- Charbel X
- Posts
- Goodness comes from those who make.
Goodness comes from those who make.
Mending wounds through Mother Nature, Reopening of a 114-year old Victoria's 'Grande Old Dame' and more
Charbel Zeaiter
December 15, 2024
Happy Sunday from Sydney,
Queensland researchers have crafted an innovative wound-healing gel, inspired by the traditional wisdom of Aboriginal communities and the antibacterial magic of lemon myrtle oil.
“The future enters into us, in order to transform itself in us, long before it happens.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
As we head towards the holiday season, I wish you the very best of what is a wind-down week for many.
May your reflections of 2024 be gentle and appreciative.
With love,
Charbel
Good Things Happening Around the World
Healing Wounds With A Splash Of Nature: Scientists turn bush medicine into a revolutionary wound healer
Victoria's 'grande old dame,' the Mount Buffalo Chalet, set for a grand reopening: A 114-year-old building
Teacher training trial earns high marks amid schools' staffing scramble
Robots accelerate solar panel installation: Helping meet the demand for renewable energy at a faster pace
Monarch butterflies gain federal protection: Plans to add them to the threatened species list
More Good News
Words of Inspiration
Healing Wounds With A Splash Of Nature:
Scientists turn bush medicine into a revolutionary wound healer
Queensland researchers have crafted an innovative wound-healing gel, inspired by the traditional wisdom of Aboriginal communities and the antibacterial magic of lemon myrtle oil.
This breakthrough promises a more affordable, effective solution for managing chronic wounds and preventing infections caused by bacteria like golden staph.
Nature Meets Science
The University of Southern Queensland team, led by PhD researcher Danuki Seneviratne, merged Indigenous knowledge with modern medical practices to develop a hydrogel that not only curbs bacterial spread but also nurtures the wound's natural recovery environment.
Lemon myrtle, long cherished by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, became the star ingredient of this project, which began in 2021 with federal funding.
A Step Towards Collaboration
Kunja woman and project advisor Raylene Ward highlighted the gel's cultural importance, especially for Indigenous Australians who often experience chronic wounds.
The project underscores the value of weaving First Nations knowledge into contemporary science, fostering mutual respect and innovation.
What’s Next?
While laboratory results are promising, further research is needed to confirm the gel’s performance in real-world scenarios.
If commercialised, this affordable hydrogel could revolutionise wound care for countless individuals struggling with chronic conditions.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
Imagine a future where cutting-edge science takes cues from ancient traditions, creating solutions that are both effective and affordable.
This gel not only symbolises a leap in medical innovation but also serves as a beautiful reminder of the wisdom that Indigenous cultures have preserved for generations.
It’s proof that when we combine knowledge from all walks of life, we can heal more than just wounds—we can build bridges.
Victoria's 'grande old dame,' the Mount Buffalo Chalet, set for a grand reopening:
A 114-year-old building
Victoria’s historic Mount Buffalo Chalet is reopening after 18 years, transforming into an outdoor education hub for schoolchildren.
Built in 1910, the heritage-listed building will also feature a café and information centre, with boutique accommodation planned for the future.
Under a 40-year lease with Belgravia Outdoor Education, the chalet will host over 5,000 students annually, offering activities like bushwalking, caving, and kayaking. It will also welcome casual visitors and trekkers on weekends.
The $3 million restoration project, backed by federal and state funding, preserves the chalet’s heritage while modernising its facilities. Community members celebrate its revival, seeing it as a win for history, tourism, and outdoor education.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
The reopening of Mount Buffalo Chalet is more than just a restoration—it's a rekindling of history, community spirit, and connection to nature.
Students will gain hands-on outdoor education experiences, visitors can finally explore this architectural gem, and the local economy will enjoy a much-needed boost.
It’s a win for heritage, learning, and a bit of fresh mountain air for everyone.
Teacher training trial earns high marks amid schools' staffing scramble
The University of Newcastle’s "super-prac" model is transforming teaching placements by allowing students to complete their placements in groups, rather than alone.
This collaborative approach reduces anxiety and boosts confidence. The model has seen a 100% retention rate, with students feeling more supported and engaged.
With over 1,500 teaching vacancies in NSW, the super-prac model is a promising solution to the teacher shortage. It’s now being used in schools across the Hunter region, with interest from international universities.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
The super-prac model is a win for both students and schools, offering a stress-free path to teaching while tackling teacher shortages. It’s a simple but effective way to ensure future educators thrive.
Robots accelerate solar panel installation:
Helping meet the demand for renewable energy at a faster pace
Planted Solar, a startup co-founded by Nate Beckett, is transforming solar farm construction with innovative robots.
These robots, which combine the functions of a toothpick dispenser and a nail gun attached to a bulldozer, precisely place steel rods that solar panels rest on.
The robots work at a speed and accuracy unmatched by humans, and their AI-powered systems enable them to handle varied terrains without the need for land grading.
This automation is helping developers overcome bottlenecks, speeding up solar farm installations, and cutting costs.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
The rise of robotic technology in solar farm construction is a win for the environment and efficiency.
By accelerating installation and reducing costs, these robots are playing a key role in making solar energy more accessible and sustainable.
Monarch butterflies gain federal protection:
Plans to add them to the threatened species list
For years, environmentalists have raised alarms about the decline of monarch butterfly populations, citing factors like rising temperatures, herbicide use that destroys milkweed, and the threat of climate change.
In response, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced plans to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species, offering it significant legal protections.
This decision means that changes to landscapes that would render them unsuitable for monarchs are now prohibited.
Additionally, the service will designate 4,395 acres across seven California counties as critical habitats, where monarchs migrate for the winter.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
This is great news not only for the iconic monarch butterfly but also for the broader ecosystem.
Monarchs play a crucial role as pollinators, and these protections ensure that land-use decisions will consider the impact on species vital to plant, animal, and human life.
By safeguarding monarch habitats, we are helping to preserve a key link in the environmental chain.
More Good News
Words of Inspiration
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
— Voltaire"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
— George Bernard Shaw"Think before you speak. Read before you think."
— Fran Lebowitz"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."
— Groucho Marx"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
— Mae West
What I’m working on
 Velvet Onion & Friends We’re in the process of rebranding Velvet Onion & Friends. Why? It’s an important stage in our evolution, and deepens the link between agency, product & education. |  Faster Zebra We’re at the final stages of planning for our pilot program. Working name is “99 Problems But A Pitch Ain’t One;” cute for internal projects, not sure it’s the name. Coming soon! |
