It’s not just about more, but better aid

0 Comments read Environment & Development, Features

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 19.08.2010 (IPS): Australia’s foreign aid budget is likely to double by 2015, but civil society groups say this is far from enough if it is to keep to its “fair share” of commitments to poorer countries.

In fact, they would like the government – including a new one that may come after the Aug. 21 polls – to commit not only to meeting the yardstick of aid funds reaching 0.7 percent of Gross National Income (GNI) but to having better- quality official development assistance.

The 72-member Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), an independent association of Australian non-profit aid organisations, is spearheading calls for political parties to commit Australia to playing its full part in helping poorer countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of development targets from maternal mortality to education that the world’s governments pledged to meet by 2015. Continue reading →

What’s black and white and green all over?

0 Comments read Business and Trade, Cricket & Sports, Environment & Development

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 09.08.2010 (The Sydney Morning Herald): Even as political parties waver on setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a unique Green Magpies program is helping small and medium enterprises (SME) take the lead by adopting sustainable practices to save costs and expand their enterprise.

Managing director of Fountain Gate and Pakenham Ultimate Tiles, Rick Somers, who joined the program last year, is already reaping the benefits.

“I will save an estimated 50 per cent on energy costs, lower electricity usage by 26,950kWh and reduce 26.1 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in the first year”, Mr Somers says.

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Down Petticoat Lane in Penola

1 Comment read Travel
A lavender farm on Petticoat Lane in Penola, South Australia Photo Credit: © Neena Bhandari

By Neena Bhandari

Penola (South Australia), 02.08.2010 (The Hindu Businessline): Nestling amidst pine forests, farms and vineyards in South Australia is the town of Penola known for its Petticoat Lane. Unlike London’s famous markets, this Petticoat Lane is known for its historic stone and timber cottages and the women who resided there.It is said that at one time there were so many petticoats hung on the clothesline that the street came to be aptly called `Petticoat Lane’.

The frills and fragrance associated with the name are evident in the many businesses run by women in the lane today.

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