Editors Picks
Featured
06 August 2025
LARGEST INLAND OYSTER FESTIVAL HEADS WEST
250,000 oysters to be savoured this month
IT may be more than 60 kilometres away from the nearest oyster farm, but West HQ expects its inaugural Western Sydney Oyster Festival in August will become a key event of the Australian aquaculture calendar and place the region on Sydney’s culinary map.
Featured
30 July 2025
WEXPO PANEL TO DEMYSTIFY AI FOR BUSINESS
AI in Action: Hype, Help or Hindrance?
ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword — it's infiltrating business operations at every level. But is it delivering on its promise, or adding complexity?
27 July 2025
FACTORS THAT HELP TEACHERS FEEL THEY BELONG
MONASH University research highlights 41 factors that foster ‘teacher belonging’ to address Australia’s teacher retention crisis, with half of new teachers leaving within five years. Key drivers include supportive relationships, respectful leadership, social connection, validation of challenges like imposter syndrome, and opportunities to contribute ideas. Academic factors like clear roles and induction also help. Strengthening teacher belonging not only retains early career teachers but also improves student engagement and outcomes by creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
27 July 2025
DOCTOR'S WARNING OVER MEDICAL CANNABIS
THE Australian Medical Association (AMA) has welcomed updated Ahpra guidelines to curb unsafe prescribing of medicinal cannabis amid rising prescriptions and reports of harm, including psychosis. AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen warned that direct-to-consumer telehealth models bypass traditional safeguards, posing risks. The new guidance stresses thorough patient assessment, clear therapeutic justification, coordination with GPs, and real-time prescription monitoring.
27 July 2025
HOW MONEY WORRIES AFFECT MENTAL HEALTH
A UNIVERSITY of Sydney study reveals that improving financial security and community connections could prevent one in three mental health conditions in Australia. Using data from 25,000 adults, researchers found that boosting financial satisfaction alone could cut mental illness rates by a third. Key recommendations include a national Job Guarantee, reducing loneliness, and investing in local volunteer programs. The report highlights that social and economic reforms are crucial to tackling mental health challenges.
27 July 2025
FRED HOLLOWS AWARDS NOW OPEN
NOMINATIONS for The Fred Hollows Foundation’s 2025 Fred and Humanity Awards have been extended until August 22, giving Australians more time to recognise everyday heroes. The awards honor those who make a positive impact in their communities, reflecting Fred Hollows’ legacy of kindness and compassion. Categories include the Humanity Award for Year 6 students and the Fred Awards for adults. Finalists will be shortlisted for public voting, with winners announced later this year. Learn more and nominate at www.hollows.org/awards
24 July 2025
YMCA PENRITH MOVES TO A NEW HOME
AFTER more than 20 years of supporting children and young people in the Penrith region, the Y Penrith has moved into a new, purpose designed facility at 62–72 Batt Street, Jamisontown.
This relocation marks an exciting new chapter for the Y (formerly YMCA) and the many families who have grown up with its gymnastics and recreation programs. Designed with the community at its heart, the new space offers enhanced amenities, state-of-the-art equipment, and even more opportunities for kids to thrive.
The Y (YMCA) has been providing gymnastics programs for the children and young people across the Penrith Community for over 20 years. This newly renovated community centre will provide even greater services to the Penrith Community and represents a multi-million-dollar investment from the Y NSW.
“There will be brand new gymnastics equipment, multi-purpose court, a range of sport and recreation activities, as well and other services like the Y’s StreetGym and Alternative Suspension programs. It will be a very special Community Hub for the Penrith Community,” said said Rob Kennaugh, Chief Executive Officer of the Y NSW.
The new centre solidifies the Y’s ongoing commitment to children and young people being positively impacted and living inspired lives. With state-of-the-art gymnastics facilities, along with a multi-purpose court and community rooms, the Y NSW is growing its services to meet the Greater Western Sydney’s community needs.
