David Neate
@neatedavid.bsky.social
Retired teacher, living on the land of the Wadawurrung people near Ballarat, Victoria. Working with my local Landcare Group to restore and protect our environment keeps me grounded. Caring for creation is an outworking of Christian faith.
Reposted by David Neate
"Lock the Gate Alliance condemns Federal Labor’s environmental law reforms, saying they are worse than current laws, & take the country backwards on protecting environments, backwards on integrity, & backwards on community rights & interests."
✍️ Open Letter 👉 www.lockthegate.org.au/federal_envi...
✍️ Open Letter 👉 www.lockthegate.org.au/federal_envi...
Labor’s new environment laws take Australia backwards
Lock the Gate Alliance condemns Federal Labor’s environmental law reforms, saying they are worse than current laws, and take the country backwards on protecting environments, backwards on integrity, a...
www.lockthegate.org.au
November 8, 2025 at 10:46 AM
"Lock the Gate Alliance condemns Federal Labor’s environmental law reforms, saying they are worse than current laws, & take the country backwards on protecting environments, backwards on integrity, & backwards on community rights & interests."
✍️ Open Letter 👉 www.lockthegate.org.au/federal_envi...
✍️ Open Letter 👉 www.lockthegate.org.au/federal_envi...
On a Landcare Group walk through a wooded block in Ross Creek, nr Ballarat, yesterday, came across many of these little #orchids. Fellow walker with much better knowledge of such things provided the identification as Caladenia transitoria (green caps). A genus with so many species across Australia.
November 9, 2025 at 11:16 AM
On a Landcare Group walk through a wooded block in Ross Creek, nr Ballarat, yesterday, came across many of these little #orchids. Fellow walker with much better knowledge of such things provided the identification as Caladenia transitoria (green caps). A genus with so many species across Australia.
Just searching the roadside veg outside our place for sun orchids (Thelymitra); found some in bud. The October wet spell may have sprung them out of torpor. Excited to discover this little Caladenia in flower nearby. So many locals garden the verge by blitzkrieg - this is what they miss out on.
November 6, 2025 at 1:52 AM
Just searching the roadside veg outside our place for sun orchids (Thelymitra); found some in bud. The October wet spell may have sprung them out of torpor. Excited to discover this little Caladenia in flower nearby. So many locals garden the verge by blitzkrieg - this is what they miss out on.
Reposted by David Neate
Only 9% of plastics ever made have been recycled. Clever industry campaigns have shifted the costs of their own waste onto consumers.
👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/how-the...
👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/how-the...
November 5, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Only 9% of plastics ever made have been recycled. Clever industry campaigns have shifted the costs of their own waste onto consumers.
👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/how-the...
👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/how-the...
As ever, a wonderful article from #KnowableMagazine. This one on #Arabidopsis charts how the serendipity of many scientific discoveries across a range of disciplines stemmed from the courage of one observant geneticist (George Rédei), his informed choice, and an obligingly helpful organism.
How a humble weed became a superstar of biology
Arabidopsis thaliana was always an unlikely candidate for the limelight. But 25 years ago, the diminutive thale cress launched the botanical world into the molecular era.
knowablemagazine.org/content/arti...
#Botany #PlantScience
Arabidopsis thaliana was always an unlikely candidate for the limelight. But 25 years ago, the diminutive thale cress launched the botanical world into the molecular era.
knowablemagazine.org/content/arti...
#Botany #PlantScience
How a humble weed became a superstar of biology
Arabidopsis thaliana was always an unlikely candidate for the limelight. But 25 years ago, the diminutive thale cress launched the botanical world into the molecular era.
knowablemagazine.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:55 AM
As ever, a wonderful article from #KnowableMagazine. This one on #Arabidopsis charts how the serendipity of many scientific discoveries across a range of disciplines stemmed from the courage of one observant geneticist (George Rédei), his informed choice, and an obligingly helpful organism.
Reposted by David Neate
“The diversity of our ecosystems pales in comparison to what it was, and any remaining life forms we see give us the false impression that we are looking at “an ecosystem“. We are actually looking at the remnants of one”
November 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM
“The diversity of our ecosystems pales in comparison to what it was, and any remaining life forms we see give us the false impression that we are looking at “an ecosystem“. We are actually looking at the remnants of one”
Watching #ABC #NewsBreakfast on tv this morning. What a mix of emotions it brought forth. Weather reporter Nate Byrne's visit to #Nilpena highlighted the foresight of landowners Ross & Jane Fargher, who ensured the protection of #Ediacaran fossils on their property. /2
adelaideaz.com/articles/ros...
adelaideaz.com/articles/ros...
Ross Fargher a strong guardian for 40 years of Ediacaran fossils on his west Flinders Ranges Nilpena cattle station | Adelaide AZ
Ross Fargher a strong guardian for 40 years of Ediacaran fossils on his west Flinders Ranges Nilpena cattle station
adelaideaz.com
November 2, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Watching #ABC #NewsBreakfast on tv this morning. What a mix of emotions it brought forth. Weather reporter Nate Byrne's visit to #Nilpena highlighted the foresight of landowners Ross & Jane Fargher, who ensured the protection of #Ediacaran fossils on their property. /2
adelaideaz.com/articles/ros...
adelaideaz.com/articles/ros...
A great day to visit the #DiggersClub #GardenOfStErth at Blackwood, just an hour or so from Ballarat. The garden looking its finest after a wet October. One of the beauties was this #Davidia involucrata - one apt common name is "handkerchief tree". Part of the beautiful flora of China.
November 1, 2025 at 6:36 AM
A great day to visit the #DiggersClub #GardenOfStErth at Blackwood, just an hour or so from Ballarat. The garden looking its finest after a wet October. One of the beauties was this #Davidia involucrata - one apt common name is "handkerchief tree". Part of the beautiful flora of China.
This long view of global history, with its litany of sordid tactics that got nations to take their brief turn as "top nation", helps to put today's world into context. There's not really a lot new under the sun. Thanks to @uk.theconversation.com for an enlightening, if depressing read.
In each era of globalisation since the mid-17th century, a single country has sought to be the clear world leader – shaping the rules of the global economy for all.
The rise and fall of globalisation, part one: battle to be top dog
In each era of globalisation since the mid-17th century, a single country has sought to be the clear world leader – shaping the rules of the global economy for all.
tcnv.link
October 29, 2025 at 9:51 PM
This long view of global history, with its litany of sordid tactics that got nations to take their brief turn as "top nation", helps to put today's world into context. There's not really a lot new under the sun. Thanks to @uk.theconversation.com for an enlightening, if depressing read.
Reposted by David Neate
“With 94 seats, its largest majority since 1943, Labor governs with the courage of a bunny caught in the headlights, terrified of using its power. Keating would have reshaped the country with these numbers.”
theaimn.net/the-governme...
theaimn.net/the-governme...
The Government That Isn’t: Labor’s Masterclass in Looking Busy
Let’s be kind. Just sitting in the driver’s seat is enough for some. Then there’s the Competence Trap: the myth that good administration is an end in itself. Of course, we can’t rule out stage [...]
theaimn.net
October 29, 2025 at 9:39 AM
“With 94 seats, its largest majority since 1943, Labor governs with the courage of a bunny caught in the headlights, terrified of using its power. Keating would have reshaped the country with these numbers.”
theaimn.net/the-governme...
theaimn.net/the-governme...
Sydney 2000 and the end of history www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/2025/10/25/s... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
As ever, Stan Grant captures the current age so well.
As ever, Stan Grant captures the current age so well.
Sydney 2000 and the end of history
I recently watched a television special marking the 25th anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. I felt not merely transported in time but taken to an entirely other universe. This was the final...
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au
October 24, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Sydney 2000 and the end of history www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/2025/10/25/s... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
As ever, Stan Grant captures the current age so well.
As ever, Stan Grant captures the current age so well.
Reposted by David Neate
This is a great story and also highlights the impact of NDIS restrictions on art and music activities. #art
#music #NDIS
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
#music #NDIS
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Gallery celebrates secret artist hidden in plain sight
A country Victorian art gallery has surprised local artist Hamish Elsmann with an exhibition of work he never knew it was keeping. The community response has changed his life.
www.abc.net.au
October 21, 2025 at 6:06 AM
This is a great story and also highlights the impact of NDIS restrictions on art and music activities. #art
#music #NDIS
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
#music #NDIS
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Friends from NZ visited a few weeks ago, & Ian's camera caught what I couldn't - the spotted #pardalote building a nest in the end assembly of our retractable clothesline. Sharing this even though the #birds eventually chose somewhere else nearby to nest. Seen around since; into #AussieBirdCount.
October 21, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Friends from NZ visited a few weeks ago, & Ian's camera caught what I couldn't - the spotted #pardalote building a nest in the end assembly of our retractable clothesline. Sharing this even though the #birds eventually chose somewhere else nearby to nest. Seen around since; into #AussieBirdCount.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
The Aussie #BirdCount starts tomorrow. Always fascinating to discover the #birds that turn up at our place. Thanks @Birdlifeoz.bsky.social for organising this great #CitizenScience project each year.
The Aussie #BirdCount starts tomorrow. Always fascinating to discover the #birds that turn up at our place. Thanks @Birdlifeoz.bsky.social for organising this great #CitizenScience project each year.
Bird-lovers help count species across Australia in annual bird count
A primary school teacher is getting her students involved in a volunteer-led bird count, to gather a snapshot of birds across the country.
www.abc.net.au
October 19, 2025 at 8:17 AM
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
The Aussie #BirdCount starts tomorrow. Always fascinating to discover the #birds that turn up at our place. Thanks @Birdlifeoz.bsky.social for organising this great #CitizenScience project each year.
The Aussie #BirdCount starts tomorrow. Always fascinating to discover the #birds that turn up at our place. Thanks @Birdlifeoz.bsky.social for organising this great #CitizenScience project each year.
Today I found what a brown thornbill nest looks like. Looked into the orchid & thought "oh, someone's nest has fallen in there". Picked it up & it started cheeping, & the parents rallied angrily. Put it back hurriedly & carefully! #Thornbills (Acanthiza pusilla) plentiful #birds here all year. 🪶
October 19, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Today I found what a brown thornbill nest looks like. Looked into the orchid & thought "oh, someone's nest has fallen in there". Picked it up & it started cheeping, & the parents rallied angrily. Put it back hurriedly & carefully! #Thornbills (Acanthiza pusilla) plentiful #birds here all year. 🪶
Reposted by David Neate
Just so people know what a good *EPBC Act* should look like, before we seemingly get a terrible one from @australianlabor.bsky.social, we wrote this 👇.
Without a good EPBC Act, more of the wildlife and places we know and love will be destroyed, and ultimately, our future.
Keep fighting, people.
Without a good EPBC Act, more of the wildlife and places we know and love will be destroyed, and ultimately, our future.
Keep fighting, people.
Australia's much loved wildlife and places sorely need greater care and legal protection.
Our latest for @aunz.theconversation.com.
theconversation.com/labor-is-clo... With good friends and colleagues, @drphilmccormack.bsky.social & @yungenchee.bsky.social.
Our latest for @aunz.theconversation.com.
theconversation.com/labor-is-clo... With good friends and colleagues, @drphilmccormack.bsky.social & @yungenchee.bsky.social.
Labor is close to a deal on environmental law reforms. There are troubling signs these will fall short
Labor is close to a deal on its environmental law reforms. Will they strong enough to protect nature?
theconversation.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Just so people know what a good *EPBC Act* should look like, before we seemingly get a terrible one from @australianlabor.bsky.social, we wrote this 👇.
Without a good EPBC Act, more of the wildlife and places we know and love will be destroyed, and ultimately, our future.
Keep fighting, people.
Without a good EPBC Act, more of the wildlife and places we know and love will be destroyed, and ultimately, our future.
Keep fighting, people.
A superb article from @science.org highlighting the wonders that await a scientist who patiently, carefully observes the little things most of us would miss. Fascinating connections still being made by Prof Suetsugu. 🧪
nerds freely nerding in their nerd field is really lovely www.science.org/content/arti...
These ‘ghost flowers’ thrive without photosynthesis. One scientist is learning how
Japanese botanist Kenji Suetsugu studies plants that steal carbon and nutrients from soil fungi
www.science.org
October 15, 2025 at 8:04 PM
A superb article from @science.org highlighting the wonders that await a scientist who patiently, carefully observes the little things most of us would miss. Fascinating connections still being made by Prof Suetsugu. 🧪
Reposted by David Neate
The West is going to suffer terrible consequences from Israel's genocide.
New column 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
New column 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Be sure of this: many of the horrors the west allowed in Gaza will come closer to home | Owen Jones
History shows the crimes of empire were later mirrored on European soil. Dehumanisation and militarised terror both seem normalised now, says Guardian columnist Owen Jones
www.theguardian.com
October 14, 2025 at 12:12 PM
The West is going to suffer terrible consequences from Israel's genocide.
New column 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
New column 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by David Neate
Just ONE WEEK to go until the Aussie Bird Count kicks off! 🐦
From 20–26 Oct, Australians everywhere will spend 20 mins counting the birds!
One in six Aussie birds faces extinction – which means every bird counts!
👉 aussiebirdcount.org.au
#AussieBirdCount #BirdLifeAustralia #BirdLifeOz
From 20–26 Oct, Australians everywhere will spend 20 mins counting the birds!
One in six Aussie birds faces extinction – which means every bird counts!
👉 aussiebirdcount.org.au
#AussieBirdCount #BirdLifeAustralia #BirdLifeOz
October 13, 2025 at 4:54 AM
Just ONE WEEK to go until the Aussie Bird Count kicks off! 🐦
From 20–26 Oct, Australians everywhere will spend 20 mins counting the birds!
One in six Aussie birds faces extinction – which means every bird counts!
👉 aussiebirdcount.org.au
#AussieBirdCount #BirdLifeAustralia #BirdLifeOz
From 20–26 Oct, Australians everywhere will spend 20 mins counting the birds!
One in six Aussie birds faces extinction – which means every bird counts!
👉 aussiebirdcount.org.au
#AussieBirdCount #BirdLifeAustralia #BirdLifeOz
Reposted by David Neate
This is not just the appearance of conflict of interest, it is corruption of democracy pure and simple.
Gee, if only those First Nations people had thought of having a Voice to Parliament via a “Sports Club”.
Gee, if only those First Nations people had thought of having a Voice to Parliament via a “Sports Club”.
October 10, 2025 at 11:29 PM
This is not just the appearance of conflict of interest, it is corruption of democracy pure and simple.
Gee, if only those First Nations people had thought of having a Voice to Parliament via a “Sports Club”.
Gee, if only those First Nations people had thought of having a Voice to Parliament via a “Sports Club”.
The #Azaleas beside the Prime Ministers Avenue at #Ballarat #botanical gardens are looking their best right now. Gough Whitlam looking sanguine amidst the colour.
October 11, 2025 at 12:22 AM
The #Azaleas beside the Prime Ministers Avenue at #Ballarat #botanical gardens are looking their best right now. Gough Whitlam looking sanguine amidst the colour.
A full two months after our jonquils heralded the close of winter, their cousins the hoop petticoat daffodils (Narcissus bulbocodium) are brightening a grey mid-spring day. So "my heart with pleasure fills", etc.
October 9, 2025 at 1:39 AM
A full two months after our jonquils heralded the close of winter, their cousins the hoop petticoat daffodils (Narcissus bulbocodium) are brightening a grey mid-spring day. So "my heart with pleasure fills", etc.
www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/mov...
Occasionally, you watch a movie that not only doesn't disappoint, but draws you in to imagine what the lives of the characters would feel like. Not finished yet!
#TheLivesofOthers is one such film. So fortunate to have it streaming on Australia's #SBS.
Occasionally, you watch a movie that not only doesn't disappoint, but draws you in to imagine what the lives of the characters would feel like. Not finished yet!
#TheLivesofOthers is one such film. So fortunate to have it streaming on Australia's #SBS.
Watch The Lives of Others
Watch The Lives of Others for free with SBS On Demand, your ultimate destination for diverse entertainment. Stream now!
www.sbs.com.au
October 5, 2025 at 12:37 PM
www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/mov...
Occasionally, you watch a movie that not only doesn't disappoint, but draws you in to imagine what the lives of the characters would feel like. Not finished yet!
#TheLivesofOthers is one such film. So fortunate to have it streaming on Australia's #SBS.
Occasionally, you watch a movie that not only doesn't disappoint, but draws you in to imagine what the lives of the characters would feel like. Not finished yet!
#TheLivesofOthers is one such film. So fortunate to have it streaming on Australia's #SBS.
Reposted by David Neate
You said it, Ronni.
October 4, 2025 at 4:32 AM
You said it, Ronni.