International Year of Astronomy 2009

The International Year of Astronomy, 2009, will be a year-long, worldwide, public celebration of astronomy, held to mark the 400th anniversary of Galileo turning a telescope to the sky. The Year has been endorsed by UNESCO.

IYA in Australia has four goals:

Raise awareness of Australia's contributions, strengths and role in astronomy.
Use astronomy to encourage people, particularly young people, to engage with the natural world and deepen their understanding of it through education.
Promote understanding of how science is done, using astronomy as an appealing example.
Promote appreciation of the scientific and technological skills that enable discovery in astronomy and are themselves driven by its challenges.

More information about IYA internationally can be found at www.astronomy2009.org.

How to be SunSmart

UV radiation levels are now tipping the scale, especially between 11am and 3pm.

UV levels are currently in the high to extreme range in Victoria. When UV radiation reaches 3 and above it is strong enough to cause skin damage, which can lead to skin cancer. The UV Index is now reaching 12 and can get as high as 14 in the summer months.

At these current extreme UV levels, it can take as little as 11 minutes to get sunburnt.

Make sure you don't rely on temperature forecasts to determine when you're going to be SunSmart. At this time of year, UV Index levels are still likely to be high even on cool and cloudy days, which is why many people are surprised when they get sunburnt on these days.

The SunSmart UV Alert appears when the UV Index reaches 3 or above. You can find it on the weather page of daily newspapers, or on the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Live UV levels are also available.

When the UV Index is 3 or above, use a combination of the following five sun protection measures:

Slip on sun-protective clothing - that covers as much skin as possible.
Slop on SPF30+ sunscreen - make sure it is broad spectrum and water resistant. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
Slap on a hat - that protects your face, head, neck and ears
Seek shade.
Slide on some sunglasses - make sure they meet Australian Standards.

Patrolled Beaches

There is a large selection of patrolled beaches - Remember to Always SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS at a patrolled beach.

Lifesavers are only on duty when the red and yellow flags are displayed.

Lifesaving patrols in Victoria commenced Saturday 29 November 2008 and end Monday (Easter Monday) 13 April 2009. Volunteer lifesavers provide patrols on weekends and most public holidays.

Additional services are provided at unpatrolled locations and midweek by employed Lifeguards during the peak summer period.

List of patrolled beaches can be found on the Life Saving Victoria website.

Photo: Beach patrol - courtesy of Life Saving Victoria

Get your FREE energy saver kit

Free energy saving kits are now available to help Victorians take action to cut their power bills and reduce their impact on climate change.

Free Energy Saving Action Kits are available for Victorian households via SMS by sending "ENERGY" to 13 GOVT, calling 13 61 86 or by visiting www.SaveEnergy.vic.gov.au.

New Publications

Commercial Publications

Holidaying With Dogs
10th Edition compiled and edited by Turner, Victoria @ $24.95

Where to Ride - Melbourne
by Russell, David @ $34.95

To Market to Market 2009
published by Fat Piggy @ $15.00

VCAA Calendar for Primary Schools 2009
by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority $2.50

VCAA Calendar for Secondary Schools 2009
by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority $2.50

Melbourne Symmetry
by Con Hionis @ $34.95

Melbourne - A City of Stories
by Tout-Smith, Deborah @ $39.95

The Picture Palaces of Melbourne
by Walters, Trevor @ $45.00

The Little Red Yellow Black Book - An Introduction to Indigenous Australia
produced by Aboriginal Studies Press @ $14.95

The Aborigines of Victoria and Riverina
by Beveridge, Peter @ $45.00

Law Handbook 2009 - Your Practical Guide to the Law in Victoria
(32nd Edition) produced by the Fitzroy Legal Service @ $95.00

Teachers, Students and the Law
(Edition 3) by the Victoria Law Foundation @ $9.95

The Melbourne Veg Food Guide 2008/2009
by Aduki Independent Press @ $14.95

Dicksonia - Rare Plants Manual
by Ryan, Stephen @ $29.95

A Guide to Plants of Inland Australia
by Moore, Philip @ $49.95

Herbs for Australian Gardens - A Practical Guide to Growing and Using Organic Herbs
by Woodward, Penny @ $39.95

A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia
by Wilson, Steve & Swan, Gerry @ $49.95

Fred Wolseley - A Man of Many Parts
by Itter, Ian @ $65.00

Victorian Battlers
by Wright, John @ $29.95

Local Histories

Significant Women of Meredith
by Cooper, Margaret @ $20.00

Mapping Products

Australia Handy Atlas
by Hema Maps @ $14.95

Australia Handy Atlas - Spiral Bound
by Hema Maps @ $18.95

Australia Road Atlas Large B4
8th Edition by Hema Maps @ $24.95

Melway Victoria Wallmap - Laminated
by Melways @ $59.95

Sydney City and Suburbs Map 218
5th Edition by Gregory's @ $6.95

Queensland State Map 470
23rd Edition by UBD @ $7.95

Melbourne City and Suburbs Map 318
4th Edition by Gregory's @ $6.95

Melbourne to Sydney Map 245
3rd Edition by Gregory's @ $6.95

Reports

Results of Audits for Entities with 30 June 2008 Balance Dates
by the Victorian Auditor-General @ $20.00

Management of the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program
by the Victorian Auditor-General @ $20.00

New Legislation

To purchase official copies of legislation, please use the links below.

New Acts

A76.08	Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008	$18.65
A77.08	Coroners Act 2008	$15.75

New Statutory Regulations

S153.08	Family Violence Protection Regulations 2008	$5.70
S156.08	Children's Court (Family Violence Protection) Rules 2008	$7.80
S157.08	Magistrates' Court (Family Violence Protection) Rules 2008	$12.20
S158.08	Victorian Energy Efficient Target Regulations 2008	$15.75
S162.08	Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2008	$15.75
S165.08	Gas Safety (Gas Installation) Regulations 2008	$7.80
S166.08	Dangerous Goods (Transport by Road and Rail) Regulations 2008	$21.50
S169.08	Accident Towing Services Regulations 2008	$12.20

Reprinted Acts

A100.03	Professional Standards Act 2003 - Reprint No 1	$12.20
A7405	Summary Offences Act 1966 - Reprint No 10	$15.75
A6213	Cancer Act 1958 - Reprint No 8	$12.20
A53.98	Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 - Reprint No 6	$21.50
A10189	Dangerous Goods Act 1985 - Reprint No 8	$18.65

Visit the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website to view online versions of all Victorian acts and statutory rules.