“I felt really scared. It happened so fast.” This is what Merry Nguyen, 20, an undergraduate student living in Wollongong said after she was hit by a male stranger on Burelli Street during her night out grocery shopping. Assault cases in Australia’s criminal courts have grown by 16 per cent in the 2022–23 financial year, the highest in over 10 years, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The ABS statistics show that three in four assaults, or 74 per cent, occurred outside the home, in locations such as a pub, bar, or on the street.…
Author: Minh Thieu
Australian employee households need a raise in the minimum wage to overcome the cost-of-living crisis by at least 1.7 per cent, according to the latest data published by Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The Federal Budget 2024 has revealed the $7.8bn cost-of-living package including energy rebate, lower-cost medicine, and rent relief. Employee households, whose main income are wages and salaries, are grappling with the rise in living expenses up to 1.7 per cent in the March quarter. ABS Head of Prices Statistics Michelle Marquardt said that employee households are affected the most by the annual rise in living costs, with…
There has been an increase in the death toll on Australian roads, according to a report from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE). The total number of road fatalities in Australia reached 1,266 in 2023, which is the highest it has been in four decades. In January alone, there were a total of 89 deaths across the nation’s roads. In the Illawarra region, Wollongong is recorded to have a great number of drivers’ casualties according to data from Transport NSW. Source: Transport for NSW It seems more drivers are starting to shift to public transport where possible.…
Wollongong is fast becoming an entertainment hub with an increase in spending on eating out and leisure activities, according to new figures by Wollongong City Council (WCC). WCC has released an Economic Insights Report earlier this year, wrapping up the city’s overall economic status in 2023 and outlines the city’s central focus in 2024. One of the key highlights is the total expenditure on eating out and entertainment activities in 2023 is the highest spending category within Wollongong’s CBD and the second highest across the Local Government Area. Wollongong City Council’s Economic Development Manager Mark Grimson shared his thoughts on…
In honour of Small Business Month, Wollongong City Council has published an Investment Prospectus detailing how the city is changing to a growing business hub in the Illawarra regions, promising a future for local start-ups. Wollongong City Council released a report stating how Wollongong is planning on offering the facility and office space to maintain a sustainable growth for local businesses. It highlights the potential benefits and distinctive environment for business to establish and grow in the long run. Wollongong City Council’s General Manager, Mr. Greg Doyle shared his thoughts on the promising future of Wollongong’s local businesses. “Many businesses…
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced that international graduates with eligible qualifications will be granted two more years of work rights after graduation. This migration legislative instrument came into force on July 1, 2023. The Australian Government has also released a list of selected courses qualified for an extended Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). UOW Student Career Development Specialist Ms Coreena Schwartz said this decision addresses two main things, the shortage in the labour workforce, and professional skills. “We rely heavily on the international students in a number of different areas in the labour market,” Ms Schwartz said. “The…
A Wollongong-based dance crew showcased Australia’s hip hop talent in August, earning a silver medal for the second year running at the World Hip Hop Dance Championships. The Sweet Feet Dance Crew battled for the hip hop title over six days in Arizona, competing against other professional dance groups from over 50 countries. Sweet Feet Dance Crew choreographer and co-owner of Street Beatz studio, Don Napalan, said he was proud of the team and hopes it will inspire the next generation of young hip hop dancers. “I feel blessed that I can help give them the opportunity to achieve something like…
Rental scammers are targeting University of Wollongong international students who are struggling to find accommodation as the new session begins. The university announced that from 26 June 2023, all classes will be held face-to-face on campus for international students. UOW international student Ann Phan said that she is struggling to find a new home after her landlord increased her rental price. “I notice my weekly rent is striking around $15 per week because of inflation,” Ms Phan said. “Housing is in shortage and I could only find short-term rooms to stay in.” Finding a place to settle in was also…
It has been almost three years since the Greater Union Cinema shut its doors in Wollongong and young people are calling the cinema to be reopened. The only cinema in the city centre was shut down in March 2020 due to the lack of attendance in the peak of Covid -19. University of Wollongong student Minh Trinh, 20, said there is still no sign of the cinema reopening. “A cinema is one of the places that encourages youth to explore more experiences because after the pandemic, a lot of people have become more isolated,” Mr Trinh said. “I also think…
University of Wollongong students are struggling financially as the cost-of-living skyrockets, making it hard for those already on tight budgets to pay the bills and buy groceries. UOW student Cunial Burns said that young people have been experiencing financial struggles for two years. “I have noticed a gradual increase over the last couple of years,” Ms Burns said. “It is becoming noticeable and harder to live with as it is now affecting my daily life.” On April 26, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) published a report examining major price rises including medical and hospital services, education, gas and other…