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	Monday, 4 May 2009

Desert research centre fails to win funding A prominent desert research centre has failed in its bid to secure another seven years funding from the Commonwealth. The Desert Knowledge Co-operative Research Centre was set up with the aim of achieving sustainable livelihoods for people in Australia's desert regions, and has a campus in Alice Springs. The vice chancellor of Charles Darwin University (CDU), Professor Barney Glover, says he is surprised and disappointed that the centre has not had its funding renewed. He says the centre plays an important role in desert Australia and CDU is committed to its partner programs. "We're already in discussion with the CRC about its future," he said. This is very sad for many reasons; the obvious one is how important the work is, and how little understood fragile desert ecologies are. The importance to indigenous Australians can't be underestimated. But, on a personal note, the managing director is a long time friend of mine who gave up an extremely well paid senior government position to do something she believes in. I imagine her future is uncertain. I must admit she probably did not intend to do this for the rest of her life. [ABC] 9:21:53 PM

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