This article presents a conceptual model of the labour of visual art developed from the analysis of qualitative data collected from interviews with professional visual artists in Western Australia. The labour discussed relates to the exertions of artists to make places for themselves and their practices within the field of cultural production. It is what Bourdieu has described as a ‘specific labour’ in relation to milieu. Drawing on Florian Znaniecki’s philosophical and sociological work as a means of engaging with the multidimensional cultural values involved, this study found that the interviewed artists laboured across four realms of cultural production. Artists laboured in order to (1) define their practices, (2) create the conditions under which they can continue to practice, (3) attract validations of their practices and artistic identities and all the while they actively laboured to (4) maintain their integrity as an important creative and social resource. These four realms of production are integrated in a dynamic system where artists’ efforts in each impact on and influences the products of the others. Over the course of this article, it will be argued that the labour of professional visual art practice can be, and must be, understood across a number of dimensions and systems of cultural values.

This review of Aboriginal astronomy and navigation brings together accounts from widely dispersed places in Western Australia, from Noongar Country in the south-west, through to the Eastern Goldfields, the Pilbara, the Kimberley and the Central Deserts. Information for this review has been taken from the literature and non-conventional sources, including artist statements of paintings. The intention for the review is that the scope is traditional, pre-European settlement understandings, but post-settlement records of oral accounts, and later articulation by Aboriginal peoples, are necessarily relied upon. In large part, the Western Australian accounts reflect understandings reported for other states. For example, star maps were used for teaching routes on the ground, but available accounts do not evidence that star maps were used in real-time navigation. The narratives or dreamings that differ most from those of other states explain creation of night-sky objects and landforms on Earth, events including thunder, or they address social behaviour.

The Asian fish tapeworm (Schyzocotyle acheilognathi) is an important fish parasite with a wide host range that infects over 300 species of fish worldwide. Schyzocotyle acheilognathi has been reported from eastern coastal areas of Australia, but has not been previously reported in Western Australia (WA). During a control program for invasive freshwater fishes in south-western WA, a region with a unique and highly endangered freshwater fish fauna, tapeworms identified as S. acheilognathi from their distinctive scolex morphology were found at a prevalence of 3.3% in goldfish (Carassius auratus), 37.0% in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) and 65.0% in eastern gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) in a small suburban lake to the north of Perth. For molecular confirmation, the 18S ribosomal RNA gene was targeted at hypervariable V4 region. Koi carp isolates were 100% identical to S. acheilognathi isolated from varying hosts, including the red shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) and a human sample. Sequences obtained from two eastern gambusia were identified as S. acheilognathi, but formed a discrete cluster and may represent a novel genotype. Isolates from two other eastern gambusia and two goldfish formed a distinct clade with only 91.9% similarity to previously sequenced isolates of S. acheilognathi. This emphasizes the importance of molecular identification methods in addition to morphological identification. The presence and potential for transmission of these parasites in south-western WA may threaten the health of native fishes, which are immunologically naïve to this introduced parasite. Immediate control or containment measures should be implemented to halt the spread of these parasites.

Since the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) pandemic declaration on March 11, 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks have occurred on numerous maritime vessels and the containment measures, travel restrictions, and border closures continue to make it increasingly difficult for ship operators world-wide to be granted pratique, conduct trade, and conduct crew changes.

Knowledge of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) circulating on-board a ship prior to its arrival has significant implications for the protection of shore-based maritime workers (ie, pilots, stevedores, and surveyors), the broader community, and trade. A useful approach is a graded assessment of the public health risk. The Western Australia (WA) experience and associated observed pitfalls in implementing the prediction equation for the potential presence of SARS-CoV-2 on-board based on five COVID-19 outbreaks on commercial and cruise vessels during 2020 is described.

Despite best efforts, the qualitative and quantitative predictors of SARS-CoV-2 circulating on-board commercial vessels are failing to deliver the required certainty, and to date, the only accepted method of ascertaining the presence of SARS-CoV-2 remains the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) testing reported by an accredited laboratory.

Based on legal or regulatory requirements, germane processes, underpinned by robust and auditable processes and procedures, must be put in place to inform the risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 circulating on-board vessels.

This research was commissioned by the (then) Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) to provide recommendations on how to best support Western Australian (WA) secondary schools to engage in education for sustainability (EfS). The research aims were to identify barriers and benefits to being involved in EfS, the support systems required for schools to participate in EfS at secondary school level, and the difficulties that secondary schools experience when implementing EfS programs. A variety of research methods were utilised: semi-structured interviews with non-teaching stakeholders; online questionnaires for teachers, school administrators and students; focus groups and semi-structured interviews with teachers and school administrators; and an expert panel workshop to discuss data and recommendations prior to completion of a final report. Data were collected from 29 schools, 45 teachers and school administrators, 186 students, and various EfS external providers and stakeholders across metropolitan and regional WA. This article focuses on three issues identified in the data that we consider important and under-represented in discourses of EfS in Australia: lack of understanding about what EfS means among educators; lack of meaningful student involvement in EfS in secondary schools; and differing quality in EfS programs offered by external providers. We conclude this article by offering ways to improve EfS in WA secondary schools.

Holtite, approximately (Al,Ta,□)Al6(BO3)(Si,Sb3+,As3+)Σ3O12(O,OH,□s)Σ3, is a member of the dumortierite group that has been found in pegmatite, or alluvial deposits derived from pegmatite, at three localities: Greenbushes, Western Australia; Voron'i Tundry, Kola Peninsula, Russia; and Szklary. Lower Silesia, Poland. Holtite can contain >30 wt.% Sb2O3, As2O3, Ta2O5, Nb2O5, and TiO2 (taken together), but none of these constituents is dominant at a crystallographic site, which raises the question whether this mineral is distinct from dumortierite. The crystal structures of four samples from the three localities have been refined to R1 = 0.02—0.05. The results show dominantly: Al, Ta, and vacancies at the Al(l) position; Al and vacancies at the Al(2), (3) and (4) sites; Si and vacancies at the Si positions; and Sb, As and vacancies at the Sb sites for both Sb-poor (holtite I) and Sb-rich (holtite II) specimens. Although charge-balance calculations based on our single-crystal structure refinements suggest that essentially no water is present, Fourier transform infrared spectra confirm that some OH is present in the three samples that could be measured. By analogy with dumortierite, the largest peak at 3505-3490 cm-1 is identified with OH at the O(2) and O(7) positions. The single-crystal X-ray refinements and FTIR results suggest the following general formula for holtite: Al7-[5x+y+z]/3 (Ta,Nb)x□[2x+y+z]\3,BSi3-y(Sb,As)yO18-y-z(OH)z, where x is the total number of pentavalent cations, y is the total amount of Sb + As, and z ⩽ y is the total amount of OH. Comparison with the electron microprobe compositions suggests the following approximate general formulae Al5.83(Ta,Nb)0.50□0.67BSi2.50(Sb,As)0.50O17.00(OH)0.50 and Al5.92(Ta,Nb)0.25□0.83BSi2.00(Sb,As)1.00O16.00(OH)1.00 for holtite I and holtite II respectively. However, the crystal structure refinements do not indicate a fundamental difference in cation ordering that might serve as a criterion for recognizing the two holtites as distinct species, and anion compositions are also not sufficiently different. Moreover, available analyses suggest the possibility of a continuum in the Si/(Sb + As) ratio between holtite I and dumortierite, and at least a partial continuum between holtite I and holtite II. We recommend that use of the terms holtite I and holtite II be discontinued.

A deposit of chrysoberyl (BeAl2O4), including the variety alexandrite, occurs near Dowerin, in the southwestern region of the Archaean Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia. The deposit is situated in the northern part of the Lake Grace Terrain, a crustal component of the southwestern Yilgarn Craton, in granulite-facies gneisses (2640–2649 Ma; T = 700°C, P <6 kbar) adjacent to the margin of the Kellerberrin Batholith (2587±25 Ma). Beryllium mineralization at Dowerin occurs in plagioclase-quartz-biotite-garnet gneiss and cross-cutting tourmaline-plagioclase veins situated adjacent to lenses of actinolite-cummingtonite-phlogopite schist. Crystals of chrysoberyl (0.15–1.74 wt.% Cr2O3; 2.25–3.23 wt.% FeO; trace–0.13 wt.% ZnO; SiO2 <0.05 wt.%) are found embedded in almandine or plagioclase, and closely intergrown with biotite and/or zincian hercynite in the host-rock gneiss. Minor Cr and Fe in the alexandrite variety of chrysoberyl were possibly derived from associated zincian hercynite and/or almandine. Trace beryl (0.04–0.20 wt.% Cr2O3; 0.54–0.71 wt.% FeO; trace– 0.22 wt.% Na2O; 0.1–0.71 wt.% MgO) occurs as anhedral interstital grains between crystals of chrysoberyl, plagioclase and biotite, and as rare inclusions in chrysoberyl. Textural and mineral chemical evidence suggests that chrysoberyl and zincian spinels (chromite to hercynite containing from 2–8 wt.% ZnO) formed during granulite-facies regional metamorphism and probably pre-dated the formation of metamorphic tourmaline-plagioclase veins during the same metamorphic episode. The Be, B and Zn required to form chrysoberyl, beryl, tourmaline and zincian spinels may have been released by metamorphic reactions in host-rock metapelites during prograde granulite-facies metamorphism.

Moolooite, a naturally occurring hydrated copper oxalate has been identified in a sulphide-bearing quartz outcrop 12 km east of Mooloo Downs station homestead (25° 01′ 30″ S., 116° 06′ 30″ E.), Western Australia. It has apparently formed by the interaction of solutions derived from bird guano and weathering copper sulphides. Partial microchemical analysis indicates a composition corresponding to CuC2O4 · 0.44H2O. The infra-red spectrum is similar to that of the artificial compound with diagnostic absorption bands at 3490, 2975, 2935, 1980, 1940, 1660, 1365,1320, 830, 510, 390, and 315 cm−1. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns indicate a disordered structure with orthorhombic symmetry; a 5.35, b 5.63, c 2.56 Å, Z = 1. The strongest lines of the powder pattern are [d Å, I, hkl]: 3.88, 100, (110); 2.50, 30, (120); 2.33, 18, (011); 2.31, 25,(101); 2.14, 20, (111); 1.938, 18, (220); 1.787, 25, (121); 1.753, 30, (211); 1.216, 15, (112). Unindexed very weak diffuse lines on some patterns can be indexed assuming a supercell with a′ = a, b′ = 2b, c′ = 2c indicating the presence of ordered crystallites.

Moolooite occurs as micro-concretionary crusts and powder in cracks and solution cavities resulting from sulphide oxidation. It is found associated with opaline silica, gypsum, broehantite, antlerite, atacamite, whewellite, sampleite, and libethenite. It is turquoise-green in colour with similar streak, lustre dull to waxy, calculated density 3.43 g/cm3. Moolooite is composed of aggregates of generally sub-micrometre sized equidimensional crystallites with α ∼ 1.57 and γ ∼ 1.95.

By analogy with artificial copper oxalate, moolooite is constructed from infinite ribbon-like elementary structural units consisting of alternating Cu2+ and (C2O4)2− ions. These units are arranged en echelon in layers which are stacked with displacements so that octahedral coordination of copper ions is completed by oxygen atoms in adjacent layers. The minimal role played by water in the structure and composition of moolooite distinguish it from other oxalate minerals. Because of the zeolitic character of the water a general formula CuC2O4 · nH2O (0 ⩽ n ⩽ 1) appears to be appropriate.

Mesothermal gold ores in the Archaean Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia are dominated by a pyrite ± arsenopyrite ± pyrrhotite sulphide assemblage. Many of these ores are refractory to varying degrees and require treatment by roasting, bacterial oxidation or finer milling. The most common sulphide ore types can be sub-divided broadly into pyritic (pyrite±pyrrhotite) and arsenical types (pyrite+arsenopyrite± pyrrhotite). Arsenical ores vary from highly refractory to free-milling. Arsenopyrite in highly refractory ores is finer grained, As-deficient (27 –32.5 at.% As), contains high average concentrations of submicroscopic gold (60 –270 ppm), but does not contain inclusions of particulate gold. Arsenopyrite in free-milling ores is coarser grained, less As-deficient to slightly As-rich (30 –35 at.% As), contains low or negligible concentrations of submicroscopic gold, but contains inclusions and fracture fillings of particulate gold. In some refractory arsenical ores, pyrite also contains moderately high levels of submicroscopic gold (20 –40 ppm), the concentration of which is directly related to As content of the pyrite.

Pyritic ores are free-milling to mildly refractory, or rarely moderately refractory. Pyrite in pyritic ores contains negligible to low levels of submicroscopic gold (<5 ppm). Other reasons for refractory behaviour in pyritic ores include very fine-grained native gold inclusions in pyrite, or the presence of gold-bearing tellurides.

It is concluded that submicroscopic gold is incorporated into the crystal lattices of arsenopyite and arsenical pyrite at sub-greenschist to lower greenschist-facies temperatures, and is progressively expelled as inclusions and fracture fillings of native gold in sulphides, and ultimately into the gangue, as recrystallization proceeds through upper greenschist- into amphibolite-facies temperatures, during deformation and burial. Submicroscopic gold is expelled more rapidly from pyrite than arsenopyrite.

Pyrrhotite progressively replaces primary pyrite at higher temperatures, but rarely contains gold. Finally, a metallurgical classification scheme for refractory ores is presented which incorporates the above mineralogical conclusions.

Woodallite is a new Cr-rich member of the hydrotalcite group from the large, low-grade Mount Keith nickel deposit, in the northeastern Goldfields district of Western Australia. Woodallite occurs as whorls and clusters of minute platelets up to 6 mm across in lizardite+brucite-altered dunite. Individual platelets are typically 10–100 µm in maximum dimension and are often curved. Associated minerals include chromite, lizardite, iowaite, pentlandite, magnetite, tochilinite and brucite. Electron microprobe analysis gave: Mg 25.90 wt.%; Cr 10.81; Fe 4.86; Al 0.68; Cl 9.89; S 0.03; Si 0.01; Ni 0.01; Na 0.01, yielding (after correction for loss of volatiles) an empirical formula of Mg6.19(Cr1.21Fe0.51Al0.15)∑1.87(OH)16[Cl1.62(CO3)0.17(SO4)0.01]·4H2O, by analogy with the hydrotalcite group. The simplified formula is Mg6Cr2(OH)16Cl2·4H2O. Combined thermogravimetric analysis and mass spectroscopy showed a two-stage weight loss of 12.7% and 27.3% occurring over the ranges 25–300°C and 300–660°C, respectively. The first weight loss is attributed to loss of interlayer water, chlorine-bearing species (e.g. HCl) and some CO2, the second to loss of hydroxide water, remaining CO2 and Cl species. The mineral is deep magenta to purple in colour, transparent, with a resinous to waxy lustre, and a perfect basal {0001} cleavage. Woodallite has a Mohs hardness of 1.5–2, and a pale-pink to white streak. The strongest lines in the X-ray powder pattern are [dobs (Iobs) (hkl)] 8.037 (100) (003); 4.021 (48) (006); 2.679 (1) (009); 2.624 (3) (012); 2.349 (5) (015); 2.007 (6) (0,0,12); 1.698 (2) (0,1,11); 1.524 (2) (23). These lines were indexed on a hexagonal cell with a = 3.103(2), c = 24.111(24)Å, V = 201.14 Å3 and Z = 3/8. The new mineral is isostructural with the hydrotalcite group and has space group Rm. The measured density is 2.062 gm/cm3. Woodallite is uniaxial negative with ω = 1.555 and ε = 1.535 (white light); pleochroism is distinct from violet to pinkish lilac. Woodallite forms as a result of hydrothermal alteration of primary magmatic chromite by Clrich solutions at temperatures <320°C. Relict chromite fragments are frequently present in the whorls, and associated magnetite is altered extensively to iowaite. The mineral is named after Roy Woodall, eminent Australian industry geologist.