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UniSQ Tech Could Transform Agriculture On Earth

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UniSQ Tech Could Transform Agriculture On Earth

Growing And Testing Plants In Space

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is leading an out-of-this-world project to test machine vision technology for plant monitoring in space, which could provide vital clues to address food security challenges on Earth.
The technology uses an AI algorithm developed by Associate Professor Cheryl McCarthy from the UniSQ Centre for Agricultural Engineering to detect early signs of plant stress using regular camera footage well before it becomes visible to the naked eye or traditional methods and optimise growth.

The project builds on previous UniSQ research, which pioneered plant monitoring algorithms. The technology can monitor plant stress using regular camera footage, making its applications far-reaching.

The importance of testing plant health in space using machine vision technology is the unique data that will be provided from the harsh extraterrestrial conditions.

“Machine vision can play a crucial role in future food production systems,” Associate Professor McCarthy said. “The project will capture images of plants as they grow in space to monitor their health and development. Our goal is to detect early signs of stress and explore how this technology can be adapted for commercial farming on Earth.”

The iLAuNCH Trailblazer-backed initiative unites several industry and research partners, including Axiom Space, the University of Adelaide, Yuri, and Medicinal Harvest.

iLAuNCH Trailblazer Executive Director Darin Lovett said the project would position Australia at the forefront of space agriculture technology. “We are excited to help facilitate a project with such important potential outcomes,” he said. “It is vital work that could lead to innovative solutions that bridge space exploration and terrestrial food security.”

The project is targeted to take place in 2026.

Medicinal Harvest Director Tracey Perez said the machine vision technology also had the potential to greatly improve how medicinal plants are cultivated and monitored. “We are excited to be testing the machine vision technology developed at UniSQ in our Medicinal Harvest indoor cultivation facility in Queensland,” she said. “The ability to detect subtle changes in plant health as early as possible is vital to ensuring high-quality yields and more resilient plants.”

Read more about the work happening at UniSQ’s Centre for Agricultural Engineering and the iLAuNCH Trailblazer.

Submitted by:
Kavanna Trewavas,
Email: kavanna.trewavas@unisq.edu.au,

 

 

UniSQ Tracks Re-entry Of Space Capsule Over South Australia

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UniSQ Tracks Re-entry Of Space Capsule Over South Australia

A University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) research team led by Associate Professor Fabian Zander has returned from a mission to capture the re-entry of Varda Space Industries W-2 hypersonic re-entry capsule and its parent spacecraft over South Australia, gaining critical data to enhance understanding of atmospheric re-entry.

The W-2 capsule touched down at 1.02am local time on Friday last week after spending 45 days in orbit. The mission was undertaken in partnership with Southern Launch, which managed the re-entry and recovery of the capsule along with a team from Varda, which is based in El Segundo, California.

The W-2 capsule carried a spectrometer built by the US Air Force Research Laboratory and employed a heatshield developed in collaboration with NASA. The capsule also carried Varda’s expanded pharmaceutical reactor, which enables the production of lifesaving medicine in space.

Combining airborne and ground-based observations, the UniSQ team tracked the re-entry. The team is working to refine models that predict how space objects break apart and where they land – essential knowledge for ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities.

A ground-based observation group led by Dr Andrew Lock and an airborne observation led by Associate Professor Zander made up the UniSQ observation team. The ground-based observations were positioned at two locations in South Australia, approximately 125km apart.

The teams focused on the high-precision tracking of the capsule and provided the trajectory data and expected landing location to Southern Launch to retrieve the capsule.UniSQ’s airborne observation experts, Associate Professor Zander (pictured) and Dr Byrenn Birch observed the W-2 capsule and spacecraft re-entry from a private jet outfitted with high-resolution cameras and scientific sensors.“Capturing a re-entry event in real time provides a rare opportunity to validate and enhance the scientific models that predict how spacecraft and space debris behave when returning to Earth,” Associate Professor Zander said. “This mission is part of a broader UniSQ research effort focused on the measurement of high-speed atmospheric events, including controlled and uncontrolled space debris re-entries, hypersonic test vehicle flights, and rocket launches.”

“The data collected supports the development of safer, more efficient space technologies and contributes to global efforts to manage space junk.”

The research has real-world applications, from helping space agencies predict where debris will land to improving the design of spacecraft that need to survive re-entry. The observation was made possible through funding from the UniSQ-led iLAuNCH Trailblazer program.

Learn more about the UniSQ Hypersonics and Rocketry Group.

Submitted By:
Chris Walker,
Email: chris.walker@unisq.edu.au

 

Shingles Awareness Week (24 Feb – 2 Mar)

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Shingles Awareness Week (24 Feb – 2 Mar)

New research reveals gaps in Aussie risk knowledge: It’s estimated that by the age of 40, more than 97% of Australians carry the inactive virus that causes shingles from a previous chickenpox infection.

The virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles.

However, alarming new research reveals over a quarter (26%) of Australians aged 50-79 do not recall previously having chickenpox and are at risk of shingles, without being aware of this risk.

In fact, over a third (36%) of Aussies don’t know that one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime, and over a quarter (26%) don’t believe adults over 50 are likely to develop shingles.

Whilst it  isn’t life-threatening, it can be very painful. Shingles can occur anywhere on your body. It typically looks like a single stripe of blisters that wraps around the left side or the right side of your torso.

Vaccines can help lower the risk of shingles. Early treatment may shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia. This is a painful condition that causes shingles pain for a long time after your blisters have cleared.

Whether you have a history of chickenpox or not, everyone 50 years or older should receive a shingles vaccine unless otherwise discussed with your healthcare provider. Adults under age 50 who are immuno-compromised may also be eligible.

Protect yourself and others around you from shingles by getting both doses of the shingles vaccine. This Shingles Awareness Week, talk to your healthcare provider today about scheduling your two vaccination appointments.

 

2025 Toowoomba Hospice Business Luncheon

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2025 Toowoomba Hospice Business Luncheon

Toowoomba Hospice is excited to announce its 3rd Annual Toowoomba Hospice Luncheon, taking place on Friday, 28th February 2025, from 12pm to 3pm at the Royal Hotel Toowoomba, proudly sponsored by Power Tynan.

Toowoomba Hospice Chairman Graham Barron OAM and Kerry Betros AM celebrate over 20 years of the Toowoomba Hospice providing end-of-life care to the terminally ill.

Business Manager Mr. Mark Munro shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to host this event again and are excited to welcome Mr. Kerry Betros AM as our guest speaker. Mr. Betros is well-known in the Toowoomba community and is synonymous with business, banking, and community engagement.”

Ms. Amanda Kenafake, CEO and Executive Director of Power Tynan, expressed her support: “As a local business, we believe in supporting local charities. When Mark approached me about sponsoring this event, I was more than happy to help raise funds for such a vital cause.”

The luncheon will feature a Welcome drink on arrival, kindly sponsored by Hot Property, followed by a 2-course meal. The ticket price is $85.00, and tickets are now available at https://shorturl.at/TMeQs. Limited tickets are available, so be sure to get yours quickly—only 60 spots are available!

In addition to the delicious food and insightful presentation, attendees will have the chance to win exciting prizes, including a Lucky Door Prize, a Business Card Draw, and a Money Board prize featuring 2 tickets to the Toowoomba Hospice Annual Race Day.

Mr. Munro also shared his gratitude for the ongoing support from the local community: “We are incredibly proud of the ongoing support from the Toowoomba and Darling Downs communities, which enables us to provide free end-of-life care to over 2,100 clients and their families. Our services are based on mutual respect, trust, and individual needs, and we are deeply grateful for nearly 22 years of continued support.”

Join us for an inspiring and enjoyable afternoon in support of this important cause!

For more details and to secure your tickets,
visit: https://shorturl.at/TMeQs

Submitted by:
Mark Munro
Business Manager
Toowoomba Hospice
www.toowoombahospice.org.au

Garden Competition Entering New Chapter With Toowoomba Hospital Foundation

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Garden Competition Entering New Chapter With Toowoomba Hospital Foundation

For 75 years, the Chronicle Garden Competition has been at the heart of Toowoomba’s iconic floral celebrations, bringing the community together to showcase the creativity, dedication, and passion of local gardeners. Today, we’re thrilled to announce a new chapter in this beloved tradition — one that will ensure its legacy continues to bloom for generations to come.

The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation (THF) is proud to announce that it will be taking over the ownership of the beloved Garden Competition from The Chronicle.

Following six months of careful discussions, THF is excited to continue the legacy of this event while preserving its core traditions. The Chronicle will remain a major partner, with familiar faces continuing to play key roles in delivering this iconic competition.“Transferring ownership of our beloved Chronicle Garden Competition to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation really showcases the Chronicle’s commitment to giving back to our community. We are extremely proud to assist with raising much needed funds for the Hospital Foundation, in particular the Regional Cancer Centre,” said Erika Brayshaw, General Manager at The Chronicle.

Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO Alison Kennedy emphasised that THF’s involvement is about safeguarding the future of the competition, not changing what makes it special.  “Our role is to support and sustain this event, not change it. The Chronicle Garden Competition has always been about our community; the talented gardeners who make our city bloom. That remains the driving force behind this event, and always will.”

With ongoing support from the Chronicle, the event’s format and structure will remain unchanged. THF will bring new energy and additional resources to continue elevating the competition while ensuring it remains accessible, inclusive, and a celebration of our region’s gardening excellence.

The Chronicle Garden Competition will remain free to entrants. As in previous years, the gardeners may ask for donations upon entry to their beautiful gardens, but this is optional.

Submitted By:
Melinda Bond
Media & Communications Officer
melinda@toowoombahospitalfoundation.org.au
Toowoomba Hospital Campus, Pechey St

Concert At St Lukes Anglican Church, Toowoomba

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Concert At St Lukes Anglican Church, Toowoomba
The 10 singers herald from leading cathedral and parish choirs in Queensland, having sung overseas as well,  are selected for their expertly trained voices.

On Saturday, 14th September at 2pm, One Equal Music  performed Maurice Durufle’s timeless Requiem, an iconic piece of choral music with its beauty and solemnity to be enjoyed in the grandeur of St Luke’s.

One Equal Music is Brisbane’s renowned professional choral ensemble with a repertoire spanning from early vocal music to living composers.  The co-directors Tom Holownia and Eleanor Adeney are a husband and wife duo, having worked extensively as professional choral singers, musicians and conductors in Australia and the UK.

More info about our concerts & activities can be found here: https://www.oneequalmusic.org/concerts

In 2024 One Equal Music is proudly presented 9 major concerts including recording their first album and embarklng on their first rural tour presenting concerts in Stanthorpe, Warwick and Toowoomba. They are also launching an emerging artist program to foster the next generation of choral singers in Brisbane and understudy their principal One Equal Music Artists.

Submitted By:
Lyndy Atkinson
for and on behalf of:
One Equal Music

National Threatened Species Day

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National Threatened Species Day

On September 7th, National Threatened Species Day, we unite to remember and reflect on the loss of the last known Tasmanian tiger in 1936. This day serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of our ecosystems and the urgent need to protect Australia’s unique wildlife from further extinction.We stand united in support of animal welfare, recognizing the efforts of global organizations such as PETA, (https://www.peta.org.au/) WWF (https://www.worldwildlife.org/), and other international organizations in advocating for the protection of all creatures. These agencies have actively promoted movements in combating animal cruelty, promoting conservation, and raising awareness to protect animals.

In Australia, environmental NGOs such as Animals Australia (https://animalsaustralia.org/) and the Australian Conservation Foundation (https://www.acf.org.au/what-is-threatened-species-day) continue to educate the public about wildlife animals for their safety and harmonious existence. Through advocacy, education, and direct intervention with local councils, these groups work relentlessly to protect animals from habitat destruction.

Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc. (Australia) - www.hopeaustralia.org.au  believes in supporting animal welfare in order to move forward for a more sustainable future. Establishing more habitats such as reserves, sanctuaries and national parks, will help protect the lives of endangered species. Protecting endangered species is not just about preserving our natural heritage, it’s about ensuring a sustainable future for all!

Submitted By:
Frank Ondrus,
President – HOPE Inc.,
ph. 07 4639 2135

Queensland Rail And Cobb & Co 100-Year Anniversary

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Queensland Rail And Cobb & Co 100-Year Anniversary

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Cobb & Co Festival, Queensland Rail in collaboration with the Australian Railway Historical Society (ARHS) will be taking festival goers back in time onboard a heritage steam train to Roma, stopping at Miles and Yuelba.

BB18 ¼ Steam Locomotive

Queensland Rail’s Nev Conway said Queensland Rail had a longstanding history with Cobb & Co and was proud to be able to deliver this unique train journey to the South West. For the first time in 10 years, we’re thrilled to be running one of our BB18 ¼ steam trains past Toowoomba to get to this year’s festival,” Mr Conway said.

As well as making a grand entrance for the festival finale, there are two options to travel pulled by this historic engine.

For the first, we’re offering locals the chance to travel between Yuleba and Roma on Sunday 25th August, for the Cob & Co festival’s Family Finale Day. The second option for our Cobb & Co enthusiasts is we’re offering a 3-day package option which departs from Toowoomba on Saturday, 24th August and includes an overnight stay in Miles before stopping at Yuelba and Roma for the festivities.”

Mr Conway said the first Cobb & Co horse drawn coach in Queensland ran from Brisbane to Ipswich on 1 January 1866, and once it arrived at Ipswich, passengers and mail were then transported by rail through to Grandchester which was the end of the rail line at that time. The Cobb & Co coach journey then continued from Grandchester to Toowoomba and by 1900 the company operated 39 routes in Queensland covering 7,750 kilometres, harnessed 9,000 horses and travelled over 31,000 kilometres every week.

The expansion of the rail network opened new areas for Cobb & Co services further west, with Service No. 177 becoming the most famous coach route, running from Yuleba through Surat and on to St George. We’re encouraging the community to giddy up and experience a piece of Queensland’s rich history with train tickets on sale for as little as $58 for adults and $40 for children, depending on where you hop on and off.”

To book tickets visit www.arhs-qld.org.au or for more information about Queensland Rail’s history with Cobb & Co listen to Queensland Rail’s podcast episode 23: Fancy a ‘tale’ about a co-ordinated road/rail ticket, but 160 years ago? (When Cobb & Co coaches used to meet the Queensland Railways).

Submitted By
John Pollard,
Vice-president/Secretary,
Australian Railway Historical Society.

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