VOLUNTEERS are being sought to monitor the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot at Melaleuca between September and April. The work involves watching and recording one of Australia’s rarest birds during its Tasmanian breeding season. Applications close on August 24, offering committed birdwatchers the chance to trade comfortable viewing platforms for a much more remote front-row seat.

WESTERN Australian wool growers have travelled to meet Chinese processors as the industry seeks closer contact with its dominant customer. China remains critical to the Australian clip, and growers want better understanding of mill requirements, consumer demand and the factors determining premiums. For Tasmanian superfine and fine-wool producers, the message is familiar: quality, preparation, traceability and dependable supply matter, but diversification beyond a single major market remains difficult.