Illawarra residents have lost almost $79 million on poker machines in just three months, according to the latest figures from Liquor & Gaming NSW, highlighting the scale of gambling activity in the region. From pubs and clubs to sports broadcasts and mobile betting apps, gambling has become a constant presence in everyday environments. While often framed as entertainment, rising losses and growing participation, particularly among younger Australians, have intensified calls for stronger reforms to reduce gambling harm. Australia consistently ranks among the world’s biggest gambling nations, with experts pointing to widespread access to poker machines, the expansion of online betting,…
Author: Kalina Filceski
More than 7.5 million trips were recorded on the South Coast Line in 2024, with Wollongong Station accounting for more than one million. The figures come as the NSW Government rolls out the new Mariyung train fleet across the South Coast network and prepares to introduce upgrades through Opal 2.0. New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the new trains would improve services for commuters. “For years Wollongong commuters have wanted more frequent services on the South Coast Line and the new Mariyung trains mean the Minns Labor Government can make it happen,” he said. Despite…
While underemployment in Australia remains steady at 5.9 per cent, new CEIC statistics has outlined a stark difference between male and female underemployment rates. As of January 2026, 6.9 per cent of women in Australia were underemployed, two per cent higher than the rate for Australian men. Unlike unemployment, underemployment refers to situations where employees are not working to their full capacity. Experts say that cost-of-living pressures are just one reason contributing to a greater demand for working hours. University of Wollongong Professor, Alfredo Paloyo said underemployment is largely driven by the structure of the labour market. “The underemployment rate is…
The Illawarra’s aging population is placing increasing pressure on aged care and retirement housing, and latest data shows a growing gap between demand and available services. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that 20 per cent of people in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region are aged 65 and over, compared with 16.3 per cent across New South Wales, underscoring the region’s older demographic profile. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics The demand is being felt across the sector. A proposed redevelopment of the IRT Towradgi retirement village has been recommended for rejection by council staff for a third time, while…
Retail theft across NSW has surged, largely driven by cost-of-living pressures. Small businesses in the Illawarra say the sector is under strain, with major retailers bearing the brunt of the impact. Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows shoplifting has increased in recent years, emerging as one of the few crime categories trending upward across the state. However, Wollongong newsagency owner Maria Colla, who has nearly three decades of experience, says the impact is not felt evenly. “People are stealing from Woolworths and big corporations out of necessity,” Mrs Colla said. “Cost-of-living issues have dropped the…
A University of Wollongong fitness program has sparked questions about whether participants are being screened for performance-enhancing substances, as global debate around peptides intensifies. UniActive’s six-week challenge, aimed at improving strength and performance, does not require participants to disclose the use of substances such as peptides. Personal trainer at UniActive, Kyle Booth, said there is a lot of uncertainty around usage, and it is difficult to find balanced information online. “Everywhere you look, there is hype around it,” Mr Booth said. “It is worrying, anything that is going to speed up growth hormones can be very high risk.” UOW PhD…
South-West Sydney is set for a major boost with the official opening of the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) new Liverpool campus at Civic Place, unveiled today by Education Minister, Jason Clare The new campus marks a major step in expanding access to higher education in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, while also helping to tackle workforce shortages in critical sectors such as health, education and community services. By giving students the opportunity to study closer to home, the campus is set to strengthen pathways into local employment and better align graduates with industry demand. The opening event brings together leaders…
The Australian Lebanese community have been feeling anxious as violence continues to escalate in southern Lebanon. Tensions in the region have heightened concern for family and loved ones still residing in Lebanon. Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in heavy cross-border fire after almost a year of fighting. Over the past few weeks, Israel has launched one of their most intense bombardments into southern Lebanon. At the same time, Hezbollah has retaliated with rockets targeting northern Israel. The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) reported striking 290 Hezbollah targets, including thousands of rocket launchers. In response, Hezbollah fired over 100 rockets into northern…
Coniston Football Club has announced their intention to enter a team into the Women’s Premier League for the 2025 season. The club has appointed Assistant Youth Coach, Nick Tortorella as the Head Coach for the Women’s Premier League. Mr Tortorella’s current role with the Macarther Rams consists of assisting coaches with the youth program, talent identification, and developing skills and knowledge of female football players. His 30 years of experience as a player, and a coach assisted Coniston FC in their decision to appoint him as head coach. The newly appointed coach outlined his vision to build a dedicated and hardworking…
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has approved Lecanemab for use in the UK, marking a significant step in the fight against Alzheimers. Meanwhile, the Therapeutic Goods Administration is currently evaluating the drug for approval in Australia. Lecanemab has already received approval in several countries, including The USA, Japan, China, South Korea, and Israel. The director of the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT), Professor Christopher Rowe, welcomes the move by the UK medicines regulatory authority. “While it is not a cure it is an exciting and historic first step towards reducing the huge impact that Alzheimer’s disease has across communities,…