My Big Idea is a nationwide ideas competition focused on creating positive change for Australia. Australians are being asked to submit ideas by 3 August 2016 on ways to improve many aspects of our country. You can vote on ideas, including the Idea Spies entry, by 10 August at http://www.mybigidea.org.au/ideas/a-bank-of-ideas-that-encourages-innovation

Family days for inmates at a Perth prison are encouraging fathers to develop stronger bonds with their children. These days are arranged in conjunction with Save The Children and are a key part of showing the young men the positive side of family and community to help prevent them reoffending. I visited and was told that the only way these young men, largely from extremely difficult backgrounds, could survive in life was to appear tough, and the only time they could let down this guard was with their children, which was beneficial for both them and their children.?The prison, Wandoo Reintegration Facility is a minimum-security prison that houses 77 inmates aged between 18 and 28.

This swimming headband was designed by a physician to keep earplugs in place. It's useful for children and adults with ear tubes or grommets and those prone to ear infections. It should help protect against swimmer's ear and surfer's ear. www.earbandit.com

This vertical stairway has been designed to be safe and easy to climb. It's expected that market demand for it will be driven by OH&S regulations as well as by people who climb ladders? expressions of interest are invited from people interested in participating in this venture. www.vertical-stairway.com

In April this year a team of Dutch 3D printed food innovators became the first in the world to open up a pop-up restaurant called Food Ink serving 3D printed food. To follow up on that success, Food Ink has been planning a world tour to the world?s biggest culinary hotspots, and the next date has just been announced. They'll set up outside The Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, London from 25 to 27 July, where a nine-course 3D printed dinner will be served. www.foodink.io

For years a general complaint about dolls has been that they send the wrong messages to girls because they promote an unrealistic body image or reinforce stereotypes about girly interests. This Lottie astronomer doll is different - it comes complete with a telescope, tripod and fact sheet about notable women stargazers, The dolls are part of a movement encouraging girls' interest in STEM- science, technology, engineering and maths. www.lottie.com