New research at the University of Wollongong will explore how group-based interventions can change a person’s conscientiousness. Clinical PhD candidate Jonathan Allan is carrying out the research and said the strategies developed in the study aim to change unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns in participants, as well as address specific issues, including procrastination. “We want to teach participants skills to help them be more self-disciplined, organised and goal-oriented,” Mr Allan said. “It’s important because those traits are effective in helping them get what they want to get done and head towards what they want to achieve in life.” What is…
Author: Peter Prandalos
Australia-wide, volunteers are being celebrated as part of National Volunteer Week this week. Today, the University of Wollongong was having its own celebrations to show appreciation for students who give up their time to help others. Alexa Peggie, volunteering program coordinator at UOW, is encouraging students to get involved in volunteering as a way of making a difference. “Volunteering is a great way to do something positive for other people,” she said. Organisations such as the SCARF foundation, the Australian Red Cross and the 40K foundation all had stalls set up to inform students on ways they can volunteer and help…
Almost 100 teams from 25 nations will arrive in Coffs Harbour this week to contest the eighth Touch Football World Cup. Two Illawarra brothers will take part in the tournament, but they won’t be representing Australia. Graziano (Gary) Meta of Kiama and Doriano (Dori) Meta of Cordeaux Heights will pull on the blue of Italy, as they compete for the over 50s title. Dori said he and his brother are proud to play for the country of their heritage and they are honoured be a part of the World Cup. They have played touch football since their late teens and…
It’s Meat-Free Week and we are being encouraged to think about the impact of eating too much meat. The global campaign is designed to draw attention to the impact eating too much meat has on health, animals and the environment. Campaign proponents claim going meat-free for one week is a positive step towards change. They hope it encourages people to consider eating smaller portions as part of a balanced diet across the year, and to make sure the meat, fish, eggs or poultry eaten are ethically and sustainably produced. University of Wollongong law student Bernice Faulkner supports the campaign and is passionate about…
Wellington Phoenix takes on Sydney FC in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Hyundai A-League season on Sunday. Third placed Wellington is looking to climb above second-placed Sydney. Only one point separates the two sides going into the match. A win to Wellington at home would see the Phoenix secure the all-important second position on the ladder, earning the New Zealanders a week’s rest, home ground semi-final advantage and an opportunity to host the Grand Final. Football Federation Australia has said Westpac Stadium would host the grand final should the Phoenix qualify as the top-ranked club. Sydney just…
Australia has been invited to participate in the 60th anniversary of the Eurovision song contest. Australian Idol’s first winner, Guy Sebastian will represent the county at this year’s event. The country’s inclusion is part of the competition’s plans to give the celebrations an extra dimension, as well as walk-the-talk on this year’s theme, Building Bridges. Eurovision is an annual song competition held primarily among member countries of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The contest has been broadcast every year since 1956, and it attracts an audience of more than 180 million every year. Each member country submits a song to be performed…
A love of food is bringing Wollongong’s multicultural community together in Crown Street Mall every Thursday night. The Eat Street markets began in January as a way to bring people into the newly refurbished Wollongong Mall. Founder Kirily Sinclair said Eat Street was a new way of bringing customers into the heart of Wollongong. “The main premise was to bring people of the community together and to create a nice atmosphere within the Crown Street Mall,” she said. “The beautiful thing about markets is that they don’t discriminate and they are not geared towards any one particular demographic, so it makes…