u/Robert_Chalmers

The barcode on a Services Australia Life Certificate (Form AUS061) acts as a unique digital tracking code.
When scanned by Services Australia's processing system, it reveals and automates three key pieces of information:
1. Your Personal Account Identification
The barcode is linked directly to your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) and record.
What it does: The moment the document is uploaded or scanned into their system, it automatically attaches the document to your file without needing a human clerk to manually search for your name or date of birth.
2. The Exact Document Type and Form Code
The barcode encodes the specific document identifier (AUS061 - Proof of Life Certificate).
What it does: When scanned via the myGov / Express Plus Centrelink app or an internal office scanner, the system instantly recognizes the upload as an official "Proof of Life" form. This categorizes it as a priority document rather than a generic piece of correspondence.
3. Systematic Action Trigger (Lifting Payment Holds)
Because the form is tied to a suspension system, the barcode tells the automated system which specific compliance block needs to be addressed.
What it does: Scanning a valid AUS061 barcode triggers an automated update in Centrelink’s International Services system to signal that the mandatory 2-year verification requirement has been met, paving the way for payment reinstatement and back-pay processing.
Why the Barcode Matters for You Right Now
If you scan/upload the barcoded form online: Selecting "Scan Barcode" in the Centrelink online portal bypasses manual indexing, getting the document straight into the queue for International Services.
If you use a blank downloaded copy (without a pre-printed barcode): It will still be processed, but staff must manually index the form to your CRN, which can take longer. Writing your CRN and Full Name at the top of every page ensures it attaches to your record if a barcode isn't automatically generated.

Does anybody have a current Proof of Life form they can share?

I’m currently in the UK, and just over 80. Unknown to me my age pension was stopped because I hadn’t submitted a Proof of life form! Say what?

When I select the gradient fill tool and set it to Liner for example it changes the images colour to sepia.
I can’t find any way to stop it doing that?
What’s happening here?

I’m slowly working toward getting my licence and kit, but am wondering about a suitable antenna. I live in Eastern UK (Suffolk) and live in a mid terrace house. A very small backyard. Lots of houses adjoining and to the rear. About 7x10 meters.
I will eventually be doing mostly CW I think once I get my code back up to speed, listening and transmitting. And of course doing the amateur’s license test. But I want to make a start and getting suitable antenna in place is probably the best move because if I can’t do that the test is moot!
So experts, what’s a good idea? Slim Jim, long wire, pole?
Thanks

I just came back to the iPad version, and discovered to my dismay that it no longer displays the clip along the timeline. Just an image at the start. You have to try and edit from the display! Say what? This is BS.
So I may as well dump the subscription. I really needed and used the iPad version, now it’s useless.

I just came back to the iPad version, and discovered to my dismay that it no longer displays the clip along the timeline. Just an image at the start. You have to try and edit from the display! Say what? This is BS.
So I may as well dump the subscription. I really needed and used the iPad version, now it’s useless.

Want to create stunning gold lettering that looks like polished metal? In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to build a realistic gold print effect entirely in Affinity V3 Pixel Studio using a combination of layer effects, lighting, gradients, and texture.

Rather than relying on ready-made assets, you’ll learn how to create the effect from scratch, giving you complete control over the final appearance. We’ll explore how to add depth, reflections, highlights, and subtle imperfections that make the text look like genuine metallic gold.

Whether you’re designing logos, greetings cards, posters, social media graphics, or print projects, this technique is easy to adapt to almost any design.

I can’t discover why the option Set Depth is greyed out in Affinity V3 Pixel studio’ FX Bevel option? What allows me to turn it on?

Typography isn’t just about choosing the right font—it’s about getting the spacing right. Small adjustments to kerning, tracking and leading can completely change how professional, readable and polished your text appears.

In this tutorial, I’ll explain what each of these essential typography controls does, when you should use them, and the common mistakes to avoid. Using Affinity V3, I’ll demonstrate simple, practical examples that show exactly how letter spacing, word spacing and line spacing work together to improve the look of your designs.

Whether you’re creating books, posters, social media graphics or YouTube thumbnails, understanding these three fundamentals will help you produce cleaner, more professional typography with confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered why some text simply looks “right” while other text feels awkward, this video will give you the knowledge to spot the difference and fix it yourself.

Learn how to create a professional animated logo entrance using three powerful Mac applications—Affinity V3, Pixelmator Pro, and Apple Motion—in this easy-to-follow beginner’s tutorial.

We’ll start by creating a clean vector logo in Affinity V3 using Vector Mode, keeping every shape crisp and fully scalable. Next, I’ll show you how to use Pixelmator Pro to export the artwork as a Motion-ready vector file, preserving the layers so they’re ready to animate. Finally, we’ll move into Apple Motion, where you’ll build a smooth rolling logo entrance using simple techniques that anyone can follow.

No previous experience with Apple Motion is required. Every step is explained clearly, making this the perfect introduction to creating professional logo animations for YouTube videos, business branding, social media, websites, and client projects.

Should I take out AppleCare for Accidental, at £9 a month, £79 excess?
Years of Apple use so far with no drama. Seems a bit steep to me.

Step through a massive industrial doorway into a dark dystopian future. This Apple Motion demo showcases a cinematic environment featuring a burning city skyline, drifting fog, glowing fires, atmospheric lighting, and a dramatic camera move designed to create a sense of scale and foreboding.

Created using Apple Motion, custom assets, particle effects, and cinematic compositing techniques, this scene demonstrates how motion graphics can be used to build immersive science fiction and post-apocalyptic worlds.

Does the Subscription model cover all platforms, like iPad and Mac?

I’ve been using V2, and V1 before that daily for years now. V3 came out and I thought “Hmmm” and like everyone else I thought I’d wait and see. Eventually I took out the Canva sub.
So I noticed today that I can’t remember when I last used V2. V3 is just quicker and pretty much seamless.
I rarely use Canva but occasionally I take a look. I rarely use any of the AI tools, but when I need them they are just there.
I do miss the iPad version, and I’ve only used V2 on the iPad. Almost never on the desktop.
What will happen when ios27 and OS27 come out next month? Good question.
As it is, Affinity does good design & SVG, it does good epub and Publisher, and is pretty good at handling Photos. Its SVG files can load into Pixelmator Pro direct, and that can export to Apple Motion. So it’s all starting to work together. It’d be a real bonus if Affinity could export Motion files, but maybe in the future?
Anyway, the skinny is, I’m not using V2? Except on the iPad. Not because I don’t like it, it’s just easier on the Mac to use V3.

So the subscription model covers iPad and Mac? Where as the BuyItOnce version is only Mac?
Is that right?

Just wondering in all the hype.. when is the 27 Beta releasing?

I love Apple Motion. It’s like flying a jumbo jet. It’s easy if you are going in a straight line, but it’s not so easy if you want to do something like land that sucker and the autopilot is glitching.
I’m so in awe of those out there who seem to speak Motion as native speakers. Years of dedication.