Homesick follows the journey of Jacquie and Jasmine, two women who found themselves stranded in the middle of a global pandemic. As Spain entered its COVID-19 lockdown, the pair were desperate to return to their homes in Australia. Holly Forrest · Homesick
Author: Holly Forrest
The latest Closing The Gap report has revealed more Indigenous Australian students are completing Year 12 or equivalent studies. The data showed the target to halve the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students completing their Higher School Certificate (HSC) is on track. Since 2018-19, 66 per cent of Indigenous Australians (aged 20-24 years) have attained Year 12 or equivalent, compared to 45 per cent in 2008 – a 46.67 per cent increase. The report stated multitude factors could can be attributed to the success in ‘halving the gap’. “Over the past decade, there have been improvements in Indigenous Year 12…
A lack of safety equipment was the major concern of nurses working in the primary health care sector, according to new research. An online survey of 637 primary health care nurses, conducted by University of Wollongong School of Nursing and Notre Dame University Sydney, revealed respondents were most worried about the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). “Significant access (to PPE) issues are impacting worldwide,” UOW Primary Health Care Nursing professor Dr Elizabeth Halcomb said. “In our study, only around a quarter of respondents always had sufficient P2/N95 masks and gowns and only 39.7% always had sufficient surgical masks.” Prof.…
Young Illawarra athletes are determined to pursue their dreams despite sporting events being cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS), an organisation that provides localised training and education for athletes and coaches, is embraced social media to keep the local sports community motivated through the pandemic. IAS communications officer Emily Robinson said online platforms have played a vital part in maintaining normality for the athletes. “During this time we obviously can’t have any face-to-face sessions with the athletes so we have moved to online delivery,” she said. “We have been running online education webinars through Zoom,…
As the cold weather approaches and the fight against COVID-19 continues, boosting your immune system is more important than ever. Maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle is one of the best ways to help strengthen your immune system and protect yourself from viruses and infections. Here are five tips to give your immune system an extra boost! 1. Eat a balanced diet Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to boost your immune system. According to the Australian Dietary Guideline, a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits and healthy fats is essential in…
University of Wollongong performance students and staff are calling on their creative instincts to adapt to COVID-19 isolation requirements. UOW Performance coordinator Tim Maddock said adaptability is part of a performer’s makeup. He said the transition to online teaching and learning would have its challenges but students were ready to embrace the opportunity. Studying abroad student Helena Peters returned to Australia as the virus took hold overseas and said remote learning had enabled her to continue her Bachelor of Performing Arts at Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. Despite the conflicting time zones, Ms Peters said the moments…
Teaching staff at University of Wollongong have raised concerns on how the transition to remote learning due will impact their teaching practices and outcomes. Earlier this week, UOW said it would move to online teaching in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. NSW Secretary of the National Tertiary Education Union Micheal Thomson said university vice-chancellors across the state need to support casual teachers during the online transition. “Casual teachers must be ensured full support and be adequately equipped with the appropriate materials during these unusual times,” he said. “For years they have let off exploiting causals…
As mental health awareness month comes to a close, Headspace has raised concerns over the wellbeing of Australia’s university and TAFE students. Headspace has revealed that almost 70 per cent of students rated their mental health as poor to fair, in what is the organisation’s largest student survey. Headspace representative, Micheal Bennett said there were a multitude of factors that contribute to poor mental health for tertiary students. “Students are under a lot of pressure,” he said. “The transition from high school to tertiary education can often result in feelings of stress and anxiety which may never go away. “Many…
A Southern Highland’s still life artist is exhibiting her latest work at the Egg & Dart Gallery in Thirroul. At the age of 16 India Mark decided to turn her passion for art into a career. Since then she has graduated from the National Art School with a Masters of Fine Arts, turning her dream into a reality. A two-time finalist in the prestigious Archibald Prize, her current body of work, “Casa della Frutta” has drawn some positive reviews. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acOjdmltr5s[/embedyt]