Panasonic Australia is providing rugged technology – including Toughbook computers and LUMIX cameras – to support the Worldriderz motorcycle ride from Sydney, Australia to Paris, France to benefit Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) research.

The WorldRiderZ goal is to raise awareness and money to support ongoing CKD research at Sydney Children’s Hospital, a world leader in paediatric renal and urological treatment. Funds raised will benefit research and the building of a ‘Global Renal Network’ to share information with Renal and Urology medical professionals across the five continents the WorldRiderz will visit during the three-month journey.

You will be able to follow the whole trip right here on the blog where we will be providing regular updates, and you can also follow the trip through the official Facebook page here or follow the adventure on Twitter here and make a donation on the official site here

Here is WorldRiderZ founder, Stephane Etienne, introducing the concept and describing his motivations for the trip:

A family-owned manufacturer and exporter of custom-made agricultural machinery that began 20 years ago in a farm workshop has won top honours in the 2010 Telstra South Australian Business Awards.

Kelly Engineering has evolved from a machine-repairing hobby business in the Southern Flinders Ranges into an award-winning supplier of innovative farm machinery to markets in North America, Denmark, South Africa and New Zealand.

The Panasonic UB-T880 Interactive Whiteboard will be launching in Australia in August 2010, and will have a raft of revolutionary new features. A durable and hard surface means the whiteboard is made to last. The built in ‘multi-touch sensors’ remove all artificial barriers and allow up to three people to work together at once, with no limitations. The interactive pen allows users to change colour, select a highlighter or an eraser with a simple twist.

Here is a full demonstration of the UB-T880′s features by Paul Osborn, Network Solutions Specialist, Panasonic UK

Panasonic Australia Managing Director meets Jessica Watson to find out how she used her Panasonic Lumix products on her succesful bid to become the youngest person to sail solo non-stop and unasissted around the world.

Prior to Jessica’s 210 day trip Panasonic Australia MD, Steve Rust, met up with her to supply her with with 4 Panasonic Toughbook CF-30 ruggedised laptops to assist in her journey. Steve recently boarded the ‘Pink Lady’ again to catch up with Jessica to see how the Toughbooks faired. She describes them as ‘completely indestructible’, even when being soaked in salt water, and used them for a wide variety of tasks on board including forecasting the weather, email, troubleshooting problems with her team, navigation and even a bit of schoolwork.

Panasonic Australia has pledged $690,000 to fund environmental research and public education as part of a new Macquarie University eco initiative.

Panasonic Australia announced today it would support Macquarie University’s commitment to climate risk research and education during the next three years – including the creation of the Panasonic Chair in Environmental Sustainability. Panasonic Australia managing director, Steve Rust, said it was the single largest environmental initiative to be undertaken by the company in Australia.

“There has never been a more pressing need for cutting-edge environmental research and education and we are pleased to be able to lend our support to Macquarie University, we hope our support will assist Macquarie University in remaining at the forefront of global environmental understanding and discussion.”
Steve Rust, Managing Director, Panasonic Australia