A digital comic series co-designed by RMIT students, educators and violence prevention experts will challenge online disinformation and harmful narratives that particularly target young men.

The&nbsp;Adventures of Soy Boy and Friends&nbsp;follows a team of fictional characters as they navigate the challenges of university life, one algorithm and creditable source at a time.

The designs were created by&nbsp;RMIT graduate Millie&nbsp;Ovenden, from a series of engagements with male students and experts.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-values/respect-rmit/gender-equity-and-justice/soy-boy" target="_blank">first edition of the comic</a>, coinciding with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-life/events/annual/respect-week" target="_blank">Respect at Uni Week</a>, explores real students’ lived experience of the pressures that some young men feel when fake news becomes truth amongst their peers and in their classrooms.

<a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2025/mar/soy-boy" target="_blank">Find out more about the project here.</a>

Quote attributable to RMIT Prevention and Respect manager Shelley Hewson-Munro

"This project highlights how&nbsp;students, educators and researchers are still working together to challenge how we care for one another, and how campuses can be safe and respectful places where we all can thrive."

A digital comic series co-designed by RMIT students, educators and violence prevention experts will challenge online disinformation and harmful narratives that particularly target young men.The&nbsp;Adventures of Soy Boy and Friends&nbsp;follows a team of fictional characters as they navigate the challenges of university life, one algorithm and creditable source at a time.The designs were created by&nbsp;RMIT graduate Millie&nbsp;Ovenden, from a series of engagements with male students and experts.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-values/respect-rmit/gender-equity-and-justice/soy-boy" target="_blank">first edition of the comic</a>, coinciding with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-life/events/annual/respect-week" target="_blank">Respect at Uni Week</a>, explores real students’ lived experience of the pressures that some young men feel when fake news becomes truth amongst their peers and in their classrooms.<a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2025/mar/soy-boy" target="_blank">Find out more about the project here.</a>Quote attributable to RMIT Prevention and Respect manager Shelley Hewson-Munro"This project highlights how&nbsp;students, educators and researchers are still working together to challenge how we care for one another, and how campuses can be safe and respectful places where we all can thrive."

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RMIT sustainable fashion experts have collaborated with brands to create guidelines aimed at eliminating wasteful designs and promoting durable fashion that supports reuse and recycling.

The global fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

The new guide,&nbsp;<a href="https://refashioning.org/download/" target="_blank">Refashioning: accelerating circular product design at scale,</a>&nbsp;outlines steps for makers to transition from linear to circular design, focusing on maximising the lifespan of products and materials.

Lead author and Dean of RMIT’s School of Fashion and Textiles, Professor Alice Payne, said the guide challenged traditional design thinking with practical steps to enable change.

“This guide provides a systematic and methodological approach to implementing circular clothing design in a way that all organisations can implement, regardless of their size,” she said.

“Based on extensive research with the industry, we’ve created practical steps businesses can take to improve the circularity of their outputs.

“Although other circular design guides are available,&nbsp;Refashioning&nbsp;is unique in providing a systematic methodology that enables designers to both slow the flow and close the loop.”

The dominant production and consumption method used by most brands today creates clothing for a linear economy – a system of take, make and waste.

To switch to a circular method that allows materials to be recycled, critical aspects such as material choices, product purpose and use, durability, and end-of-life options need to be considered early in the design process.

Funded by Sustainability Victoria, the guide’s production was a collaboration between RMIT, Country Road Group brands and two independent partners, circular design expert Courtney Holm and sustainability expert Julie Boulton.

Sustainability Victoria’s CEO, Matt Genever, said the research connected industry, government, and academia to address textile waste.

“It’s an example of how effective cross-sector collaboration can generate impactful results in the transition to a circular economy,” he said.

“By fostering partnerships across sectors, Sustainability Victoria enables meaningful change that moves beyond theory and into real, actionable solutions.”

Applied expertise was central to the design of the guidelines, as they were tested by users on actual products.

For over a year, the team worked with eight product and design teams across four brands within the Country Road Group – Country Road, Trenery, Witchery and Politix – to test and refine the guides in a commercial context.

Country Road Group’s Head of Sustainability, Erika Martin, said working on the guide’s creation has started the Group on a journey towards having a common understanding and approach to circular design across its brands.

“This project delivered a clear vision for circular design, and leveraged the expertise in the industry, academia and our own business,” she said.

“The opportunity to help create guidelines based on real life feedback and challenges and not just academic theory was a key driver for our involvement, alongside our commitment to building a better future.”

<a href="https://refashioning.org/download/" target="_blank">Refashioning: accelerating circular product design at scale</a>, with RMIT co-authors Alice Payne, Yassie Samie, Jenny Underwood, Saniyat Islam, Rebecca Van Amber and Regine Abos,is published on&nbsp;<a href="https://refashioning.org/" target="_blank">refashioning.org</a>.

RMIT sustainable fashion experts have collaborated with brands to create guidelines aimed at eliminating wasteful designs and promoting durable fashion that supports reuse and recycling.The global fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions.The new guide,&nbsp;<a href="https://refashioning.org/download/" target="_blank">Refashioning: accelerating circular product design at scale,</a>&nbsp;outlines steps for makers to transition from linear to circular design, focusing on maximising the lifespan of products and materials.Lead author and Dean of RMIT’s School of Fashion and Textiles, Professor Alice Payne, said the guide challenged traditional design thinking with practical steps to enable change.“This guide provides a systematic and methodological approach to implementing circular clothing design in a way that all organisations can implement, regardless of their size,” she said.“Based on extensive research with the industry, we’ve created practical steps businesses can take to improve the circularity of their outputs.“Although other circular design guides are available,&nbsp;Refashioning&nbsp;is unique in providing a systematic methodology that enables designers to both slow the flow and close the loop.”The dominant production and consumption method used by most brands today creates clothing for a linear economy – a system of take, make and waste.To switch to a circular method that allows materials to be recycled, critical aspects such as material choices, product purpose and use, durability, and end-of-life options need to be considered early in the design process.Funded by Sustainability Victoria, the guide’s production was a collaboration between RMIT, Country Road Group brands and two independent partners, circular design expert Courtney Holm and sustainability expert Julie Boulton.Sustainability Victoria’s CEO, Matt Genever, said the research connected industry, government, and academia to address textile waste.“It’s an example of how effective cross-sector collaboration can generate impactful results in the transition to a circular economy,” he said.“By fostering partnerships across sectors, Sustainability Victoria enables meaningful change that moves beyond theory and into real, actionable solutions.”Applied expertise was central to the design of the guidelines, as they were tested by users on actual products.For over a year, the team worked with eight product and design teams across four brands within the Country Road Group – Country Road, Trenery, Witchery and Politix – to test and refine the guides in a commercial context.Country Road Group’s Head of Sustainability, Erika Martin, said working on the guide’s creation has started the Group on a journey towards having a common understanding and approach to circular design across its brands.“This project delivered a clear vision for circular design, and leveraged the expertise in the industry, academia and our own business,” she said.“The opportunity to help create guidelines based on real life feedback and challenges and not just academic theory was a key driver for our involvement, alongside our commitment to building a better future.”<a href="https://refashioning.org/download/" target="_blank">Refashioning: accelerating circular product design at scale</a>, with RMIT co-authors Alice Payne, Yassie Samie, Jenny Underwood, Saniyat Islam, Rebecca Van Amber and Regine Abos,is published on&nbsp;<a href="https://refashioning.org/" target="_blank">refashioning.org</a>.

New guidelines help fashion brands cut waste and emissions

From Practice Room to the Performance Stage&nbsp;

Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2025 Australian Festival of Chamber Music International Masterclasses Program

Applications are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.afcm.com.au/discover/education/discover/education/afcm-winterschool/" target="_blank">NOW OPEN</a>&nbsp;for young and emerging musicians (individuals and in ensembles) from across the country to register for the Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s (AFCM) International Masterclasses Program, led by music maker, clarinettist, chamber musician, collaborator and educator&nbsp;Lloyd van’t Hoff, who is a past ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year.

Photos: The Andromeda Quartet which took part in the Masterclass Program in 2024, and the program leader Lloyd van’t Hoff in Townsville

Held in Townsville-Gurambilbarra in North Queensland from 18 July - 1 August, before and during the AFCM, the International Masterclasses program is an immersive experience for young chamber musicians, offering direct mentorship from world-class artists, chamber music training, and professional development opportunities through lessons, public and private masterclasses, and performances, while also providing industry insights from leading musicians and arts professionals.

Program highlights include individual lessons from artists including&nbsp;AFCM Artistic Director Jack Liebeck&nbsp;(violin),&nbsp;Ana-Maria Vera&nbsp;(piano) and&nbsp;Lloyd Van't Hoff&nbsp;(clarinet), group instrumental classes and coaching sessions led by AFCM artists and faculty members, interactive group discussions and review sessions in the Chamber Music Forum, professional development seminars from industry experts, individual career guidance from mentors, public Masterclass participation and a final showcase performance – the International Masterclasses Concert at the Townsville Civic Theatre. Through support from the Ian Potter Foundation, limited funding is available to assist with participation costs, on application.

Interested musicians can apply at afcm.com.au, by calling 07 4771 4144 or by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nick.duff@afcm.com.au" target="_blank">nick.duff@afcm.com.au</a>

Metro Finance, one of Australia’s leading independent non-bank lenders for asset finance, has followed on from its recent consumer survey findings, sharing responses from Australian businesses and revealing a range of impacts as cost of living pressures continue to bite consumer spending.&nbsp;

The business survey, responded to by 1,000 Australian employed and self-employed workers, indicates a spread of both economic optimism and belt-tightening.&nbsp;

When it came to business spending, respondents earmarked two primary costs for their own business or their employer’s in 2025: 39.9 per cent cited human resources, which includes training and benefits programs, as a key cost for the year ahead, while 42.3 identified supplier costs of producing goods and services being the main consideration.&nbsp;

Despite the expectation that goods and services will cost more in 2025 (a sentiment shared with recent respondents of Metro’s consumer survey), 66.4 per cent of respondents did not think their business would seek financing in 2025. This figure, however, contrasts with the overwhelming majority of those surveyed who remain confident of securing business finance if needed, at 72.1 per cent.&nbsp;

42.3 per cent of respondents also suspected the need to improve business&nbsp;cashflow would be the main motivator to seek financing in 2025.&nbsp;

Metro Finance CEO, David&nbsp;Albest, commented on the latest trends in the business survey.&nbsp;

“As we saw recently with the results of Metro’s 2025 consumer survey, there is a general sense of the market cautiousness, as businesses and their customers both take a hard look at their budgets, and make prudent decisions based on some uncertain market conditions,” David said.&nbsp;

From an operational point-of-view, increasing revenue (32.1 per cent), improving cashflow (29.7 per cent) and reducing debt (27 per cent) were the primary business goals for FY25, with respondents’ businesses reacting to inflation, higher interest rates and slower consumer spending. 38.7 per cent of all respondents also acknowledged that their business was cutting costs in a bid to improve net profit.&nbsp;

Interestingly, while saving costs and conserving budgets were recurrent themes with those surveyed, sustainability and initiatives to tackle waste and energy consumption are appearing to be adopted by businesses around the country.

39.6 per cent identified recycling as a way businesses were including sustainability in their operations, while 27.6 per cent flagged solar energy technology.&nbsp;

19.6 per cent of survey respondents also acknowledged low or zero emission vehicles as a feature of businesses’ sustainability efforts.

David Hall, National Novated Manager at Metro, commented on the proliferation of low and zero emission vehicles being provided to employees through salary packaging.&nbsp;

“Metro’s&nbsp;novated leasing offering is contuinuing to experience growth, with over 18,000 cars, of which 11,000 were low or zero-emission vehicles, being leased by employees through their employers in 2024,” David explained.&nbsp;

“What we’re seeing from a market perspective is novated leasing is an increasingly popular way for businesses to retain staff and&nbsp;incentivise high-performers, while at the same time helping employees’ household budgets save money by reducing their tax liability and providing consistency and predictability in their repayments. At a time of market volatility, this can been extremely beneficial for both sides of the fence,” David continued.&nbsp;

Investing in sustainability, either by adopting new processes and initiatives, or updating business assets, is also generating positive residual benefits for businesses in 2025: 35.7 per cent of respondents believed their business was well-respected in the community because of its sustainability efforts.&nbsp;

26.4 per cent cited customers seeing sustainable business as industry leaders, with 19.9 per cent also attributing greater B2B engagement because of their respective company’s sustainability initiatives. 16.4 per cent, however, believed that customers saw sustainable businesses as being more expensive than competitors.&nbsp;

Recently, Metro’s&nbsp;MetroEco green lending program received an additional $50 million funding commitment from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) - this new investment doubles the CEFC’s total commitment to $100 million, highlighting the strong demand from businesses ready to embrace sustainability in a number of different ways.

Since launching&nbsp;MetroEco in July 2024, Metro has supported over 4,000 electric vehicles hit the road across 26 different brands, along with funding energy-efficient equipment and battery technology — all made possible with competitive interest discounts for eligible green assets.&nbsp;

As a partner of&nbsp;Greenfleet, the Metro business offset 2,134 tonnes of carbon in 2024, and contributed $49,968 to sustainability efforts such as revegetating 547 hectares of land which included 460 hectares of protected koala habitat. Since joining Greenfleet in 2023, Metro has offset 4,015 tonnes of carbon, and contributed $80,815.&nbsp;

Following the trends: consumers watch their pennies

As businesses take a conservative approach to FY25, consumers are no-doubt influencing the current trend of belt-tightening; also identified in Metro’s Australia-wide consumer survey, which also saw 1,000 respondents take part.

Key findings of the Metro consumer survey (Jan 2025):

- 44 per cent of all respondents shop around for the best price on fuel, and will only buy on days where it is historically lower at the bowser&nbsp;

- 48.9 per cent of households surveyed said that saving money on energy utilities would be their main interest in upgrading their home’s technology

- 41.3 per cent said they would not currently purchase an electric vehicle (EV), with 41.5 per cent claiming that they do not consider EVs mobility to be durable, regardless of brand&nbsp;

- 29 per cent, however, indicated they would opt for an EV made by an established mainstream brand already selling internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the market&nbsp;

- 66.2 per cent said they would consider either a plug-in or mild hybrid for their next vehicle&nbsp;

- 33.4 per cent, would like to save as much as possible and would consider a loan on an electric vehicle if the rate was cheaper&nbsp;

- 52.9 per cent cited concerns over petrol prices as being a key motivator for a hybrid vehicle purchase&nbsp;

- 33.7 per cent have recently established a new household budget&nbsp;

- 43.7 per cent said they would, or have already switched brands to more affordable options

Financial results announcement

Cost of doing business rising, sustainability remains a focus: Metro Finance shares findings of recent business survey

FUJIFILM Business Innovation (BI) Australia (formerly Fuji Xerox Australia) has been charting a bold new course with a strategic transformation designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses. Recognising the increasing complexity of the digital landscape, the company has repositioned itself to deliver a comprehensive suite of integrated business services that extend far beyond its traditional legacy in document solutions, graphics, and printing.

As part of the transformation, sub-brands&nbsp;FUJIFILM CodeBlue Australia and FUJIFILM Upstream Solutions will be rebranded to be known as ‘FUJIFILM IT Services’ and ‘FUJIFILM Process Automation’ respectively, in line with the streamlined and client-centric focus of the transformation.

This strategic transformation is followed by a history of key acquisitions, including Upstream Solutions (2010), CodeBlue Australia (2020), and the global acquisition of MicroChannel (2023). This has collectively strengthened the company’s digital capabilities and the integration of these assets has reinforced deeper collaboration across all Fujifilm Group entities in Australia, including FUJIFILM Australia, FUJIFILM MicroChannel, and FUJIFILM Data Management Solutions.

The driver of this transformation has been a renewed focus on client needs. By integrating consulting and advisory expertise, managed IT services, process automation, and advanced communication solutions, FUJIFILM BI Australia has been empowering organisations to simplify operations, enhance efficiency, and stay ahead in a digital-first world.

This strategic shift not only redefines the company’s role in digital transformation but also seeks to ensure that clients receive an end-to-end solution designed with the view to future-proof their operations.

Chief Customer Officer Stephen Sims explained: “In Australia,&nbsp;FUJIFILM BI Australia is leading a global movement. Our evolution is not just a rebrand—it’s a commitment to helping our clients simplify, integrate, and future-proof their operations. We endeavour to enable businesses to work smarter, faster, and more seamlessly than ever before.”

Managing Director Yasuyuki Matsumoto added: “This marks a new era for FUJIFILM BI Australia. By combining our consulting expertise, technology, and managed services, we aim to provide an integrated approach to digital transformation. Our clients demand a trusted partner to navigate complex challenges, and we believe we are uniquely positioned to deliver real impact.”

To showcase this new strategic direction, FUJIFILM BI Australia will roll out its national Go-To-Market campaign, ‘Work Happily Ever After’, starting Monday 10th March 2025. This dynamic marketing initiative will span mass out-of-home media and customer journey touchpoints, marking a bold statement that underscores the company’s commitment to redefining business in a digital-first world.

FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia Unveils New Chapter with Rebrand

Global mining services provider Thiess has partnered with The University of Queensland (UQ) to co-design three new post-graduate qualifications to provide specialised training in mining disciplines and elevate the standard of mining education.

With two graduate certificates and a graduate diploma in resource development on offer, the program is tailored to engineers who want to gain formal qualifications in mining through real world, on the job learning.

Thiess Operations Director – Australia East Peter Rule said: “This partnership brings together Thiess as a leading mining services provider and UQ as a world class tertiary educator to deliver academically recognised qualifications for engineering professionals wanting to convert across from non-mining disciplines to the mining industry.

“Our inhouse learning and development centre, Thiess Institute, and our experience Technical Services professionals, have worked with UQ to shape and influence course content along with developing a flexible learning model to allow students to continue to work in the industry full-time while advancing their formal mining qualifications.”

Participants will gain advanced technical knowledge and practical skills directly applicable to the mining industry, learning from industry experts in a blended approach of remote and on-the-job learning, and on-campus intensive training.

As stated by Professor Ross McAree, Head of UQ’s School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering:&nbsp; "This collaborative initiative with Thiess represents a transformative approach to mining education, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry expertise. By co-designing these specialised post-graduate qualifications, we're not just teaching mining disciplines – we're developing the next generation of industry leaders who can drive innovation, safety, and sustainability in resource development."

Thiess partners with The University of Queensland to develop new learning pathways for mining

APT, Australia’s leading luxury tour operator, has launched its expertly curated Europe holidays for the 2026 season. The program features a range of thoughtfully crafted tours that offer unparalleled luxury across a variety of travel styles, including River Cruising, Small Ship Cruising, Yacht Cruising, Small Group Tours, Land Tours, and Rail Tours.&nbsp;

Cruise in style aboard APT’s new-generation river ships, the APT Solara and APT Ostara, launching in April and June 2025. Expertly designed by the award-winning Hecker Guthrie team, these state-of-the-art vessels redefine river cruising. With only 154 guests on board serviced by 60 dedicated crew, guests can be assured of exceptional personalised service and care. Six world-class dining venues, plus complimentary in-suite dining and all-inclusive premium beverages, provide the most choice among European river ships. The Grüner Bar &amp; Dining offers a world-first experience by elevating by hydraulics to the upper Sun Deck to offer 360-degree unimpeded views. Relax in an array of wellness spaces, including a fitness centre, pool and luxurious spa.

The popular 15-day&nbsp;Magnificent Europe&nbsp;tour is just one of the many tours to showcase APT’s new-generation river ships. Experiences exclusive to APT take you beneath the surface of local culture and history, including a cocktail party and piano recital at Namedy Castle, and a lunch and show featuring songs from&nbsp;The Sound of Music&nbsp;at a traditional restaurant near Salzburg. Prices start from AUD$8,995 per person, twin share, flights included.

Travel aboard the APT Ostara on the 15-day&nbsp;Voyage Through the Balkans&nbsp;river cruise. Highlights include a tour of Golubac Castle followed by a Serbian meze tasting, cruising through the Iron Gates, and exploring the ancient rock formations of Belogradchik. Prices start from AUD$6,695 per person, twin share, including savings of up to $6,600 per couple.

APT has partnered with ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn to offer Small Ship Cruising in the Mediterranean and British Isles aboard the Seabourn Venture in 2026. Guests will enjoy seven world-class dining venues, all-inclusive premium beverages, a range of relaxation spaces, and intimate cruising with no more than 264 guests on board.&nbsp;

Explore dazzling islands, iconic landmarks and ancient history on the new 15-day&nbsp;Mediterranean Wonders&nbsp;cruise. Two exclusive APT cruises will depart in May 2026, operating from Barcelona to Istanbul and in the reverse. Highlights include visiting Corsica, Malta and Sicily, as well as an authentic home-cooked lunch and folklore show in Kuşadası. Prices start from AUD$19,995 per person, twin share, including savings of up to $5,000 per couple

Journey further north and embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through Britain and Ireland aboard the ultra-luxurious Seabourn Venture. Commence in London, then explore Edinburgh, Fair Isle, Orkney, the Hebrides, the Isle of Man, Belfast and North Wales before ending in Dublin. Discover picturesque castles, unique wildlife, World Heritage-listed sites and charming villages, among many other highlights. Prices start from AUD$19,495 per person, twin share, including savings of up to $5,000 per couple.

Uncover the gems of Portugal’s Douro Valley aboard APT’s purpose-built MS Estrela. Designed with the Australian traveller in mind, the MS Estrela boasts 58 luxurious staterooms and suites, two exquisite dining venues and ample outdoor space, from the spacious Sun Deck to the large outdoor swimming pool. APT’s highlight tour, the 14-day&nbsp;Douro Delights with Lisbon and Madrid&nbsp;tour starts from AUD$11,695 per person, twin share, including savings of up to $3,400 per couple.

For more information or to book, visit&nbsp;aptouring.com.au, contact your local APT Travel Expert, or call us on&nbsp;1300 336 932.&nbsp;

Goods and services

APT elevates luxury travel with Europe 2026 program

New first-of-its-kind research released today from headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation has revealed that while families are concerned about the impact of work and study stress on their young people, tailored work and study support can actually enhance mental health.

headspace’s recent National Family Mental Health Survey found that stress from work or studying was in the top five perceived negative influences on young people’s mental health and wellbeing, with one in five (21%) family members concerned.

However, new evidence* shows that young people receiving tailored work or study support alongside mental health care experience even greater improvement in their mental health and wellbeing than those who receive standard care.

This March, for&nbsp;headspace’s annual Work and Study Month, the national youth mental health organisation is highlighting the benefits of work and study and how, for young people with mental health challenges, tailored support can improve resilience, build life skills and help them feel confident and connected.