Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Remote control for space incubator applications close on Friday.

Applications close on Friday for a national program launched last month to incubate innovative Australian SMEs and “scale-ups” into the global space industry. The Robotics, Automation & Remote Asset Control For Space And Earth Incubator is aimed at companies keen to scale, that have solutions with possible application in multiple sectors and have potential to grow locally and create exports. Successful applicants receive support valued at $25,000, and including “introductions to large clients, mentoring, market engagement, profile raising, staff development, export readiness & international introductions.” More information can be found at this link.

SEA Electric adds another director

Electric mobility company SEA Electric has appointed John MacLeod to its board of directors. MacLeod is CEO digital media and technology company Rivet360 and “brings to SEA Electric unique insight into cutting-edge practices from an impressive body of work” according to his new employer. “SEA Electric is in a privileged position in being able to attract industry leaders from across a wide range of sectors, and that combined knowledge pool is continuing to fuel our innovations,” said said Tony Fairweather, SEA Electric Founder and CEO. “We now have a truly global presence, with products deployed across seven countries, which now includes India, while our established bases in countries such as the USA and Australia are currently being significantly expanded.”

Bernadette Murdoch joins CSL

Biotech company CSL has announced Bernadette Murdoch to lead its global Reputation Management Center of Excellence (CoE) within the Corporate Affairs & Communications function, effective November. Murdoch will be based in Parkville and, among her responsibilities, coordinate media relations in Australia. The new appointee joins CSL after working at miner Rio Tinto since 2017, where she is currently Global Head, Reputation & Brand. “Building and protecting CSL’s reputation has never been more important with our new branding now launched,” said CSL’s Chief Communications & Brand Officer Anthony Farina. “Bernadette will provide demonstrated leadership in the formulation, development and implementation of reputation management strategies — assuring CSL continues to foster its strong reputation with key stakeholders around the world, including in our headquarters community of Australia.”

Taylors Shiraz named best wine in the world

South Australian winemaker Taylors Wines has announced that its Taylors Estate Shiraz 2020 (pictured) has been named best wine in the world at the annual VINUS International Wine & Spirits Competition in Argentina. The wine, which retails for $22 a bottle, is said to have ‘a beautiful aroma of dark plum, red currant, cherry fruit notes, and subtle chocolate and oak-derived spice’. Managing Director Mitchell Taylor said: “It’s a special day at the winery when we receive news about an international trophy win, but to receive three major prizes – that’s something else. We’re particularly excited that our Estate Shiraz – a wine we’ve produced since our very first vintage in the early 70s – was recognised as the wine of show against entrants from all over the world.” The Clare Valley winery also received prizes for White Wine Champion for its St Andrews Chardonnay 2021, Best Australian Wine for the Estate Shiraz 2020, and Best Series of Five Wines in a Competition.

Defence incubator planned for Elizabeth

Melbourne property developer Ross Pelligra is planning a defence industry focused incubator development for a site in the Adelaide satellite city of Elizabeth. He plans an eight-storey, $80 million office building of 5,000 square metres designed to attract entrepreneurial startups. The site owned by the City of Playford is near the Mawson Lakes technology industry precinct. Pelligra also plans an indoor ice sports arena and sports court and gymnasium for the area, best known for its former GMH automotive plant.

Noxopharm publishes pre-clinical anti-cancer results

Biotech company Noxopharm has announced what it says are “encouraging new preclinical data” from a long-term collaboration with UNSW Sydney on a “dual cell” approach to killing both cancer cells and their barrier cells. The results were reported this week at the American Association of Cancer  Research (AACR) Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer held place in Boston. Noxopharm conducted an 18-month study with UNSW, testing a new drug known as CRO-67. Tumour cells decreased by up to 85 per cent and barrier cells reduced by up to 87 per cent in samples taken from six patients treated who had tumours surgically removed, compared against untreated controls. “It is still early days and there is a lot of work we need to do, but we are on an exciting path,” said CEO Dr Gisela Mautne. “The market for pancreatic cancer drugs is sizeable and clearly underserved, which  presents a valuable opportunity for Noxopharm.”  

Picture: Taylors Wines