs would be required to store user activity online for a period of 2 years. What Is Happening? Parliament is considering new security proposals […]
July 26, 2012

A Slightly Mysterious ‘Mixed Dozen’… Make. Eat. Act. Locally…

“Great minds discuss ideas” – Eleanor Roosevelt “Good ideas are common – what’s uncommon are people who’ll work hard enough to bring them about” – Ashleigh Brilliant “We think good ideas to death, when we should be acting them to […]
July 17, 2012

Food Marketing Concerns – Sydney Symposium August

A line-up of expert speakers will address the FoodLegal Symposium ‘Health Claim Hazards: Navigating the Regulatory Minefield’ Tuesday 21 August 2012 8:30am – 1:30pm At the Menzies Hotel, Wynyard, Sydney CBD About The Symposium The half-day Symposium will address the […]
July 16, 2012

Reverse Auctions For Low-Cost, Low-Emissions Energy?

Giles Parkinson of Renew Economy reports that the Grattan Institute has released a renewables policy idea to be considered – a series of reverse auctions as held in South Africa and in our ACT. Reverse Auctions – Lower Costs, Lower […]
July 15, 2012

Mobile Phone Apps Helping With Depression

A Victorian study has shown that a mobile phone app – that encourages depressed young people to self-monitor their feelings – can help relieve depression. About The Mobile Phone/Youth Depression Study In a study co-ordinated by Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital […]
July 15, 2012

For The True Impact Of The Carbon Price Go To…

CSIRO-AECOM research (Australian Energy Market Commission) shows the impact on households is likely to be smaller than anticipated – the carbon pollution price adding perhaps 0.6 per cent to inflation in 2012-13 – reports Monique Decortis of the Victorian Climate […]
July 4, 2012

Community Engagement Declining? Rebuild Local Communities..

A few days ago I heard MP Andrew Leigh, author of a book called ‘Disconnected‘, talking on the radio about community engagement here declining. The discussion tweaked my interest. Some Key Points After crunching data from membership records and surveys, […]
July 2, 2012

Crowdfunding – US Startup Raises $15,000 In 5 Hours

On June 1 in Los Angeles six journalists were fired from ‘GOOD’ magazine. A group of the sacked staffers decided to use Kickstarter and run with the concept of a new magazine called ‘Tommorrow’…the manifesto stating: “Tomorrow is about (and […]
July 1, 2012

Cooperatives, Energy & Sustainability Symposium – Sydney

2012 as well as being the UN International Year of Cooperatives is also the UN International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. In light of this, the Cooperatives Research Group of the University of Sydney is holding a Symposium – […]
June 29, 2012

Want To Contribute To A Blueprint For Australian Agriculture?

Twitter has just led me to the Blueprint for Australian Agriculture which aims to bring together all those with an interest in, or involvement with, agriculture to help shape its future direction – farmers, transporters, retailers, consultants, rural businesses, agribusinesses, […]
June 28, 2012

Grey Nomads: A Katherine Caretaking Job Aug – Sept 2012

For two dry seasons Tina and Will Visser have worked as volunteer caretakers at O’Keeffe House in Katherine NT – a job they highly recommend. They say it’s a wonderful place to work but now they are both unwell and […]
June 27, 2012

Julian Burnside On Fair Processing Of Refugees In Indonesia

WHY is there NO discussion about processing asylum seekers in Indonesia before they get onto leaky boats? Last Christmas, before the latest boat tragedies off Christmas Island, barrister Julian Burnside AO QC – an advocate for human rights and fair […]