Fishermans Bend Researcher Advances Self-Healing Vitrimers for Defence
Dr. Ashleigh Farnsworth, who manages Defence Science and Technology Group's spectroscopy and thermal analysis lab in Fishermans Bend, has received a Chief Defence Scientist Fellowship to explore the use of vitrimers in fibre-reinforced composites. Discovered in 2011, vitrimers are self-healing polymers that combine the strength and stiffness of thermosets with the ability to be reshaped or repaired when heated. This unique property makes them ideal for enhancing defence materials, such as those used in military aircraft and naval vessels. Dr. Farnsworth’s research will focus on developing high-stiffness composites resistant to delamination and improving their energy absorption and stealth capabilities. She will collaborate with experts from Monash and Deakin Universities to advance these promising materials.
Fishermans Bend Digital Innovation Challenge Finalists Announced!
From 33 innovative tech-based proposals, three have emerged as top contenders for the 2024 Fishermans Bend Digital Innovation Challenge. At the upcoming Pitch Night, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about these groundbreaking ideas—the Melbourne EcoSound Initiative by FutureLabs, Upsoil Collective by Zoe Wang, and Mia Mias Micro Materials Bank by Commune and Co / Cirque du Soil—either in-person in Fishermans Bend or via livestream. Join industry leaders, community members, and government representatives at Pitch Night starting 7pm on 15 August. Follow the innovation programs on the City of Melbourne Participate project page, and remember to vote for your favourite ideas. Your vote will decide which project receives the $90,000 grant to be implemented in Fishermans Bend in 2025, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Interview with Siemens Mobility’s Mick Spiers on Enhancing Rail Technology in Australia
Josh Farrell of Rail Express recently interviewed Mick Spiers, Chief Operating Officer for Railway Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility in Australia and New Zealand, on advancing rail technology. Fishermans Bend local, Siemens Mobility, a global leader in signalling technology, is leveraging its international expertise to enhance Australia's rail network with ETCS Level 2. Spiers emphasised that this technology, which has transformed rail systems across Europe, will address Australia's unique infrastructure challenges by unifying its diverse signalling systems and improving network efficiency. The ETCS Level 2 system promises to increase capacity, enhance safety through continuous supervision, and improve overall service reliability.Subscribe to their mailing list for updates.
Barak Beacon Project Among Three New Housing Developments Approved
The Victorian Government has approved three new housing projects, adding over 800 social housing homes in Melbourne, including the Barak Beacon project in Port Melbourne. This initiative, part of the Social Housing Accelerator program, will deliver 408 homes, with over 200 designated as social and affordable housing—an increase of 46% in social housing on the site. The Barak Beacon development will feature four buildings, 242 car parking spaces, and 519 bicycle storage spaces. Additional projects in Bluff Road, Hampton East, and Banksia Gardens, Broadmeadows, also received approval, expanding the state’s social housing. While the Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association supports the project, they have raised concerns about enhancing public transport, green spaces, and local infrastructure for the new residents.
