It’s the first day of winter and turning on the heater is typically a normal action taken by many Australian families, however, for some, it’s the difference between heating or eating. With electricity prices increasing across the country, regional areas are particularly feeling the strain, recording the highest daily supply charges than anywhere else. For Brownsville, Wollongong, resident and retiree Graham Smith, whether to spend money on heating or food is a dilemma he and his wife face daily. “My wife and I try not to put the heater on because we’re mindful of the cost,” Mr Smith said. “In…
Author: Meg Claridge
According to a report from the Australian Department of Education, nearly one million Australian families use childcare services, spending an average of $12 per hour. Childcare Educator Alice Baker said she works at a sizable centre that accommodates more than 150 children daily. “Some families apply for multiple centres before they can find a spot for their child due to the high demand. “It is expensive to put your child into a centre and these subsidies are allowing more parents to work without worrying about their children.” The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has spent the last year researching…
The average retirement age for Australian people is now the highest it has been since the 1970s, according to an analysis by the professional services firm KPMG. This analysis found, if this trend persists, the retirement age could approach 70 within the next 50 years. Picton resident Danielle Ceravolo said she was concerned about the retirement age and what the future could look like for her. “It decreases what people work towards, that end of life leisurely activity, really by the time you get to seventy you may not have the capacity to still be active-ish,” Ms Ceravolo said. “I…
Kiama netball enthusiasts are counting on newfound financial support to boost their chances of travelling to the State Titles later this year. Kiama Netball Association President Michelle Gregory has seen the competition grow significantly over the past few seasons, with 900 members on the books. Ms Gregory said ongoing maintenance needs and operational fees remain major costs. “At the moment one of the biggest funding things is to try and resurface our netball courts because they’re getting a little bit old and damaged,” Ms Gregory said. “Our members pay their membership fees but there are always additional things. “Any form…
Embarking on a higher degree research journey presents many obstacles and many are often overlooked, according to experts at the University of Wollongong. Jo Pye has spent the past 30 years away from the classroom, developing her career the best way she knows how. Now Ms Pye is returning, juggling the challenges that are being expected of her, even though she may not be fully equipped. https://youtu.be/UenAjEoKx7o “We really have to be actively listening to what people are experiencing,” Ms Pye said. RadioU UOW · Prof. Honglin Chen Interview The University is further assisting students with counselling services and…
With exams just around the corner, the University of Wollongong has urged students to take advantage of the Stress Less Hub. The pop-up tent, offering tips and time-out, with a range of resources and activities on offer for students. https://youtu.be/I3L7UEg810c The University of Wollongong has popped up its annual Stress Less Hub on campus offering a range of resources and activities to students.
The dusty smell of old paper, the feeling of wrinkled paperback covers, and the stories of personal struggle weave their way through a sea of books. Among these tainted pages deep with loss and guilt, sits a bookmark for hope. The Lifeline Big Book Fair rallies a community to stand as a beacon of change, with the ability to help the lives of people who need it most. Eloise Young stands ready in the Berkely hall entrance, clipboard in hand and a black ballpoint pen firmly grasped between her fingers. She proudly wears a blue Lifeline shirt with a name…