The unemployment rate continued to fall in July, reaching 4.8 percent, the lowest figure since August 1976. Employment grew by 50,700 and participation reached an all-time high of 65 percent. Since WorkChoices commenced at the end of March: · There has been a net increase in employment of almost 160,000 of which about 130,000 were full time jobs and 30,000 part time; · The number of people unemployed has fallen by 17,500 and the unemployment rate has fallen by 0.2 percent. · The participation rate has increased by 0.6 percent to be at an all time high.

Victorians recovered a record 5.4 million tonnes of waste in 2004-05, representing 55% of the total solid waste stream, according to the latest recycling industry survey by Sustainability Victoria. This is a 7% increase on recycling from the previous year and more than four times the level achieved in 1993. To read more.

Alternatives to traditional training are now more a necessity than luxury. The growing move to training using Internet technology is now an essential option for business - better still - it is also very flexible. Printing Industries now provides Certified training Courses in: OH&S induction; OH&S consultation; Rehabilitation co-ordinator. Certificate II in: Business; Printing and Graphic Arts (Desktop Publishing; Certificate III in: Business (Administration); Occupational Health & Safety; Printing and Graphic Arts (Multimedia) Multimedia; Certificate IV in: Business (Small Business Management); Occupational Health & Safety; Printing and Graphic Arts (Multimedia) Multimedia.
View courses.

More exhibitors than ever before will be showcasing the latest technologies for the printing and graphics industry at PrintEx07 (24-26 May 2007) with exhibition organisers releasing an additional 279 square metres of floor space. The need for additional floor space is a result of heavy demand from suppliers and was been made possible by the relocation of the PrintEx07 industry seminars to conference rooms located directly adjacent to the exhibition halls. The floor space will now allow for up to 30 more exhibitors. To read more

Don Hauser's book, Printers of the Streets and Lanes of Melbourne, launched in May is selling well and is expected to be out of print before Christmas. If you have friends or relatives that have worked in the industry then this book is a must read. To purchase.