The Great Barrier Reef has an economic, social and icon asset value of $56 billion, according to a Deloitte Australia report. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and draws more than one million visitors each year. STA Travel Agent at the University of Wollongong Elise Feutrill said while the valuation seemed steep, she could understand the hefty pricetag, given the reef’s international status. “$56 billion is a high figure, but in saying that, it is definitely the number one travel destination that we book here at the agency, especially for international students,” Ms Feutrill said.…
Author: Jackson Mcgrath
The Turnbull government proposal to reduce the repayment threshold for university HECS debts has sparked discussion about other education and career paths for high school-leavers. With the University of Wollongong enrolling more than 30,000 student, HECS debts is feared by many adolescents. However, research by education information service The Good Information Group found there is no guarantee students will gain the standard of employment needed in to repay their HECS debts. My Gateway employs apprentices and trainees, and places them with host businesses to gain training in their chosen field. “We have a construction and building boom and there are…
A world-first study at University of Wollongong has shone a light on the impact of children exposed to unhealthy food advertisements. The research, led by PhD student Jenny Norman at UOW’s Early Start and School of Health and Society, has revealed children eat more food after they have watched unhealthy food advertisements. The study also showed children do not compensate for the junk food by eating less at meal time. “Our study showed that irrelevant of the child’s sex, age, background or socio-economic status, food advertising has a negative impact on the child’s health,” Ms Norman said. The study estimated…
Over the years, the University of Wollongong has built multiple accommodation facilities for its students. 2018 saw the opening of a new and improved Kooloobong Village. Situated on campus, the self-catered accommodation boasts 1200 beds, as well as a strong community vibe. Student leader, Aaron Fisher believes the new buildings have made a huge impact. “The new buildings have state of the art facilities and promote an amazing community and attitude.” The new Kooloobong Village caters to students who wish to be close to the university and live independently. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgmyZ4S2Ag8&w=560&h=315]
Plans are underway to expand the reach of the University of Wollongong’s AIME program, which has been inspiring Indigenous students in the Illawarra for 10 years. Australian Indigenous mentoring experience (AIME), kick-started at UOW with the goal of reconciling the high school completion rates of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. UOW AIME Program Manager Maiquilla Brown has been a part of the program from the beginning where they mentored just 50 students. “Fast-forward to 2018 and we have over 500 students that we cater to in the Wollongong area alone,” Ms Brown said. The mentoring program recruits university students who volunteer…
Macarthur is set to have one of the world’s premier health care services following an injection of $632 million in government funding. This contribution comes after last year’s Census revealed that the Macarthur region is the fastest growing area in NSW. District Commissioner of Planning for South-West Sydney, Sheridan Dudley said the Macarthur region was in a unique position due to its population growth. “The State Government has actually earmarked this extraordinary amount of money to create a ‘world best practise’ health care system in Macarthur,” Ms Dudley said. Changes will include a further expansion of Campbelltown Hospital, that will…
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsBxb8msfTs&w=560&h=315] Everything old is new again at the annual Macarthur Vintage, Fifties and Collectables Fair. Vintage enthusiasts flocked to the event to soak up the atmosphere and relish in the retro cars, fashion and collectables. Guests were entertained with 50s music, with performances by rock’n’roll dance groups and a vintage fashion competition. All funds raised at the fair supported local children’s charity, Kids of Macarthur Health Foundation. Money raised will go towards purchasing much needed medical equipment for the local Paediatric Loan Pool at Campbelltown Hospital. Jackson McGrath has the story. Music: http://www.purple-planet.com