A High Court decision has exposed a major gap in the NSW domestic violence laws, after a man who assaulted his former partner could not be charged with breaking and entering because he remained listed on the lease, despite no longer living at the property. The case has since prompted the Minns Labor Government to introduce reforms, which are designed to ensure that former occupants can still be prosecuted with breaking and entering offences if they commit, or intend to commit, personal violence against a current or former partner. However, as domestic violence prosecutions continue to rise across the state,…
Author: Chloe Jarrett
There are concerns over the long-term health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, with experts warning that poor childhood nutrition may contribute to the growing generational health crisis. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey has found that children aged between the ages of two and 17 received 40.1 per cent of their daily energy intake from discretionary foods, including fast food, sugary drinks, confectionary and processed snacks. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the most common barrier people experienced when it came to accessing healthy and nutritious foods is cost, showing that…
As the season begins to shift toward winter, health experts have warned of a fast-spreading influenza variant known as ‘Super K’. The Super-K flu first appeared in Australia in September 2025, with cases gradually increasing as international travel resumed and immunity levels declined, following the several years of lower exposure to the seasonal flu. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2025, there were more than 500,000 cases of the flu. This year there has already been more than 24,000 cases, even before the peak of the flu season in winter. In total, up to 1,744 deaths have been…
The Minns Government has announced a $15 million boost to improve public spaces for women, following growing concerns around harassment and safety. The funding comes as surveys consistently show many women feel unsafe in public spaces, particularly at night. Under the Safer Cities: Her Way 2 program, 13 councils will receive $1 million each to deliver major on-the-ground upgrades, while a further 13 councils will receive $150,000 grants. The funding will go towards changes such as improved lighting in public spaces, upgraded amenities and better designed public spaces which aim to increase both the safety and accessibility for people. The…
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…
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,…