Australia has been described as the ‘odd one out’ among commonwealth nations, when it comes to same sex marriage. However this may no longer be the case, as Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has confirmed Labor will move a bill to legalise same-sex marriage next week. New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada, and now Ireland are among the 21 countries, which have awarded full recognition and rights to same-sex partners. If legislation is passed, Australia will be the 22nd country in 14 years to legalise same- sex marriage. The Netherlands (April 1, 2001) The day the law came into effect, four same-sex…
Author: Caitlyn Purnell
Before Europeans settled in Australia, there was a thriving food culture that Indigenous people sustained for thousands of years. Research shows native ingredients are increasing in popularity among restaurants and home cooking. Brisbane’s ‘Tukka Restaurant’, run by Bryant Wells, specialises in native ingredients, turning Australian food into an internationally recognised gourmet cuisine. Tukka’s devotion to Australian culture is a leading example for specialised restaurants. It is estimated there are 5,000 native food species in Australia that can be used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Bush food has a unique flavour, and uses ingredients such as wattle seed, witchetty grubs, bush tomatoes,…
The 2015-16 Federal Budget was handed down on Tuesday night, with Treasurer Joe Hockey declaring it aimed to turbocharge the economy and get more Australians into work. However, the Budget could hit students in the hip-pocket. GST on Netflix, reduced internet privacy and forcing students with HECS/HELP debts to repay their loans whilst overseas were included in the nation’s financial blueprint. A $1 billion cut to foreign aid has student activists and World Vision CEO, Tim Costello in uproar. “The Abbott-Hockey Government has destroyed our aid program to Africa,” he said. The plan to deregulate university fees remains largely unchanged since…
Lunch on the Lawn is an event held Wednesday and Thursday at the UOW Duckpond Lawn. Centre for Student Engagement’s Kayla Berry said the event has grown in popularity since it started seven years ago. From 12.30pm, students can enjoy free live entertainment to escape the ‘daily grind’ of university life. Picnic blankets are provided, and deck chair are on the way. The event allows students a chance to relax and socialise during their lunch break, and it is also a showcase of local musicians and bands. Anyone interested performing can contact Kayla in Building 11, Level 1 at CSE, or via e-mail at…
What is a sport? Is golf a sport? Is table tennis a sport? In Olympic terminology, ‘sport’ refers to all the events that are certified by one international sport federation. With the Australian Pole Championships and the International Pole Championships drawing competitors from across the globe, there is a push to see pole dancing included in the Olympic Games. Loren Hammond started pole dancing 18 months ago, and now helps to manage two studios. She described the activity as a sport and an art. “Pole dancing takes a great amount of strength, flexibility, endurance and control to master. It also allows artists…
Almost 350 people aged between 15 and 24 killed themselves in Australia last year. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show 348 young people took their lives. Mental health organisation Beyond Blue hopes National Youth Week (April 10-19) raises awareness of the social tragedy. University of Wollongong clubs and societies have united to raise money and awareness for Beyond Blue. In conjunction with the Video Game Association, all profits from the clubs and societies’ BBQ Battle go toward meeting a $1000 pledge. The BROsoc, Delta Gamma Phi, UOW United, and the Wollongong Warriors Quidditch Team all contributed to the day of fundraising on the McKinnon…