Sydney’s live music scene is on its way to making a full recovery after what the government has described as a “decimation” of night-time entertainment following the introduction of lockout laws in 2014. The first quarter of 2026 saw 564 night-time entertainment venues across NSW access Vibrancy Reform incentives, quadrupling venue numbers since 2023. View the NSW government’s Vibrancy Reforms video explainer here. Following a downward trend of alcohol-related nighttime assaults within former lockout areas, specifically a 53 per cent decrease in Kings Cross since 2014, the Minns Government announced in January that all elements of the lockout laws to…
Author: Teagan Pritchard
Australian motorists and commuters continue to bear the weight of rising fuel prices despite efforts made in parliament this week to ease pressures ahead of the Easter long weekend. Following a national Cabinet on Monday, state, territory and commonwealth leaders released a four-stage plan to improve supply, reduce costs and ensure Australian’s have continued access to fuel. Energy Minister Chris Bowen was unable to provide a timeframe for when the excises will be felt at the bowser. As Melbourne continues to implement their free transport model, a decision backed by the prime minister, Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns…
A feature by Teagan Pritchard and Aimee Yavuzer This is not a death notice. The phone booth belongs to no one and all of us at the same time. There’s no single, most iconic payphone in the Illawarra, but there’s something hidden between every set of perspex panes that makes them a humble bearer of our secrets. Our most private conversations are often in the most public of spaces. They’re under our noses, right before our eyes, on the next street over. They’re on the tip of your tongue. The Illawarra Mercury first reported on the telephone in 1880 –…
Residents of the Mount Annan community are on-the-fence about recent upgrades to their local Market Place following the construction of a new “Guzman y Gomez” (GYG) in the centre’s carpark. Several weeks ago, locals started noticing coloured indicators on the ground for roadwork in the area, however there was no public announcement that the Market Place was undergoing any improvements. Jefwell Pty Ltd and owner of the Market Place, Joseph Cincotta said that there were posts made online and on the noticeboard inside of the centre about the recent changes. “We have tried to best accommodate all of our shoppers,”…
Australia’s east coast is experiencing season-typical storm fronts and wind events earlier than usual and this has caused about 3000 incidents in NSW this month alone. The Bureau of Meteorology issued multiple wind warnings in the last ten days for regions across the south-east coast following record heat over the Tasman sea. St Andrews Fire and Rescue inspector Kevin Smith, who leads 13 stations across the Liverpool, Macarthur and Wollondilly regions, said that it was vital for locals to be mindful of their surroundings into the summer months. “We live in an agronomy,” Commander Smith said. “General householders in the…
With about 50 days until the end of HSC, graduating students are exploring all of their options – even those outside of university. Vocational Education and Training in Stage 5 has existed for over 30 years, offering high school students the opportunity to broaden their studies and explore alternative career pathways. Ahead of her graduation, Ruby Hamilton said that university wasn’t for her and instead, is pursuing a career in community service and social work. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” Miss Hamilton said. “I spoke to my careers advisor and he explained that there are other…
NSW entrepreneurs are preparing for Small Business Month a little differently this year with the NSW Government holding eight expos across the state. October marks the annual celebration of small businesses, offering new companies an opportunity to “network, develop skills and gain knowledge” in registered partnership with the government. Self-made entrepreneur, full-time university student and owner of Jaz’s Beauty Salon, Jazmine Estay appreciates the government’s efforts to shine light on growing companies and described her work as a “full-on” yet therapeutic experience away from her studies. “It’s difficult juggling the salon with full time work and university,” Ms Estay said.…
The countdown to the HSC has begun with 60,000 year 12 students across NSW entering the final stretch of studying for their exams. The year 12 cohort completed the HSC trial exams last week, with most Major Work assessment tasks also being submitted. Magdalene Catholic College HSC student Veronica Corr said she was exhausted but in high spirits after the trials, having completed two major works for Visual Arts and Textiles over the 2 week period. “I liked my teachers and I had a lot of friends in my classes with major works because they weren’t super popular,” Ms Corr…
Transport NSW has officially opened their new metro lines across the state and whilst city-goers are reaping the benefits, southerners are still feeling the constraints of rural transit. Dubbed as a “transformative new section of railway”, the new metro lines span across Sydney city, expanding train transportation more than 50km north and west to 21 pre-existing stations. Whilst the goal of transport is to “alleviate pressure on existing transport options,” residents of the Macarthur and Wollondilly regions are struggling to make-do with limited train and bus services. South-west Sydney resident Berry Leone commutes three round hours, three days a week…
Australian retirees and pensioners are being pressured by increasing mortgage interest charges with inflation increasing by 0.2% in the last quarter. This is despite the Federal Government introducing an indexation of pensions and allowances in April 2024 to combat inflation, but senior citizens claim it is not enough. Pensioners Richard and Mary Irwin are struggling to pay the bills and are being forced to relocate. “We never planned to move again after our retirement,” Mr Irwin said. “It’s a shame that we have to move out.” The Irwin’s planned to retire 10 years ago and moved out of their family…