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.
Interesting to see the complaints on this platform about #Microsoft's ludicrous AI program, #Copilot. This was the deal Australia's #ACCC got for us here. We've taken the 'Classic' option. Is this not available anywhere else?
Copilot is, simply, as intrusive and unwelcome as a blowfly at a barbecue.
Copilot is, simply, as intrusive and unwelcome as a blowfly at a barbecue.
November 29, 2025 at 3:44 AM
Interesting to see the complaints on this platform about #Microsoft's ludicrous AI program, #Copilot. This was the deal Australia's #ACCC got for us here. We've taken the 'Classic' option. Is this not available anywhere else?
Copilot is, simply, as intrusive and unwelcome as a blowfly at a barbecue.
Copilot is, simply, as intrusive and unwelcome as a blowfly at a barbecue.
I'm apparently among 2% of @wikipedia.org users who donate to support it. Compared to the early days, when we as teachers would upbraid students for 'lazily' using #Wikipedia as a first reference, it now stands as a jewel of democracy amidst all the AI slop. donate.wikimedia.org/wiki/Videos/...
WP25 Anthem video - Wikimedia Foundation - Wikimedia Foundation
donate.wikimedia.org
November 26, 2025 at 9:27 PM
I'm apparently among 2% of @wikipedia.org users who donate to support it. Compared to the early days, when we as teachers would upbraid students for 'lazily' using #Wikipedia as a first reference, it now stands as a jewel of democracy amidst all the AI slop. donate.wikimedia.org/wiki/Videos/...
Reposted by David Neate
“Nannas have a simple message for Prime Minister Albanese and Environment Minister Murray Watt this summer: Slip, Slap, Slop: Slip on your man-pants, Slap down the fossil fuel industry, and Slop the red ink all over their applications”. knittingnannas.org/2025/11/26/m...
Media Release 27 Nov 2025
SLIP SLOP SLAP with the Knitting Nannas at Rising Tide 2025. Flocks of yellow-breasted Knitting Nanna environmentalists from Nanna ‘loops’ across NSW and Victoria will land in Newcastle for the 202…
knittingnannas.org
November 26, 2025 at 8:30 PM
“Nannas have a simple message for Prime Minister Albanese and Environment Minister Murray Watt this summer: Slip, Slap, Slop: Slip on your man-pants, Slap down the fossil fuel industry, and Slop the red ink all over their applications”. knittingnannas.org/2025/11/26/m...
Reposted by David Neate
Support @davidpocock.bsky.social's campaign to save our #CSIRO. Please sign the online petition. #auspol #science #research www.davidpocock.com.au/save_our_csiro
David Pocock - Independent Senator for the ACT
TRUST. INTEGRITY. LEADERSHIP.
www.davidpocock.com.au
November 20, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Support @davidpocock.bsky.social's campaign to save our #CSIRO. Please sign the online petition. #auspol #science #research www.davidpocock.com.au/save_our_csiro
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
They'd need to drop the Act's title too: "Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act" seems at odds with this proposal. ”Environmental Destruction Empowerment Act" would be more honest, Sussan!
@greens.org.au @davidpocock.bsky.social
They'd need to drop the Act's title too: "Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act" seems at odds with this proposal. ”Environmental Destruction Empowerment Act" would be more honest, Sussan!
@greens.org.au @davidpocock.bsky.social
Coalition to help Labor rush through new nature laws if environmental protections dropped
Sussan Ley’s offer allows a clear path to pass laws to rewrite Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act in final sitting week
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:31 PM
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
They'd need to drop the Act's title too: "Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act" seems at odds with this proposal. ”Environmental Destruction Empowerment Act" would be more honest, Sussan!
@greens.org.au @davidpocock.bsky.social
They'd need to drop the Act's title too: "Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act" seems at odds with this proposal. ”Environmental Destruction Empowerment Act" would be more honest, Sussan!
@greens.org.au @davidpocock.bsky.social
Reposted by David Neate
In a busy week, I delayed reading Tim's post because they always deserve focused attention, and wow, this one really hit home. The call to action - and the hope! - that I needed.
Just here to remind you that, with “net zero”, we’re having a meaningless argument about a meaningless frame in order to distract from the single most important and meaningful issue confronting us.
This is politics today.
We should stop wasting time and energy and build a new system.
This is politics today.
We should stop wasting time and energy and build a new system.
Net zero reality and the extinction of politics-as-usual
On words without meaning, meaning without worlds
The sheer inanity, the ecocidal banality of our current political discourse was encapsulated perfectly this morning on the floor of the House of Repre...
in-between-days.ghost.io
November 17, 2025 at 11:21 PM
In a busy week, I delayed reading Tim's post because they always deserve focused attention, and wow, this one really hit home. The call to action - and the hope! - that I needed.
Reposted by David Neate
A new meditation app that embraces climate breakdown.
Breathe in profit. Breathe out responsibility.
If you’ve ever had problems with anxiety from being a fossil fuel executive, this is the app for you.
Brought to you by @olifro.st
Breathe in profit. Breathe out responsibility.
If you’ve ever had problems with anxiety from being a fossil fuel executive, this is the app for you.
Brought to you by @olifro.st
November 16, 2025 at 6:28 PM
A new meditation app that embraces climate breakdown.
Breathe in profit. Breathe out responsibility.
If you’ve ever had problems with anxiety from being a fossil fuel executive, this is the app for you.
Brought to you by @olifro.st
Breathe in profit. Breathe out responsibility.
If you’ve ever had problems with anxiety from being a fossil fuel executive, this is the app for you.
Brought to you by @olifro.st
From this morning's walk, a patch of bidgee-widgee (Acaena novaezealandiae) outside #Ballarat, enjoying the wet spring. I first met this plant as 'bidibidi' while studying in #NewZealand, & soon recognised the affinity of its burrs for socks. Presumably carried by birds across the Tasman. 🌱 /2
November 15, 2025 at 9:44 PM
From this morning's walk, a patch of bidgee-widgee (Acaena novaezealandiae) outside #Ballarat, enjoying the wet spring. I first met this plant as 'bidibidi' while studying in #NewZealand, & soon recognised the affinity of its burrs for socks. Presumably carried by birds across the Tasman. 🌱 /2
This week was the second of the season's counts for #LathamsSnipe in SE Australia. Surveying our local Ross Creek wetlands with the Director of lathamssnipeproject.wordpress.com , Birgita Hansen. We counted 18 snipe in a soggy wetland - such a change from last year's dryness.
/2
/2
Latham's snipe project
Visit the post for more.
lathamssnipeproject.wordpress.com
November 15, 2025 at 2:54 AM
This week was the second of the season's counts for #LathamsSnipe in SE Australia. Surveying our local Ross Creek wetlands with the Director of lathamssnipeproject.wordpress.com , Birgita Hansen. We counted 18 snipe in a soggy wetland - such a change from last year's dryness.
/2
/2
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.