By Chloe Jarrett & Marieke R Young Greater Union cinema in Wollongong, once a hub for Hollywood blockbusters, independent films, and special events, now sits in silence, its three large screens dark, its seats empty, the floor no longer covered with spilled popcorn. For decades, the cinema played a vital cultural and social role in the Wollongong community, providing a space for families, teenagers, and friends to gather and share communal experiences. Beyond entertainment, it connected the city to the broader national and international cultural trends. Its closure marked the end of an era in Wollongong’s local cultural landscape and…
Author: Chloe Jarrett
On October 1st 2024, hundreds of people came together in the local town of Warrawong to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NAIDOC Family Fun Day, while making connections with residents, local organisations and services. The National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) holds an annual event across the country between 7-14 July, this year will be the 50th anniversary of the event, aiming to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Earlier this year, the Albanese Government invested $1.7 million in grants to help support local communities and organisations to celebrate 2024…
As weather conditions are unexpectedly changing across NSW, experts are warning individuals to be aware and prepare for the upcoming bushfire and severe storm seasons that are expected to affect people with asthma in the coming months. Australians across the country are expected to see a shift in the weather forecasts as fluctuating rainfall and temperature patterns are likely to approach during the October to December season. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has revealed data about the long-range forecast, which reflects the above average temperatures experienced across Australia for the upcoming months. BoM senior climatologist, Felicity Gamble, has predicted that…
Culburra Beach Festival welcomed families who were eager to enjoy the beauty and sounds of the South Coast. Since 2011, the Beach Festival has been a staple in Culburra featuring an array of food, clothing and community markets offering a variety of locally sourced products. Kicking off the weekend, the Culburra Beach Festival included free entertainment, including music and talent shows, held on Saturday. Events like this need community involvement and volunteer support. Resident and volunteer, Monica Willis, was among the weekend’s volunteers. “I think Culburra is known for its coastal location; we have beach, surf, river and bay all…
The Albanese Labor Government has invested $7 million dollars to focus on managing the H5 HPAI virus. “HPAI is something that the government is taking very seriously and preparing for, including through Exercise Volare,” the Minister of Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek said. “The coming spring bird migration from the northern hemisphere is a particularly dangerous time, with the experience overseas has been devastating for birds and mammals like seals, “We’re working overtime to ensure that Australia is prepared for the risks to our wildlife – and particularly our vulnerable threatened species – are managed as best as possible.” According…
A six-month trial for Queensland public transport will reduce all transport fees to 50 cents per trip, while across the border in NSW the cost of public transport has risen. The Queensland initiative, which began in August, will see a $150 Million reduction in fare revenue. A TransLink spokesperson said that the trial will be a boost for commuters and the function of transport around Queensland. “The trial aims to put money back into the pockets of Queenslanders, reduce road congestion, and help return public transport patronage to pre-COVID levels,” the spokesperson said. While Queensland has adopted the 50-cent trial,…
. Australian Football star and Indigenous leader Adam Goodes celebrated a National Children’s Day event at Redfern Aboriginal Women’s Centre with a story-time for local families and children. Recognised since 1988, August 4 marks National Children’s Day, which provides an opportunity for Australians to learn about the impact of culture, family and community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. CEO of Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care, (SNAICC), Catherine Liddle, said the 2024 Children’s Day theme ‘Strong in Culture, Stronger Together’ is about strengthening Indigenous children’s connection to their mob and culture. “Children’s Day is a…
Atopic Dermatitis, also known as Eczema, is a common skin condition that affects nearly three million Australians, normally appearing before the age of five. Nicholas was born with atopic dermatitis, which varies from small patches of dry skin to open scratches. If the Eczema is triggered or infected, it causes a skin rash or inflamed skin. Nicholas has dealt with the struggle of Eczema throughout his childhood and teens, and grew up figuring out what moisturisers and products were suitable for his skin. Knowing that eczema cannot be cured, managing his eczema has taught him to be consistent with…