TTNA launches a CRC bid
In April, the Technical Textiles & Nonwoven Association (TTNA) released an engagement proposal for its bid to develop the Australian Fibre & Textile Environmental and Recycling Cooperative Research Centre (AFTER-CRC). Click here for a copy of the engagement proposal. Click here for the press release.
Interesting results of a recent report on “Management Matters in Australia”Draft TCF Strategic Capability Program Guidelines released
A copy of the draft guidelines for the TCF Strategic Capability Program (TCF SCP) announced in the budget on 12 May 2009 can be found at this link. The Government is interested in your views on the proposed Program Guidelines and invites your comments. Public sessions for comment will be held in Sydney and Melbourne.
Interesting results of a recent report on “Management Matters in Australia”
An international study that benchmarks the management practices of Australian firms against world's best practice found that there is a strong positive relationship between good management practices and firm productivity and that better management is strongly associated with improved labour productivity, sales growth, profitability, exports, and return on capital. The report, conducted by Professor Roy Green of the University of Sydney, can be found at this link.
Study on Free Trade Agreements
The Productivity Commission is undertaking a study into the impact of bilateral and regional trade agreements on trade and investment barriers, and on Australia's trade and economic performance. A copy of the issues paper can be found at this link. Page five provides a snapshot of the trade agreements on the agenda. Please contact me on 03 9866 5442 with comments you may have on FTA’s.
“Free Trade Agreements of little use to exporters”: The Australian Jan 10
In advance of a new round of negotiations for Free Trade Agreements, survey results issued in early January by the AI Group found that Australia’s free trade agreements have produced little benefit for exporters. Five years on from the implementation of the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), Australian exporters are still finding it tough to do business in the United States. A copy of the article in the Australian newspaper can be found at this link.
Grants for Commercialisation available
Commercialisation Australia will assist researchers, entrepreneurs and innovative firms to commercialise their ideas, offering grants on a co-contribution basis including:
• Up to $50,000 to pay for specialist advice and services;
• Up to $200,000 over two years to engage experienced executives;
• Proof of Concept grants up to $250,000 to test the commercial viability of a new product, process or service; and
• Early Stage Commercialisation repayable grants up to $2 million to develop a new product, process or service to the stage where it can be taken to market.
More details can be found at this link.
CRC-ACS refunded
Late in 2009, the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science & Research announced $14 million of Government support for a five year program involving 30 Australian and international participants for the Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composites Structures, commencing in July 2010. One of its research platforms features “Plant Fibre Bio-composites”. More details can be seen at this link.
13th CRC Selection Round opened in December
In announcing the opening of the selection round, Senator Carr also announced two key priority areas of Manufacturing Innovation and Social Innovation. The good Minister emphasized that “Manufacturing innovation can focus on traditional areas such as automotive, textile, footwear and clothing industries, or in new and emerging industries such as scientific and medical instruments, specialist engineering, aerospace, and advanced materials.” Any firm wishing to advance the technical and nonwoven textile industry through research please contact me on 03 9866 5442.
Australian Industry Participation
From January 1, tenderers for Australian Government work will have to demonstrate how they’ll give small and medium enterprises (SMEs) a fair go when bidding for major Government contracts. From this time, all new contracts over $20 million put out to tender will require the inclusion of an approved Australian Industry Participation (AIP) Plan with any bid – setting out how suppliers will give SMEs full, fair and reasonable opportunity to supply goods and services. More details from the Minister can be seen at this link.
9th Annual TTNA Conference - Growth Strategies
for 2010 and Beyond
We are proud to announce that this year's annual conference will be held on Thursday 12 November at the Royce Hotel in St Kilda Road Melbourne.
Go to the Conference page for further details.
Carbon Fibre Workshop & Training Resource Program - Wednesday 19 August 2009 (VIC): See the program here.
Submission to: – The Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee. Click here for the submission.
Winter Joint Industry Briefing in VIC – Monday 1 Jun 09: This joint briefing with ACASPA was held in conjunction with the ACASPA Expo Convention & Trade Exhibition at Melbourne Convention Centre, Cnr Spencer and Flinders Streets, Melbourne. Go to the events page for details . click here for photograph.
Message from Austrade: Technical Textiles Opportunity in Western Europe - Invitation to Visit Sweden
A list of international exhibitions can be found here.
Click here for a full list of planned training and briefing events for 2009. Announcement of New TTNA Board - The TTNA held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 4th December 2008. Click here for the announcement of the new board.
Announcement of New TTNA Board - The TTNA held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 4th December 2008. Click here for the announcement of the new board.
End of Year Celebrations - The Luscious Langham Lunch - Thursday 4th December from noon - Fresh on the high of the TTNA conference, we're planning to celebrate the the end of another great TTNA year with a luscious lunch at the Langham. All members are invited to come and enjoy the sumptious buffet and delightful river/city views from the Melba Brasserie at the Langham Hotel. Come with the TTNA members to enjoy this treat at only $40 per head (drinks not included). Click here for registration. RSVP required by 1st December!
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Thursday 4 December - The AGM will be held at 10.30 am on Thursday 4 December at the Travelodge Southbank Melbourne, immediately before the Christmas lunch. All members are invited to attend. Click here for the agenda, and on Events for further details. Simply cross the road to get to the Langham for the luscious Langham lunch at 12.00 noon.
Level 15, 10 Queens Road
MELBOURNE VIC 3004
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: +61 3 9866 6643
Fax: +61 3 9866 6434
Last updated 28.4.2010
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News Releases
October 2009
Announcement of the next
TTNA event: How to produce a
half a kilo of ethanol from a
kilo of old jeans.
Click here for full release.
28th August 2009
Snapshot survey of industry determines that not all
companies are committed to
going offshore
- Click here for full release.
3 August 2009
TTNA Annual Conference Announced - 12 November 2009
in Melbourne
- Click here for full release.
