Link to Original: http://3degree.cci.ecu.edu.au/articles/view/89
Anzac Day in Gallipoli 2006
By Glenn Knight
31 March 2006
Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli this year will be a different affair to last year. Last year’s service was tarnished by reports of drunken and disorderly behaviour by some of the 17 000 attendees.
Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli this year will see a number of changes in response to events that occurred during last year’s 90th anniversary services.
Concerns were raised after record crowds attended the memorial sites at Gallipoli. Thousands of people came to pay tribute and reflect on the heroic and tragic legacy that is Gallipoli.
Yet the significance of the day was tarnished by reports of drunken behaviour and the large amount of rubbish left behind by visitors.
Also coming into question was the decision to play music videos to the large crowds as they waited overnight for the dawn service.
Federal Minster for Veterans Affairs Bruce Billson has announced a number of changes that are hoped will ensure the ongoing protection and preservation of the Gallipoli Peninsula.
“There is no greater symbol of Australia’s proud wartime history than Gallipoli and the Australian Government will continue to work closely with Turkey and New Zealand to commemorate this epic chapter of the Australian story,” he said.
This year a number of changes will be implemented. To avoid a repeat of the rubbish left behind, Conservation Volunteers Australia has undertaken to clean up the area after services have been completed. The Department of Veterans Affairs is also providing some assistance in regards to this matter.
Alcohol will also be banned from the event as well as improvements to food vending arrangements. There will also be a substantial increase in first aid and toilet facilities.
Large video screens will feature pre-recorded and live material that will include documentaries reflecting on the Anzac tradition. Royal Australian Air Force and Navy bands will also perform period music.
It is hoped that these changes will help in providing people with putting the event into the right historical context. “Many of those gathering are captivated by the legend of Anzac, without knowing a lot about the genesis of the legend,” said Mr Billson.
“It's important that the Gallipoli experience provides these people with historical context.”
The massive crowds have also prompted changes to the transport and access to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Engineers from Australia have been providing input into works programs that will cater for the large number of visitors to the area.
The site is also of great significance to the Turkish people. As Mr Billson points out.
“It is their sovereign land; defended at great cost in 1915. Some 87 000 Turks lost their lives, compared to the 8 700 Anzacs.”
Thousands of British, French, Indian and Pakistani soldiers also died at Gallipoli.
The Turkish government has also developed a transport plan that will allow for a closer drop-off point for visitors.
As Mr Billson pointed out, “The Australian Government, and I’m pleased to say I think I can speak for New Zealand as well, and the Turkish Government, are of one in strongly sharing our commitment for the ongoing protection and preservation of the Gallipoli Peninsula.”
The Australian Government has committed $16 million over four years to assist with efforts to preserve the legend of Gallipoli.
This includes the funding of a specialist archaeological and historical team conducting a review of the area. The aim of the review is to identify key sites of significance, such as trench locations, command posts, outposts and key battle areas.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
ECU and the battle against obesity
Originally posted:
ECU Cuts the Fat
By Glenn Knight
24 March 2006
ECU and the battle against obesity
Edith Cowan University will be launching a new study this month on the effect resistance training has on children's fitness, strength, performance and overall body composition. Sixty overweight children will be the focus of the study, headed by Dr Mike McGuigan.
Edith Cowan University is taking the fight to childhood obesity in a new study beginning this month. Sixty over-weight and obese children aged between seven and twelve years are being sought to participate in the program.
The program is designed to give researchers a better understanding of the effect resistance training has on children's fitness, strength, performance and overall body composition. The study will also aim to improve the participants' diet and self-esteem.
During the free eight-week program, participants will undergo a comprehensive body and physiological assessment as well as analysis of their dietary habits.
The study, funded by the Telstra Foundation, will be lead by Dr Mike McGuigan. The Telstra Foundation through its Community Development Fund contributes approximately $3.6 million annually in grants to projects that affect the health and well being of Australian youth.
Currently, obesity rivals asthma as the most common chronic health condition amongst Australian children.
"Unfortunately, studies show that 50 percent of parents with obese children don't even perceive that their child is overweight," said Dr McGuigan.
According to Dr McGuigan the number of overweight individuals in Australia is the highest in the developed world.
"More than one quarter of Australian children are overweight," he said.
The number of serious medical conditions associated with obesity highlights the importance of this study.
As Dr McGuigan points out, "the children are at great risk of early diabetes, hypertension, heart disorders and many other chronic illnesses."
There has also now been an established link between obesity and the development of Alzheimer's disease.The World Health Organisation (WHO) currently estimates that approximately 300 million people are living with obesity worldwide. The WHO sees profound changes in society and changes in our behavioural patterns as the cause for the obesity epidemic. It sights that traditional diets high in complex carbohydrates have been replaced with diets high in fats and sugars.
This high energy, low nutrient, dietary shift has been compounded by a decline in the amount of physical activity undertaken by the population. The result is an increase in the number of overweight individuals, with estimates of around one billion adults being considered overweight worldwide.
The epidemic has also been recognised by the Australian government. It recently launched a $6 million campaign to encourage children to be more active.
The program has however drawn some criticism from the Australian Medical Association (AMA) for not promoting healthier nutrition practices.
Obesity in children will also be a major focus point at the state health ministers annual conference meeting due to take place in New Zealand this April.
The study will require that the children attend three free structured fitness sessions a week at the university's Joondalup campus. Parents interested in the program are asked to contact Dr McGuigan through the university on (08) 6304 2118 or via email at m.mcguigan@ecu.edu.au
ECU Cuts the Fat
By Glenn Knight
24 March 2006
ECU and the battle against obesity
Edith Cowan University will be launching a new study this month on the effect resistance training has on children's fitness, strength, performance and overall body composition. Sixty overweight children will be the focus of the study, headed by Dr Mike McGuigan.
Edith Cowan University is taking the fight to childhood obesity in a new study beginning this month. Sixty over-weight and obese children aged between seven and twelve years are being sought to participate in the program.
The program is designed to give researchers a better understanding of the effect resistance training has on children's fitness, strength, performance and overall body composition. The study will also aim to improve the participants' diet and self-esteem.
During the free eight-week program, participants will undergo a comprehensive body and physiological assessment as well as analysis of their dietary habits.
The study, funded by the Telstra Foundation, will be lead by Dr Mike McGuigan. The Telstra Foundation through its Community Development Fund contributes approximately $3.6 million annually in grants to projects that affect the health and well being of Australian youth.
Currently, obesity rivals asthma as the most common chronic health condition amongst Australian children.
"Unfortunately, studies show that 50 percent of parents with obese children don't even perceive that their child is overweight," said Dr McGuigan.
According to Dr McGuigan the number of overweight individuals in Australia is the highest in the developed world.
"More than one quarter of Australian children are overweight," he said.
The number of serious medical conditions associated with obesity highlights the importance of this study.
As Dr McGuigan points out, "the children are at great risk of early diabetes, hypertension, heart disorders and many other chronic illnesses."
There has also now been an established link between obesity and the development of Alzheimer's disease.The World Health Organisation (WHO) currently estimates that approximately 300 million people are living with obesity worldwide. The WHO sees profound changes in society and changes in our behavioural patterns as the cause for the obesity epidemic. It sights that traditional diets high in complex carbohydrates have been replaced with diets high in fats and sugars.
This high energy, low nutrient, dietary shift has been compounded by a decline in the amount of physical activity undertaken by the population. The result is an increase in the number of overweight individuals, with estimates of around one billion adults being considered overweight worldwide.
The epidemic has also been recognised by the Australian government. It recently launched a $6 million campaign to encourage children to be more active.
The program has however drawn some criticism from the Australian Medical Association (AMA) for not promoting healthier nutrition practices.
Obesity in children will also be a major focus point at the state health ministers annual conference meeting due to take place in New Zealand this April.
The study will require that the children attend three free structured fitness sessions a week at the university's Joondalup campus. Parents interested in the program are asked to contact Dr McGuigan through the university on (08) 6304 2118 or via email at m.mcguigan@ecu.edu.au
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