Brighton Secondary students win place in world finals of F1 in Schools competition in Singapore

Brighton Secondary School is the national F1 in Schools champion. Its team Precision Racing was named winner of the competition to design the best miniature gas-powered Formula 1 car at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

A TEAM of Brighton Secondary students will represent Australia racing miniature Formula One cars against the world’s best young engineers.

Precision Racing, made up of five Year 10 students, beat 24 teams from across the country in the F1 in Schools competition held at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this month.

The students will head to Singapore in September for the world finals of the largest Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) competition on the planet.

Teams design and build miniature carbon dioxide canister-powered F1 cars to race down a 20m track at speeds of up to 80km/h.

Brighton Secondary students Michael Walker, Lauren Squires, Sukhbir Gill, Jack Hillard, Ben Hauben and Jackson Menzies will head to Singapore for the world finals of F1 in Schools. Picture: David Cronin
Source: News Limited

Team manager Lauren Squires, 15, said teamwork was key to Precision Racing’s success.

“It was really exciting and we’re looking forward to Worlds,” Lauren said.

“I know they’ve got the night races there at the Grand Prix and it seems like it’ll be really good.”

The team formed last year and used computer-aided design, 3D printing, wind tunnel simulators and other industry-leading technology to create their car.

“It’s really good when you see it race down the track because you know that you’ve made it,” Lauren said.

More than nine million students from about 17,000 schools participate in the competition worldwide.

The cars are not just judged on speed, but 11 criteria including innovative design, public speaking and marketing.

Brighton Secondary STEM co-ordinator Stephen Read said the competition, which the school won the world final of in 2012, opened up a raft of opportunities such as universities and F1 scholarships.

Year 11 student Jack Hilliard will also join the team in Singapore.

“It’s a fantastic, unique opportunity that can take you to Melbourne … and then to Singapore and a world competition,” Mr Read said.

“Walking into that foyer for the first time where there’s 30 teams from around the world will be an experience you can’t buy.”

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Brighton Secondary students win place in world finals of F1 in Schools competition in Singapore

Greta Bradman bats for England in Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Proms concert

Greta Bradman with Band of the South Australia Police fanfare members Todd Martin and Nick Bauer for the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s Last Night of the Proms concert. Picture: ROY VAN DER VEGT
Source: News Corp Australia

A Bradman will go in to bat for England when the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra performs its annual Last Night of the Proms concerts of British classical and popular music.

Soprano Greta Bradman, granddaughter of cricket legend Sir Donald, will join the orchestra this weekend to sing everything from English football anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone to operatic arias and songs from My Fair Lady.

“A traditional British program in the context of the Last Night of the Proms means quite a bit of hilarity and silliness as well as fantastic, rousing music that everyone gets to sing along to,’’ she said.

The concert is based on the traditional climax to the eight-week season of summer concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Ms Bradman, who will channel her inner Spice Girl with a number of British-themed costume changes, spent much of last year in the UK where she was studying at the Wales International Academy of Voice.

“I saw the Last Night of the Proms from Hyde Park where people gather to watch it on a big screen — it’s a really festive atmosphere, so I’m very excited about this concert.’’

She will return to London in May to record an album with the English Chamber Orchestra and conductor Richard Bonynge, husband of the late Dame Joan Sutherland.

The Band of the South Australia Police fanfare team will also join the ASO concerts at the Festival Theatre on Friday and Saturday to perform God Save the Queen.

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Greta Bradman bats for England in Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Proms concert

Race driver Trent Clare in critical condition at RAH after crash at Lake Gairdner

Trent Clare (second from left) at Lake Gairdner last year with family relatives.
Source: Supplied

TRENT Clare loves cars, motor racing and going fast.

Every year he and members of his family join hundreds of other drivers at a remote salt lake in the state’s far north for a land speed event in an area known as the Last Fast Place.

But Mr Clare, 26, of Broken Hill, was fighting for life on Wednesday night after he rolled his specially-built bright orange 1993 Streamliner fast car during a high-speed crash while trying to reach 322km/h (200mph).

Witnesses told how the racer, also a successful rally car driver and motocross rider, rolled his car several times while attempting a land speed record for his car type along nine miles of salt flats.

The accident at the annual Speed Week occurred at 530pm on Tuesday at the southern end of Lake Gairdner National Park, 150km northwest of Port Augusta, in cool, but fine, conditions.

His distraught father, Colin, brother, Blake, and uncle, Trevor — who held his own speed record — watched in horror as paramedics, and an off-duty doctor, treated him at the scene before he was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Trent Clare, who has been involved in a car at Lake Gairdner while trying to set a land-speed record.

Racing was immediately suspended and the track remained closed for much of Wednesday amid fears water, wind and a build-up of salt on the lake’s outskirts had triggered dangerous conditions.

Local traffic police from the Moomba Highway patrol are investigating and have been liaising with the Adelaide-based major crash unit.

Mr Clare was last night in a critical, but stable, condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit as his family, including father, mother, Paula, brother and girlfriend Becky Townsend, maintained a bedside vigil.

The family, who operate Clare Brothers Racing and have been involved in motorsport for decades, were too distressed to publicly comment.

The first major crash in the past few years has left Broken Hill residents shocked and locals have rallied around the family, also successful farmers.

Friends told The Advertiser how the builder, whose personal racing best was 251km/h at the outback event, had developed a passion for racing in the past few years. Video online showed him racing in 2013.

“He is just a normal fun-loving bloke — everyone loves him,” said one.

“He is a very good driver and he just loved heading up to the lake. It was one of his favourite things.”

Another added: “Everyone up here is in a bit of shock. We are all praying that he pulls through.”

Organisers hope to restart today the competition, which attracts more than 1000 people, after police interviews.

Dry Lake Racing Association officials say the cold conditions helped with fast racing as it prevents car engines from overheating.

An event spokesman described Mr Clare as a “popular” competitor and a “good guy”.

Speed Week, which is celebrating its 25 anniversary, continues at the salt flats of Lake Gairdner — also known as the Last Fast Place — until Friday.

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Race driver Trent Clare in critical condition at RAH after crash at Lake Gairdner

Semaphore South most tightly-held suburb in South Australia | Real Estate | Property and Real Estate |

Des and Lorraine O’Dwyer in front of their Semaphore South home with children Kirsten and Sean. Picture: Roy Van Der Vegt
Source: News Corp Australia

WHEN a suburb is known as “God’s country” it’s no wonder its residents don’t want to move.

According to CoreLogic RP Data figures, Semaphore South homeowners hold on to their properties, on average, for 14.9 years, making it the most tightly held suburb in the state.

Elsewhere in Adelaide, Bowden homeowners keep their properties for 14.2 years on average, Teringie owners for 13.6 years and Woodville North residents for 13.5 years.

In the regional areas, Murray Land’s Morgan residents hold onto their homes for 13.4 years and Moorak in the state’s South-East has a 12.8-year hold period.

Des and Lorraine O’Dwyer moved to 16 Paxton St, Semaphore South from Campbelltown in 1992 and Mr O’Dwyer said they were attracted by the suburb’s beachside location and lifestyle.

“We loved the location to the beach, the community feel and village atmosphere of the place — it’s just a very peaceful part of the world,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

The O’Dwyers are auctioning their home on Saturday and plan to stay in the suburb.

“I recall when we moved there, people said homes in the suburb were only coming up once every 15 years,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

“We’ve increased that average ourselves and we’ll be here in the suburb for a lot longer yet — we call it God’s country down here and we love it.”

According to the annual Property Guide, in The Advertiser on Saturday, Semaphore South’s median price is $600,500, and has grown by 12 per cent over the past five years.

Houses take about 104 days to sell and rent for an average $435 per week.

Harcourts Aqua agent Steve von der Borch said the suburb was popular with families and had experienced some growth in recent years.

“Over the past seven or so years ,there has been a lot of urban infill — developing behind properties and splitting some properties down the middle without disturbing the home,” Mr von der Borch said.

“Large families buy big houses on big blocks and couples with one or two younger children buy the smaller blocks.”

Originally published as Hold on tight – these residents are in for long haul

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Semaphore South most tightly-held suburb in South Australia | Real Estate | Property and Real Estate |

Growing octogenarian prison inmates need carers, bigger cells, hand rails in toilets and showers, says report

Bevan Spencer Von Einem is 68, and although his sentence has expired, he is likely to be in jail until he dies, because the State Government has refused to release him.
Source: News Limited

THE state’s growing population of elderly prison inmates will need bigger bedrooms, hand rails and music appreciation classes, and some should be sent to nursing homes, a State Government report says.

There are now eight senior citizens aged 80 or older in the state’s prisons, which have experienced a 200 per cent increase in aged offenders since 2003.

One 87-year-old offender is not due for release on parole until he is 93 years old, and could be in jail until he is aged 97.

TELL US BELOW: Should geriatric criminals receive special treatment in prison?

A report commissioned by Correctional Services, and released under the Freedom of Information Act, warns that prison units to accommodate the elderly will need comforts like larger bedrooms, carers, bigger cells and modifications like hand rails in toilets and showers.

The elderly inmates will also need luxuries such as art and music appreciation classes, better food, beading, puzzles, games, craft, pet therapy and writing groups.

The report also suggests releasing the aged to nursing homes was an option, as was inviting volunteers to help them in prison.

“If supervision of the ex-prisoners is preventing aged-care facilities from accepting people convicted of sex offending, then there may be an opportunity to be explored for non-government organisations or volunteers,’’ the report states.

The department already plans to build a six-bed high-dependency unit at Yatala which will have specialist medical facilities for seriously ill and dying inmates.

The growth in elderly inmate numbers has occurred primarily because of law changes like the statute of limitations for sex offences being extended past 1982.

Family First MLC Robert Brokenshire said he had asked for the FOI release because of information that ageing prisoners were an increasing burden on the prison system.

He said Family First made no apologies for introducing the legislation which led to the prosecution of sex offenders who preyed on their victims before 1982, and called on authorities to treat these people the same as other younger offenders.

“What this means clearly is that if you are a paedophile or an ageing sex offender you get special privileges that others don’t,’’ Mr Brokenshire said.

“Some of these people wouldn’t have been convicted if not for changing the statute of limitations so offences before 1982 could be prosecuted.

“But unless they have actual health issues, I don’t agree with them getting any special privileges and treatment, and they should all be treated equally, irrespective of their age.’’

Ten years ago, there was only one octogenarian prisoner in SA, aged 80. The oldest now are two prisoners in SA jails aged 87.

One, Severio Mittiga, is not due to be released at the earliest until he is aged 93, or 97 if he does not get early release.

Mittiga sexually abused three sisters, aged nine to 16, over a two-year period until his arrest in 2009.

After his arrest, he reoffended against one of them.

One of two 81-year-olds could have applied for release in 2014 but did not.

Another offender is aged 80, two are 82 and one 84.

Of the 71 inmates who are over retirement age, 55 are serving sex offence sentences, 11 are convicted killers, two committed weapons offences, one other offence against good order and one drug dealing.

A Correctional Services spokesman said it had to ensure humane care and management of aged prisoners.

“Port Augusta, Port Lincoln and Mt Gambier prison already have specialised dormitory style accommodation, which are larger rooms containing four beds for aged and infirm prisoners,’’ the spokesman said.

“The 26-bed high dependency unit at Yatala Labour Prison due for completion later this year will include eight beds that are purpose-built for aged, infirm and mobility impaired prisoners.

“In terms of special features, beds will meet accepted standards of the Building Code of Australia and meet objectives of the Disability Discrimination Act.

“For example, accommodation areas will be fitted with compliant showers, toilets and hand rails etc.’’

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Growing octogenarian prison inmates need carers, bigger cells, hand rails in toilets and showers, says report

Noarlunga Hospital murder: Lindon Luke Sekrst pleads not guilty

Lindon Luke Sekrst has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a man at Noarlunga Hospital in August last year. Picture: Facebook.
Source: Supplied

A MAN allegedly found with his foot on a fellow hospital patient’s neck has denied murdering him.

Defence lawyer Andrew English today asked the Adelaide Magistrates Court to release Lindon Luke Sekrst, 24, on home detention bail because his mental condition had stabilised and a case of self defence was open to him.

He said a psychologist report showed that Sekrst’s mental condition appeared to be drug-induced at the time of the death of his 43-year-old roommate at Noarlunga Hospital in August last year.

Mr English said that, since his arrest, Sekrst had abstained from drugs and his behaviour was no longer erratic.

“He has shown no symptoms for several months, no hallucinations, extreme ideas or other bizarre behaviours,” he said.

Mr English said Sekrst’s father would act as a guarantor and his mother, a health care worker, had agreed to provide 24-hour care for him.

The court has previously heard Sekrst had been moved into the Noarlunga Hospital room with the man, who allegedly died from neck compression, about six hours before the alleged murder, because he was suffering delusions, weight loss and paranoia.

It was alleged a nurse found Sekrst standing over the man with his foot across his mouth and neck.

The court also heard the man died from neck compression and had bruising on his face and scalp.

Prosecutor Julie Lake today said Sekrst had been “less than forthcoming” about his drug use before the incident and said it was inappropriate to release him to the same house where he was living prior to the man’s death.

“Clearly this is a serious matter and the safety of the community is paramount,” she said.

“An investigation is taking place and in my submission, returning the accused to exactly the same environment in the lead up to the alleged offence is clearly inappropriate.”

The state’s Chief Magistrate, Judge Elizabeth Bolton, declined to release Sekrst on bail.

“I have concerns over the clear and ongoing and extreme use of multiple drugs by Mr Sekrst, some of which certainly may have led to the events that brought him to court,” she said.

Sekrst pleaded not guilty to murder and will appear in the Supreme Court next month.

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Noarlunga Hospital murder: Lindon Luke Sekrst pleads not guilty

THE PULSE: Australian Defence Force seeking next generation of soldiers on gaming review websites

Could gaming be the path to the defence forces?
Source: Supplied

CALL of Duty not quite enough anymore? Maybe you’re ready for the real thing. That’s the message the Australian Defence Force is sending gamers.

Get details in The Pulse along with other breaking news, weather and traffic.

Stay with us, we’re blogging live until 10am.

Remember, if you can’t find the story you’re looking for, scroll down.

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THE PULSE: Australian Defence Force seeking next generation of soldiers on gaming review websites