The rise of ‘Underconsumption Core’

It's 9:30 on a Saturday morning, you slide open the mirrored door to your built-in closet and begin to flick through the mismatched coat hangers. As your fingers lightly graze each article of clothing, deep-buried memories begin to flood in. There's the tank top you...

One company controls most of the Wollongong music scene. Artists say that’s a problem

The Wollongong music scene doesn't seem to slow down. Dedicated punters pack out homely dive bar La La La’s most nights of the week, and if Rad was still around, they'd be there too. University students scout local talent at Open Mic Nights every Tuesday, and young...

The anti-Zionist moment: reflecting on the year of revelation

October 15, 2023: hundreds mass together in Hyde Park. Police patrols roam the walkways in duos, looking for any sign of dissent or violence. Black, white, and grey checkered scarves cloak the necks of many in the crowd. People gather, despite vague threats from...

“Sephora kids” and the role of social media in shaping children’s skincare routines

At the beginning of this year, I went for my yearly trip to replenish my makeup collection. It was just after my house had been flooded, and I had lost a good chunk of my makeup and skincare collection in the brunt of it. The beginning of 2024 was rough - with the...

Female coaches inspiring a new generation in high performance environments

At the Paris Olympics, 55 per cent of the National team were female athletes and Australia’s first 12 medals were won by women - a record-breaking achievement that was widely celebrated. So why is it that according to the Australian Institute of Sport, female coaches...

Hospitality abuse: that’s just business

Working in hospitality is common amongst university students: cleaning dishes, working behind a bar, waiting tables, it's almost a rite of passage, a way of earning some cash and developing independence and a work ethic. But hospitality can also be toxic. Studies show...

Running in fear: a world of considerations

‘Running in Fear: A World of Considerations’ explores the delicate balance between freedom and fear that women experience when running at night. Through personal stories, including the author’s own late-night runs, research, and interviews, this feature delves into the constant vigilance women must maintain in public spaces. The article sheds light on systemic issues, the burden of self-protection, and society’s failure to address male violence. It’s a call to action and a call to rethink how we approach women’s safety, challenging the status quo and demanding a world where women can exist, without fear.

Cath Blakey and the struggle to balance politics and motherhood

Cath Blakey was resting in the hospital bed in Canberra, suffering from pregnancy complications. She was dealing with pre-eclampsia, a condition which increases the blood pressure that can lead to serious, even fatal conditions for both mother and baby. Meanwhile in...

Let’s get sweaty? The run club question.

It's 6:10 am and the sky is sweating colours of oranges, pinks, and purples. Georgie and I lock eyes as another cocky guy saunters to mingle with fellow runners. Rhythmic waves lap against the rocks and shore, mocking my steady heartbeat. The motto 'Win the morning,...

Illawarra athletes competing beyond the Olympics

Frisbee in the Illawarra often means a summer’s day at the beach with the family. You might follow this fun in the sun with a night out dancing, disco balls and loud music a plenty. But for some locals, the globally recognised sports of ultimate flying disc and all...
Are our roads getting worse? Yes, yes they are.

Are our roads getting worse? Yes, yes they are.

I was, in fact, working on a real story, but potholes got in the way. It's a common enough story. Currently, living in more remote or lower economic areas in Australia means potholes are almost a design choice for Australian roads. I admit that issues like COVID-19...