For many university students, romantic relationships are a defining part of young adulthood, but when partners begin to take priority over deadlines, the impact on academic motivation can be difficult to ignore. UOW student Kealy O’Shea cracks open her textbook for the second last time and settles into another afternoon of study. Just months ago, university was a second thought, devoting much of her time and energy into a long- term relationship, but since the relationship ended, her priorities have shifted. The end of her long-term relationship is still hard to think about. Having a boyfriend seemed like a good…
Author: Aimee Yavuzer
The inaugural Marine Estate Champions Program has wrapped up, leaving five lucky participants to share their environmental leadership ideas with Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils to restore Lake Illawarra. University of Wollongong student Summer Brooks said studying marine science inspired her to enter the program. “I’m very passionate about our local waterways, so I figured I could have a chance to help,” Ms Brooks said. Lord Mayor Tanya Brown oversaw the project and said in a Wollongong City Council media release that the program is an opportunity for locals to have a say in the change of the Illawarra. “It’s…
Wollongong Botanic Gardens very own ‘Botanic Gardens Week’ has aimed to promote healthy living and wellbeing for Illawarra residents. Recent research has highlighted a strong link between exposure to green spaces and increased life satisfaction, with time spent outdoors improving both physical and mental health. Wollongong Botanical Garden curator, Felicity Skoberne said even taking a short walk outside can reduce stress. “When you come into nature, when you walk into the botanic garden, you can often see people’s body language changes,” Ms Skoberne said. “You see their shoulders drop, their faces soften, you see a relaxation that comes over people.…
Australia is recording a rise in drowning deaths, raising concerns about water safety and highlighting the role of swimming education and emergency responses. Royal Life Saving Australia data has shown that drowning deaths are rising, revealing a growing gap between Australians love of water and their ability to stay safe in it. In the National Drowning Report for 2025, there were 357 drowning deaths over 12 months, a 27 per cent increase on the 10-year average. The Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 has identified a lack of swimming skills, a desire to explore national parks and regional areas and an…
Rising living costs has forced many parents to reconsider whether they can afford to grow their families, with new data showing financial pressures has reshaped fertility decisions. A 2025 Population Statement has shown that the fertility rate is expected to fall to a record low of 1.42 children per woman in 2025/2026, well below the replacement level of 2.1. Fertility intentions in Australia has also been falling, but remain above the total fertility rate, the study has found. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has released a statement confirming these findings and says the Albanese Government is rolling out policies to make it…
Igniting passion through an Illawarra jewellery making circle has boosted the market industry and is turning the tide away from mass-produced retail trade. The Bulli Village Markets are held on the second Sunday of every month and is where the Illawarra community gather to purchase locally produced jewellery. Passionate stallholder of shop Enchanted by Katerina, Katie Kavalekas makes handmade jewellery along with other knick knacks with unique designs. “I’m motivated by using things in my back garden like flowers, shells, sand and even 100s and 1000s sprinkles,” Miss Kavalekas said. “I’ve only been making earrings for about a year, but…
Wollongong City Council’s (WCC) inaugural Wollongong Creative Short Film Festival has been held outdoors at Kanahooka’s Lakeside Reserve. Home to many species of protected plants, the lake was brought to life by a lineup of some of the Illawarra’s best armateur film makers early this month. WCC’s cultural development coordinator, Shannon Kennedy organised the event and said she was proud to be a part of the festival that put Lake Illawarra on centre stage. “This time round we made the theme water, and we’ve commissioned some films specifically about the lake,” Mr Kennedy said. “So we wanted to highlight what…
The University of Wollongong’s own Pulse Pantry aims to help out students who are affected by the current cost of living crisis. Open every Tuesday and Thursday Pulse Pantry is a food support system run by students for students, where a range of products are for sale through a points system, rather than monetary value. Manager and Student Engagement for Pulse, Demelza Jones said the best part of her job was the joy she sees helping many students benefit from the Pantry. “Everyone with a student card is welcome but we mostly see our international students,” Ms Jones said. “on…
TW: mentions of suicide Suicide Prevention Month is encouraging communities all around Australia to speak out and stand together. This year, Suicide Prevention Australia is urging people to change the narrative with a call to action, asking people to a spark a conversation to change to the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Cold Nips, an Australian-wide community movement co-founded by Jian Wong Yen and marketed by Teigan Woollard, is on board with the cause, going on an Australian-wide tour completing 100 sunrise dips in 100 days in an act to raise one million dollars for mental health. “With the Cold…
Illawarra and Shoalhaven residents are being encouraged to start conversations around death in order to break through the stigma that surrounds it. Death Café offers a safe environment to ask questions and gain knowledge about the topics of death, dying and bereavement while enjoying a beverage and cake. Death Café facilitators Carolyn Vaughan and Jordan Lukey held an event on August 26 at Corrimal Library and encouraged residents of all ages to drop into the cafe for a chat. “Death café in its simplest form is a space that’s created where people can come along and talk, share, listen and…