Beyond the deposit: the pressures of home ownership

Jakob Mulready has been renting since he was 18. Now 32, with two children and another on the way, he has finally been approved for a home loan. However, this has brought more pressure than peace. In this short audio story, Jake reflects on what it means to build a...

UOW Science Space to open it’s ‘Energy Futures Zone’ later this year

The University of Wollongong’s Science Space has received a $2.5 million grant from the Australian Government to establish the Energy Futures Zone, a new interactive gallery dedicated to renewable energy. Slated to open in late 2025, the exhibit will feature 25...

When freedom still isn’t free: the economic toll of abuse

For victim-survivors of financial and economic abuse, navigating the pathway back to financial security can be a job in itself, particularly in the current cost of living climate. The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre has today launched a new report, which highlights...

Combatting the rise of concussions in junior rugby league

The increase of concussions sustained in contact sport has been taken seriously in rugby league, and coaches have made it their mission to lower these statistics to potentially save lives. A concussion is an injury to the head that can be inflicted when playing heavy...

Human-led trends that are ruining our marine ecosystems

Marine pollution and biodiversity loss have been growing issues in Australia with tonnes of plastic and chemical waste being emptied into oceans and waterways each day. Oceans provide oxygen and food, regulating the Earth’s weather and climate systems, as well as...

Diabetes rates surge in a decade

One in 15 Australian adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, up from one in 20 a decade ago, according to data released this month by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The report has detailed how gender, economic status and vitamin D deficiency can all...

Scams and fraud on the rise

Australians are facing an increase in scams and card fraud, with the most common scam over the 2023-24 period having involved ‘buying and selling’, according to the latest data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The ABS has this month released figures from...

Wollongong mining productivity drops, despite national growth

Wollongong's mining sector has experienced a notable decline in worker productivity over the past decade compared to the state and national average, according to new data from the Wollongong City Council. In 2012-13, productivity per worker in Wollongong was $723,005,...

Election promises ignore early childhood mental health, experts warn

As both major parties pitch big mental health investments ahead of the federal election, frontline professionals have said they are still waiting for policies that target young children, where the need is most urgent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced...

GST registered businesses rise in Wollongong

Wollongong’s GST registered business has seen notable fluctuations in new registrations and cancellations over the past decade, according to data from the Australian Business Register. A GST-registered business is authorised by the government to collect and remit a 10...
National shortage of ADHD assessment

National shortage of ADHD assessment

A lack of psychiatrists in NSW is to blame for people not being able to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to an Australian Senate Inquiry. It is estimated that roughly one in 20 people in Australia have Attention Deficit...

Motorists urged to drive carefully over Easter

Motorists urged to drive carefully over Easter

Transport NSW has urged motorists to drive safely over the Easter long weekend after five people were killed on the state’s roads for the same period last year. There was a record number of fatalities for road users in Australia over the Easter period in 2024,...

Local Aussie Rules is back and booming

Local Aussie Rules is back and booming

Illawarra Aussie Rules football has now returned for season 2025, and participation has never been higher, with a recent surge in female players being a key focus in expanding the game across the region. After two COVID-19 impacted seasons hampered the steady growth...

Switch 2 facing a worrying trend

Switch 2 facing a worrying trend

The price of Nintendo's Switch 2 was recently revealed at almost $700, making it the most expensive Nintendo console to date and a big jump from the $469 price of the original Switch. While there is excitement amongst gamers for the new console, UOW Pokémon Society...

Patients leave hospitals without treatment

Patients leave hospitals without treatment

New data has shown that tens of thousands of patients are leaving NSW hospitals before receiving treatment compared to figures before the pandemic. The NSW Bureau of Health Information highlights that over 67,000 patients left emergency departments without the...

Bail law reforms supporting efforts to combat crime

Bail law reforms supporting efforts to combat crime

Youngo offenders charged with motor vehicle theft and break and enter offences will continue to face harsher bail conditions for more than one offence. The NSW Government has extended the bail test which was imposed in April last year, under s22C of the Bail Act 2013....