Welcome to our ‘News In Brief’ column in which we digest all the news releases for you in no more than five paragraphs.
Below are snippets of all the media releases we received from Oct 21 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week.
Record $100M in Donations for Sports Foundation
Sydney, Oct 21: The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) has achieved a record-breaking $98.8 million in donations during the 2023-24 financial year, a 24 per cent increase from the previous year. This surge, despite financial pressures, was driven by a 38 per cent rise in the number of donations.
Australian football led individual sports, raising $29.5 million, while community sports saw a 31 per cent boost to support growing female participation. Notably, Victoria reclaimed its position as the top fundraising state, generating $37.1 million, surpassing NSW’s $34.4 million.
ASF also provided support to 81 athletes, including Olympians Caitlin Parker and Natalya Diehm, ahead of the Paris 2024 Games. Infrastructure projects and grassroots programs benefitted from the funding, with donations assisting with travel, equipment, and access to psychological services.
ASF CEO Sue Hunt AM highlighted the foundation’s impact, saying the donations address underfunding issues and foster physical, mental, and social wellbeing across communities. Hon. Anika Wells, Minister for Sport, praised the increased investment in women’s sports initiatives, reflecting Australia’s ongoing commitment to grassroots and elite sports.
Aussies Cut Friend Groups
Sydney, Oct 21: New research by Finder reveals that 21 per cent of Australians, or around 4.4 million people, have reduced the size of their friend groups to cope with rising living costs.
The survey of 1,041 respondents found that 6 per cent have ended friendships, while 16 per cent are socializing with fewer people.
Social events such as weddings, dinners, and parties are being skipped, with 26 per cent of respondents reducing their attendance to save money.
Young Australians, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are the most affected, with 10 per cent admitting to cutting ties with friends, compared to only 2 per cent of baby boomers.
Rebecca Pike, money expert at Finder, noted the impact of rising costs, saying, “As bills, mortgages, and groceries soar, many are finding it increasingly difficult to justify discretionary spending like nights out or expensive hobbies.”
Pike advises being honest with friends about financial goals and focusing on low-cost or free activities. “Don’t go into debt to afford social occasions – real friends will support your choices and respect your boundaries,” she said.
Finder’s survey, conducted in August 2024 as part of its Consumer Sentiment Tracker, offers budgeting tips, such as tracking expenses, setting financial goals, automating savings, and cutting unnecessary costs.
Australia Urged to Boost Tech Skills
Sydney, Oct 21: The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has released its tenth Digital Pulse report, revealing the urgent need to address tech skills shortages.
The report forecasts 1.3 million tech workers will be needed by 2030, but AI adoption lags, and cybersecurity demand is set to double.
“Technology is touching every part of society,” said ACS CEO Josh Griggs.
“We need to ensure the nation has the skills needed by industry and the community.”
The ACS outlined 12 recommendations to grow the workforce, including reskilling programs, promoting diversity, and engaging new talent. The full report is available at www.acs.org.au/digitalpulse.
Canva Partners with EBANX
Australia, Oct 22: Canva has teamed up with EBANX to enhance digital inclusion in Latin America through localized payment solutions.
Operating in six countries, the partnership offers local cards, digital wallets, and instant payment methods like Pix, a popular system in Brazil expected to surpass credit cards by 2025.
With Latin America’s digital commerce projected to grow by 44 per cent over five years, Canva aims to provide easier access to its platform. Pix, used by 43 per cent of businesses for B2B transactions, will introduce a recurring payment feature in June 2025.
The partnership reflects Canva’s focus on fostering a creative community while expanding its services in the region.
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