Editors Picks
20 September 2025
UNIVERSITY'S FREE HSC STUDY SESSIONS
WESTERN Sydney University’s free HSC Study Sessions return for their 15th year, running 29 September–3 October 2025. Open to all NSW Year 12 students, the program delivers 24 online sessions across 15 major subjects, led by experienced HSC teachers. Students can also access Q&A and “UNI101” sessions covering university pathways, scholarships, and careers. Sessions boost confidence, exam preparation, and provide on-demand recordings. “We’re investing in the future of Western Sydney by supporting our Year 12 students at such a pivotal time. Serving our community and ensuring that every student has access to opportunity through education is at the heart of our mission,” the university said. . Registration details: www.westernsydney.edu.au/hscstudysessions
20 September 2025
TGA SEIZES ILLICIT VAPES, NICOTINE POUCHES AT PENRITH
THE Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has seized more than 5,000 vapes, 7,000 nicotine pouches and other products across two locations in Penrith. The seized goods have an estimated street value of more than $360,000. Other items seized include over 2,000 units of alleged illicit sildenafil, a prescription only medication used for erectile dysfunction.
The TGA alleges that these products were unlawfully possessed or supplied in contravention of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act). Therapeutic vapes are only available for sale from participating pharmacies, where clinically appropriate for smoking cessation and the management of nicotine dependence.
It is illegal for Australian retailers such as tobacconists and convenience stores to supply any kind of vaping goods or nicotine pouches. It is also unlawful for retailers to sell nicotine pouches, even to customers with a prescription.
Nicotine pouches are prescription medicines and subject to strict regulation under the Act and state and territory medicines and poisons laws. Nicotine pouches can contain very high nicotine concentrations that have not been assessed in clinical studies, posing potential significant safety risks.
"We are committed to disrupting the supply of illicit vaping and other therapeutic goods,” said Professor Anthony Lawler, Head of the TGA and Australia’s Chief Medical Officer. “What we are doing is not just about enforcing the law, it is about protecting the health and wellbeing of Australians now and into the future."
In addition to seizure and loss of product, significant penalties can apply to the unlawful importation, manufacture, supply, commercial possession and advertising of vaping goods, nicotine pouches and prescription medicines. Since the start of 2024, the Australian Border Force and TGA have seized approximately 7.8 million vaping products, valued at more than $230 million, with additional enforcement actions planned across the nation.
The TGA encourages anyone with information about the unlawful sale of vaping goods to report it. To learn more about the regulation of vaping goods, visit the TGA’s Vaping hub.
08 September 2025
OVERDUE SURGERIES HAVE BEEN CUT
NSW has cut overdue surgeries by more than 6,000 since March and nearly 12,000 since March 2023, thanks to $186M in funding and a further $23M announced in the 2025-26 Budget. By June, overdue surgeries dropped to around 2,500, down from 8,500 in March. NSW now leads Australia with 85.3% of patients admitted within recommended timeframes. Same-day surgeries and governance reforms are improving access, sustainability, and patient experiences across the public health system.
08 September 2025
TEACHERS ARE FEELING THE PRESSURE
UNSW Sydney research reveals 90% of Australian teachers suffer severe stress, and nearly 70% say their workload is unmanageable. Surveying 5,000 teachers, the study found depression, anxiety and stress rates three times the national norm, driven by excessive administrative tasks. Poor mental health strongly links to intentions to leave, worsening teacher shortages. Researchers urge urgent reforms to cut non-essential workload, improve wellbeing monitoring, and invest in mental health support to retain educators and protect student outcomes.
08 September 2025
FEEDBACK ON YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
AIHW data reveals 13,300 unaccompanied children aged 12–17 sought homelessness services in 2023–24, with 77% remaining homeless after support. Most are fleeing violence, abandonment or neglect, and 63% are girls. Disturbingly, 520 children known to services died over the past decade, with suicide the leading cause. Advocates say services lack resources and child-specific housing, urging urgent national action to protect vulnerable children from homelessness, trauma and preventable deaths.
08 September 2025
GROWING TREND IN FUNERAL SERVICES
NEW research shows 63% of Australians are surprised funeral services remain unregulated, prompting the Australian Funeral Directors Association to rebrand as Funerals Australia and call for uniform standards. Australians prioritise ethics (88%), professional training (85%) and regulation (73%), but confidence in organising funerals is low (31%). Modern funerals are shifting from religious traditions to personalised celebrations, with trends including green burials, VR memorials and living funerals. The rebrand marks AFDA’s 90th year, reflecting evolving values and expectations
08 September 2025
SPECIAL PARAMEDICS FINISH THEIR TRAINING
THIRTY-one doctors in training and four trainee critical care paramedics have completed intensive training at NSW’s Aeromedical Crewing Excellence Centre. The program prepares teams for high-stakes missions, including helicopter rescues, water recovery, and complex trauma care. NSW Ambulance aeromedical teams, supported by 71 consultants and 38 registrars, respond to over 10,000 incidents annually. The training ensures world-class care across NSW, with many trainees seeking permanent positions in these highly specialised and life-saving roles.
