Strictly Embargoed until 1am Tues Dec 17 - AIHW REPORT: THE WELLBEING OF AUSSIE KIDS VARIES BY FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES AND WHERE THEY LIVE Children in Australia are generally happy, healthy and safe, according to a new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). But children’s experiences and outcomes can vary depending on where they live and their families’ circumstances. | | THE GREAT AUSSIE BUTTERFLY HUNT Australians are being asked to join a national butterfly hunt, armed with their phones and a specially designed app, as we attempt to dramatically increase our understanding of these beautiful creatures. Compared to other animals, such as birds, our knowledge of Australia’s butterflies is lagging well behind … but the citizen science campaign aims to change all that. A report in the latest issue of leading science publication COSMOS outlines the aims of the ‘Butterflies Australia Project’ and explains how you can do your bit to help fill the many gaps we currently have. |
| AUSTRALIA – GETTING LOST IN THE GREAT UNKNOWN - A RACE AGAINST TIME FOR OUR PRECIOUS FLORA AND FAUNA It’s a mind boggling concept, but 70-percent of Australia’s flora and fauna remains unknown. Last year 1,000 new species were named, but those on the frontline – the taxonomists – know that thousands more will vanish before they can find them. It is a race against time, and one that matters to our economy and potentially our own health as individuals. But unfortunately, taxonomists themselves are under threat. |
| THE 'BIG BANG” ABOUT FIREWORKS IN 2019 We are moving into the festive season and that means fireworks. But the recent bushfires has seen a significant shift in our attitude towards the normally much-anticipated pyro blast of shock and awe. As the debate continues about the appropriateness (as well as the need) of such celebrations, leading science magazine COSMOS has delved even further into the subject – explaining not only how they came to be invented, but the materials they use (not always environmentally friendly) to create the extraordinary displays that they do.
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