Superfast broadband now connects ACT kids to the future of learning in a link-up with Japan as the National Broadband Network is formally switched on in the nation’s capital. [ + ]

More Australians will get the opportunity to learn an engineering trade as part of an expansion to the Gillard government’s $57.5 million Kickstart Initiative. The Minister for Skills, Senator Chris Evans, announced that nine additional key engineering trades are now eligible for Kickstart payments, which triple the incentives made to employers in the first year of taking on an apprentice. [ + ]

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has released a five-point electrical safety checklist to ensure the protection of NSW and Qld families living in flood- and storm-affected homes. Homeowners are being urged not to put their own lives, or their families lives, at risk by ignorning the necessary precautions around water-damaged electrical appliances and fittings. [ + ]

Repelec has announced the acquisition of Housewatch from Home & Safety Australia Pty Ltd. Housewatch was established in 1989 as a distributor of security lighting, security systems, closed circuit TV and intercoms to the Australian electrical wholesale industry. [ + ]

Former National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) president Gianfranco (Frank) Tomasi has been awarded an Order of Australia in the 2013 Australia Day Honours List. [ + ]

Master Electricians Australia has activated a free hotline to help flood- and storm-affected home owners reconnect their power supplies as quickly as possible once waters have receded. [ + ]

A serious safety incident in the ACT has prompted Master Electricians Australia (MEA) to call on business owners and managers to ensure the highest levels of electrical safety on their sites. [ + ]

Cloud computing company Ninefold is continuing to hire leading developers and systems engineers to further strengthen its strategy of building a world-class cloud platform and connecting deeply with the developer community. [ + ]

NHP has announced its exclusive distribution agreement with HAE specialist Cortem Group. [ + ]

Airmaster Australia has become the newest member firm of the InsideIQ Building Automation Alliance, an international alliance of independent building automation contractors. [ + ]

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced the first National Security Strategy for Australia, with a focus on combating cyberattacks. [ + ]

The SNU 5 compact point-of-use electric storage water heater from Stiebel Eltron has been named as a finalist in the Water Saving Product of the Year category of the Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia’s 2012 Awards for Excellence. [ + ]

Expressions of interest for the 2013 iAwards are now open. If you or your company has created an innovative ICT product or service, or know of an outstanding ICT innovator, register your interest in the 2013 iAwards program today at www.iawards.com.au. [ + ]

Rockwell Automation has announced the recent appointment of David Hegarty as Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand. Hegarty brings a wealth of sales and marketing experience to the role and has a firm focus on customer service. [ + ]

Homeowners affected by storm damage in north Queensland and northern NSW should beware scammers and use only licensed, reputable electrical contractors for repair work, Master Electricians Australia has advised. [ + ]