#Strongwomen. "I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful – for all of it." Kristin Armstrong
Author: Lynne Strong
I am a 6th generation farmer who loves surrounding myself with optimistic, courageous people who believe in inclusion, diversity and equality and embrace the power of collaboration. I am the founder of Picture You in Agriculture. Our team design and deliver programs that inspire pride in Australian agriculture and support young people to thrive in business and life
For more than 70 years Colin Sharpe has lived on his family’s dairy farm in Toolijooa. Over the years he has seen the changes in dairying – the good and the bad – and does not regret a single thing about his life on the land. “I’ve been here all my life, this is the only home I’ve lived in,” Mr Sharpe said. “My mother’s family owned it, we bought it off them.” All the while his wife Margaret was by his side.
Having grown up on a dairy farm in Jamberoo, owned by her father, Margaret was not a virgin to Toolijooa Dairies, moving to them after she married Mr Sharpe. Even though she did not know how to milk cows, and never learned, she helped out the cattle. “My father had several properties and we used to move the cattle, on horseback, to different sheds,” Mr Sharpe said.
For decades the couple worked their 158-hectare farm, milking about 120 head of cattle twice a day for more than 40 years. “When I started in 1943 we had milking machines, but we had horses that did the work not tractors,” Mr Sharpe said. “We grew our own feed corn, sorghum and oats.” Making hay while the shone was a task. The farmers used pitchforks, not hay balers, to make bales of hay.
In 1948 that changed when the Sharpes bought a hay baler. The only problem was it was hay was tied with wire that could be ingested by the cows. “Sometimes the wire would stay in the hay and if eaten by the cows would give them perforated stomachs, later we used baler twine ” Mrs Sharpe said.
There was a lot of manual handling making the bales and then taking them to the shed. It was the same with feed until the Sharpes converted to bulk handling where feed would be put in bins, which were push-button operated.
“With bulk feed handling the cows could be milked and fed at the same time,” Mrs Sharpe said.
They saw the changes in the way milk was transported, from the farmer taking the milk to the factory in cans to being store in refrigerated milk vats and being picked up daily in insulated milk tankers. The Sharpes also saw the advent of artificial insemination, which is now the most common way of reproducing.
They said the saddest thing of all was the introduction of deregulation, which Mrs Sharpe said was detrimental to the industry. “I think we got out of dairying at the right time,” she said. After retiring in 1991 the pair sold off 63.5 hectares and now live on half a hectare.
“I enjoyed farming, but when we gave it up we had more time to ourselves,” Mrs Sharpe said.
In order to help preserve the history of dairy farming for future generations Mr and Mrs Sharpe took part in a project organised by dairy farmer Lynne Strong and University of Technology Professor Jenny Hammond. For The Living History of Dairy Farming project, the Sharpes volunteered to tell their story – a story of dairy farmers who have lived in the Gerringong/Toolijooa area for the majority of their lives.
This blog post is a copy of story written by Amanda Garrard in The Advertiser on July 4th 2007
Despite the relentless challenges—the physical labour, the long hours, and the emotional toll of sustaining a legacy—the passion for dairying persists. For the Irvine sisters, Clover Hill is more than just land; it is a testament to resilience, a beacon of heritage, and a promise of continuity in the face of adversity.
Molly and Olwyn Irvine Photo Sylvia Liber Illawarra Mercury
As in McLeod’s Daughters, the Irvine women of Jamberoo have dedicated their lives to keep Clover Hill Dairies in the family.
Olwyn Irvine, 83 sparks up the combustion stove in the old Jamberoo farmhouse – it will cook the nightly meal and heat water for their daily shower. Her sister Molly, 81 carts in the firewood as she has done since she was a girl. The stove is solid and reliable – a reminder of a simpler life.
“We’ve had this stove for 50 years and never thought to get a new one,” says Olwyn.
Step outside the Irvine’s front door and 30m away is some of the most advanced computerised technology known to the dairy industry. Along with farming partners Michael and Lynne Strong, the four sisters, including Valma and Nola, have helped transform Clover Hill Dairies into one of the most productive dairy farms in the country. Deregulation forced their hand. The sisters, accustomed to sacrifice and hard times, didn’t blink when in 2000 the Strong’s put forward a daring proposal to keep the farm afloat.
Nick Strong continues the Irvine Sisters’ legacy
Clover Hill has been a bit like the television series McLeod’s Daughters. After their father died in 1949, the girls stayed on the land to help their mother run the farm – finishing their schooling by correspondence. They never married or had children and they’ve always lived in the farmhouse, enjoying each others company around the old kitchen table.
Nola, Valma, Olwyn and Molly ( Myra) Irvine with their mother Ivy and father Robert Irvine
In 1939 a battery run wireless was their only link to the outside world, but today a television positioned in the kitchen keeps the women informed.
Valma, Molly and Olwyn continued to play and active role in the dairy into their 80s
In the last two years Valma, 83, and Nola, 78, have died leaving Olwyn and Molly to make the tough decisions. But dairying is in their blood and the women have shown the same resilience their forefathers did 150 years ago.
The original Clover Hill homestead and dairy
The farm has been in their family since 1851, when their great great grandfather James Irvine and his son purchased the land naming it Clover Hill. With 180 degree views of the ocean, the Irish settlers cleared the rainforest and forged a new life for themselves in a strange environment.
Molly and Olwyn’s grandfather James and his wife Sarah ( nee Purnell ) on their wedding day
There have now been four generations of Irvine’s farming on the side of Saddleback Mountain. When the sister’s were young there were 300 dairy farms in the Kiama area – today there are just 30. In the six years since deregulation 50 per cent of dairy farms in NSW and Queensland have disappeared.
Deregulation has halved the farm-gate price of milk, but the drought has been the tipping-point for many asset rich, cash poor farmers who’ve made the agonising decision to walk away from their land.
Those who survived were forced to change. More milk had to be produced to make the same amount of money. A decision was made at Clover Hill to “ramp-up” the operation and to pour hundreds of thousands of dollars back into the farm. It was a defining moment for the Strong’s.
Lynne, a pharmacist for 25 years, gave up her career to return to the land full-time, so too did their only son Nick, who had just completed his HSC.
“Most people sold their cows, but we did the opposite,” says Lynne. “We’re now running four times the amount of cows per hectare than we did before deregulation.”
To finance the move the Strong’s and the sisters sold a 280ha joint investment property out west. With the money they built a state-of-the-art $300,000 milking shed which has the capacity to milk 28 cows at a time. Now instead of 80 cows a day, they milk 300.
It was 28 years ago when Michael, then 23, began share farming at Clover Hill. The women took a chance delegating responsibility of their livelihood to someone so young – but it wasn’t to be their last leap of faith in him.
The sisters had grown up with Australian Illawarra Shorthorn cows (AIS), but Michael was keen to swap the herd for Holsteins, a breed which produces more milk. Just before deregulation they reluctantly agreed.
Each cow is now considered a potential elite athlete and the farm hires a full-time nutritionist to feed them a combination of pellets, vitamins, grain and corn.
“If you change a cows diet overnight and you get it right there’s more milk in the vat the next day, but if you stuff it up you get less milk,” explains Lynne. “The results are instant, it’s just so dramatic. There’s a huge amount of research into the science of this industry.”
Hard work and clever decisions have paid off and now Clover Hill Dairies is regarded as one of the most productive farms in the country, with four of its cows this year becoming Australian record holders.
In the show ring too they’ve had success winning the All Australian Three-Year-Old, the first time the farm has ever taken out the award.
“This farm would be up there with the best in the country,” says Lynne. “But people are out there doing it equally as well.”
The view from Clover Hill is spectacular, but Michael Strong isn’t taking in the scenery. Instead he casts a critical eye over his herd of Holsteins. Despite having some of the best and most productive cows in the country he’s still not content. He’d like all of his cows to reach an elite level.
“When you win at the shows you think well I’ve done an alright job,” says Michael. “But when I stand there and look at the herd, I’m pretty critical, I want them all to look wonderful every day of the week.”
Every 12 months the Strong’s and the Irvine’s reinvent the farm. This year they made another decision to increase milking from two to three times a day -starting at 4am and ending at 10pm.
Nick’s decision to follow in his father’s footsteps, although celebrated by both families, also increased the pressure to produce more milk.
“You’ve got to produce a million litres a year to support one family, so obviously we had to double that,” says Lynne. “Now we produce 21/2 million litres and we’re now heading towards three million.”
Before machinery the sisters would have to milk 50 cows by hand twice a day.
“I was very good at milking,” says Olwyn proudly. “‘I used to milk eight cows in one hour and that was good going. It’s hard to deal with all the progress, but we’ve just accepted everything as it’s come, you’ve got to move into the modern world.”
The farm has always been the centre of their lives and they never had any desire to travel overseas or have a family of their own. They still have their jobs around the farm to do, Olwyn mops up the buckets after each milking and Molly teaches the calves to feed.
“We grew up in the war years so I suppose we just stayed on the farm and worked,” says Molly. “I did have some admirers though.” “So did I,” chimes in Olwyn. “But none I wanted to marry.”
Olwyn admits that as a girl she never imagined that the farm would always be her whole life.
“It’s been a hard life I suppose in a way, it’s the same thing over and over, but there’s been lots of pleasures.”
The farm house has always been full of children, either relatives or the offspring of the share farmers working on the farm.
Nick spent his afternoons after school sitting around the Irvine’s kitchen table playing with toy farm animals waiting for his father to finish the milking. Clover Hill has always been his home and the sisters consider him part of their family.
Lynne doesn’t fit the farmer mould and happily admits to never having milked a cow in her life. But having grown up on farms she’s not scared to get dirty and it’s her job to look after the calves. She’s also in charge of the never-ending bookwork and data-entry with each cow having a record since birth.
Since deregulation the dairy is run more like a business. “In one way deregulation was good for us,” says Lynne. “We’ve made wise choices and we’ve become more efficient.”
But it’s been a risk and at times they’ve wondered if it will work – particularly as the drought begins to squeeze.
“The drought is tough, it’s really tough and because the animals are so important to us we don’t downgrade the amount of feed we use, we take the view that the cows are number one in our operation and they have to be looked after. I think though if it goes on for another year all dairy farmers will have to review their situation.”
Grain has doubled in price in the last month and 2007 is already shaping up to be a bleak year for many farms. Thanks to Lynne’s bargaining skills the farm was lucky to have locked in grain at the old price until the next harvest.
The drought has turned cows into a valuable commodity and there are now plans to diversify the business. In the future they hope to sell 30 high pedigree cows a year on the international market – so the dairy won’t be so dependent on the farm-gate price of milk. But first they need to improve their progeny. Twice a year a specialist vet from Victoria transforms a section of the farm into a mini fertility hospital. In August 14 cows of high genetic merit were chosen as donors and were super-ovulated. A week later the embryos were flushed out of the cow’s uterus and viewed under a microscope with the live embryos then being either frozen or implanted into surrogate cows.
“Each year there’s a new development in the research,” says Lynne. “It’s like the dairy industry is the frontier of IVF and I imagine that a lot of the success on dairy farms actually goes back into the human research.”
There have also been massive changes to the farm’s physical boundaries and a road now runs through the middle of the property. To ensure a sustainable and viable dairy long-term, in 1998 they swapped two parcels of non-farmable land for 40 farmable hectares. Today there are seven Torrens Title lots on the 120ha property, of which two-thirds is rainforest, creating a rural hamlet within the working farm.
With the sale of each lot came a list of covenants to ensure Clover Hill Dairies always had the right to farm. There are never any complaints about the odour, the lights or noise and there are strict rules about pets and priority water for the farm.
“It’s a fairly unique situation,” says Lynne. “We have urban and rural co-existing together. “The sub-division has been developed around the dairy and the sizes of the blocks haven’t impacted on the farm at all – most of the lots are rainforest and allow for only a small section of land to be built on.”
But even with close neighbours dairying can be a harsh and isolating life.
“It’s not so much hard work, but hard hours, you get tired of course and you get your down moments when you wish you’d done something else with your life,” says Michael. “But it doesn’t last long, the cows are my passion and that’s what keeps me going.” “I’m always thinking about the heritage of the farm, it’s been such a privilege to live here. The sisters have made a lot of sacrifices to keep the farm going and I’d like to think that there will be a dairy farm on Clover Hill for many years to come.”
This blog post is a reprint of a story by Jodie Duffy in the Illawarra Mercury Weekender 21 October 2006 and is part of the Irvine Family history series
Surveys are pivotal tools for understanding community preferences, shaping local initiatives, and bridging the gap between governance and community needs. However, the effectiveness of these tools often hinges on the level of participation and the specificity of the data collected. For instance, the significant variance in preferences in my area between residents of Jamberoo village and Kiama township, which are only 10 kilometres apart, underscores the necessity of capturing detailed regional insights to tailor initiatives effectively. Yet, with our local council only receiving 250 participants responses in their recent survey, there is a risk that such nuances could be overlooked, potentially skewing results and impacting the effectiveness of community projects.
The reluctance to disclose specific regional information, such as which suburb do you live in, can greatly impede the ability to deliver tailored community solutions. This hesitance could stem from concerns about privacy, relevance, or the perceived effort required in participating in surveys. By ensuring transparency about data usage, simplifying the survey process, and aligning survey topics closely with immediate community concerns, organisations can improve participation rates and data quality.
Community groups often face challenges from disproportionately vocal minorities that can skew priorities. Data from well-conducted surveys can counteract this by providing a broader perspective on community needs, ensuring that quieter, less represented groups are also considered in decision-making processes. This approach helps in allocating resources more effectively and implementing initiatives that reflect the true diversity of community preferences.
The successful engagement of Jamberoo residents in a grass roots designed survey through a recent targeted social media campaigns highlights the potential of these platforms in reaching and involving diverse demographic groups. Notably, the enthusiastic participation of the over-65 demographic in Jamberoo dispels myths about the digital literacy of older adults and exemplifies the inclusiveness of digital engagement strategies. By leveraging social media, community groups can enhance outreach and feedback mechanisms, making community engagement both broad-based and inclusive.
The strategic use of digital tools and data-driven approaches in community engagement not only ensures a more democratic and inclusive process but also enhances the effectiveness of community development efforts. As communities like Jamberoo and Kiama continue to leverage these tools, they pave the way for more responsive and sustainable development practices that genuinely reflect the needs and values of all community members. By continuing to harness the power of surveys and social media, community leaders can foster an environment of active participation and meaningful dialogue, leading to more balanced and impactful community outcomes.
Using correlation ratios we were able to discover this
Jamberoo:
Infrastructure and Utilities vs. Transport and Accessibility:
Correlation: 0.72
This suggests that people in Jamberoo who are interested in infrastructure also tend to have a strong interest in transportation issues. This can imply that initiatives improving roads, utilities, and transport systems may be well-received.
Social and Community Development vs. Housing and Urban Planning:
Correlation: 0.65
Indicates that concerns about social issues (like community safety and social cohesion) are closely linked with housing and urban planning interests in Jamberoo. This highlights the importance of integrated community and residential development planning.
Kiama Central:
Environmental and Sustainability vs. Health and Safety:
Correlation: 0.68
Residents of Kiama Central who are concerned with environmental issues often also care about health and safety. This correlation might guide public health and environmental conservation efforts to be more interconnected.
Transport and Accessibility vs. Housing and Urban Planning:
Correlation: 0.63
This indicates a significant overlap in interests concerning transportation and housing development in Kiama Central. Efforts to enhance public transport could be aligned with developing more accessible housing.
Comparison:
Both Jamberoo and Kiama Central show strong correlations between transport-related issues and housing, suggesting a general interest in improving infrastructural elements alongside urban planning.
Unique to Jamberoo is the link between social/community development and housing, which may reflect a community-oriented approach in urban planning.
Unique to Kiama Central is the connection between environmental concerns and health, pointing towards a community that values sustainability alongside well-being.
These insights can help tailor community projects and initiatives to match the specific interests and needs of each suburb, ensuring that they address the most interconnected areas of concern for residents.
Today I am looking at Anzac Day from a different perspective
I understand and deeply respect that today is a day for honouring and remembering those who have sacrificed their lives. My intention is not to diminish the significance of their service but to reflect on the broader implications of war and how we can honour their memory through our commitment to peace. Let us use this day not only to look back with gratitude but also to look forward with hope, striving for a world where such sacrifices are no longer necessary.
I feel very strongly that we have to ask these questions. How many more people, how many more loved ones have to sacrifice their lives in the name of peace when we see war as a solution for the goal of peace rather than part of the problem.
This image for me communicates the message that war is a profound human tragedy, not a path to peace. The juxtaposition of the innocence of childhood with the harsh realities of war, followed by the ultimate sacrifice, serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of conflict. It illustrates the loss of innocence and the enduring pain that lingers long after the battles have ceased. The phrase “Lest We Forget” reinforces the necessity of remembering these harsh truths, underlining the importance of seeking alternatives to war in the pursuit of peace.
I also acknowledge while undesirable, war has at times played a role in leading to peace or has been seen as a necessary response to aggression or to prevent greater evils.
I also acknowledge wars are waged to counteract oppression and tyranny. The valor and commitment of those who have served should never be overlooked; rather, they deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. Their experiences remind us that while the goal is always to resolve conflicts through peaceful means, there have been moments in history where war has been seen as the only option left to protect and promote peace and liberty.
It is also a somber realisation that political agendas and power plays can be significant factors in the initiation of wars. This is abhorrent; the notion that leaders might prioritise personal, political, or national interests over the well-being of individuals and global peace is beyond comprehension. The manipulation of patriotic sentiments, the exploitation of resources, or the pursuit of ideological dominance at the cost of human lives reflects a grim side of human nature and governance. It underlines the importance of accountability, transparent governance, and the role of public discourse in decision-making processes related to war and peace. Recognising this potential for abuse of power is critical in our ongoing efforts to find more humane answers
Recently, I’ve been catching up on Season 2 of “Blue Lights,” and it’s been a real eye-opener about the stark differences between our career expectations and reality. It got me thinking—how many of us chose our current paths based on a polished, perhaps overly optimistic image of what it would be like? And what happens when the actual experience is miles away from what we envisioned?
In today’s post, let’s dive into this topic and explore how we can not only survive but thrive when our careers throw us curveballs. 🚀
Embrace the Pivot
Flexibility is your best friend in the professional world. When things aren’t aligning with your expectations, sometimes the best move is to pivot. This could mean shifting roles within your field, changing industries, or even going back to school. Remember, it’s okay to change your course—it’s not a sign of failure but of adaptability and growth.
Know Thyself
Self-awareness is a powerful tool. By understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and what truly drives you, you can make more informed decisions about your career path. This deep understanding allows you to steer your career in a direction that aligns more closely with your personal and professional aspirations.
Build Resilience
Let’s talk about resilience—because you’re going to need it! Viewing career setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures is key to building this crucial trait. Resilience helps you bounce back from disappointments and keeps you moving forward, even when the going gets tough.
Never Stop Learning
The learning never stops—nor should it! Keeping your skills fresh and your knowledge up-to-date is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or self-directed learning, staying curious and engaged can open new doors and opportunities you might not have considered before.
Cultivate Your Network
No one makes it alone. Building a strong network of colleagues, mentors, and friends in the industry can make a huge difference. These connections can offer not just support and encouragement but also insider knowledge and new opportunities that can propel your career forward.
Reflect and Reassess
Regular reflection is vital. Take a moment every now and then to reflect on your career journey. What have you learned? What would you like to change? This practice can help you understand your progress and guide your next steps more clearly.
Navigating a career is no small feat, especially when reality doesn’t quite match up with what we’ve been sold. But with adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to ongoing learning and self-discovery, we can turn any career blip into a valuable stepping stone.
Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep pushing forward. Your journey is unique, and every twist and turn is a chance to grow. 🌍💼
As I sit here watching the second season of “Blue Lights” on SBS, my thoughts drift back to my time in the UK, specifically my role in a well-being initiative within a corporate setting. The project involved setting up private consultation areas in pharmacies, designed to offer a space for pharmacists to have one-on-one conversations with their customers.
This seemed like a progressive idea at first, intended to foster a sense of confidentiality and personalised care. However, the reality of the situation was far more complex and, in some respects, very concerning.
The primary goal was to enhance patient engagement and privacy, but the implementation raised significant safety concerns for the pharmacists themselves. By confining these interactions to small, isolated boxes, they inadvertently compromised the pharmacists’ safety. These professionals often found themselves in vulnerable situations, secluded and unseen by others, which is particularly risky when dealing with various challenging scenarios that arise in a pharmacy setting.
One of the fundamental issues here is the wide array of motivations that drive people into pharmacies. For some, like those managing chronic illnesses or seeking routine health advice, the pharmacy is a beacon of support. For others, including individuals struggling with drug addiction, it represents a focal point in their own complex, often fraught narratives. This diversity of customer needs and backgrounds can sometimes place pharmacists in unpredictable and potentially hazardous situations.
The unfortunate truth is that this initiative, like many others driven by corporate mandates, seemed to lack a deep understanding of the practical implications and the human element at the core of pharmacy work. Decision-makers are too often detached from the day-to-day realities faced by the pharmacists on the ground.
In reflecting on this experience, I’m reminded of the broader issue of corporate strategies that fail to grasp the intricacies of human interactions and the real-world environments in which these policies are deployed. As I engage with the real world and consider their perceptions of such corporate interventions, it becomes increasingly clear that there is a disconnect. Many people outside these settings are unaware of the complexities and dangers potentially lurking behind seemingly beneficial corporate policies.
This realisation calls for a more nuanced approach to corporate strategy in healthcare settings, one that prioritises the safety and well-being of all parties involved, particularly those on the front lines. It’s about finding a balance that respects the needs of the patients while ensuring the security and support of the healthcare providers. In essence, this is a call for empathy, understanding, and, most importantly, a commitment to real and meaningful engagement with the realities on the ground.
It’s not about choosing sides but rather about choosing the Earth, time and again, with every decision we make. Only by recognising the value in both traditional wisdom and innovative technologies can we hope to find holistic solutions to the pressing environmental issues of our time.
Image Source unknown
As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, it’s clear that the environmental decisions we make are more significant than ever. Recently, an image circulating online has sparked a conversation about the perceived dichotomy between traditional agricultural practices and modern renewable energy solutions. The image juxtaposes cattle farming against a vast array of solar panels, with a provocative caption that criticises choosing one over the other. This serves as a stark reminder of how the environmental discourse is often riddled with oversimplifications.
Understanding the Complexity
Firstly, it’s essential to acknowledge that environmental issues are not a monolith; they are as diverse as the ecosystems of our planet. Traditional practices like cattle herding have evolved over thousands of years and are woven into the cultural fabric of many societies, including Australia’s. These practices can be sustainable and in harmony with nature when managed correctly.
Conversely, the spread of solar panels across landscapes signifies humanity’s leap towards addressing climate change. This modern solution to our energy needs represents a crucial step towards reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. However, the production, installation, and disposal of solar technology also have environmental footprints that must be addressed.
The Need for a Balanced Dialogue
Constructive discourse should avoid casting aspersions on one method in favour of another. Rather than creating divisions, our focus should be on how traditional and modern practices can complement each other. In Australia, for instance, there is potential in integrating solar technology with agriculture to create a synergistic relationship that benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment.
Innovation Within Tradition
On the traditional front, there are numerous ways to enhance sustainability, such as regenerative agriculture, which revitalises soil health and sequesters carbon. Livestock can play a role in these systems, with managed grazing mimicking the natural movements of wild herds to promote ecological balance.
Modern Solutions for Present-Day Problems
On the innovation side, we must continue to advance in the development of renewable energy sources. The goal is to make them more efficient, less resource-intensive, and fully recyclable, thereby reducing their environmental impact. It’s not just about implementing new technologies but also about refining them to coexist sustainably within our environment.
The Way Forward
As Australians, we have a deep connection to our land and a history of pioneering spirit. By embracing both the wisdom of the past and the innovations of the present, we can forge a sustainable path forward. The key lies in our ability to have nuanced, fact-based conversations that lead to actions reflecting the complexity of environmental stewardship.
It’s not about choosing sides but rather about choosing the Earth, time and again, with every decision we make. Only by recognising the value in both traditional wisdom and innovative technologies can we hope to find holistic solutions to the pressing environmental issues of our time.
Empowering the youth to leverage technology in building a disaster-resilient world.
Our world is no stranger to natural disasters—each year, they become more unpredictable and challenging. In these trying times, the fusion of young minds and innovative technology brings a beacon of hope. This very synergy is the cornerstone of my blog today and the core of our mission at Champions4Change.
As part of this inspirational journey, we’ve embarked on an exciting venture, we are inviting young people to design and develop technology solutions specifically aimed at natural disaster management. The vitality and fresh perspective they bring to the table are unmatched, and when steered towards the creation of resilient frameworks, the potential for impact is vast.
Educate, Equip, Empower
Our approach is threefold. First, we educate. By instilling a keen awareness of the need for emergency preparedness across the Australian population, we lay a foundation for change. But awareness alone is not enough. That’s why we equip. Providing the tools and knowledge to harness technology effectively means that when disasters strike, our communities are not just alert, but ready.
Finally, we empower. Conversation is a powerful tool for change. By teaching our young innovators how to engage with a diverse range of people across the technology adoption curve, we ensure that the solutions we create are accessible and understood by all, from tech-savvy enthusiasts to those who may be more hesitant about new technologies.
Building a Resilient Tomorrow
Our initiative is more than just an educational program—it’s a commitment to shaping a future where technology is a steadfast ally against the whims of nature. From AI-driven disaster prediction models to mobile apps that provide real-time updates during emergencies, the potential to enhance disaster preparedness and response is limitless.
By tapping into the creativity and dynamism of the youth, we not only develop innovative solutions but also foster a new generation of leaders—ones who understand the power of technology and its potential to safeguard communities.
This blog is a tribute to their efforts, a chronicle of our journey together, and an invitation to you, the reader, to join us in this critical conversation. For as we look to the horizon, it is clear that our collective resilience lies in the hands of those who dare to dream and do—our youth.
Let’s inspire, innovate, and integrate technology for a safer, more resilient tomorrow.
Addendum: Future-Focused Technology and Climate Resilience
As we delve into the realm of technological advancements and their applications, it’s fascinating to observe the diverse interests and areas of focus that enthusiasts prioritise. From the integration of AI in daily operations to the emphasis on energy-efficient solutions and beyond, these developments reflect a drive towards a more connected and efficient tomorrow.
However, amidst these innovations, there is a notable silence on technologies directly addressing the increasing frequency and severity of extreme climatic events. This gap may suggest that our collective tech enthusiasm is more attuned to the immediate and tangible benefits rather than the long-term and, arguably, more existential challenge of climate change and its associated disasters.
Is our technological vision too shortsighted, fixated on the present at the potential expense of our future? It’s a question worth pondering as we champion the breakthroughs of today. Shouldn’t the measure of our technological progress also be reflected in how well we’re preparing to face the uncertainties of tomorrow?
The recent discussions and wish lists of tech updates from industry experts and publications like MIT Technology Review and Technology Magazine are indeed impressive and futuristic, but they often lack a focus on disaster management technology, which is critical considering our current environmental trajectory (Technology Review) (Technology Magazine).
This oversight may not be from a lack of interest but could stem from the complexity of predicting and managing extreme climatic events. It’s also possible that the development of such technologies is lagging behind more commercially attractive innovations.
Nonetheless, this should serve as a wake-up call to steer some of our best minds and resources towards innovating for climate resilience. As we continue to marvel at and benefit from the rapid pace of technological advancement, we must also direct our gaze forward, anticipating and preparing for the climatic challenges that lie ahead.
When the news broke of Samantha Mostyn’s appointment as Australia’s next Governor-General, it wasn’t just a win for gender equality or a nod to her illustrious career; it was a moment of recognition for every Australian who believes in diversity, inclusion, environmental stewardship, and social justice. If there’s anyone who embodies the spirit of what it means to be Australian, across every socio-economic background, it’s Samantha Mostyn.
Mostyn’s career spans across a broad spectrum of fields including sports, the arts, gender equality, and business, showcasing her versatility and commitment to societal improvement. Her leadership roles, such as being the first woman appointed to the Australian Football League (AFL) Commission and her advocacy for women’s inclusion at every level of the game, underline her pioneering spirit.
Her significant contributions have also been recognised with an Order of Australia in 2021, for distinguished service to business, sustainability, and the community, particularly through her work in advancing gender equality and environmental sustainability. Beyond her AFL involvement, Mostyn has led and served on various boards including the Sydney Theatre Company, The Australian Museum, and as a founding supporter and chair of the women’s climate action group, 1 Million Women.
Mostyn doesn’t just stand for the ideals we hold dear; she actively works towards manifesting them. As the Chair of the Foundation for Young Australians, she is at the helm of an organisation dedicated to empowering the youth of Australia, helping them access the resources, tools, upskilling, and connections needed to make a positive impact and drive change.
Moreover, her leadership extends to other significant organisations such as Aware Super, Australians Investing in Women, and Ausfilm, to name a few. Her roles emphasise her commitment to fostering a sustainable future, supporting women’s economic opportunities, and promoting the arts.
Mostyn’s approach to leadership and advocacy mirrors the Australian ethos of “fair go” – everyone deserves an opportunity, and every voice matters. Her work spans the breadth of Australian society, from championing the rights of young Australians to pushing for gender equality, from advocating for mental health through her work with Beyond Blue to emphasising sustainability and environmental stewardship.
As Australians, we pride ourselves on our diversity, our sense of community, and our relentless pursuit of equality and justice. Samantha Mostyn not only represents these values; she amplifies them through her actions and leadership. Her appointment as Governor-General isn’t just deserved; it’s a testament to the impact one individual can have in championing the cause of the many.
In Samantha Mostyn, we don’t just have a figurehead; we have a role model, an advocate, and a leader who reflects the best of what it means to be Australian. Whether you’re from the city or the bush, whether your concerns are for the planet or for social justice, Samantha Mostyn’s appointment is a reminder that these are not just values to aspire to; they are principles to live by. And if that isn’t every Australian, then I don’t know who is.
It’s time for our fields to be as colourful as our cities, with every hue representing a step towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Australians. 🌾🌏
Australia prides itself on being a melting pot of cultures, with one in three Australians born overseas, making it one of the most multicultural countries globally. This diversity is celebrated in cities like Sydney, where the cosmopolitan buzz is palpable, and the faces you see reflect a world of heritage and stories. However, this rich tapestry of diversity seems to unravel when we step into the vast fields of Australian agriculture.
The sector, which is a backbone of the Australian economy, appears to be painted with a monochromatic brush—predominantly Caucasian. This lack of diversity in agriculture is not just a social issue; it’s an economic one too. With the world moving towards a more inclusive future, how does Australian agriculture address its ‘white problem’?
The Current Landscape
Recent reports indicate that only about 11% of agricultural workers come from culturally diverse backgrounds, and a mere 1% identify as Indigenous. This is starkly different from the overall Australian workforce, where cultural diversity is much more prevalent. The question arises: why is there such a disparity?
Barriers to Diversity
Several factors contribute to this imbalance. There’s the historical context of land ownership and farming being passed down through generations of predominantly white families. Then there’s the rural setting of most farms, which may not be as appealing to those used to urban environments. Additionally, there are barriers to entry such as access to capital, knowledge of farming practices, and even outright discrimination.
Steps Towards Inclusion
However, all is not bleak. Initiatives are underway to increase diversity in Australian agriculture. For instance, the National Farmers’ Federation’s Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program aims to close the gender gap and bring more women into the fold. Moreover, there are calls for action to raise gender diversity in agriculture to 50%, with COVID-19 having opened up more flexible work options.
The Benefits of Diversity
Embracing diversity can lead to a plethora of benefits for the agricultural sector. A diverse workforce brings in new perspectives, ideas, and solutions to problems. It can lead to innovation in agricultural practices and open up new markets. Moreover, it reflects the multicultural reality of Australia’s consumer base.
The Road Ahead
For Australian agriculture to truly reflect the nation’s diversity, concerted efforts are needed from all stakeholders. This includes government policies that support multiculturalism in rural areas, education and training programs that are accessible to a diverse range of people, and a shift in industry culture to be more welcoming and inclusive.
As Australia continues to grow as a multicultural nation, its agriculture sector has the opportunity to lead by example. By addressing its ‘white problem’, the sector can ensure it remains sustainable, competitive, and vibrant—just like the country it feeds.
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