An internship can give journalism students the experience, confidence, and industry connections needed to stand out in a competitive profession, according to a University of Wollongong journalism alum. ABC audio current affairs reporter Tanya Dendrinos said students should treat internships as an opportunity to learn, take initiative, and prove they are ready for a newsroom, rather than simply another university requirement. “I think internships and cadetships and volunteering your time in a newsroom or any area that you might be passionate in pursuing once you graduate is vital,” Mrs Dendrinos said. “It really helps you think, is this for me?…
Author: Bella Mccann
Between study, work, social commitments and the constant pull of digital media, finding time to sit down with a book has become increasingly difficult, with moments of quiet often replaced by quick checks of phones, notifications and endless scrolling. Reading Australia’s 2025 “Understanding Australian readers behavioural insights into recreational reading” report has found the majority of Australians want to read more, but do not have the time. Of those surveyed, 54.9 per cent of readers and 49.8 per cent of non-readers say they read less than they intend to. Reading Australia’s CEO, Anna Burkey said in the report’s foreword, that…
A new study has shown one in three university students experience financial insecurity. The Toward a Financially Inclusive Higher Education System Report highlighted economic pressures faced by students and made recommendations to improve the inclusivity of academic institutions. The University of Wollongong-led study found economic stresses impact students’ academic success, wellbeing and overall quality of life. UOW Public Health Nutritionist Dr Katherine Kent said there were flow-on effects of economic insecurity. “We found that many students are struggling to meet basic needs, with some experiencing food insecurity and housing challenges,” Dr Kent said. “Students are often forced to work…
Funding cuts unveiled in the 2026 Federal Budget will see critical disability support limited for thousands of New South Wales residents. The Federal Government’s 2026 budget has sparked concern after announcing major reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) aimed at slowing spending growth. Currently, the scheme is costing $50 billion annually, which is four times the expected amount. The changes outlined in the budget will see this number reduced by $37.8 billion over the next four years. Minister for the NDIS, Mark Butler said in a press conference, that the changes to the scheme set out to prioritise daily…
Australian music lovers are prioritising local music over international acts, but smaller bands are still struggling to be heard. Music Australia’s Listening In report has suggested a growing shift toward homegrown talent, with Australian artists gaining higher representation in playlists, charts, and live music attendance. The data found listeners aged between 18 and 24 are driving this trend. With 49 per cent of people within this age group listening to Australian music daily. The Listening In report showed interest in Australian music is growing, but the benefits are not evenly distributed. The Music Australia data showed many Australians want to hear more local…
Household spending has increased by nearly five per cent, recent data has shown. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ monthly Household Spending Indicator (HSI) for January has shown that the average household spending is up by 4.6 per cent on the same period last year. The indicator is based on nine everyday spending categories, including food, health, and transport. In a media release, ABS head of business Tom Lay said spending was up in the majority of categories. “Household spending returned to growth in January, rising in five of the nine spending categories,” Mr Lay said. The HSI has also shown…
Yours and Owls held their 10th Birthday Party Festival at the University of Wollongong over the weekend, bringing in music lovers to celebrate the milestone. The event’s lineup was full of Aussie musicians such as Peking Duk and Alice Ivy, and included UOW alumni such as electronica duo Hellcat Speedracer. A representative of Hellcat Speedracer said it was an exciting and nostalgic show for them. “We were super lucky to be invited to celebrate Yours and Owls’ 10th birthday, having had our first ever festival show at the same event a few years back, it was a no brainer,” Mr…
Woods-Ray Theatricals’ quirky cabaret found success in the Illawarra last month despite the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis in the local arts industry. Woods-Ray Theatricals presented two sold out shows of ‘Roles We’ll Never Play – A Cabaret’ at the Bulli Senior Citizens Centre on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25. The show had a simple brief for performers: sing a song sung by a character that you’d never play. The show had a diverse range of songs from classic musicals such as Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Dear Evan Hansen, West Side Story, and Hairspray. Musical director and producer…
Gong Crawl 2024 refreshed life in Wollongong last weekend with a live music event with more than 50 artists across 10 venues in the city. Phoebe Price, an event organiser and member of Speed Drive Inc, said the night enabled individuals to explore new things without financial barriers. “I think it opened up the venues to people who wouldn’t typically go to certain shows because of ticket price or they were unsure if they would like something,” Ms Price said. “Having the event be free just allowed for people to be flexible and curious.” Hundreds of attendees had the chance…
A new report reveals that the hairdressing industry is one of the highest producers of waste across Australia and New Zealand. A Eurobodalla hair salon is leading the way in improving sustainability in the hairdressing industry and on the South Coast. Hair on Q in Moruya is working with Australian brand Sustainable Salons to reduce their impact on the environment. The salon’s owner, Vicki Mason, said researching the program helped her realise how much waste was being produced in her store, stressing that the sustainability of her salon needs to improve. “I knew first hand that the bin was taken…