The University of Wollongong’s Science Space has received a $2.5 million grant from the Australian Government to establish the Energy Futures Zone, a new interactive gallery dedicated to renewable energy. Slated to open in late 2025, the exhibit will feature 25 hands-on displays showcasing technologies such as hydrogen, wind, solar, wave, and gravity energy. Additionally, nine existing exhibits will be updated to ensure a cohesive and modern visitor experience. The initiative is part of a broader $10 million investment aimed at developing the skills and courses necessary for the energy future industries. The Energy Futures Zone aims to inspire young…
Author: Brady Moffat
Australia’s appeal against tariffs imposed by America on Australian steel has fallen on deaf ears and sparked a wave of uncertainty on the future of the sector. US President Donald Trump enforced the 25 per cent import cost on steel and a 10 per cent cost on aluminium from Australia to make “hundreds of billions of dollars” to regenerate the alleged ‘loaning’ of American money over the decades. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3YDW6SG2dc Tariffs on exported products are generally perceived as a negative in a global economy, however, local Gerringong business owner, Ken Park, who founded ‘Metalize Welding Fabrication’ said the…
Australia is facing a crisis with migration numbers exceeding what the national permanency numbers can retain. The total number of temporary migrants which excludes visitors and transit visas is at 2.7 million, up from 1.9 million in 2023 – showcasing an explosion in a short amount of time. First-generation born resident, Pauline Teuma explains the hardship her parents had to overcome for the Australian dream. “My parents came here from Malta,” Ms Teuma said. “It was a boat trip that took over a month to get here and from there they were on their own. “No handouts, incentives or…
The University of Wollongong has passed a new set of policies which affect the way filming, protesting and privacy is handled on campus. The new ‘campus access and order’ rules aim to prevent disruptive behaviours on campus and to maintain a respectful environment for students, staff and visitors alike. However, University Students are worried the new policies which have been enforced by the University of Wollongong are to limit the right to ‘free speech’ on campus. A spokesperson for the University stated that the changes were made to keep students and visitors on the campus safe. “We are committed to,…
Warning: This story discusses serious mental health issues Young rural Australians are more likely to face ongoing mental health problems, with less help available, compared to those living in urban environments. A study conducted by The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) states that anxiety and depressive disorders are the most common burden among young Australians aged between 15-24. Retiree, Yvonne Berkhout, has dealt with depression first hand and has seen it destroy her family. “My son battled with bipolar disorder for years, which ultimately consumed him, and he took his life. He was only 29,” she…
Australian households declined to 2.3 people this year, according to a report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The latest figures come after a drop in households to 2.5 people in 2021. The decline in the average household size of Australia is the lowest it has been since 2000. Retiree Sally Wilson has seen the decline firsthand with her family. “My household used to be quite big actually,” Mrs Wilson said. “I had both my sons and daughter living at home, they’ve been gone for a few years now. Now it’s just me and my husband. “They decided to move…
COVID-19 remains a problem for aged care facilities across New South Wales. New information collected by The Department of Health and Aged Care states that COVID cases are rising in aged care facilities as of January 2024. Health.gov.au says that the new strains of COVID-19 may differ from the normal strain due to bypassing immunity and new disease severity. Anglicare recreational activity officer, Wendy Anne said that the new strain is problematic for aged care facilities with the elderly the most at risk. “Many older people I work with are still worried about contracting COVID-19″, said Mrs Anne. “I know…
Harassment charges and extortion are rising in the Shoalhaven region, piggybacking off an overall state increase in online scam crimes. Data from BOSCAR states that New South Wales has seen an increase by 6.7% in harassment from 2019 – 2023, while extortion cases are at a five-year high of 120.1 per cent in NSW alone. Shoalhaven retiree, Kathleen Park, has faced many challenges over the years with harassment, leading to extortion and card fraud. “I’ve had many messages sent to me about random things I apparently owe the government,” Mrs Grace said. “I often get threatening messages…
Sexual assault incidents are on the rise in the Shoalhaven, with an increase of 11 per cent in the last two years. The region is higher than the state rise of sexual reports, with NSW recording a rise of 10.2 percent for the same period. The BOSCAR statistics also examined non-domestic assaults with the region also recording an increase of 6.4 per cent, which is higher than the state trend. Shoalhaven caravan park groundskeeper Toby Williams said the region was a popular holiday destination and this may be a reason for an increase above the state average. “I’ve seen two…