A team of researchers from Australia and Pakistan has discovered an allnatural way to extend the shelf life of sugarcane juice – from just 1–3 days to a little over 14. The solution? Microwave-dried extracts of mint and coriander.
Published in Food Safety and Health, the study tackled the long-standing problem of spoilage in sugarcane juice, a popular tropical drink that spoils rapidly due to its high sugar and water content. Synthetic preservatives have been the go-to solution – until now. As public concern grows over carcinogenic chemical additives, this herbal preservation method offers a safer, cleaner alternative.
Lead researcher Zarnab Asif explains that using microwaveassisted drying preserves the herbs’ antimicrobial and antioxidant properties without altering the juice’s natural taste – unlike traditional pasteurization. This results in a longerlasting, better-tasting drink that stays fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks.
The implications are far-reaching: this method is low-cost, scalable, and adaptable to other perishable beverages. It signals a promising shift toward sustainable, clean-label preservation – one that reduces food waste and meets growing consumer demand for natural and versatile products.
Rethinking asymptomatic malaria infections
New research from Monash University is challenging decades-old assumptions about malaria. Long thought to be harmless, asymptomatic cases are now under new scrutiny. A groundbreaking study led by Professor Diana Hansen has revealed that even symptom-free malaria infections can actively weaken the immune system – rather than strengthen it.
With over 263 million cases globally, malaria remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Using cutting-edge systems immunology, Hansen’s team discovered that immune cells critical to fighting infection – especially
monocytes – are disrupted in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Surprisingly, even those without symptoms showed signs of immune suppression, including gene activity linked to inflammation being irregularly shut down.
Published in EMBO Molecular Systems Biology, these findings could reshape global malaria strategies. “Asymptomatic malaria is not as harmless as previously believed,” Hansen said.
The study suggests that ignoring these ‘silent’ infections may hinder not only parasite elimination but also broader immunity and vaccine effectiveness. Up until now, public health efforts have largely prioritised treating symptomatic cases. But this new evidence suggests that ignoring asymptomatic infections could be undermining the fight against the disease.
This research is a critical reminder that what’s invisible isn’t necessarily harmless – and may be silently undermining global eradication efforts.
POWERING PROGRESS, PROTECTING WILDLIFE
Australian Power Equipment (APE) is one of the nation’s fastest-growing suppliers of high-voltage power solutions, serving sectors from mining and tunnelling to renewables, agribusiness and defence. Directors Abby Crawford and Andrew Cockbain have built a business that not only delivers critical infrastructure but also embeds sustainability at its core. By applying circular-economy principles, APE ensures decommissioned equipment is repurposed, reducing waste while driving value for clients. This blend of innovation and responsibility has quickly set the company apart in a highly technical industry.
TOP TO BOTTOM: TIM FAULKNER WITH A BROAD HEADED SNAKE; ANDREW COCKBAIN AND ABBY CRAWFORD
That same philosophy underpins APE’s conservation efforts. For the second year, the company has funded Indigenous Ranger wages in a unique partnership with Aussie Ark to protect one of Australia’s most endangered reptiles: the Broad-Headed Snake.
Found only within 200 kilometres of Sydney, this striking species faces challenges such as habitat loss, predation, and the looming threat of extinction. Aussie Ark, supported by APE, has now achieved a conservation breakthrough: successfully breeding Broad-Headed Snakes in captivity and preparing them for release back into restored sandstone habitats.
Indigenous Rangers—whose roles are sustained by APE’s funding—lead fieldwork in habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and fire impact studies. Their expertise ensures the project blends science, cultural knowledge and on-the-ground management.
For Abby and Andrew, the link between business and conservation is clear. “We work in energy and infrastructure, industries that depend on Australia’s natural resources.
Supporting conservation is part of our responsibility to balance progress with preservation,” Andrew says. This alignment of business growth and environmental stewardship is shaping APE’s legacy. Each refurbished transformer and repurposed cable drum reflects a broader mission:
“Conservation is about ecosystems, communities and future generations. It’s about leaving behind more than we take.”
reducing environmental pressure while supporting community-driven conservation efforts.
As Abby notes: “Conservation is about ecosystems, communities and future generations. It’s about leaving behind more than we take.”
For Aussie Ark, APE’s support is pivotal: “This is true commitment to ensuring the survival of endangered native animals,” its team says.
Looking ahead, APE plans to expand both its market impact and its conservation partnerships—proving that in the right hands, industry can help power progress while protecting Australia’s natural heritage.
TOP TO BOTTOM: BROAD HEADED SNAKE TERRITORY IS JUST 200 KILOMETRES FROM SYDNEY; A BROAD HEADED SNAKE.
Words: Matilda Meikle
Researchers believe that the health of our soil impacts emotions such as romantic love. But how does this work? We’ve broken down everything you need to know!
HERE’S THE LOWDOWN FROM AUSBIZ
A team from Flinders University are testing whether microbes in the soil can impact human microbiota, influencing emotional states such as romantic love.
The review article proposes that the environments around us can change what’s known as the ‘gut-brain axis’ in our bodies. In other words, microbes in the gut shape hormones and key neurotransmitters in the brain, changing how we process emotions commonly associated with love.
LET’S GET TO THE CRUX OF THE MATTER
The recent review article, published in mSystems: Microbial Ecology & Evolution, is only a hypothesis for now, but could have a real-world impact once further trials have been carried out.
Lead researchers began the project because they wanted to see if they could make a connection between soil health and emotional regulation. The theory centres around the human endocrine system, which is the group of glands that create and release hormones. These hormones then deliver messages to the body about mood, metabolism, growth, sexual
development, sleep and stress.
Wondering which glands and organs belong to the endocrine system? Your thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas and ovaries, just to name a few.
The researchers believe that the endocrine system is influenced by gut health, which is in turn influenced by environmental factors including soil health. The relationship between an individual’s gut microbiome and their endocrine system can alter loveassociated emotions including lust, attraction and attachment.
This hypothesis has already been tested with animals, where scientists found that a particular soil microbe, Mycobacterium vaccae, shaped social bonding, sexual preferences, and stress-related behaviours, but there is limited information available on how this works in humans.
If the connection between these systems is confirmed in future studies, it could open the door to microbiomecentred strategies which tackle mental health and wellbeing concerns.
Previous research has found that healthy soil supports vegetation growth, improves air quality, buffers noise, and moderates temperature. These contribute to a stable and safe environment, which in turn impacts our nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.
On the other hand, soil degradation can increase unhealthy airborne particles and restrict the air quality,
“Previous research has found that healthy soil supports vegetation growth, improves air quality, buffers noise, and moderates temperature.”
THIS PAGE: SOIL COULD IMPACT THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS; SPENDING TIME IN NATURE HELPS THE STRESS-REGULATION SYSTEMS IN OUR BODIES
resulting in a knock-on effect that possibly impacts mental wellbeing.
MEET A PRO WHO CAN SHED MORE LIGHT
Dr Jake Robinson is a lead researcher from Flinders University College of Science and Engineering biology. He is also the author of several nature ecology books, including Invisible Friends and Treewilding.
We sat down with him to discuss this fascinating study, and learn more about why protecting soil health is so important.
Can you explain the influence of soil on human hormonal pathways? Well, from a sensory perspective, soils support all the above-ground nature that we love.
For example, when we spend time in a forest, the diverse shapes, sounds and smells influence the endocrine and stress-regulation systems in our bodies. These systems also shape our gut microbiomes – the collection of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses) that play key roles in keeping us healthy. Our gut microbes, which are shaped by our environments, influence the production and activity of our hormones (e.g., oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, testosterone and oestrogens) and may therefore change our emotions and behaviours without us realising.
How might soil impact areas of romantic love in humans?
This is an unanswered question, but a good one! One hypothesis is that our gut microbiome is colonised by soil microbes, especially if we’re in constant contact with healthy soils. Gut microbes influence hormones associated with romantic love, attachment, lust and attraction. Therefore, regular exposure to soils may shape emotions and behaviours associated with love.
From a bigger picture perspective, healthy soils provide healthy food plants, which help to maintain our physical and mental health. In turn, this influences aspects of our relationships. It’s all interconnected!
Why is it important to protect the health of our soil?
Between 55 and 99 percent of Earth’s species live in soil ecosystems. Soils are teeming with organisms that shape ecosystems, climate, and even human health. But, sadly, around 75 percent of global soils are currently affected by degradation, due to unsustainable agriculture, pollution, and erosion.
Our food systems and resources depend on healthy soils, so we need to be doing more to protect them.
Are there other avenues of soil research you are hoping to pursue in the future?
We are currently researching soil ecoacoustics and ‘sonic restoration’. This essentially means we use special audio equipment to listen to the metaphorical heartbeat of the soil (the
THIS PAGE: DR JAKE ROBINSON, LEAD RESEARCHER FROM FLINDERS UNIVERSITY
“We are also applying sound waves to soil microbes to help them grow, because fungi and bacteria respond positively to sound! We might be able to use certain sound waves to inhibit pathogenic species.”
vibrations emitted by soil organisms) to monitor the soil’s health. It’s like going to the doctors and having a stethoscope placed on your chest –we’re doing the same for soils. We are also applying sound waves to soil microbes to help them grow, because fungi and bacteria respond positively to sound! We might be able to use certain sound waves to inhibit pathogenic species.
What do you hope the general public takes away from this new research?
I hope they see that soils are vital for life on Earth. I’d also love for the public to gain an awareness
of the soil, gut and mental health connection. More research needs to be completed, but the relationship between these three key biomes could have a major impact on mental health services and environmental protection work in the future.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
CHECK OUT THESE FAQS
How do I keep my endocrine system fit and healthy?
There are many ways to keep your endocrine system at its peak, including regular exercise, proper nutrition (with some treats for good measure), quality sleep, and avoidiance of smoking.
If your family has a history of endocrine system-related conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can help you understand risks and symptoms to look out for.
Does this study mean I need to be spending more time in dirt?
Absolutely not! But staying connected to nature and getting outside will contribute to positive mental and physical health.
Where can I go for more information?
Dr Jake Robinson, lead researcher of the study, regularly uploads interesting resources to his website, jakemrobinson.com. From podcast episodes to academic studies, you will find plenty of incredible resources to help you learn more about soil health. His new book, Invisible Friends, also tackles the complex world of microbes, and how they shape the world.
HOW VISY LOGISTICS IS POWERING AUSTRALIA’S ECONOMIC HEARTLAND
When you think of economic muscle, it’s easy to picture skyscrapers and city boardrooms. However, Australia’s real engine room lies in our regions – in the paddocks, packing sheds, and production lines that keep our country moving.
LOGISTICS WITH A BACKBONE
Visy Logistics has been connecting regional Australia to the world for nearly two decades. Born from the manufacturing roots of Visy (a name synonymous with sustainable packaging and innovation) Visy Logistics was built to support Aussie businesses with smarter and more efficient supply chain solutions. With a rock-solid presence in key regional hubs such as Tumut, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Shepparton, Bendigo and Warracknabeal, Visy Logistics is deeply embedded in the communities that it serves. It’s not
just about moving goods, it’s about fuelling local economies and futureproofing industries.
A GAME-CHANGING HUB IN WAGGA WAGGA
A crucial and central base for Visy Logistics is its Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub, which is a major logistics terminal created in partnership with the Wagga Wagga City Council. This strategic asset provides regional producers direct, flexible access to national and international markets, making it easier and greener to get products where they need to go.
With warehouses close to Port Botany in Sydney and the Port of Melbourne, Visy Logistics’ intermodal and rail services offer slick, cost-effective transport solutions. A sustainable bonus is that by shifting freight from road to rail, emissions are cut, and pressure is eased on regional roads.
LOGISTICS DONE DIFFERENTLY
Visy Logistics isn’t a run-of-themill freight operator. With over 75 years of industry know-how, the solutions-led company brings a customer-first mindset to every project. The promise of ’Logistics Done Differently’ is more than just a catchphrase – it’s a strategic edge that puts customer needs, efficiency, and sustainability front and centre every time.
TAILORED SERVICES FOR REGIONAL BUSINESSES
From bulk freight and intermodal services to global forwarding and metro delivery, Visy Logistics operates across five key divisions – Metropolitan (warehousing & distribution) Linehaul, Intermodal, Global Forwarding, and Bulk warehousing & haulage – each geared towards delivering custom solutions.
The result is an end-to-end logistics network that is lean, smart, and built to scale for any business.
RE-ENGINEERING THE COTTON INDUSTRY’S DISTRIBUTION MODEL
The cotton industry in the Riverina region offers a great case study that’s hard to ignore.
A team at Visy Logistics worked closely with merchants to overhaul the existing supply chain model by running cotton through the RiFL Hub in Wagga Wagga. By re-engineering
the distribution model, handling was reduced and operations were streamlined, ultimately saving on costs and valuable time. Those savings flowed straight back to growers, strengthening the entire local value chain and reinforcing Visy Logistics’ commitment to supporting regional industries of every size.
HAZELDENES IN THE BENDIGO REGION
Visy Logistics also collaborates with Hazeldenes (one of Australia’s premium poultry producers) to deliver stockfeed across Hazeldenes’ network in the Bendigo region, with the operation showcasing how Visy Logistics has implemented smart logistics to provide effective and efficient stockfeed delivery.
The collaboration has resulted in a fruitful outcome, with Visy Logistics demonstrating its agility and resilience in overcoming delivery challenges, and Hazeldenes achieving a scalable bulk
transport solution to support its ambitious growth goals.
QA HAY IN THE VICTORIAN WHEATBELT
Visy Logistics also supports QA Hay in transporting Australian hay from Warracknabeal in Victoria’s wheatbelt to international markets, providing a tailored transport solution that ensures hay quality, road safety, and on-time delivery.
QA Hay purchases different types of hay from Victorian farmers and processes it into high quality hay, while Visy Logistics distributes the premium hay globally.
With all partnerships, Visy Logistics’ goal is to bring smarter, more sustainable freight solutions to even more regional businesses. Tech-driven, community-focused and nationally connected, Visy Logistics is helping regional Australia to thrive, one shipment at a time.
THIS PAGE: MYCOTOXINS NATURALLY OCCUR IN CEREALS,
HOW AI COULD PREVENT DEADLY FOOD POISONING
Artificial intelligence could support the identification and removal of contaminated foods from factories and farms, saving the lives of millions of people each year.
HERE’S THE LOWDOWN FROM AUSBIZ
Researchers have designed an artificial intelligence (AI) program capable of detecting contaminated foods in factories and farms, stopping them from reaching customers and possibly saving more than four million lives every year.
The study, led by the University of South Australia, used advanced hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and machine learning (ML) to target the presence of mycotoxins in food. Mycotoxins are dangerous compounds created by fungi that can contaminate food in the growing, harvesting or storage phase.
The important study was funded by the Federal Government’s Research Training Program.
LET’S GET TO THE CRUX OF THE MATTER
According to the World Health Organisation, mycotoxins are naturally produced by certain types of moulds, growing on food such as cereals, nuts, fruits, and coffee beans. This typically occurs in warm and humid conditions.
Mycotoxins can cause a range of significant health issues, from acute poisoning to immune deficiency and cancer. Foodborne contamination, including from mycotoxins, is responsible for 600 million illnesses and 4.2 million deaths every year.
Some mycotoxins are highly carcinogenic, and cannot be removed from food through cooking, heating, or other typical processing methods.
Research from the UN-based Food and Agricultural Organisation reveals that around 25 per cent of the world’s crops are contaminated by mycotoxinproducing fungi. This highlights a need for greater identification and prevention methods to address the ongoing threat of food-related disease around the world.
Traditional techniques for mycotoxin detection are expensive and destructive, meaning they aren’t suitable for large-scale real-time food processing.
The recent study, published in the journal Toxins, was a collaboration between researchers in Australia, Canada and India. The team tested the effectiveness of HSI in detecting the presence of toxic compounds in cereal grains and nuts, the world’s most produced foods. Both are susceptible to mycotoxin infection at any stage from growth to storage.
Words: Matilda Meikle
NUTS, FRUITS AND COFFEE BEANS.
The team also reviewed over 80 studies into wheat, corn, barley, oats, almonds, peanuts and pistachios. They found that HSI systems routinely detected key mycotoxins at a better rate than conventional technology.
Unlike traditional methods of detecting mycotoxins, the HSI and ML program can work in real time, meaning it could be deployed on handheld devices or in larger-scale processing lines, to reduce the risk of infected foods making it onto supermarket shelves.
MEET A PRO WHO CAN SHED MORE LIGHT
Ahasan Kabir is a UniSA PhD candidate and lead author of the study. He discusses the value of new technology in identifying cases of food contamination, and the real world impacts of this study.
How does HSI help to identify food contamination?
HSI captures an optical footprint of mycotoxins using visible-near infrared and shortwave infrared, which correlate with the chemical properties of different mycotoxins in cereals and nuts. When paired with machine learning algorithms, it rapidly classifies contaminated
grains and nuts based on subtle s pectral variations.
HSI is a technique that captures images with detailed spectral information, allowing us to quickly detect and quantify contamination across entire food samples without destroying them.
TOP TO BOTTOM: AN HSI IMAGING SYSTEM ON A CONVEYOR BELT; MYCOTOXINS OFTEN CONTAMINATE CEREALS AND GRAINS.
How will this technology be implemented in real scenarios?
HSI is most effective when identifying aflatoxin B1, one of the most carcinogenic substances found in food.
This technology offers a scalable, non-invasive solution for industrial food safety, from sorting almonds to inspecting wheat and maize shipments. It can be modified to suit the size of production, ensuring industry-wide protection.
The team is currently working on improving the accuracy and reliability of the software through deep learning and AI. Currently, HSI produces a lot of redundant data, meaning it’s still vital to consider ways of improving data processing.
“Some mycotoxins are highly carcinogenic, and cannot be removed from food through cooking, heating, or other typical processing methods.”
WHAT BUSINESS LEADERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
words: Azadeh Williams
AI agents are cropping up everywhere. From virtual customer service bots to marketing automation tools, tech innovators are racing to launch solutions that promise faster service, smarter decisions and greater adaptability.
“AI agents are poised to become part of everyday life. Google's Gemini helps plan your whole week, while OpenAI's voice assistants manage tasks through natural conversation,” says Jonathan Reeve, Vice President, APAC, Eagle Eye.
“A wave of startups and innovators are already building AI agent solutions for specific business needs, using foundation models from leading providers.”
WILL THE REAL AGENTIC AI PLEASE STAND UP?
Once limited to their own data, agentic AI models can now tap into broader data and capabilities via APIs and protocols such as Model Context Protocol (MCP), creating reliable links to external sources.
But with this evolution comes a lot of confusion.
Experts are calling on the industry to define agentic AI more clearly, to help business leaders cut through all the hype.
“Let’s define it clearly: an agentic AI is one that acts like a true digital agent – setting goals, making decisions, taking action and learning independently,” says Marty Hungerford, Chief Innovation Officer at BRX.
So, what should a true agentic AI be able to do? According to Hungerford, it must meet several criteria:
1. Understand and interpret highlevel goals
2. Plan and decompose tasks completely independently
3. Make decisions under uncertainty
4. Take action across systems without oversight or supervision
5. Self-correct and learn from different feedback
“AI is both a disruptor and an enabler, and no doubt there will be tensions and hurdles along the way.”
“Recently, we built a zero-touch solution that scours the web for the latest AI news, writes a two-person script, generates two AI avatars to perform it, edits the video, and emails it for human review,” he explains.
“All of this happens without intervention. Impressive, yes. But agentic? No. It’s a finely orchestrated automated process linking multiple AI tools, not a self-driven agent. In fact, I’ve yet to encounter any AI that ticks all the boxes above.”
AI ASSISTANTS VS AI AGENTS
There’s a subtle but critical difference between AI assistants and agents, though they’re often used interchangeably.
AI assistants help users with tasks and queries, requiring ongoing input. AI agents, however, are more autonomous – capable of operating and making decisions with minimal or no human direction.
A strong example of an AI assistant comes from Nexxen, a global advertising tech platform. Earlier this
year, the company launched nexAI – the integration of generative AI into their Nexxen Data Platform. This included a UI assistant within Nexxen Discovery, its proprietary insights tool. With nexAI, clients can rapidly turn complex consumer data into actionable audience profiles and campaign plans.
“Our clients are continuing to lean into data and technology to navigate the fragmented media landscape, and nexAI meets this evolving need," says Karim Rayes, Chief Product Officer at Nexxen.
"By integrating AI across our unified platform, and leveraging our existing data to inform these capabilities, we're not just adding features; we're fundamentally transforming the way campaigns are run and inventory is monetised.”
‘CONVERSATIONAL COMMERCE’ VS AI AGENTS
Another buzzword often mentioned in the same breath as agentic AI is conversational commerce.
While related, they serve different purposes. Conversational commerce uses AI-powered chatbots and messaging tools to enhance customer engagement and online shopping. Agentic AI, in contrast, involves more advanced systems that can make autonomous decisions, solve problems and manage workflows.
“Conversational commerce is not just changing how consumers shop; it’s transforming how creative producers build brand experiences,” says Sangeeta Mudnal, Chief Technology Officer of GenAI platform Glu.
“As AI assistants increasingly mediate the relationship between brands and consumers, we're witnessing a profound shift in how creative work is conceptualised, produced, optimised, and delivered. As an example, Glu isn't simply another productivity tool but rather the foundation for the evolution in conversational commerce.”
AGENTIC AI AND CUSTOMER INTERACTIONS
The intersection of AI, retail and marketing is rich with opportunity. Eagle Eye, for instance, has an advanced personalisation engine and predictive systems designed to ingest and process data intelligently.
As AI agents become smarter, they won’t just respond to queries, they’ll make decisions, compare options and even steer users to better offers. This will have a major impact on how retailers reach customers.
“Consider this scenario: a customer asks their AI assistant, ‘Where can I unlock behind-the-scenes content as a member?’ If your program's benefits can't be found and understood by that assistant, you'll be excluded from consideration,” says Reeve.
“AI agents, personal shoppers and deal-hunting assistants will change how brands promote their products and offers. The way large
language models and agents process information will likely lead to a reorganisation of marketing strategies and loyalty structures.”
Sarah Richardson, Founder and Director of The Australian Loyalty Association (ALA), agrees. She believes agentic AI is a game-changer for loyalty and personalisation.
“Agentic AI will be most transformative to the loyalty landscape,” she says. “Having an agent that can answer all your queries with relation to your membership as well as past purchase information helps brands to get on the front foot with customer expectations.
“Emerging technologies such as voice assistants and visual search are also creating new pathways into loyalty ecosystems, so there’s plenty of innovation that AI will bring!”
Billy Loizou, APAC Area Vice President at Amperity, sees a similar transformation unfolding in how brands compete.
“Imagine a world where your next purchase isn't selected solely by you, but by an AI agent acting as your personal shopper,” he says. “Need an autumn outfit? Your AI agent instantly scours online stores, considering your size, style preferences, budget, event theme, and even the weather forecast to deliver perfectly tailored recommendations.”
‘NO HYPE’ AGENTIC AI FOR REAL-WORLD USE
While many AI agents remain theoretical or experimental, some companies are quietly building practical, business-ready solutions.
One example is Pronto Software. The Australian enterprise resource planning and analytics provider has signed a strategic agreement with IBM Australia, integrating IBM’s Watsonx capabilities into the Pronto Xi ERP platform.
“We’re using AI to elevate workers, not replace them,” says Chad Gates, Managing Director at Pronto Software. “Our customers, many of them family-run, mid-sized businesses, can enable staff to act strategically. Pronto Software can work with customers to build and deploy agentic AI that not only
“Imagine a world where your next purchase isn't selected solely by you, but by an AI agent acting as your personal shopper.”
informs, but acts on the information, unlocking real business value without compromising security.”
Another compelling example is RedOwl, a new platform reimagining business transactional workflows through AI and automation.
“AI agents are revolutionising how the modern enterprise operates,” says Jitto Arulampalam, Chief Executive Officer at RedOwl.
“At RedOwl, we have seen AI’s ability to operationalise board mandated governance, compliance and control across the organisation. We also see a future where AI agents are delivering board managed governance and control in real time.”
ARE AUSSIE BRANDS READY FOR AGENTIC AI?
Despite the hype, the reality is that most businesses – especially in Australia – aren’t ready for true AI transformation.
The recent Digital, Marketing & eComm inFocus 2025 report revealed that 75 per cent of surveyed brands felt their eCommerce maturity lags. Only 2.5 per cent believed they were on par with global leaders.
Teresa Sperti, Founder and Director at ArkticFox, says that with digital ‘houses out of order’, many brands may struggle even more as AI disrupts traditional shopping experiences.
“Agentic AI will see machines talking directly to machines to undertake shopping on behalf of consumers and B2B buyers,” she says. “That will completely up-end the shopper journey as we know it, as it means we need to market as much to the machines as we do to shoppers.
“I believe retailers who don't understand where the industry is headed are at risk of extinction within five to ten years, given that the vast majority of product discovery for most categories now starts online.”
Anthony Cipolla, AI Lead at COSOL, sees similar gaps across asset-centric industries. While organisations are interested in AI, many need help navigating the complexity.
“Verticals that rely on Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) are undergoing a revolution whereby traditional high manual effort required by humans to establish and maintain quality digital twins and master data will be rapidly replaced with semi-tofully-autonomous agents,” he says.
“AI is both a disruptor and an enabler, and no doubt there will be tensions and hurdles along the way. Cultural change, mindset and trust will be key factors that organisations either have faced, are facing, or will face along their efforts to modernise with data, AI and automation.”
THE ZAHRA FOUNDATION IS COMMITTED TO EMPOWERING WOMEN IMPACTED BY DOMESTIC ABUSE.
THREE AUSSIE CHARITIES TO SUPPORT AS THE YEAR COMES TO A CLOSE
Words: Matilda Meikle
Whether it's empowering domestic abuse survivors, improving the education of Indigenous youth, or helping farmers to get back on their feet, Australian charities are providing support in all corners of the country. With the end of the year fast approaching, now is the time to give to those in need. Here are three incredible charities deserving of your attention.
THE ZAHRA FOUNDATION
The Zahra Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation supporting women impacted by domestic abuse. It offers free programs, services and education
opportunities focused on financial independence and overall wellbeing for Aussie women.
The Pathways to Empowerment Suite is a series of programs designed for women in domestic abuse situations. EMBARK is an interactive workshop series where women are taught important skills such as financial literacy, budgeting, resume writing and job interview skills. Courses are led by trauma and violence specialists who can also provide information about legal rights and services.
The suite includes the EXPLORE and EMPOWER programs as well, which are held during school hours so mothers don't have to worry about sourcing childcare.
The Zahra Foundation also partners with specialist financial counsellors to provide women impacted by domestic violence with supportive and nonjudgemental services related to debt and financial hardship. Women enrolled in the Financial Counselling Program can also apply for grants that help remove barriers to education, employment and housing.
The Opportunity Knox Grant is designed for women who need assistance in gaining employment and education opportunities. It can help with purchasing school uniforms for children, buying a laptop for study purposes, paying exam and educational fees, and covering the cost of qualifications to enter the workforce.
The organisation hosts regular charity and fundraising events to increase awareness about domestic abuse. It also provides domestic abuse awareness training for corporations wanting to create a safe and inclusive workplace.
Once a month, The Zahra Foundation runs an Open House morning tea. This calm and welcoming environment for women and nonbinary people is full of information from key service providers that support recovery from domestic abuse. It also allows attendants to connect with likeminded people and build a community.
So far, The Zahra Foundation has supported 1,690 program participants to feel economically independent.
GUNAWIRRA
At Gunawirra, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are empowered to build resilience and strength through cultural knowledge. The charity works with preschools across NSW to improve health and educational outcomes for our youngest Aussies.
There are five main programs run through Gunawirra. Clinic on Country brings speech therapists, art therapists and occupational therapists with expertise in intergenerational trauma and Aboriginal culture to preschools in regional areas. As 40 percent of Aboriginal children start school with a communication impairment, this helps them to gain the confidence and skills they need for success.
Yarning Mothers is a group program that stays with mums from pregnancy through to their children starting school, helping them to build relationships with women in similar positions. Five Big Ideas is an early intervention program that helps teachers to cover five important topics
TOP TO BOTTOM:
AUSSIE HELPERS RUN 'BREKKIE IN A BAG' TO SUPPORT RURAL KIDS; GUNAWIRRA TEACHES CHILDREN TO LEARN VIA ART. DONATE HERE
including basic hygiene, nutrition, handling problems at home, identity and the environment. As part of Five Big Ideas, children are also supplied with care packs full of items to help with self care including toothbrushes, bandaids, tissues and sunscreen.
The Journey to Learning program offers pre and primary school children an understanding of Aboriginal art and culture. Developed in consultation with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elder, the session covers Dreamtime stories, traditional tools, the importance of totems, Aboriginal connection to the land, and more.
Finally, Teacher Training is an initiative which helps teachers to understand the impact of intergenerational trauma on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, so they can better support their kids while also focusing on their own self care.
Since its launch, Gunawirra has provided almost 2,200 hours of art therapy, 5,900 care packs, and supported 26 preschools in NSW.
They accept donations to improve the lives of Indigenous children and their families.
AUSSIE HELPERS
Aussie Helpers are on a mission to support farmers and farming communities going through tough times. Whether its financial uncertainty, catastrophic weather events, mental health crises, or biosecurity risks, Aussie Helpers want to ensure that farmers and their families have access to the tools they need.
Aussie Helpers work out of rural community hubs, where farmers can drop in for a chat. It also runs regular farm visits. All staff are certified Mental Health First Aiders, who lend a helping hand to any farmer suffering from mental health concerns. They also connect farmers with additional health services, and provide essentials like animal feed, food hampers, fuel cards and other financial aid for those under economic stress.
Families living on farms can apply
for school fee support, as well as laptops and tutoring for improved educational access. Aussie Helpers also run the Brekkie in a Bag program, which provides rural kids with a nutritious breakfast to offset the current cost of living crisis. At Christmas time, hampers and gifts for kids help bring a smile to their faces.
Farming communities are often hit by droughts, floods, bushfires and loss of industry. Aussie Helpers organise disaster relief programs to help these communities when they need it most. It also runs regular fundraising and community events dedicated to rebuilding local areas after a disaster.
The charity has been advocating for Australian farmers since 2003. In that time, it has helped more than 18,000 farmers, saved over 10,000 livestock, supplied 200,000 litres of water, and gifted more than 575 hampers.
Farmers are invited to drop into any rural office for a chat and a cup of tea. Friendly staff are always happy to organise a delivery of donated supplies, or discuss the next community event.
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AUSSIE HELPERS SUPPORT FARMERS GOING THROUGH TOUGH TIMES.
PLAYING TO LEARN FROM HOME WITH EKINDY
When kindergarten aged children are unable to attend a local service due to distance, travel or medical reasons, eKindy is an option for families to engage in an approved, at-home, comprehensive kindergarten program for their child, under the Queensland Government “Free Kindy” initiative.
Experienced, early childhood teachers teach and support the learning and development of each child, in individualised and group settings, using digital and physical resources, in virtual and face-toface spaces.
In eKindy, children are playing to learn and have great agency to make decisions within their play. eKindy teachers plan and implement quality child-centred activities in partnership with children and their families, recognising that all children bring with them diverse identities and backgrounds.
Following the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline and the national Early Years Learning
Framework, modelling quality principles, practice and outcomes to enhance young children’s learning and transition to school, our eKindy teachers deliver high value, early education to help build learning and development foundations in rich language and vocabulary, identity, connection, problem-solving, memory, and emotional regulation.
eKindy celebrates and values families as children’s first teachers and the vital role played in a child’s educational first steps. Families join in with eKindy in ways that suit them and connect learning experiences into regular family activities.
If you can’t get to a place-based kindergarten service regularly, because you live in a rural or isolated community, your family is travelling, or your child has a medical condition which prevents regular attendance, you may be eligible to enrol your child in eKindy.
brisbanesde.eq.edu.au/enrolments/ ekindy
eKindy builds the foundations of future success for children who live in rural or remote areas, travel, or are medically unable to attend a local kindergarten.
Starting boarding school can be a daunting experience, but Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) ensures that Year 7 boarders are well-supported, giving them the best possible start to boarding life.
Churchie’s immersive seven-day boarding experience promotes a strong sense of community, helping boys form lifelong friendships. The school’s spacious 22-hectare campus houses all sporting, academic and residential facilities side by side, providing boys with easy access to the wealth of cocurricular programs available at Churchie. The proximity of Churchie to
Brisbane’s CBD further enriches the boarding experience, offering ample opportunities for weekend leisure and recreational activities.
Located in the heart of the campus, the boarding precinct features a purposefully designed and freshly refurbished Year 7 centre. Designed to be warm and welcoming, this dedicated space balances privacy with communal areas for socialising and
studying, helping boys settle into boarding life with their peers.
Individual bedrooms provide boys with a comfortable space for sleep and study, and contemporary bathroom facilities have been designed with privacy in mind.
The centre includes modern kitchen facilities that enable boys to prepare snacks, enjoy some weekend cooking or celebrate special occasions
“Churchie offers financial assistance through boarding bursaries to students from rural and regional Australia.”
such as birthdays. Accommodation for residential staff has also been included, ensuring boarders receive dedicated day-to-day care and support within a well-supervised and safe environment.
Troy and Bobby Looms, Churchie’s Residential Master and House Parent, support the boys in their new residence. Their commitment to nurturing each boy’s academic and personal growth, and constant reinforcement of respect, honesty and kindness, has noticeably influenced the boys’ positive behaviours and attitudes.
Churchie’s Director of Boarding Mike Symons notes, “The Looms’s approachable style and commitment to the boys’ wellbeing has created a welcoming and supportive environment where each student feels valued. This approach has helped support the exemplary conduct and mutual respect we witness daily.”
An additional source of support comes from Year 12 ‘brothers’, who
regularly visit the Year 7 centre to offer guidance and answer questions about boarding and school life. This peer mentorship, combined with
TOP TO BOTTOM: BOYS MAKING NEW FRIENDS; BOYS ENJOYING THE COMMUNAL SPACE IN THE YEAR 7 CENTRE (CREDIT: GLENN HUNT).
caring staff and thoughtfully designed facilities, ensures new boarders feel a strong sense of belonging and are well-equipped to thrive from day one.
Churchie offers financial assistance through boarding bursaries to students from rural and regional Australia. These bursaries support families who may not otherwise be able to afford the opportunity, while strengthening and enriching the boarding community. Sibling discounts are also available on boarding fees.
To learn more about Churchie’s boarding program and how it can benefit your son, visit churchie. com.au/boarding or contact the admissions team at 07 3896 2200 or admissions@churchie.com.au.
DAY STAYS MADE FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS !
Treat the family to a mini break with a Day Stay Package at Brisbane Airport Hotels Group.
Perfect for a few hours of comfort, rest, or fun during your layover! Rates starting from only $145*.
*Subject to availability. Prices vary at each hotel.
