Briefs

Sportsgirl's online win
MELBOURNE: Sportsgirl's recently launched website has taken out top prize in the Best Online Retail category at the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA) Awards. Digital agency Citrus won the award for Sportsgirl's branded eCommerce site at the peak industry awards, which were judged by a panel of more than 120 Australian and international experts from across the interactive media spectrum. Sportsgirl's online store launched late last year to capitalise on the growth of online retail spending and drive sales beyond the brand's national 'bricks and mortar' network. For more: sportsgirl.com.au

TAFE opens centre
MELBOURNE: Kangan Batman TAFE has announced plans to open a Centre of Fashion at Richmond on May 23. According to a spokesperson for the TAFE the centre would profit from its location close to Melbourne fashion strips including Bridge Road, Swan Street, Chapel Street, Toorak Road, High Street and the Melbourne City district. It was also located in a textile and fashion zone, home to leading fashion houses and associated manufacturing industries. Courses at the centre had been adapted to reflect the changing needs of the textile and fashion industry, while students would benefit from being located close to suppliers, retailers and potential employers. They would also have the opportunity to build links with industry through practical placements.

Opinion canvassed
NATIONAL: TCF workers may be asked their thoughts on the success of the export market development grant scheme after it was suggested the scheme should be reviewed. The review of the government scheme, which offers financial assistance to aspiring and current exporters from all industries, has been undertaken to investigate the extent to which it induced "additional export marketing activity". In 2006/07 financial year more than 3500 grants totalling $145.1 million were paid out to small and medium sized businesses. The average grant paid was $40,455.

Race is on
SYDNEY: Budding designers and milliners are being encouraged to expose their garments to a national audience as part of this year's Fashions-on-the-field competition at the Royal Randwick Racing Carnival. Categories include best-dressed lady, millinery award, best-dressed couple, ladies classic racewear and gentleman classic racewear. The total price pool for the event is valued at more than $75,000. For more: randwickprincess.com

Champion-ing on
SYDNEY: Fox Sports News personality Lee Furlong has signed a deal with sportswear label Champion to become the new female face of the brand. Under the contract, Furlong will promote the brand in extensive marketing campaigns across Australia and New Zealand in 2008/09. The announcement follows the new the brand will adopt an edgy new look and launch into new categories including dance, yoga, surf and street. For more: http://www.championusa.com.au