Dementia Australia Launches Diversity Small Grant Program for Community Awareness

By Ian Rogers

Dementia Australia has announced the launch of its new Diversity Small Grant program, aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of dementia within Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. The program offers grants of up to $30,000 for activities that promote dementia awareness in these communities.

Applications are now open and will remain so until 11 October. Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and CALD organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to develop culturally appropriate activities that help educate their communities about dementia.

Dementia rates among First Nations people are approximately 3-5 times higher than the general population, while 28% of people living with dementia in Australia were born in a non-English speaking country.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan highlighted the importance of this program in empowering communities to raise awareness in ways that best suit their needs. “We want everyone, regardless of background, to know that Dementia Australia is here to support them,” she said.

In addition to funding, successful applicants will receive two professional dementia information sessions for their staff or committee members, and continued support from Dementia Australia.

For more information and to apply, visit here.

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2024 Australian Longboard Titles officially begin on the Tweed Coast

The Australian Longboard Titles have officially begun with an Opening Ceremony at the Hyundai Surfing Australia High Performance Centre (HPC), marking the start of a six-day event on the Tweed Coast in northern New South Wales. Held on Bundjalung Country, the competition is part of the 2024 Australian Surf Championships and is the longest-running event on the Australian surfing calendar.

Athletes from all six surfing states are competing in various longboard divisions at some of the region’s most famous surf spots, including Cabarita Beach, Kingscliff Beach, Fingal Beach, and Duranbah Beach. With nearly 120 competitors in the Masters divisions, this year’s event is one of the largest in recent memory.

Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott is optimistic about the weather, predicting a strong swell that will provide excellent surf conditions, especially for the Open Men’s and Women’s divisions. “The forecast looks great,” he said, “with a solid 3-5 foot swell expected for the first few days of competition.”

The Australian Longboard Titles feature athletes representing all six surfing states. Image: Lighthouse Sports Photography / Surfing Australia

Competitor Nathan Rivalland, from Jan Juc, Victoria, expressed his excitement to be part of the event. “This is my third time competing, and it’s epic to be up here. I made the semis last year and I’m hoping to go even better this year.”

Winners of the Open Men’s and Women’s divisions will secure spots on the Australian surfing team, the Irukandjis, for the 2025 ISA World Longboard Championship. All division winners will also receive a longboard-specific coaching session at the Hyundai Surfing Australia HPC.

Key Divisions:

• Under 18 Junior Men & Women
• Open Men & Women
• Masters & Grand Masters (40+ and beyond)

Competition Schedule:

• Window 1: Friday, Sept 13 – Saturday, Sept 14 (Open Men & Women, U18 Junior Men & Women)
• Window 2: Saturday, Sept 14 – Tuesday, Sept 17 (Masters, Grand Masters, and older divisions)

For more information, visit here. This year’s event is supported by Hyundai, Jim Beam, and Surfers for Climate.

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DJI Neo Drone

 Pocket-Sized Innovation for Everyday Users

By Liam Jennings

DJI has once again pushed the boundaries of portable drone technology with the release of its latest model, the DJI Neo. Weighing in at just 135 grams — less than the average smartphone — this featherweight drone is designed with beginners in mind, offering a powerful blend of simplicity, versatility, and affordability. Priced at $299, the Neo positions itself as an entry-level option for vlogers, hobbyists, and anyone wanting to capture high-quality footage on the go.

One of the standout features of the DJI Neo is its ease of use. Palm takeoff and landing eliminate the need for bulky controllers, allowing the drone to launch directly from your hand. This, combined with AI-powered subject tracking, makes it perfect for users seeking hands-free video capture. Whether you’re skateboarding through a park or hiking a scenic trail, the Neo stays focused on you, making it an ideal tool for capturing dynamic content.

Despite its small size, the DJI Neo doesn’t skimp on camera quality. It records 4K video at 30 frames per second and captures 12MP still photos, ensuring high-quality footage even in challenging conditions. Stabilisation features like RockSteady and HorizonBalancing provide smooth videos, even in windy environments with gusts up to 30 kmph. However, unlike some of DJI’s more advanced drones, the Neo lacks obstacle avoidance. This limitation means users will need to fly cautiously to avoid crashes.

The drone’s QuickShots feature allows for cinematic, automated flight paths with just a tap. Additionally, the Neo supports voice control in both English and Mandarin, further simplifying the user experience. This functionality is especially beneficial for vloggers and social media content creators looking to film themselves while performing various activities.

DJI Neo Drone

In terms of battery life, the Neo offers a modest 18 minutes of flight time per charge, which is relatively short compared to higher-end models like the DJI Mini 3 that provide up to 38 minutes. However, given the Neo’s price point, this flight duration is more than adequate for quick shoots. The drone charges via USB-C and can be fully recharged in just 50 minutes, making it convenient for users on the go.

DJI has also introduced a Two-Way Charging Hub, allowing users to charge three batteries simultaneously, which can be purchased separately. This accessory is especially useful for those who plan to use the drone extensively without access to a power source.

Durability is another area where DJI has made notable strides with the Neo. The drone features a flexible frame and full-coverage propeller guards, which help protect it during crashes—an essential feature for novices. Its lightweight design not only enhances portability but also ensures that it can be easily packed into a small bag or even a pocket.

The DJI Neo is squarely aimed at casual users and content creators looking for an affordable yet capable drone. Its simplified controls, intelligent features, and compact design make it an attractive option for those new to drones. DJI’s decision to price the Neo at $299 makes it one of the most accessible camera drones on the market. Pre-orders are already available, with shipping expected to begin in early October.

Overall, the DJI Neo represents a perfect balance of performance and convenience for everyday users. While it may not offer the advanced capabilities of its higher-end counterparts, it more than makes up for it with ease of use, portability, and affordability—making aerial photography and videography accessible to a wider audience than ever before.

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