News briefs from Multimedia Victoria 2006

Victoria's 'Yellowfin' Lands in Japan (15/12/2006)
Victorian ICT solutions provider, Yellowfin International, is diving into the lucrative Japanese ICT market, signing a new deal worth up to $8 million.

HP Builds on Victoria's ICT Strengths (05/12/2006)
Construction has begun on global technology giant Hewlett-Packard's new multi-million dollar facility in Melbourne’s Forest Hill.

October 2006

Chronic Health Care Revolutionised in Loddon Mallee (31/10/2006)
Patient care in the Loddon Mallee region is being revolutionised with new patient monitoring technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Marsha Thomson said today.

Victorian eLearning Companies in a Class of their Own (27/10/2006)
The formation of Victoria's latest eLearning cluster placed our eLearning companies in a class of their own, Information and Communication Technology Minister Marsha Thomson said today.

Victorian ICT Companies Mixing in the Billionaires Club (27/10/06) (27/10/2006)
19 Victorian ICT companies have this week showcased their companies in front of some of the world's greatest entrepreneurs, Minister for Information and Communication Technology Minister Marsha Thomson said today.

Bracks Government takes Victoria's ICT Industry Beyond China and into Brazil (26/10/2006)
The Bracks Government is looking to boost international business opportunities for Victorian ICT firms with the release of its Emerging ICT Market Strategy: China and the announcement that it is to commence work on a new emerging market strategy for Brazil.

Victorian Games Guru Grows by 150 Jobs (26/10/2006)
Victoria was cementing its spot as Australia’s computer game development capital with leading Victorian game developer, IR Gurus, set to employ an additional 150 games specialists, to work on the new AFL Premiership 2007 game and other titles, Information and Communication Technology Minister, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

Bracks Government Delivering Affordable High Speed Broadband (25/10/2006)
Information and Communication Technology Minister Marsha Thomson has encouraged property developers to seek advice from the Victorian Government to ensure that they do not pay over the odds to provide ultra fast fibre to the home (FTTH) broadband in new housing estates.

Victorian Girls Urged to Go for IT (24/10/2006)
Girls looking for a fast paced, creative and leading edge career need look no further than the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry.

Bionic Eye and Beyond with Bracks Government Research Boost (20/10/2006)
Ground-breaking research, including investigations into the development of a bionic eye, are set to take place at the new National ICT Australia (NICTA) Victoria Research Laboratory, thanks to a $20 million Bracks Government funding boost.

Global Telco Chooses Melbourne for HQ (19/10/06) (19/10/2006)
Global telecommunications company, Tellabs, has chosen Melbourne for its Australian headquarters in a resounding vote of confidence in the local ICT industry, Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson said today.

More ICT Growth in Victoria with TechnologyOne (18/10/2006)
Local software company TechnologyOne is set to expand its workforce by 20 in order to keep pace with demand, said Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson.

Mincom Expands in Victoria (16/10/2006)
Australia's largest software developer, Mincom, is to double its Melbourne operations to 80 staff, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

Victoria and Israel Cement ICT Bonds (11/10/06) (11/10/2006)
The Bracks Government today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Technion, Israel's premier institute of science and technology.

Grid Powered Up with $10m eResearch Project (10/10/06) (10/10/2006)
The Bracks Government is building the infrastructure to put Victoria’s scientific research community at the forefront of collaboration and information sharing, Information and Communication Technology Minister Marsha Thomson said today.

Aurora: A Wired New World in Housing Development (02/10/06) (02/10/2006)
A new housing development in Melbourne's north is a pointer to the future of new housing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Marsha Thomson said today.

September 2006

eSecurity Crucial First Line of ICT Defence (28/09/2006)
Online security is an essential component of the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, making collaboration between business, education and government increasingly important, ICT Minister Marsha Thomson said tonight.

New Digital Motion Lab Bringing Animation to Life (29/09/2006)
A new state-of-the-art motion capture studio in Melbourne will make local animation projects more lifelike than ever, Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson said today.

Around the Clock Medical Monitoring Wins Grant (19/09/2006)
Around-the-clock medical monitoring for at-risk patients could soon be as easy as a flick of the wrist, Minister for Innovation, John Brumby, said today.

Victoria Uni Students Win Access to Hi-Tech Careers (18/09/2006)
Three final-year Victorian ICT students have been given a valuable career boost, winning $5,000 scholarships and eight-week work placements, through Victoria University (VU), industry-partner Flexible Drive Agencies and the Victorian Government, said the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson.

Satyam and Melbourne University sign MOU (18/09/2006)
Leading Indian ICT company Satyam and the University of Melbourne have forged an alliance that will result in innovative approaches to student training, employment opportunities and R&D, Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

E.X.I.T.Eing Careers in ICT for Young Women (18/09/2006)
The Bracks Government wants to encourage more of Victoria’s best and brightest women to join the lucrative and exciting technology sector, Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Marsha Thomson said today.

Bracks Government Boosts Internet Access for Victorian Communities (18/09/2006)
Sixty nine community organisations across Victoria will receive grants of up to $7,500 to continue providing public internet access, as part of a $3.5 million funding boost from the Victorian Government, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology has announced.

August 2006

Victorian ICT Delegation to Scale Chinese Wall (30/08/2006)
The Bracks Government will support 30 Victorian ICT companies to visit China in one of the most potentially lucrative trade missions to be held in recent years, Minister for Information and Communication Technology Marsha Thomson said today.

Telstra Moves to Next Generation Technology in Victoria (24/08/2006)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Marsha Thomson today hailed the opening of the multimillion dollar Telstra Integration Laboratory as further confirmation of Victoria's place as the hub of ICT in Australia.

New Howard Government IP Rules a Slap in the Face for Australian ICT Industry (23/08/2006)
Victorian Minister for Information and Communication Technology Marsha Thomson today branded the proposed Howard Government changes to intellectual property (IP) provisions in IT contracts a slap in the face to the Australian industry that would increase the cost of doing business with Government.

Uploading your Future in Bendigo (21/08/2006)
Final-year secondary school students considering careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), can find out more about the industry at an interactive session in Bendigo on Thursday, Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson said today.

Information Security Company Invests in new Melbourne Jobs (17/08/2006)
Global information security specialist Cybertrust will create up to 120 new jobs at its Melbourne Asia Pacific Headquarters over the next five years, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Marsha Thomson, announced today.

Bracks Government Bridging the Digital Divide in Torquay (16/08/2006)
Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson visited Torquay Primary school today to inspect the School's Public Internet Access project.

Making Broadband Happen in Croydon (14/08/2006)
Businesses and residents in Croydon are set to benefit from upgraded, high-speed competitive broadband services, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

Thomson Seeks Input on Victoria's Teleworking Future (11/08/2006)
The Bracks Government has released a discussion paper to explore how to capitalise on a rapidly growing trend of teleworking - using the latest technology to work away from the traditional office environment.

Melbourne the Natural Choice for Workbrain HQ (10/08/2006)
Canadian software company, Workbrain, has chosen Melbourne as the new home for its Asia Pacific regional headquarters, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

Broadband Boost for Rural Breast Screening (02/08/2006)
New world class broadband services will help to save the lives of women in Wangaratta, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

Bracks Bridging the Digital Divide in Beaufort (01/08/2006)
People looking for work in Beaufort are finding the support they need to get online at the Beaufort Community Resource Centre, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

July 2006

Bracks Government Uploads Victoria's ICT Future (27/07/06) (27/07/2006)
Victorian secondary students keen to pursue a career in ICT are being invited to a series of interactive sessions with key industry players, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said.

Freshtel Deal to Bring 55 New Jobs to Victoria (20/07/2006)
A major deal between a Victorian ICT company and UK supermarket giant Tesco has helped to further strengthen Victoria's global reputation in the ICT industry.

Making Broadband Happen in the Grampians (20/07/2006)
World class, high-speed business-grade broadband services are now available in a growing number of towns in the Grampians thanks to the Bracks Government's telecommunications strategy, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

Making Broadband Happen in Hume (19/07/06) (19/07/2006)
World class, high-speed business-grade broadband services are now available in a growing number of towns in Hume thanks to the Bracks Government's telecommunications strategy, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

New Cutting Edge Motion Capture Studio for Victoria (19/07/2006)
An $800,000 motion caption facility will take Victoria's cutting edge animation industry to new realities, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

Making Broadband Happen in Gippsland (18/07/06) (18/07/2006)
World class, high-speed business-grade broadband services are now available in a growing number of towns in Gippsland thanks to the Bracks Government's telecommunications strategy, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

Making Broadband Happen in Metropolitan Melbourne (18/07/2006)
World class, high-speed business-grade broadband services are now available in a growing number of towns in metropolitan Melbourne thanks to the Bracks Government's telecommunications strategy, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

Making Broadband Happen in Victoria's South West (18/07/06) (18/07/2006)
World class, high-speed business-grade broadband services are now available in a growing number of towns in Victoria's South West thanks to the Bracks Government's telecommunications strategy, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

AIIA says Victorian Government's new ICT policies a positive step forward (10/07/2006)
New Victorian government ICT policies came into effect on July 3, with improvements to the contractual framework viewed positively by AAIA.

Making Broadband Happen in Victoria's North West (06/07/2006)
World class, high-speed business-grade broadband services are now available in a growing number of towns in Victoria's North West thanks to the Bracks Government's telecommunications strategy, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

June 2006

Making Broadband Happen in Regional Victoria (28/06/2006)
Access to broadband in the Pyrenees/Northern Grampians will be much more affordable thanks to a Bracks Government investment, Minister for Information & Communication Technology, Ms Marsha Thomson, said today.

Multi-Million Optic Fibre Network Connecting Victorian Researchers to the World (28/06/06) (28/06/2006)
The Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, today announced details of an advanced state-wide fibre optic network that will revolutionise the way the Victorian academic and research community communicates and collaborates with the world.

Internet Access Boost for Frankston Unemployed (22/06/2006)
Frankston's long-term unemployed now have access essential job-seeking services via the internet, as part of a $3.5 million Bracks Government funding boost, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

Internet Access Boost for Latin American Community (09/06/2006)
Footscray's Spanish Latin American Welfare Centre has received $7,500 to continue providing public internet access, as part of a $3.5 million Bracks Government funding boost, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

Bracks Government Boosts Internet Access for Disadvantaged in Stonnington (02/06/06) (02/06/2006)
The Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, and the Member for Prahran, Tony Lupton, today launched an extension to the Prahran Mission Public Internet Access.

May 2006

Connecting Victorians to eGovernment Projects (30/05/2006)
The 2006-07 State Budget delivers more than $800 million in commitments to ICT research and a range of eGovernment initiatives to improve public transport, law enforcement, education and environmental management.

Global ICT Company Boosts Vic Presence with 50 New Jobs (25/05/2006)
Multibillion dollar global information management and storage company EMC Corporation will expand its Victorian presence with 50 new jobs, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

eServices Panel Revamp Boosting Victorian ICT Industry (25/05/2006)
More Victorian ICT companies will have the opportunity to win Government work through the Bracks Government's revitalised eServices Panel, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

Vic Gov Helping Graduates Create Digital Careers (18/05/2006)
The Bracks Government has helped to provide seven new interns with on-the-job training in a bid to boost skills in the electronic entertainment sector, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

Internet Access Boost for the Northern Suburbs (16/05/2006)
The Fawkner Community House will receive $7,500 to continue providing public internet access, as part of a $3.5 million funding boost from the Bracks Government, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

Internet Access Boost for Natimuk Communities (16/05/2006)
The Natimuk National Hotel will receive $5,000 to continue providing public internet access, as part of a $3.5 million funding boost from the Bracks Government, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

Internet Access Boost for Mildura Communities (16/05/2006)
The Nangiloc Colignan and District Advisory Committee will receive $5,000 to continue providing public internet access, as part of a $3.5 million funding boost from the Bracks Government, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

Internet Access Boost for Kirkstall Communities (16/05/2006)
The Kirkstall community, working with the Moyne Shire, will receive $5,000 to continue providing public internet access, as part of a $3.5 million funding boost from the Bracks Government, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

Internet Access Boost for Echuca Communities (16/05/2006)
Murray Human Services in Echuca will receive $5,000 to continue providing public internet access, as part of a $3.5 million funding boost from the Bracks Government, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

UK Chooses Victorian ICT Industry Ahead of the Rest (11/05/2006)
Four Victorian ICT companies are heading to England for an international trade mission, after winning exclusive support from the UK Government.

Making Broadband Happen in Loddon Mallee and Grampians (05/05/2006)
The Bracks Government is continuing to make broadband happen for provincial Victorians with $6 million to deliver better broadband services in the Loddon Mallee and Grampians regions.

Victorian Industry Hits E3 Ahead of the Game (05/05/2006)
The Bracks Government is supporting Victoria's largest computer games trade mission of 22 local companies to attend E3 in Los Angeles this week.

April 2006

Melbourne Home to new HQ for Leading Israel Company (27/04/06) (27/04/2006)
Tel Aviv, Israel: Leading Israeli IT services and solutions provider Ness Technologies, Inc. will open their Australia New Zealand headquarters in Melbourne creating up to 50 new jobs, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

USA Trip Secures More ICT & R&D Investment in Victoria (21/04/2006)
New York, USA: One of the world's largest information technology management software companies has announced plans to grow its Melbourne R&D workforce with up to 50 new jobs, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

Bracks Government strikes MoU with Intel (19/04/2006)
SANTA CLARA, USA: The Bracks Government has struck a strategic alliance with the world's largest chip developer Intel, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

Vic Company Joins ICT Leaders on e-Security World First (18/04/2006)
PALO ALTO, UNITED STATES: The Bracks Government has brokered a deal which will see Hewlett-Packard and Intel form an alliance with Victorian ICT company Cebridge.

Local Game Developer Races onto World Market (12/04/2006)
TOKYO, JAPAN: Victoria's Tantalus Interactive has formed a partnership with major Japanese publisher Kemco to develop an innovative new video game racing title, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

PC Purchasing Panel Saves $20 Million and Environment (04/04/2006)
A new environmentally friendly PC and Notebook Equipment Panel will help the Bracks Government save up to $20 million over the next five years, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

March 2006

Students to Podcast the 2006 Games to the World (08/03/2006)
Students from Footscray City College are preparing to tell the world about the 2006 Commonwealth Games using podcasts produced in the school's digital recording studio, the Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

New Funding Puts TAFE Students on Path to ICT Jobs (07/03/2006)
The Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, today announced a $330,000 commitment to boost ICT skills in the TAFE sector.

Victorian Government Plugging into ICT Overseas (07/03/2006)
The Bracks Government is helping local ICT companies reach the world stage, the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

World-Class Directions for Commonwealth Games Visitors (05/03/2006)
In a world-first, new mobile technology will ensure the more than 90,000 visitors to the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games can find their way to events and entertainment, the Minister for Information and Communication, Marsha Thomson, said today.

February 2006

Thomson Calls on Howard to Address Broadband Crisis (27/02/2006)
The Howard Government faces another growing infrastructure crisis with 163,000 homes and businesses across regional Victoria still without access to broadband, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

Victorian Government Submission on Broadband Connect and Clever Networks (PDF, 90KB, 9 pages) (27/02/2006)
The Victorian Governments submission to the 'Broadband Connect and Clever Networks: supporting investment in sustainable broadband infrastructure' report.

New National Intelligent Transport Systems Centre Opened (27/02/2006)
A new National Intelligent Transport Systems Centre - the first of its kind in the world - was officially opened in Port Melbourne today by the Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby.

Computershare Expands Its Melbourne Base (22/02/2006)
The Premier, Steve Bracks, today opened a new $25 million Port Melbourne facility for Australia's largest home-grown Information and Communication Technology (ICT) company - Computershare.

Bracks Government Scholarships Boost ICT Skills (21/02/2006)
The Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, today announced $1.1million in university scholarships as part of the Bracks Government's ICT Industry Plan commitment to boost skills.

Smarter Irrigation Delivers Economic Benefits (10/02/2006)
The Minister for Innovation, John Brumby, today announced a Bracks Government $1.5 million grant for the development of a new smart water management system to increase water efficiency for the states food industries.

Internet Access Boost for Disadvantaged Victorians (10/02/2006)
More Victorians will be able to access free or affordable public internet as the result of a funding boost announced today by the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson.

Victorian Funding Brings Communities Together Online (07/02/2006)
The Bracks Government will provide 20 Victorian community groups with grants totalling $400,000 to get online, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

East Gippsland schools ahead of the technology class (03/02/2006)
The Bracks Government has given students in far East Gippsland a back to school gift - $2.16 million in world-class technology.

January 2006

Internet Boost for Victorian Deafblind Community (24/01/2006)
Two grants totalling $17,500 has helped hearing and visually impaired Victorians to get online, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today.

ICT careers info available now on youthcentral (12/01/2006)
Young Victorians making big career decisions this week should check out the Bracks Government's award-winning website, youthcentral, for the latest on a career in ICT.

Victorian companies on show at world stage (11/01/2006)
The Victorian eLearning industry is now on show at a leading international information and communication technology forum.