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Shopping Centre and parks to receive new bins and furniture

Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury recently announced that work commenced to install new street furniture and larger bin facilities at 10 shopping centres and three local parks across the ACT. “Shopping centre sites selected include Kingston; Manuka; Mawson; Dickson; Petrie Plaza in Civic; Jamison; Hawker; Curtin; Kippax and Watson. Three park sites…

Preschool numbers up

In a report released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics has shown that 60,000 more children are now registered in preschool and kindergarten programs than there were in 2008. “The Gillard Government has placed strong emphasis on early childhood education and provided additional investment, and along with national Universal Access agreements, has helped ensure Australian…

Visa Red Tape Cut

Under a new, move by the Gillard Government Visitor visas will be simplified and a new short stay activity visa will be created. Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Brendan O’Connor commented that final approval of the legislation by the Governor-General is required; this builds on the Better Regulation Ministerial Partnership commitment to cut the total…

Rock Wallabies sighted after Grampians fire contained

Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury welcomed the news of a Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby sighting in the Grampians National Park in Victoria, following the suppression of a fire in the area in late-February 2013. “On Tuesday 19 February 2013, staff from ACT Parks and Conservation Service combined forces with the NSW National Parks and…

$1 Million announced to reduce blindness in Laos

Foreign Minister Bob Carr recently announced a new $1 million avoidable blindness initiative in Laos during his visit to the Vientiane Ophthalmology Centre. Senator Carr explained that Australian support will include the delivery of primary eye care, training for nurses, eye doctors and ophthalmologists, as well as provision of equipment for testing. Senator Carr pointed…

Uluru wins tourism top prize

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has taken out the top prize at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, as Australia’s best major tourist attraction. Environment Minister Tony Burke today congratulated the park’s traditional owners, board and staff on their win. “I know I’m not alone in my passion for Uluru. More than 250,000 people visit the…

Holden signs 3-year NRL sponsorship deal

Holden has recently signed a 3-year sponsorship deal with the National Rugby League. The multi-million dollar deal marks the first time in 15 years Holden has sponsored a football code. The deal grants them the naming rights to:- The Holden State of Origin Series between New South Wales and Queensland The Holden Cup (NRL National…

Beware of Malware in Tax Scams

In 2012, the Australian Tax Office received just over 26,000 reports from the public on a wide range of scams including fake job advertisements, emails and bogus phone calls. An ATO spokesman commented that various tricks where used by the scammers like sending emails with attachments that appear to have come from the ATO, which…