FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 16:00 EST WEDNESDAY 28 JULY, 2010

As the FIFA Inspection Tour of Australia prepares to come to a close, Australian swimming champion and avid fan of the round-ball code for many years, Ian Thorpe says that a FIFA World Cup™ in Australia in 2022 would be fun, relaxed, safe and secure.

The FIFA inspection team consists of six delegates and is led by Chilean Football Federation President Harold Mayne-Nicholls and includes CEO of 2010 South Africa Local Organising Committee Danny Jordaan, FIFA Head of Event Management Jurgen Muller, FIFA Marketing representative David Fowler, FIFA Competitions representative Julio Avellar and FIFA Media Officer Wolfgang Eichler.

Australia is the third stop on tour of the nine countries that are bidding to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup™ tournaments. Today is the last day of the three-day visit.

At the end of the inspection tour, the delegation will submit an objective report to assist FIFA's 24 executive members select a host for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, which will be announced by FIFA on 2 December 2010 in Zurich.

Ten host cities have been selected as part of the Bid under Australia’s nationwide hosting proposal that will see FIFA World Cup™ matches in six states and territories. Three new stadiums will be built in Perth, Canberra and Blacktown in Western Sydney and nine others upgraded should the Bid be successful, providing a $2.8 billion infrastructure legacy for all sporting codes and generations to come.

All Australians can do their part to help bring the FIFA World Cup™ to Australia – add your name at australiabid.com.au.

Audio grabs available:

IAN THORPE - Australian swimming champion

TUESDAY 27 JULY, 2010

The investigation into the short-term impact of exposure to ‘low NOx’ unflued gas heaters in classrooms on the children’s symptoms and lung function and on indoor air quality, conducted by the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and the Environmental Health Branch, NSW Department of Health, has been published online in Environment Health Perspectives today – Tuesday 27 July 2010.

Key Findings:

• Classroom exposure to newer style ‘low NOx’ unflued gas heaters increased wheeze in children (4.9% with ‘low NOx’ unflued gas heaters vs 4.4% with flued gas heaters).

• There were no measurable adverse changes in lung function.

• Both nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and formaldehyde levels were higher in classrooms during operation of ‘low NOx’ unflued gas heaters.

• Seeking alternative, effective and efficient sources of domestic and public space heating that does not have adverse effects on health is important.

A summary report of the findings by Professor Guy Marks is available at: http://www.woolcock.org.au/

Full scientific publication in Environment Health Perspectives: http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.1002186

Audio grabs available:

PROFESSOR GUY MARKS - Professor of Respiratory & Environmental Epidemiology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

10:35 EST TUESDAY 27 JULY, 2010

Former Socceroo John Aloisi joined a delegation of FIFA inspectors yesterday as they examined the credentials of Australia’s Bid to win the right to host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2022.

Aloisi relived the night he kicked the final penalty against Uruguay to send the Socceroos to the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time in 32 years.

As he strode in to take the fifth penalty kick in 2005, Aloisi said he was “in the zone” and all he could hear was a “murmur” from the fans before he belted the ball into the back of the net.

“Football has come a long way in this country since then and I really think that night was a turning point,” Aloisi said. “It would be fantastic to have a FIFA World Cup in Australia and we would do a great job if given the chance.”

The FIFA inspection team consists of six delegates and is led by Chilean Football Federation President Harold Mayne-Nicholls and includes CEO of 2010 South Africa Local Organising Committee Danny Jordaan, FIFA Head of Event Management Jurgen Muller, FIFA Marketing representative David Fowler, FIFA Competitions representative Julio Avellar and FIFA Media Officer Wolfgang Eichler.

Australia is the third stop on tour of the nine countries that are bidding to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup™ tournaments. They will be in Australia for three days.

At the end of the inspection tour, the delegation will submit an objective report to assist FIFA's 24 executive members select a host for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, which will be announced by FIFA on 2 December 2010 in Zurich.

Audio grabs available:

JOHN ALOISI – Former Socceroo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 13:00 EST MONDAY 26 JULY, 2010

Federal Sports Minister Kate Ellis met with the FIFA inspection team who arrived today to examine Australia's credentials to hold the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Ellis talks about how important it is to show off Australia and its ability to stage large events.

Audio grabs available:

KATE ELLIS – Federal Sports Minister

MONDAY 26 JULY, 2010

New research from Telstra shows that internet access along with food and heating are the three things Australians would least like to spend a day without.

“The average Australian household has entered a new age of online connectivity,” said Telstra Executive Director Consumer, Ms Rebekah O’Flaherty.

“Telstra’s research reveals more than half of all households now feature four or more types of internet enabled devices -from wireless laptops to smartphones.”

Telstra's research also revealed:

• Half of Melbourne households have more than four types of internet enabled devices, followed by Sydney (44%), Perth (43%), Adelaide (42%) and Brisbane (42%).
• One in five (23%) Australian households regularly use more than four internet-enabled devices at the same time.
• Almost a quarter of Australian men (24%) would rather go without food, heating or their TV and mobile phone than give up their internet access; (Women 19%)
• Surprisingly, older Australians (65yrs+) report having the most home PCs (88% vs 72% among 18 -24 year olds). In comparison, younger Australians are more likely use a laptop in the home (88% vs 53% among people aged 65yrs+).

Audio grabs available:

REBEKAH FLAHERTY - Telstra Executive Director Consumer

EMBARGOED: 06:00 EST FRIDAY 23 JULY, 2010
 
The first rheumatoid arthritis treatment designed to block the chemical messenger interleukin-6 (IL-6), which causes chronic inflammation, is now accessible to thousands of Australians living with this chronic and disabling inflammatory disease (1,2). On 1st August, Actemra will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of severe, active rheumatoid arthritis in adults whose conventional treatments are no longer effective (1).

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has advanced rapidly with the introduction of biologic treatments, which have revolutionised the way people are treated (3). Actemra is a rapidly-acting biologic therapy that treats rheumatoid arthritis by attacking inflammation at its source (2,4). It targets IL-6, an important driver of the chronic inflammation, joint damage, pain, anaemia and fatigue experienced by people diagnosed with this painful autoimmune disease (5,6). People with rheumatoid arthritis have excessive amounts of IL-6 in their joints (5).

The ultimate treatment goal for people with rheumatoid arthritis is remission, which is the absence or significant reduction of symptoms (7). Remission can provide people with rheumatoid arthritis a chance to enjoy a life free of symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling and fatigue, (5,7) enabling a better quality of life.  With the availability of a wider range of treatments, including biologics, remission is a real possibility for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Audio grabs available:

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR PETER YOUSSEF - Rheumatologist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney

*See full media release for references

09:00 EST THURSDAY 22 JULY, 2010

In an Australian first, NSW Fire Brigades and GIO have introduced a free, online Home Fire Safety Audit to help NSW residents identify and take action against fire risks in the home.

“A house fire is one of the most traumatic and devastating events an individual or family can experience,” says GIO Executive Manager, Michael Cook.

“GIO is proud to partner with the NSW Fire Brigades in the launch of a tool that is intended to increase fire safety awareness and help reduce fire risks in homes across NSW.”

The online audit homefiresafetyaudit.com.au, is the first of its kind in Australia and will help NSW families identify key fire risks in their home.

Audio grabs available:

GREG MULLINS – Commissioner, NSW Fire Brigades

MICHAEL COOK – GIO Executive Manager

STEVE WHAN - NSW Minister for Emergency Services

EMBARGOED: 06:00 EST WEDNESDAY JULY 21, 2010

Australian couples undergoing infertility treatment may now access a short IVF (in vitro fertilisation) cycle, at no additional cost, with Government reimbursing the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, ORGALUTRAN® (ganirelix) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 August.

ORGALUTRAN®, a daily, self-injection (via a pre-filled syringe), is used to prevent women from ovulating too soon while the ovaries are being stimulated for egg collection during IVF. With this newly reimbursed therapy, patients will have access to a short IVF cycle.
 
“We should not underestimate the significant impact the length of an IVF cycle can place on a couple. The physical and psychological burden of IVF is significant(1),” states Dr Mark Bowman, Sydney fertility specialist

“Waiting periods during IVF can therefore generate high levels of anxiety– but particularly in the lead up to egg collection. Every day that can be saved can bring them closer to a result matters,” he adds.

ORGALUTRAN® is used in an ‘antagonist’ IVF cycle which involves approximately five days of GnRH antagonist treatment (ORGALUTRAN®) in conjunction with approximately 10 days of controlled ovarian stimulation with follicle stimulating hormone.2

The current, standard IVF approach involves 2-4 weeks of additional treatment prior to 10 days of controlled ovarian stimulation(2). It is known as the ‘long down’ regulation cycle.

Audio grabs available:

DR MARK BOWMAN – Sydney fertility specialist

DR KELTON TREMELLEN – Adelaide fertility specialist

References
1. Huisman et al.  Reproductive BioMedicine Online, Volt 19 Suppl.2 2009 5-10.
2. Huirne et al.  Human Reproduction Vol 22, No.11 pp.2805 – 2813, 2007.

10:30 EST TUESDAY 20 JULY, 2010

Australians were introduced to the Future of Retailing today with the debut of a revolutionary global retail concept store unveiled first in Melbourne.

The 1,500 square-metre, split-level OPSM eye hub store is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and is based on the concept that the customer is at the centre of the store experience, where every customer dictates and personalises his or her own shopping experience.
 
The experiential store concept was developed in Australia by Luxottica, a world leader in eye care and eyewear.

International retail futurist Dr Ian Pearson, who invented text messaging while working as British Telecom’s full-time futurist until 2008, believes there will be a significant shift in how retailers engage with customers. 

“What I saw today is a first-of-its-kind retail concept that focuses on five-star service, and a very enjoyable customer experience,” he said.

CEO, Luxottica, Asia Pacific, Chris Beer said the new Melbourne flagship sets new standards for international retailing, providing a very different experience to anything customers will have experienced before.

“Typically retailers tell the customer what’s going to happen when they walk in the store.
This concept relies on the customers dictating their own shopping experience…the best thing about this store is that it will be a unique experience for each customer.”

Audio grabs available:

CHRIS BEER - CEO, Luxottica, Asia Pacific

05:00 EST MONDAY 19 JULY, 2010

Nearly half of Australians will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime, yet a new online survey reveals many people do not understand how to correctly treat and prevent this often painful, and recurring, condition.

The online survey, announced today by Kidney Health Australia and The Cranberry Institute as part of Wee Week 2010, reveals that only half of Australians correctly understand that UTIs are triggered by bacteria, and as a result, may be taking measures that won’t work.

Most Australians will make an appointment with their GP if they believe they have a UTI (75%), whereas one in four will either increase their fluids or take urine alkalising agents, and one in 10 Australians resort to pain killers to alleviate the “signature” sting.

Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia, notes that cranberries have been shown to be effective in the prevention of UTIs in general practice for women prone to recurrent infections.

“Studies have shown that cranberries may be effective as they contain unique compounds known as proanthocyanidins (PACs), which inhibit bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract wall,” said Dr Mathew.

Audio grabs available:

DR TIM MATHEW - Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia

Story Contact/Source: Peter Price. Crime Stoppers International - +61 (0) 417 99 66 00

Crime Stoppers International (CSI) in conjunction with its affiliated Crime
Stoppers programs is supporting INTERPOL in a global fugitive hunt, called Operation INFRA.
(International Fugitive Round Up and Arrest)

This INTERPOL lead initiative is intended to apprehend fugitives that are sought
both domestically and by other countries.

Audio available with:

PETER PRICE - Crime Stoppers International

EMBARGOED: 05:00 EST TUESDAY, JULY 6 2010

For the first time, Australia’s most valued body organs are revealed with the top three being the brain (39%), heart (36%) and eyes (18%) - lungs come in fourth (13%).

The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, who initiated the study (Newspoll), is calling upon Australia to give lungs a higher priority as low awareness of lung health seriously impacts the quality of diagnosis and care for the six million Australians currently suffering from chronic lung diseases.

Interestingly, the number one organ for men and women slightly differs with men rating their heart as the top organ (38%) and women choosing their brain (43%).

These findings come at a time when lung health has never been more important with 2010 marked as ‘The Year of the Lung’ by top Australian and international respiratory organisations.

“Under-diagnosis of lung diseases is a serious issue and this needs to change as the most common chronic lung condition, COPD, will be the third most common cause of death by 2020,” said Professor Norbert Berend, Director of the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research.

Audio grabs available:

PROFESSOR NORBERT BEREND - Director of the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 13:00 FRIDAY, 25 JUNE 2010

Sydney Airport announced today that it would seek ACCC approval to increase regional aeronautical fees for the first time since 2001. This is in accordance with the Government’s declaration under the Trade Practices Act 1974.

The details of the proposed increases are below and are all quoted excluding GST:

• Security charge: to increase by 3 cents from 87 cents to 90 cents per passenger
• Passenger facilitation charge for the T2 Terminal: to increase by 13 cents from $4.50 to
  $4.63 per passenger
• Runway charge: to increase by 10 cents from $3.44 to $3.54 per tonne

On a per passenger basis, the typical increase is less than 22 cents (ex GST).

“Regional fees have not increased since 2001, but Sydney Airport feels it is now fair and reasonable to seek a modest increase,” said Rod Gilmour, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Planning and Human Resources at Sydney Airport.

Audio grabs available:

ROD GILMOUR - General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Planning and Human Resources at Sydney Airport

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11:00 EST TUESDAY 1 JUNE, 2010

Youth in crisis charity, the Sir David Martin Foundation is calling all Australian’s to take up the challenge of abseiling Sydney’s first skyscraper in adventure charity fundraiser, Urban Descent.

Urban Descent will be held on 22 October 2010, at the AMP Building Circular Quay with official registrations opening today, 1 June, 2010.

Andrew Lock, ambassador for the foundation and one of Australia’s most accomplished high altitude mountaineers will lead the brave down all 26 floors of the AMP Sydney Skyscraper. Mr Lock is the first Australian to climb all 14 - 8000 metre plus summits of the world’s highest mountains, including Mt Everest.

To become a participant in Urban Descent, log on to register at www.gofundraise.com.au/-urbandescent . All monies raised will assist the Sir David Martin Foundation fund their youth in crisis projects.

Audio grabs available:

ANDREW LOCK – Sir David Martin Foundation ambassador and world-acclaimed mountaineer

MONDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2010

Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, was joined by the Premier of New South Wales, the Honourable Kristina Keneally MP at Government House on Sunday to officially launch the Macquarie 2010 Bicentenary Commemorations.

The Macquarie 2010 Bicentenary is a year-long commemoration program to acknowledge the legacy of Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife, Elizabeth Campbell.

“Lachlan Macquarie was a courageous and visionary man who set the direction for a prosperous and egalitarian nation.  His contribution is seen in every aspect of our modern society,” said Governor Bashir.

Chair of the Macquarie 2010 Bicentenary Commemorations Committee, the Honourable John Aquilina MP, said the year would allow everyone to pay tribute to one of New South Wales’ most influential leaders. 

“The year will provide the entire community with an opportunity to celebrate the past, present and future, by participating in the Bicentenary celebrations through a state-wide program of local events, activities and initiatives.” Mr Aquilina said. 

Audio news grabs available:

HONOURABLE JOHN AQUILINA MP - Chair of the Macquarie 2010 Bicentenary Commemorations Committee