“Wizards” to the rescue: La Trobe’s smoke sensors shield vineyards from bushfire smoke

In a move that could save Australia’s wine industry millions, La Trobe University has unveiled an innovative smoke sensor dubbed the “Wizard.” The device is specifically designed to protect vineyards from the devastating effects of bushfire smoke. Deployed across the Grampians, these Wine Industry Smoke Detectors (WISDs) are already making waves. Historically, vineyard owners have…

Premier Malinauskas urges GFG’s Gupta to address financial obligations amid concerns for Whyalla steelworks

Premier Peter Malinauskas has issued a stern warning to GFG Alliance’s Sanjeev Gupta, urging transparency and immediate action on overdue financial commitments as concerns mount over the future of the Whyalla Steelworks in South Australia. Amid reports of significant arrears in royalties and payments to contractors, the Premier emphasised the need for Gupta to prioritise…

Mulford Plastics expands Melbourne facility to boost production and market reach

Mulford Plastics, renowned for its Laserlite Building Products, is set to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Dandenong, Melbourne. This strategic move aims to enhance production capacity and strengthen its market presence across Victoria and beyond. Perry Pericleous, Managing Director at Mulford Plastics, highlighted Melbourne’s strategic importance, noting its robust customer base and excellent connectivity as…

Biome teams up with FaBA to supercharge probiotic innovation

Biome Australia Limited (ASX: BIO) has secured a co-investment partnership with Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA). This collaboration, backed by $50 million in federal funding through the Department of Education’s Trailblazer Program, is set to turbocharge the development of Biome’s cutting-edge probiotic strain, Lactobacillius plantarum BMB18. Biome’s partnership with FaBA isn’t just about funding—it’s…

Oceania Glass enters voluntary administration amid financial review

Oceania Glass, a leading Australian architectural glass manufacturer based in Dandenong, Victoria, has entered voluntary administration as of February 4. Grant Thornton Australia partners Lisa Gibb, Said Jahani and Matt Byrnes have been appointed as Joint and Several Voluntary Administrators to oversee the process. Specialising in float glass, coated glass and laminated glass, Oceania Glass…

Bespoke Manufacturing Group acquires Metalcraft and Bott Storage Systems

Bespoke Manufacturing Group (BMG) has announced the successful acquisition of Metalcraft and Bott Storage Systems Australia & New Zealand. According to the company, the strategic acquisition will significantly enhance BMG’s capabilities, capacity and market presence, and aligns seamlessly with BMG’s existing portfolio, which includes Bespoke Aluminium, Key Manufacturing, Metalcraft Manufacturing, Bott Storage Systems Australia &…

Oly Homes delivers future-ready housing for seniors in Thallon

Sunshine Coast-based Oly Homes has delivered two purpose-built modular homes designed for seniors in the Thallon community of South West Queensland. The project is part of the Queensland Government’s Quickstarts Queensland initiative, which aims to provide accessible housing solutions for ageing residents in regional areas. This project follows Oly Homes’ previous work, including the delivery…