Beneath the steady gaze of Djeera (Mt Keira), a sacred site to the Dharawal people, lies the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC), a cornerstone of support for indigenous students, a program that provides much more than just academic help, but a home away from home. Here bonds are formed amongst the rhythmic tapping of keyboards, and laughter over shared meals and study sessions. The University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Woolyungah is a place of connection, just as much as it is a place of learning. UOW Communication and Media student and Indigenous woman, Jada Thorpe took a three-year gap after high school,…
Author: Anna Wright
After months of campaigning, Labor candidate Fiona Phillips has again secured the battleground seat of Gilmore, defeating key liberal challenger Andrew Constance. The rural electorate of Gilmore spans the Kiama and Shoalhaven council areas, as well as parts of the Eurobodalla Shire and has proven to be one of the most closely watched and fiercely contested electorates in this year’s election, with both major parties fighting for control. Ms Phillips received 55.08 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote in this year’s election, holding the seat for Labor in what was considered one of the party’s most at-risk electorates. Her…
Childcare fees across Australia have surged over the past decade, with costs rising by more than 60 per cent from 2014 to 2024, according to data from the Department of Education. The average cost of childcare has increased from $7.85 per hour in December 2014 to $13.15 per hour in December 2024, placing a significant financial strain on Australian parents and families. The cost of childcare varies across the country, with the Australian Capital Territory reporting the highest price at $15.30 per hour, according to the Department of Education December 2024 Data. Western Australia was not far behind…
Recent figures from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) have revealed a concerning rise in both car break-ins and thefts across the Kiama Local Government Area. The Kiama Community Facebook Page has seen frequent discussions about motor vehicle crime recently sparking concern among residents. According to BOCSAR both motor vehicle theft and break-ins in the Kiama LGA have increased considerably in recent years. Notably, motor vehicle theft rates increased from 121.7 per 100,000 population in 2023 to 204.3 in 2024. Furthermore, stealing from motor vehicle rates has also increased from 304.8 per 100,000 in 2022 to 382.6 in…
The annual Reclaim the Night march to stop violence against women will be held in Wollongong on Thursday October 26, starting from Andrew Lysaght Park, and concluding at the Flagstaff Point light house. The Reclaim the Night march is a global movement that originated in the 70s, initially aimed at fighting for women’s right to walk safely at night, and now having a broad focus on promoting safety and equality. The march is traditionally held in October, Sexual Violence Awareness Month. Reclaim the Night committee member Naomi Thomson said the event is held to raise awareness that domestic violence does…
The University of Wollongong’s Pulse wellness team will hold an R U OK? Day event on 14 September to spark meaningful conversation about mental health in the community. R U OK? is a nationally recognised day held on the second Thursday of September each year to encourage discussion about mental health and to support those who might be struggling. Running from 12:00 – 1:30pm at the Duck Pond Lawn, the UOW event will provide live music, mindfulness activities, resources, and access to local support services. Student experience assistant and Pulse event leader Sophia Bunt said the event will be a…
University of Wollongong students have been warned to be careful when using Uber services in the city after a spate of concerning incidents. Wollongong Local, Kate Marie, was stopped by a fake Uber driver while walking home from a night out in the early hours of Wednesday, July 29. “I was walking home at around 1am and a car pulled up behind me saying he was an Uber and tried to get me to go in his car, I said no of course, and he quickly drove off,” said Ms Marie. “I was walking by myself and there was no…
The wave of support for the FIFA Women’s World Cup has inspired the next generation of Illawarra soccer stars. Following the quarter final between France and Australia, OzTam revealed that the game was watched by over 7.2 million people, making it the most viewed sporting event of 2023 and most viewed women’s football match ever in Australia. The increase in viewership and enthusiasm for women’s football has also had an important impact on local players. Jennifer Algie, coach of the under 11s girls team at the UOW Junior Soccer club, described the excitement she has seen from the team. “The focus…