Edited announcement

West Perth-based Matrix Oil NL has issued a prospectus to raise $3.5 million pursuant to a public offer and up to $500,000 in a pro rata offer to existing shareholders.

Former directors of Australian Managed Funds Limited (AMF), Messrs Peter Cornelius Beekink, Gregory Phillip Gaunt and Hersch Solomon Majteles, have been fined a total of $45,000 in Perth's Federal Court after making misleading statements in a prospectus.

Western Australia's booming housing market has opened the door for the State Government to launch a new $500,000 pilot apprenticeship scheme.

Perth-based stockbrokers Euroz Ltd have posted an unaudited net profit after tax of $11.4 million for the period 1 July 2005 to 7 April 2006, representing a 24 per cent increase on 2005's audited annual NPAT of $9.2 million.

Shares in JV Global Ltd have shot up almost 27 per cent after its wholly owned subsidiary, JV Global (Australia) Pty Ltd, signed a formal joint venture agreement with India's Shapoorji Pallonji Group.

The state government has stated that community input will pay a vital role in its assessment of Alcoa's plans to expand the Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia's south west.

West Perth-based Emeco Ltd has advised it will proceed with an initial public offering in the second half of 2006 with Credit Suisse, Citigroup and UBS appointed as joint lead managers of the IPO.

The Princeton private estate at Stirling has sold its last remaining homesite two years ahead of schedule.

The majority of Australian employers are still failing to proactively seek to attract and retain mature aged workers, despite the nation's rapidly ageing workforce and growing skills shortage, according to a survey.

The Takeovers Panel has rejected The Australian Gas Light Company's request for interim orders restraining Alinta Group Holdings Ltd from dispatching its bidder's statement for AGL.

Swedish company Sandvik Mining has announced a $106 million takeover offer for equipment manufacturer SDS Corporation Ltd.

The federal government, from 1 July, will halve the incorporation fee for small businesses to $400 to encourage them to incorporate to take advantage of the Work Choices industrial relations changes.

Property developer and manager United Overseas Australia Ltd has announced the almost $8 million sale of an eight-story office block in Bangsar, Malaysia.

Prominent Western Australians are about to be showcased around the globe on a new BBC World television series.

Australian executives believe they are good at leading by example but are less confident in creating a clear vision and strategy for the future, according to a survey released today.

A 22-year-old businessman, who is passionate about ensuring disabled people can make the most of life, has been named Western Australia's Young Person of the Year for 2006.

A warchest of up to $45 million has been set aside by low cost Australian gold producer, Troy Resources NL, to expand its current worldwide exploration operations.

O'Connor-based Joyce Corporation Ltd has announced the acquisition of the remaining 51 per cent of the Bedshed Unit Trust was passed by shareholders at today's extraordinary general meeting.

A new-look Scitech has been officially unveiled following a $10 million refurbishment.

West Perth-based gold explorer Adamus Resources Ltd says it expects to complete its Bankable Feasibilty Study on its US$57 million (A$79 million) Ghana gold project, by December this year.

The global rise in oil prices is driving the rush to gold as a haven against inflation and fuelling the increase in international prices for the precious metal to near record levels, according to one of Australia's most experienced gold industry executive

West Perth-based CBH Group has posted a profit of $61.4 million for the 2004-05 financial year, at the same time revealing its total assets were over $1 billion.

Western Australia will be eligible to apply for millions of dollars in funding for major water projects after Premier Alan Carpenter reversed his predecessor's decision and signed up to the National Water Initiative today.

Belmont-based laundry and dry-cleaning company Atlas Linen Services, which recycles its waste water and uses "eco" friendly systems, was named WA's top employer by PVS Workfind today.

Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline project manager Alinta Asset Management said it had successfully completed the difficult process of live welding four sections of the existing pipeline - laying the groundwork for vital looping.

Perth headquartered labour hire and recruitment company Integrated Group Ltd and marine operator Mermaid Marine Australia Ltd have completed due diligence and formal execution of an asset swap transaction announced in October last year.

The potential is still there for the gold price to go much higher, with a prediction from Perth broker Hartleys that it could go above $1000 an ounce.

Shares in Balcatta-based SafeEffect Technologies Ltd, have fallen almost 50 per cent today after the braking system developer and manufacturer resumed trading on the ASX.

Perth-based bio-nanotech company pSivida Ltd has entered into an evaluation agreement with a large medical device company to evaluate cardiovascular delivery of drugs using pSivida's drug delivery technologies.

The take-up of broadband services is approaching three million connections, according to the latest Australian Competition and Consumer Commission snapshot of broadband deployment.

Gindalbie Metals Ltd has entered into a landmark joint venture with China's second largest steel producer Anshan Iron & Steel Group Corporation, for the development of its Karara Iron Ore Project in Western Australia's Mid West region.

Western Australia's strong economic growth is fuelling greater demand for land and infrastructure in regional cities and towns across the state.