Author: Kirstie Chlopicki

We know Game Of Thrones is your secret (or not so secret obsession) right now and we’re not judging. If you’re in denial, be on the lookout for symptoms such as a sudden lack of mondayitis, a strong longing to get home to your couch on monday nights, displays of anger and shock directed at your TV, an uncontrollable need to rant to friends, family or the person closest to you, and sudden urges to sing/hum/whistle and generally bop along to the epic theme song, which lets face it can only mean an hour of pure awesomeness. Ticked yes to…

Multi-tasking will reach a new level this weekend as studies show that students can get fit and do a good deed at the same time; it’s as easy as taking a walk by the beach. Literally. This weekend, the Kembla Joggers are holding their 25th annual fun run and walk, ‘Fitness 5’, to raise funds for local charities such as Camp Quality, the Children’s Ward Appeal, and Ebony House. The event has raised approximately $100, 000 since it was founded, and this year hopes to keep the ball rolling with a large intake of participants. This years proceeds will be…

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is here again, and throughout May and June, Aussies have the opportunity get together and enjoy a cuppa to help ‘kick cancer to the curb’. Brett McKenna, owner of Orsum Surf Cafe in Warilla, is one of many local business operators who have taken up the challenge to host their own morning tea to raise funds for the Cancer Council. One in two Australians will be diagnosed with Cancer before they are 85, but it’s not too late to help out. For more info on how you can get involved and Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Events…

Studies show that Aussie kids are having trouble recognising and eating enough fresh fruit and veg to avoid obesity and health problems. These stats may leave you wanting to head to the supermarket for a bag full of greens.

Nursing graduates flounder in career market As hopeful nursing students flock to UOW’s career expo today, Australia’s graduates are struggling to find employment as foreign nurses fill the workforce. The  UOW School of Nursing and Midwifery reported in 2013 that 99.4 per cent of graduates were in full-time employment just three months after graduating. However, Australian statistics and  student experiences reveal a less optimistic picture. According to Health Workforce Australia, while the number of nursing graduates increased by 50% between 2005 and 2012, the number of jobs outsourced to foreign workers on temporary visas increased by 500%. It is estimated…

Four Australian academics have this week recommended that the legal drinking age be lifted from 18 to 21. UOW professor Sandra Jones, from the Centre for Health Initiatives at Innovation Campus, was among those advocating for change. The article states that young drinkers are risking brain impairment and points to the rise in car crashes among young drivers when states have dropped the drinking age to 18. UOWTV spoke to two exchange students from the United States, where the drinking age is 21, for their experiences in both countries. UOWTV Multimedia reporters Michael DiFabrizio and Kirstie Chlopicki

Upgrades looking up The upgrade of Crown Street Mall has not been without its criticisms, but in a recent update, the GPT development group and Wollongong City Council have outlined the project’s progress and benefits. According to information provided by Council, the project has been delayed by bad weather and other complications, but it set to open its doors to shoppers in October 2014. Residents and business owners have criticised the expansion for its noise pollution, unsightly construction area and failure to meet its proposed completion date of early this year. Despite the revised plan, 80 per cent of The…