Unemployment

Fire represents power and control for an Indigneous teenager who lacks both, in Melanie Saward’s compassionate debut novel

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

“From the moment I got here, I’ve wanted to set the whole of Brisbane on fire,” reflects Andrew, the protagonist of Melanie Saward’s debut novel.

Key Points: 
  • “From the moment I got here, I’ve wanted to set the whole of Brisbane on fire,” reflects Andrew, the protagonist of Melanie Saward’s debut novel.
  • Saward, a Bigambul and Wakka Wakka author, moved to Bracken Ridge in the northern suburbs of Brisbane as a teenager, after growing up in Tasmania.
  • Fire is symbolic: it’s power and control for Andrew, who has precious little control over his life.

Reading as ‘invited guests’

  • Writes Leane:
    Presencing means the recognition that First Nations works are happening in the same ‘now’ as the settler reader.
  • Presencing means the recognition that First Nations works are happening in the same ‘now’ as the settler reader.
  • While my own experience was very different, I recognise the way poverty and deprivation press up against natural beauty in Saward’s novel.
  • As an adult living in Melbourne, I became gradually aware of the economic gap between the mainland and Tasmania.
  • They were reasons I left the state when I was old enough to do so.
  • Despite living in Melbourne for nearly 30 years, I still feel the thread Saward writes about, connecting me to Tasmania.
  • Burn, however, generates a type of “presencing” that allows you to see complexity in the way the past manifests in the present.

Inside family trauma

  • “We don’t know how deep it is,” he said the first time I started wading in for a paddle.
  • If a nice, warm, nearly nine-year-old boy gets in, they might think you’re their dinner.” The tidal pool becomes a recurring image for trauma.
  • We see inside family trauma, how the dynamics are self-perpetuating.
  • We also bear witness to the role institutions play in exacerbating trauma associated with colonialism, such as ongoing disconnection from culture.

Crossover appeal


Burn has obvious crossover appeal for teen and adult audiences, with a strong adolescent protagonist driving the story. So it interests me that this novel has been published as adult fiction. In fact as a young adult author and once-upon-a-time editor of books for teenagers, I puzzled over the decision.

  • When teaching young adult fiction to creative writing and publishing classes, I often ask Dr Lili Wilkinson’s four powerful plotting questions: What does your character want?
  • In this novel, there is nothing Andrew alone can do to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma.
  • The only answer posed to the question, “What does Andrew need to do?” is: light fires.
  • Andrew lights fires which destroy, but Andrew’s fires also offer regeneration and renewal.

‘Who’s your mob?’

  • In Tasmania, Sarah and Andrew try and fail to imagine new futures for themselves, to generate a fantasy of who they might be.
  • New love interest, Tess, makes clumsy attempts to connect with Andrew, and he in turn tries hard not hurt her.
  • This question cuts to the heart of what it means to belong: to family, to Country, to culture and to your own story.


Penni Russon does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

EQS-News: Harvard Business School Launches Tony Elumelu Foundation Case Study

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

At a time of renewed geopolitical interest in Africa, and an increasing questioning of traditional development finance models, Harvard Business School today released a case study examining the role and impact of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) ( https://www.TonyElumeluFoundation.org ), and its unique approach to catalysing entrepreneurship in Africa.

Key Points: 
  • At a time of renewed geopolitical interest in Africa, and an increasing questioning of traditional development finance models, Harvard Business School today released a case study examining the role and impact of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) ( https://www.TonyElumeluFoundation.org ), and its unique approach to catalysing entrepreneurship in Africa.
  • The case study recognises challenges the Foundation faces, and its responses, as it developed its mission, since founding in 2010.
  • Tony Elumelu, who spoke at Harvard said, “TEF is creating economic hope and opportunity for African entrepreneurs.
  • Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

One of 2024's Must Read Organizational Leadership Books Is 'Chaos Is a Gift?' by Author Dr. Andrew Campbell

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Andrew Campbell and Ebben Van Zyl are proud to introduce the audiobook version of their acclaimed book Chaos Is a Gift?

Key Points: 
  • Andrew Campbell and Ebben Van Zyl are proud to introduce the audiobook version of their acclaimed book Chaos Is a Gift?
  • is perfect for organizational leaders who, in times of unpredictability and uncertainty, seek to lead with focus, clarity, and calmness.
  • Developing the capacity to lead oneself in times of organizational chaos and unpredictability is a critical ingredient in solving organizational challenges.
  • His research focuses on global leadership, organizational leadership, international conflict management and terrorism, and leadership forgiveness and reconciliation.

White Rock, NM Named “Happiest Small Town in America”

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 11, 2024

Los Alamos, NM, March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Travel —an online travel journal—recently named White Rock, New Mexico, the “Happiest Small Town in America” in their 2024 rankings.

Key Points: 
  • Los Alamos, NM, March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Travel —an online travel journal—recently named White Rock, New Mexico, the “Happiest Small Town in America” in their 2024 rankings.
  • “With a friendly atmosphere, tons of trails through and around town, beautiful dark skies, and unique local businesses, White Rock is a gem among small towns across America.”
    For those visiting White Rock, be sure to start your visit at the White Rock Visitor Center for maps and an overview of local activities.
  • White Rock Overlook Park – Grab your camera and prepare for stunning shots at White Rock Overlook.
  • To plan your visit or explore all there is to see and do in White Rock and Los Alamos, go to www.visitlosalamos.org .

Survey Reveals Employers Prioritize Holistic Wellness Over Price When Selecting Employee Benefits

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

CHICAGO, March 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Low unemployment, shifting employee priorities and the work-from-anywhere marketplace pose new staffing challenges for employers, according to a recent national survey of employee benefits brokers and advisors.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, March 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Low unemployment, shifting employee priorities and the work-from-anywhere marketplace pose new staffing challenges for employers, according to a recent national survey of employee benefits brokers and advisors.
  • This survey reveals that benefits programs that promote four factors of holistic wellness — financial, physical, mental and digital — are perceived as high value to modern employees, while delivering value to today’s employers.”
    Across the four facets of holistic wellness, mental health support was the most requested benefit cited by survey participants.
  • Rounding out the four facets of holistic wellness, financial and digital wellness benefits also secured spots in the most-requested benefits list.
  • During the previous three years, price per employee was the top benefit consideration for employers.

Despite Easing Inflation, Slow Growth is Expected for Canadian Cities for Most of 2024

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

GDP growth is forecast to be just 1.6 per cent in 2024 before increasing a further 2.4 per cent in 2025.

Key Points: 
  • GDP growth is forecast to be just 1.6 per cent in 2024 before increasing a further 2.4 per cent in 2025.
  • Despite Edmonton’s robust migration-fueled population growth, the recent easing of oil prices signals an impending slowdown in the economy.
  • The city’s GDP is expected to grow 1.5 per cent in 2024 before increasing a further 3.4 per cent in 2025.
  • GDP growth of 1.0 per cent is expected for 2024, with a subsequent increase of 2.8 per cent in 2025.

MCI enters Cape Town South Africa with the Acquisition of Cloud CX QA and BPO Provider BYC Aqua

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 19, 2024

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Feb. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MCI BPO (MCI) , a globally recognized leader in business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer experience (CX) solutions, today announces the acquisition of, BYC Aqua (BYC) , a preeminent South African BPO and Call Center CX Quality Assurance (QA) technology and as-a-Service solution.

Key Points: 
  • MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Feb. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MCI BPO (MCI) , a globally recognized leader in business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer experience (CX) solutions, today announces the acquisition of, BYC Aqua (BYC) , a preeminent South African BPO and Call Center CX Quality Assurance (QA) technology and as-a-Service solution.
  • The MCI acquisition furthers MCI's strategic expansion of MCI’s global footprint and enhancement of its tech offerings.
  • BYC, headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, is a rapidly growing global BPO, delivering exceptional Quality-Assurance-as-a-Service (QAaaS) services to a diverse base of over 25 marquee South African, Australian, and United Kingdom enterprise clients.
  • Anthony Marlowe, CEO of MCI, expresses MCI’s enthusiasm of the BYC acquisition: "The addition of BYC Aqua to the MCI Group propels our global and technology mission forward in MCI’s ability to offer CX worldwide.

CoreLogic: Annual US Home Price Growth Moves Up Gradually Again in January

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Year-over-year home price gains reached the highest rate in a year in January, but growth is expected to begin slowing in the coming months, falling to 2.6% by early 2025.

Key Points: 
  • Year-over-year home price gains reached the highest rate in a year in January, but growth is expected to begin slowing in the coming months, falling to 2.6% by early 2025.
  • Meanwhile, baby boomers who already have significant financial reserves can pay for homes entirely in cash, which further increases challenges for other buyers.
  • annual home price growth strengthened to 5.8% in January 2024,” said Dr. Selma Hepp, chief economist for CoreLogic.
  • CoreLogic’s forecast shows annual U.S. home price gains relaxing to 2.6% in January 2025.

South Africa Poultry and Egg Industry Report, with Profiles of 20+ Companies Including Astral, RCL, Country Bird, TopLay Egg Co-operative, Eggbert Eggs and Cape Karoo International - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

The poultry and egg industry is the largest contributor to the agricultural sector in South Africa.

Key Points: 
  • The poultry and egg industry is the largest contributor to the agricultural sector in South Africa.
  • The most recent outbreak has seriously affected the operations of major poultry and egg producers, and is expected to lead to significant shortages and escalating prices.
  • While local demand for poultry meat has steadily increased since 2008, there has been a growing presence of cheap imports.
  • There are profiles of 23 companies including major producers such as Astral, RCL and Country Bird, egg producers such as TopLay Egg Co-operative and Eggbert Eggs, and companies in the ostrich industry such as Cape Karoo International.

The MolinaCares Accord Invests $3.7 Million to Improve Health Equity in Illinois

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), in collaboration with The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), is announcing a $3.7 million investment in the MolinaCares Illinois Health Equity Initiative.

Key Points: 
  • Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), in collaboration with The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), is announcing a $3.7 million investment in the MolinaCares Illinois Health Equity Initiative.
  • In total, Molina has dedicated approximately $5 million to improve equity in health outcomes for under-resourced communities in Illinois.
  • “As part of our commitment to advancing health equity, Molina is deploying a multi-pronged approach that targets various areas of health care, working alongside community-based organizations and providers,” said Matthew Wolf, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Illinois.
  • Studies have shown those who live in poverty tend to have a higher disease burden, according to the National Health Council .