It may seem futile to dream of traveling while cooped up in our homes amid COVID-19 restrictions. Although many people consumed by wanderlust have counted their lucky stars after the NSW government confirmed regional travel bans will be lifted from June 1. The lifting of the ban will also provide relief for regional towns dependent on tourism, who have struggled since the disasters of both the bushfires and the COVID-19 lockdown. Here are five destinations that can fuel the travel bug while helping out those towns in need. Mount Townsend, Snowy Mountains Grab your hiking gear and climb Australia’s second…
Author: Joshua Campbell
Gambling counselling services are concerned about the impact of online betting in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions closing pokie rooms at pubs and clubs. An AlphaBeta study revealed online betting increased 67 per cent during the first week of clubs and casinos being closed due to the virus lockdown. Addiction counsellor Geoff Lyons said he was worried about the trend and the influx of new clients who do not fit the traditional cohort of problem gamblers. “The lockdown is a recipe for disaster if you’re vulnerable,” he said. “A substantial number of new and old clients have been ringing up…
The Australian government has provided an additional $63.3 million boost for the legal sector to ensure advice and representation can be accessed amid COVID-19 concerns. Frontline legal services, including legal aid and community legal centres, have received access to the package to ensure legal support is available for Australians who need it during this time. Legal Aid Sutherland solicitor Michael Ong welcomed the package and said he had struggled to assist clients with advice and representation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The sudden transition to remote processes of courts, firms and public legal services proved most difficult to navigate,” Mr…
Two-thirds of young people feel they are hindered by schools when it comes to pursuing their passions, according to a new report. The Year13 After The ATAR III report surveyed more than 4500 young Australians about passion and purpose in Australian high schools. The report revealed 55 per cent of the respondents indicated their school failed to support their passions. Year13 co-founder William Stubley said schools who actively support young people’s passions may improve the transitional journey for youth in the future. “Between fostering passions and developing the skills students need to survive in the real world, schools are in…
Groundbreaking brain research is exploring how stress contributes to the development of mental illness and it is hoped it will help develop a system to identify at-risk individuals. The World Health Organisation has predicted by 2030, one third of all disease burden in the world, will be caused by stress. Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) researcher Dr Natalie Matosin said the research would enhance ability to identify an individual’s susceptibility to stress. “We urgently need an improved understanding of the detailed and widespread effects of stress on human biology,” Dr Matosin said. “With this research, we may be…
State and Federal government closures of pools, gyms and sporting venues due to COVID-19 have created uncertainty for many in the fitness industry. Fitness Australia, a national not-for-profit industry association for fitness professionals, estimated more than 20,000 people involved in the exercise industry had lost their jobs after measures were adopted to slow the spread of the virus. Illawarra fitness businesses have moved quickly to limit damage the changes could have on their businesses.To ensure clients maintain their membership, Crossfit Kirrawee trainer Benjamin Coulter has taken his business online, and guaranteed his members it is business as usual – just…
Sutherland Shire is set to become a beacon of hope for local restaurant owners with ‘A Taste of the Shire’ attracting more than 10,000 visitors. A Taste of the Shire is an annual, late autumn celebration of food and wine established by the Sutherland Rotary Club. President of Sutherland Rotary Club, Robert Fox said the event is a perfect opportunity to showcase the very best of Sutherland Shire’s restaurants and food providers, whilst providing a variety of cuisines. “The concept is to allow businesses to publicise their outlets,” Mr Fox said. “More than 10,000 people attended the event last year…