September 2024 – Page 18

$29.7 billion per year by 2030: Confusion, overlaps and gaps in NSW invasive species plan

The cost of failing to effectively manage invasive species in NSW could be blown out by 15 times in the next 6 years unless major reforms are made. This would increase the annual economic impacts from invasive species in NSW from $1.9 billion up to $29.7 billion in a worse case scenario by the year 2030.

A preliminary report into the NSW Invasive Species Plan, by the Natural Resources Commission has found widespread dysfunction with how the State is handling the threats of invasive species. The report included 33 key findings and 71 recommendations that the Government must act on to prevent an explosion in impacts from invasive species.

Preliminary Report and Government media release

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said “The urgency of this situation couldn’t be any clearer, the Government must take immediate steps without waiting longer for a whole of Government response,”

“Just as we have seen with other urgent issues, I’m genuinely concerned that the Government wants to process this report in their own time. The reality is that the environment cannot be expected to wait while the Minns Labor Government figures out what parts of this report are politically convenient for them.”

“The NSW Invasive Species Plan is not the problem, rather it is unsupported through the system with a lack of strategic, risk based prioritisation, and inconsistent leadership and coordination of cross-tenure programs,”

“The Minns Government has repeatedly compromised the environment for the sake of industry and politics, but this report lays bare just how dysfunctional it has been allowed to become. The fact that invasive species management is only seen through a lens of primary production drastically underestimates the real value of healthy environments, and will cause both industry and the environment to suffer in the near term,”

“The high profile reintroduction of aerial shooting of horses in the Kosciuszko National Park is a necessary and important program, and we can only hope it’s come soon enough to prevent the extinction of those threatened species at direct risk of extinction from feral horses. However, programs can not operate in isolation from other critical actions that must be taken to prevent native species extinctions at the hands of introduced feral species,”

“We are seeing right now, in Northern NSW with the Red Fire Ant incursion, just how much of a risk invasive species pose. Once these species become established, and without proper care for the whole of system needs, NSW is already on a trajectory of seeing our environment and primary production decimated. This is a wake-up call, and Premier Minns needs to hear it from his comfortable urban electorate,” Ms Higginson said.

Findings of the Royal Commission on Defence and Veteran Suicide shows a dire need for cultural change and oversight in Defence

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has handed down its Final Report documenting deep cultural issues within Defence and the devastating impact this has on veterans and their families.

The Report uncovered that an average of 78 serving or ex-serving ADF members have died by suicide each year for the past 10 years, around three deaths every fortnight.

The report noted that the ADF’s “code of silence” and “military values” are associated both directly and indirectly with suicide risk in the Australian Defence Force, and that Defence leadership must be held accountable for this broken culture.

The Royal Commission’s findings make a stark case for systemic cultural change within the ADF and the systems set up to deal with the inevitable traumas that arise from serving in the military. Defence leadership must own up to the deep structural problems identified in the Royal Commission.

The one indispensable recommendation that the government must accept today is to have a stand-alone statutory entity that oversees and drives the system-wide reform that this Royal Commission has called for.

Senator David Shoebridge Greens Spokesperson for Defence and Veterans Affairs said: “With nearly 6,000 submissions to the Commission and 900 private sessions, this is a once-in-a-generation report that must not just gather dust.”

“There have been dozens of reports and hundreds of recommendations on Defence culture before now and nothing material has changed. Each time the Defence has struck back to squash reform.

“The one non-negotiable recommendation that must be implemented is for a stand-alone statutory entity that oversees and drives the system-wide reform that this report calls for.

“Veterans give their service to the country which often comes at incredible personal cost through injury and trauma. What this report shows is that service injuries are then aggravated by a veteran’s support scheme that does not treat them fairly.

“The report found that survivors of abuse, especially sexual abuse, face ongoing trauma from a broken military culture that obstructs justice and denies accountability.

“These issues ripple across society, particularly for families of veterans. After losing loved ones, or dealing with the fallout of a cruel system, families have then had to navigate an often cold and careless system.

“It is a testament to veterans and their families that while enduring this system they also secured the Royal Commission. We owe it to them, and the loved ones they have lost, to implement these reforms.”

Statement from the Lib Federal Secretariat

The Federal Executive of the Liberal Party has requested that the New South Wales Division appoint three eminent Australians as a committee of management to replace its State Executive.

This follows a report given to the Federal Executive by Mr Brian Loughnane AO relating to the New South Wales Division’s failure to nominate candidates for local government elections and the preparedness of the Division to fight the upcoming federal election.

The Federal Executive has recommended a committee of the Hon Alan Stockdale AO, the Hon Rob Stokes, and the Hon Richard Alston AO be appointed for a period of 10 months.

The New South Wales Division has been asked to comply with this request by next Thursday.

We owe it to our thousands of members in the state to address the challenges within the organisational wing of the NSW Division. More importantly, we owe it to the millions of Australians who are relying on the Liberal Party to return Australia to good government after the next election to get our house in order.

Inclusivity at the heart of Hamilton playground upgrade

City of Newcastle is getting ready to welcome children of all ages and abilities to play, learn and connect at Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park following a significant playground upgrade.

The final touches are being placed on the inclusive playspace, which is expected to open to the community for the September school holidays.

The buck tucker garden at yarning circle at Gregson Park Regal Innovations Construction Manager Newcastle Pedro Angeli and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with (rear) Regal Innovations Managing Director Robert Stanton, City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community & Recreation Lynn Duffy, Hamilton Community Preschool Director Narelle Jackson and City of Newcastle Project Manager Tony Ayling in the bush tucker garden and yarning circle at Gregson Park.

Celebrating indigenous traditions, the area will include a bush tucker garden and yarning circle to encourage knowledge sharing, in addition to traditional play equipment, a range of accessible and nature-based play options and a fitness station.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to delivering accessible infrastructure for everyday activities, including creating more inclusive play spaces in our parks.

“We have invested around $14 million into almost 30 playground projects across Newcastle during the past six Budgets as part of our commitment to delivering enhanced and accessible recreational opportunities for the community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Construction of this $3.5 million playspace at Gregson Park was identified as a high priority action as part of its adopted Masterplan, with the impending completion signifying an important milestone in delivering our shared vision for this much-loved Hamilton location.

“Gregson Park’s new playspace includes accessible features such as carousels, bridges and pathways, with various pieces of equipment that will be suitable for everyone, including those with limited mobility.

“We’re proud to have worked closely with the community, including First Nations Australians and Hamilton Community Preschool, to design this fantastic multimillion-dollar upgrade at Gregson Park and I can’t wait to welcome everyone back into the space later this month.”

The playspace under construction at Gregson Park Regal Innovations Construction Manager Newcastle Pedro Angeli, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Hamilton Community Preschool Director Narelle Jackson check out progress on the Gregson Park playspace.

Hamilton Community Preschool Director Narelle Jackson said as regular visitors to the popular parkland, the preschool has been a strong advocate of the upgrade.

“When the preschool heard of the new playspace we invited the children to sketch their dream playground, which we then shared with City of Newcastle as inspiration. The submissions led to representatives from the Community and Recreation team visiting our preschool to share with the children and educators how the space could be improved,” Ms Jackson said.

“The preschoolers have continued to document the progress of the upgrade and have captured it all in a book with the assistance of an educator to share with their families.

“We have loved being brought along for the journey and are all very eager to utilise the new space and watch the kids play and explore.”

The Gregson Park project supports a key objective in City of Newcastle’s Disability and Inclusion Action Plan to create and contribute to liveable and accessible public places, with the project delivering inclusive play features and a design that promotes greater interaction between all children.

The new play space includes equipment for a range of ages and abilities, including a six metre-high climbing tower, trampolines and a balance obstacle course, as well as a softfall mound with slides, rope and rock-climbing elements.

Other features include a seesaw rocker, swing set and sandpit with waterplay feature, along with an accessible carousel and whizzers.

Additional shade, formal and informal seating, and footbridges are also features of the project, complemented by an upgraded, accessible amenities building and new covered picnic area.

City of Newcastle will invite community members to celebrate the completion and enjoy the new facilities at Gregson Park with a fun, family-friendly opening event in October.

Next steps to tackle problematic plastics for a cleaner and safer NSW

The NSW Government is seeking community and industry feedback on new proposals to tackle problematic plastic waste, promote more reusable and recyclable alternatives, and help NSW drive down plastic litter by 30% by 2025.

TheNSW Plastics: The Way Forward action planoutlines possible steps to further reduce the impact of plastic litter and create a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment.

Most of the proposals bring NSW into line with other jurisdictions which have moved ahead of NSW.

An eight-week consultation is being launched to seek feedback from community members, businesses, industry, environmental groups, scientific and regulatory organisations and others.

In 2022-23, NSW generated around 891,000 tonnes of plastic waste – almost 110 kilos per person – but only 14% of that was recycled.

Globally, around 8 million tonnes of plastic leak into our oceans every year. That pollution severely impacts marine wildlife, and it’s estimated almost half of all seabirds and sea turtles are likely to have ingested plastic.

The NSW Government consulted on the NSW Plastics: Next Steps discussion paper, attracting more than 5,000 responses up to February 2024. They showed overwhelming public support for stronger action on plastic waste. Government has also been speaking directly to industry and other stakeholders.

The NSW Plastics: The Way Forward action plan builds on this collaboration and proposes new initiatives including:

Phasing out items where non-plastic alternatives already exist, like plastic lollipop sticks, pizza savers and plastic food tags for bread, bakery and pantry items.
Introducing design standards for single-use plastic cups, food containers and their lids to ensure they are easily recyclable.
Phasing out the supply of unnecessary plastic barrier bags.
Bringing NSW into line with other states and phasing out the release of helium balloons as well as plastic balloon sticks, clips and ties.
Requiring food service venues to accept reusable cups for hot and cold takeaway beverages.
Phasing out food packaging made of foamed plastic, as in Western Australia, including food trays, loose-fill packaging, and moulded or cut packaging.

This feedback will inform further action to tackle problematic plastic items, which could include legislative change.

Find NSW Plastics: The Way Forward and provide feedback online.

Minster for the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“Unless we take action, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

“We all want a healthier environment for humans and animals, with fewer problematic plastics.

“The phase-out of certain single-use plastics in NSW in 2019 has resulted in a 77% reduction in the number of banned single-use plastic items found in litter, but there are still too many takeaway food containers and plastic drink bottle lids strewn across our environment.

“We’ve listened to the concerns of businesses and industry, as well as environment and community groups. And now we’d like their feedback on the specific initiatives proposed in NSW Plastics: The Way Forward so we can take further action.”

Moree Hospital Redevelopment moving forward

Work to deliver the Moree Hospital Redevelopment is a step closer with a main works construction tender recently released to deliver the project.

The NSW Government is investing $105 million in the redevelopment to improve health outcomes for Moree and the surrounding community.

The redevelopment will deliver a new clinical services building, providing enhanced healthcare facilities on the existing hospital site to support Moree and surrounding communities now and into the future.

The project is expected to include an emergency department, operating theatres, medical imaging, birthing and inpatient unit, and pathology, and a new main entry.

The new building has been designed around the existing buildings on the hospital campus ensuring all services remain connected and integrated onsite.

Planning for the hospital redevelopment is nearing completion. The detailed design for the redevelopment has been completed by early works contractor, BESIX Watpac, and soon to be on exhibition as part of the statutory planning process.

The redevelopment plans are on exhibition and feedback can be provided via Health Infrastructure’s website at: https://www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/on-exhibition until 11.59pm on Tuesday, 1 October 2024.

Following the completion of the competitive tender process, a builder will be engaged, and the project scope and a construction timeline will be confirmed.

Construction is anticipated to commence in 2025 and the community will continue to be updated as the project progresses.

Further information on the redevelopment is available by visiting the project website: https://hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/moree

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The Moree Hospital Redevelopment will provide patients, families and carers with a modern healthcare facility to meet the health needs of the community now and into the future.”

“The release of the construction tender is a significant milestone for the project.”

“We are grateful for the valuable time and input provided by staff and stakeholders into the planning design process for the redevelopment and look forward to seeing a builder appointed.”

“This is also a great opportunity for the community to provide their final feedback on the plans while they are on exhibition.”

Labor Spokesperson for Northern Tablelands Peter Primrose, MLC:

“I’m really pleased that priority health services are delivered for the Moree community as part of the redevelopment.”

“It’s really important that our regional communities have high quality healthcare facilities available to them, so I welcome these milestones in the delivery of the Moree Hospital Redevelopment.”

Thanking the people who make a difference for children this Foster and Kinship Care Week

During Foster and Kinship Care Week, the NSW Government is celebrating the remarkable difference foster carers make in the lives of vulnerable children.

Foster carers provide safe and loving homes for some of the state’s 14,000 children currently in the out-of-home care (OOHC) system across the state.

The NSW Government recognises and supports the important work that these outstanding members of the community do through their dedication to children who cannot live safely with their parents. We acknowledge that the only way we can continue to support children in the system is to better support their foster carers as well.

Foster care numbers plummeted under the former government and the system desperately needs another 1,000 foster carers to stop children ending up in emergency accommodation.

Anyone can be a foster carer. It doesn’t matter if you rent or own your home, or are single, a couple or a family. Emergency foster care can be for one night, a few days, or up to 12 weeks. This is a great way to get started and see if being a foster carer is right for you.

The NSW Government has worked to recruit 200 emergency foster carers since July 2022, with 239 others currently on the path to authorisation. This recruitment is a key part of the government’s $224 million investment in the OOHC system, which involves:

Re-entering the market as a foster care provider
Introducing government-run intensive and professional foster care models

This week, the NSW Government announced it will ban the use of unaccredited Alternative Care Arrangements (ACAs) where vulnerable children are often placed in hotels and motels and looked after by rotating shift workers instead of foster carers. These placements can cost upwards of $2 million per child per year. This announcement would not have been possible without the dedication of emergency foster carers.

From August, we have also made paid parental leave available to NSW Government employees who are providing ongoing foster placements for children in OOHC.

We thank foster and kinship carers for their dedication, compassion and care, and the huge difference they have made in the lives of the children.

Inquire about becoming a foster carer.

Foster and Kinship Care Week runs from September 8 to September 14.

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:

“Foster and kinship carers have one of the most important roles in our community – providing a safe place for kids who have nowhere else to go.

“These carers make a real difference, every day, in the lives of children and young people. I sincerely thank all our wonderful carers for everything they do.

“Foster and Kinship Care Week also provides an important opportunity to highlight the desperate need for more foster carers across the state. If you have ever thought about being a foster carer, we want to hear from you.

“We are committed to building a better child protection system where foster carers feel more supported in the critical role they play in caring for vulnerable children.”

Safety is the focus in trial of average speed cameras

NSW will trial average speed cameras to assess the road safety benefits of expanding their use from heavy vehicles to all vehicles.

All other mainland Australian states and the ACT already use average speed cameras for light vehicles as part of their speed enforcement programs.

The NSW Government will now explore their merits in protecting lives and addressing speeding as part of a multi-pronged approach to tackling the rising road toll which today stands at 227 – two more than at the same date in 2023.

Speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads, contributing to 41 per cent of all fatalities over the past decade.

That is 136 families and friend networks every year whose lives are never the same again after losing someone in a road crash where speeding was a contributing factor.

Regional NSW is home to a third of the population but is where two-thirds of all road deaths happen.

Two trials will be conducted on limited stretches of highway in regional NSW to assess whether these measures reduce speeding at these locations, improving safety and preventing injuries and fatalities. The trial areas are:

Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes (Port Macquarie) – 15kms between cameras
Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai – 16kms between cameras

These two stretches have been chosen based on a number of factors, including known crash history. There were a combined total of six fatalities and 33 serious injuries between 2018 and 2022 at these locations.

Road safety experts called for the use of average speed cameras at the NSW Road Safety Forum held earlier this year and the Government undertook to investigate their use.

Trials are proposed to begin with a 60-day period in which speeding drivers will receive a warning letter rather than a fine before normal enforcement, including fines and demerit points, begin.

Legislation is needed to facilitate a trial phase, or any future decision to use them permanently.

The NRMA will be part of the assessment process to ensure drivers have a voice in the review of the trial led by Transport for NSW and other road safety experts.

A comprehensive communications campaign will be implemented to inform motorists about the trial.

Road signs will alert all drivers that their speed is being monitored by average speed cameras on the trial stretches, giving them the opportunity to adjust their speed as needed.

The average speed camera trial will build on other road safety initiatives introduced by the Minns Labor Government, including:

Seatbelt enforcement by the existing mobile phone camera detection network
Removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six months
The demerit return trial that rewarded more than 1.2 million drivers for maintaining a demerit-offence-free driving record during the initial 12-month period up to 16 January 2024
Doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, with the addition of 2,700 new locations where a camera can be deployed. Enforcement hours will remain the same
Hosting the state’s first Road Safety Forum of international and local experts
Signed National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“NSW is the only jurisdiction in the world to use average speed cameras but restrict their use to heavy vehicles only.

“In the context of a rising road toll, now is the time to trial these cameras for light vehicles and understand if we can keep more people safe on the road more of the time.

“All other mainland Australian states and countries like the UK, Norway, Italy and the Netherlands have found average speed cameras to be effective and we aim to be as rigorous as possible to be sure they will also reduce road trauma in NSW.

“Before any trial begins, the NSW Government will conduct a comprehensive awareness campaign to inform the public about average speed cameras and a 60-day warning letter period will give motorists time to adjust to their use in these limited locations.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The trial of the average speed cameras for light vehicles is about encouraging all drivers – regardless of the size of their vehicle – to rethink their attitudes to speeding on our roads and change their behaviour.

“In 2023, speeding contributed to 44 per cent of road deaths in NSW, three-quarters of which were in regional NSW. What’s more upsetting is that this behaviour is within drivers’ control.

“Our goal is to assess how effective the cameras can be in changing speeding habits and potential trauma benefits.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility – let’s all help each other get to our destinations safely.”

Safer Roads and Highways (SARAH), President, Peter Frazer said:

“These cameras promote safer driving habits by encouraging drivers and riders to stick to the speed limit. This not only lowers their risk of being involved in a serious crash, but also protects the lives and wellbeing of everyone on the road.

“At SARAH we have been lobbying for the introduction of Point to Point (average speed camera) systems to apply to all vehicles in NSW for more than a decade. We therefore congratulate the NSW Government on announcing this life-saving trial.”

Construction starts on RNA research and manufacturing facility for NSW

Construction has kicked off on a world-leading RNA research and pilot manufacturing facility at Macquarie University, which will change the way the state tackles its future health challenges.

Delivered with a $96 million investment by the NSW Government, the facility will be the first of its type in Australia and one of only a handful of its kind in the world.

It will deliver new capabilities to develop world leading vaccines and medical therapies for humans and animals based on cutting edge RNA technology.

Co-located at Macquarie University’s Wallumattagal campus, it will feed into the Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District, home to a host of medical and health-related organisations and industrial and technology startups.

The site will allow a wide range of RNA vaccines, therapeutics and delivery technologies to be independently designed and tested, providing NSW with sovereign capability. The facility will also have the capacity to manufacture RNA-based therapeutics for the three main phases of clinical trials.

Support for the state’s burgeoning health and life sciences sector is a priority with NSW already the national leader as global demand for new health technology explodes.

Around 90,000 people are already employed in the sector in NSW, which represents 40 per cent of the national total.

RNA technology came to global prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it supported the rapid development and deployment of vaccines to combat the unprecedented health crisis.

The technology offers the prospect of preventing and treating an even broader spectrum of health conditions, including cancers, genetic diseases and other viruses.

The facility will feature laboratories along with manufacturing production lines and will be able to be used by researchers and industry. It will be operated by Aurora Biosynthetics, a subsidiary of Myeloid Therapeutics, a global leader in RNA technology.

It will be overseen by RNA Australia, a newly formed, NSW-based company, which is a joint venture between the NSW Government and four NSW universities, including Macquarie University, along with ANU.

Construction of the RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility is expected to be completed in 2026.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“This facility will drive jobs and investment in this sector, along with delivering potentially life-saving solutions.

“This a step forward for healthcare in NSW and an opportunity for us to grow important new high-tech companies.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This facility helps put us at the front of the queue in the fierce global battle to attract new investment and build new industries.

“Nations around the world are crying out for new health solutions, and our state is well positioned to deliver them.

“The capabilities this facility unlocks are supported by the NSW Government’s commitment to $119 million of investment in RNA research and development over the next decade.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“This facility will link NSW’s world-class RNA and delivery technology research with our outstanding clinical trials capability.

“It will build on existing NSW Government investments, including the NSW RNA Production & Research Network, the UNSW RNA Institute and Australia’s first Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility at Westmead Health and Innovation District.”

Macquarie University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Sakkie Pretorius, said:

“Macquarie University is proud to host this groundbreaking new facility, which is a significant addition to the thriving medical precinct within the Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District.

“RNA research has incredible potential, and we share in RNA Australia’s vision for advancing biomedical science for the benefit of Australia and the world.”

Female founders front and centre for Techstars accelerator program

Twelve startup companies across a diverse range of industries from health to sustainable fashion have been selected for a NSW Government-supported accelerator program run by Techstars – the world’s largest pre-seed investor.

The startups – 10 of which have at least one female founder – will go through a 13-week program at Sydney’s startup and innovation hub Tech Central. They’ll receive training and access to a network of mentors to grow their entrepreneurial skills and set their businesses up for future success.

This is the second group to go through a Techstars accelerator after it brought its world-leading program to Sydney in 2023. The program provides funding and fundraising opportunities, workshops and curated resources as well as numerous opportunities for startup founders to learn from their peers.

SeenCulture took part in last year’s Techstars accelerator. The workplace talent management platform helps managers in their decision making around employee issues, including performance, pay reviews and promotions. After completing the accelerator, CEO and Founder Nikki Tugano raised $1 million in capital, with its growing customer base including tech giants Atlassian and Culture Amp.

Startup “Jaimee” is one of the new group selected for this year’s Techstars accelerator. Led by two female founders, the business is developing an AI companion for women to assist with stress management, confidence building and relationships.

Jaimee’s co-founders will join other startups who have started the accelerator today. The program will conclude with a Demo Day on December 5 to celebrate the founders and their progress.

For more information about the accelerator program at Tech Central visit Techstars.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The NSW Government is proud to support Techstars with its world leading accelerator program at Tech Central, which will foster the next generation of entrepreneurs in our innovation system.

“I’m delighted such a diverse group has been selected for this accelerator with 10 female-led startups to go through the program. Fostering greater diversity among founders was one of the issues to emerge during consultation on our Innovation Blueprint.”

Techstars Managing Director Kirstin Hunter said:

“I’m excited to welcome the 2024 founders to the Techstars Tech Central Sydney accelerator. These founders are the most diverse group ever seen in a generalist accelerator in Australia – not just in who they are, but in the type of problem they are solving, and the scale of impact that they will deliver through their businesses.”

SeenCulture Founder and CEO Nikki Tugano said:

“Being a part of the Techstars program was without a doubt the best thing that has happened to SeenCulture and has been instrumental to laying the foundations for our early-stage startup to succeed.

“Techstars helped us build such a strong and credible reputation that lowered our barriers to funding, which was a big contributor to our ability to raise our $1 million in investment.”

Jaimee Co-Founder and CEO Sreyna Rath said:

“Meeting the other founders, I was impressed by the high quality of commercial thinking and the diverse range of ideas, from support for disadvantaged groups to sustainability, and in our case, addressing the gender data gap in AI. We’re honoured and excited to be part of this ecosystem to refine our strategy and launch Jaimee internationally.”

The 12 companies selected for the 2024 Techstars Accelerator Program are:

Canopy – An AI-enabled misconduct and psychosocial safety reporting platform.

Dispute Buddy – Creates searchable timelines of texts and messages to resolve legal disputes quickly.

Earthletica – Australian-designed activewear utilising cutting edge sustainable materials and practices, co-founded by Paris Olympics gold medallist Bronte Campbell.

Female Startup Club – Connects female entrepreneurs with the training and resources they need to build their businesses.

Gether – An AI-assistant that frees working parents from their mental load.

Heatseeker – An AI-enabled platform to help companies grow through quick and easy market tests.

Jaimee – An AI companion for women to assist with stress management, confidence building and relationships.

NEVAM CX – Empowers brands to perfect their customer experience across every channel.

OD-AI – Supports organisations to implement the policies, processes and training to create best practice compliance.

Shutterspeed – An automatic time/cost tracker and business assistant to make content creation more efficient and profitable.

Understanding Zoe – Supports parents and carers of neurodivergent children to apply therapist recommendations at home, school and beyond.

Visuo – Delivers AI powered personalised video experiences to enable brands to drive better customer acquisition, loyalty and retention.