Written by Alex Robins

Rheem offers $60K in grants to kick start apprentice careers  

Rheem Australia has launched its apprentice plumbers grant program for 2025, offering 20 grants for the second year in a row. Each recipient will receive $2,000 for TAFE/RTO fees and textbooks, plus $1,000 for trade tools.  

Since 2012, Rheem has supported more than 240 apprentice plumbers. Applications are open to apprentices enrolled in TAFE/RTO or school-based programs and employed by licensed plumbers. The deadline is 27 April 2025, with recipients announced in June 2025. 

Rheem Australia is an IMPACT client. 

USYD receives record-breaking donation 

The University of Sydney is now the largest beneficiary of philanthropy in NSW after a billionaire donated $100 million to drive young girls into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  

The record donation from tech founder, Robin Khuda, will fund a two-decade program aimed at addressing the underrepresentation for women studying and working in STEM in one of the largest global investments in women in STEM. Khuda’s foundation seeks to create long-term societal impact by increasing diversity in the field, with the first scholars expected to enrol in 2027. 

RBA delivers relief to homeowners 

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut interest rates for the first time since November 2020, providing relief for millions of mortgage holders. 

 The lowering of the cash rate to 4.10 per cent was widely anticipated by economists and financial markets. The RBA board stated that inflationary pressures were “easing a little more quickly than expected” and expressed confidence that inflation was “moving sustainably” toward its target range. 

Poppi’s influencer campaign fizzles out 

US alternative soda brand Poppi has been labelled ‘out of touch’ after its latest influencer marketing campaign sparked backlash online. 

 Ahead of the brand’s Super Bowl commercial release, full-size vending machines stocked with its drink were gifted to several creators. However, many questioned why such a costly gesture was reserved for wealthy influencers instead of benefiting communities in need. The criticism was especially pointed given the recent LA fires, with some suggesting the company could have directed its generosity toward teachers, nurses, or emergency services instead. 

 The incident serves as a reminder that brands must carefully consider their marketing strategies, particularly during times of crisis, to avoid appearing disconnected from their audience. 

Generative AI risks on the rise 

New analysis from Gartner predicts that by 2027, more than 40 per cent of AI-related data breaches will stem from the misuse of generative AI technologies. 

 The rapid adoption of the technology has raised concerns, with data governance and security measures struggling to keep pace. Gartner warns that the lack of global standards increases risks, especially with unintended data transfers. To mitigate these dangers, the research recommends enhancing data governance, using advanced security technologies, and establishing expert committees.