As of June 1, the indexation (cost of living) will be added to the student Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt, hitting 7.1 per cent, the highest rise in more than 30 years. During the 2020-2021 financial year, there were 2.9 million people with outstanding HELP debt, according to a Federal Parliamentary report. With recommendations supporting voluntary repayments before the June 1 increase, there has been an almost 60 per cent increase in payments by the end of March, compared to the previous year, according to Australian Tax Office (ATO). Digital and Social Media student, Amelia Morrison was concerned about…
Author: Tobias Kruys
Housing affordability and availability in Australia has continued to take a nose-dive but may see some relief in the Federal Government’s budget with a $14.6 million cost of living plan to create more sustainable housing. The ‘State of the Nation’s Housing’ document released in April by the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) has detailed a sharp decline in housing affordability and availability across the country. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ budget announced on Tuesday that the plan aimed to make housing more accessible for struggling Australians, who have been hit hard by the rental crisis and rise in mortgage interest rates. …
The blue-green algae ‘red alert’ continues at Harrington Park Lake. Previously extending out to Grand Prix Lake, Oran Park and Harrington Park Wetlands, the alert from Camden Council is currently isolated to Harrington Park Lakes, as of May 5. Council has identified that the algae at present levels is deemed to be a health risk when in contact with the water. Waterways Project Officer, Aditi Verma has stated that mild contact interactions may result in rashes and skin irritation. Longer contact with an infected water body can do damage to the liver, nerves, skin and gastrointestinal system. “If any…
The student HELP debt is set to increase by 7.1 per cent on June 1, making it the biggest rise in 40 years. Students will incur an increase of about $1760 to their HECS debt due to inflation. Practicing accountant, Jarrod Rogers said that early repayments are particularly attractive this year as the indexation rate is higher than savings and mortgage rates. “High inflation is going to make it tough for some people to ever clear their debt, even those on average wages with fairly moderate debts,” Mr Rogers said. A person with a $20,000 HELP debt will have $1,420…
Illawarra Mercury sports journalist Josh Bartlett has talked to University of Wollongong journalism students about what it’s like to be a local sports reporter. Mr Bartlett provided tips and tricks of the trade to first year journalism students and anyone interested in entering the “competitive but rewarding” field. https://youtu.be/I7sn9yEWkGE
A ‘celebration’ to honour NSW paramedic and nurse Steven Tougher was held in Wollongong this morning. Mr Tougher, 29, was stabbed and killed while on the job at Campbelltown on April 14. His family wanted a celebration of the life of Steven. “Steven had an uncanny ability to connect with people, to truly understand their needs, and to provide care with genuine warmth and empathy,” the Tougher family said, in a statement shortly after his death. More than 200 NSW Ambulance crews volunteered their time today to ensure colleagues, friends, and family could attend the ceremony. Mr Tougher was expecting…
In this ‘Emotional History’, Hayden Mathews was playing for Sydney FC when he was injured. Hayden had multiple long rehabilitations and was unsure of his future within football upon his return. Since returning from his injuries, Hayden has captained the 18s and 20s teams. The ‘Emotional History’ A Future Footballer Setback story was written and produced by Mitchell Sultana.
LEGO builders from NSW and the ACT have showcased their building skills to raise money for charity in Camden. The GongLUG (LEGO User Group) has set up the travelling exhibition in the Camden Civic Centre displaying custom built works from original conceptions to pop culture fandoms. Canberra Master Builder Gillian Abdilla was excited to exhibit her 50-thousand-piece display replica of the Hogwarts Wizarding School grounds, taking almost two years to build and four hours to set up. “I started with the (Hogwarts) moving train and then it needed a display and took off from there,” Ms. Abdilla said. With 5…