The Kid Witness News global awards have kicked off in Japan with students presenting their entries on Day One

The finalists of the Kid Witness News Global competition, where students were tasked with creating a five minute film around a chosen topic, have arrived in Tokyo. The students will embark on a ‘cultural experience tour’ leading up to the awards on the 27th July, when the winning entry will be announced. We’ll be documenting the whole trip right here on the blog with daily video diaries and photos from all the events.

Year seven students Rick Goon Chew and Jacob Thompson, from Mundingburra State School, are representing Australia with their entry the ‘Global Warming Rap’ - a five-minute video montage that shows three penguins delivering an important message on our eco footprint and the survival of earth through rap and animation. Their achievement is made all the more impressive by the fact that they are only the second Australian entry ever to be selected as a global finalist.

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

Third in Air Conditioning Webisode Series Explains the Advanced E – ion air purification System

The third in a series of seven webisodes about Panasonic Air Conditioners highlights the latest ‘Advanced E – ion Air Purification System’. The system works behind the scenes to keep the air in the home fresh clean and clear. It does this by deploying charged air particles which attach themselves to any virus, bacteria or mould then filters these through the air conditioning unit.

For more information on the whole range of Panasonic Air Conditioners visit the official site here

For a complete checklist of what to be aware of when buying an air conditioner check here

Download the full 2010 Panasonic Air Conditioner brochure here

The next in the series of webisodes will focus on the ‘Mild Dry Cooling’ feature

We’re hugely excited to announce our new TV ad for the VIERA Neo Plasma range of televisions.

With black plagues, black moods, black hats and black cats, ‘black’ has never had a particularly good reputation. But it is however, exceptionally good at one thing. When you put something good in front of it, it sure as hell stands out.

“Panasonic’s Neo Plasma technology really draws the viewer into the picture – offering the best in picture quality with exceptionally deep, rich black levels and clear, beautiful images, whether you are watching 2D or 3D TV.”
Matt Pearce, Group Marketing Manager, VIERA, Panasonic Australia

The animated creative executions were produced by German illustrator Mark Gmehling and directed by the multi-award winning London team of Adam Foulkes and Alan Smith whose credits include Honda grrr, Lemony Snickett, Thunderbirds and the BBC’s animated comedy show Monkey Dust.

Find out more about the Viera NEO Plasma range here

June Lumix Life GF1 Winner – ‘Camels by the sunset’ by Georgina Bowden.

Congratulations Georgina Bowden, the final winner of Lumix Life monthly prize and recipient of a brand new LUMIX GF1 camera for her photo entry in Lumix Life: Focus on Australia. Georgina’s photo shot on a tough Lumix FT1 was judged to be the winner from thousands of entries by iconic Australian photographer Ken Duncan.

Location: Cable Beach, Broome, WA
Taken with a Lumix DMC-FT1 (exposure :1/200 sec, aperture : F3.3, iso: 125)

“The reason I picked this image attached is that it is very Australian. The Camel Ride at Cable Beach Broome has become a real must do or see for all Australians. The image was well taken and the reflections really make this shot work. Well done Georgina! You now have the great Lumix GF1 heading your way. Enjoy!”
Ken Duncan on the winning image

The LUMIX Life competition is now closed and winners announcement will be made on the offiicial site on the Monday the 9th August. Thank you to all the entrants who have embraced the opportunity to take on the big guns of Australian photography. The range of images submitted was truly inspiring. We most definitely reached the goal of covering this great country of ours. You can still view over 7000 outstanding entries in the photo galleries which are now in the running to be part of Focus on Australia, where professionals and amateurs alike will be published side-by-side in a stunning publication showcasing the heart of our great land. Ken Duncan and the judges now have their work cut out of them selecting the winning images.