Editors Picks
30 November 2025
YOUNG PEOPLE DOUBT GOVT'S REFORM ABILITY
MONASH University’s 2025 Australian Youth Barometer shows widespread financial insecurity among young Australians, with 85% affected in the past year and many feeling they’re missing out on a happy, healthy life. Affordable housing, youth employment and climate action top their concerns. Most struggle to save, face unemployment or underemployment, and doubt they’ll ever buy a home. Researchers say young people are losing confidence in government action and need immediate financial, mental health, housing support and structural reform.
30 November 2025
LONLINESS CAUSES MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
ON World Mental Health Day, Relationships Australia NSW urges recognition of relationships as a core pillar of mental health. Loneliness affects one in six people globally and contributes to significant ill-health, yet social connection is often overlooked in a medically focused system. CEO Elisabeth Shaw says relationship distress is a major driver of mental health issues and calls for early intervention, stronger integration with mental health services, and greater investment in relational support to improve wellbeing.
30 November 2025
NEW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION MEASURES
THE NSW Government is strengthening safety for women and children by expanding the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service (IDFVS) to six new regional locations, giving more than 1,000 additional people access to whole-of-family case management. Backed by $13.7M over four years, the program supports victim-survivors and connects people using violence with behaviour-change services. IDFVS assisted over 1,700 people last year, including 300 children. The expansion increases providers to 17 statewide and complements broader NSW domestic violence reforms.
30 November 2025
THIS IS A WORRYING SURGE, WARN SLAVOS
THE Salvation Army warns of a surge in children and women experiencing homelessness, with over 5,000 children under 14 seeking support and Homelessness Australia reporting a 20% rise in women and girls needing help. Nearly half have faced family or domestic violence. Limited resources mean only 20% of people can access homelessness services. A Salvos survey shows severe housing stress, missed rent payments, instability and rising violence-driven displacement. The organisation delivers widespread national support.
30 November 2025
HOSPITALITY VENUES TO BE MADE SAFER
THE NSW Government is strengthening safety in NSW hospitality venues with tougher sanctions for venue owners, licensees and staff who fail to protect workers and patrons. New reforms expand grounds for suspending or cancelling liquor licences to include failing to prevent significant safety risks, including sexual assault. The Responsible Service of Alcohol card can also be revoked for harmful behaviour, preventing offenders moving between venues. Updated mandatory training and revised intoxication rules aim to create safer, more accountable nightlife environments.
30 November 2025
CLAIM YOUR FREE KIT FOR CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA
CLEAN Up Australia Day returns on March 1, 2026, with individuals, families, schools and community groups urged to register now. More than 23 million volunteers have participated since the event began, including over 800,000 in 2025. Chair Pip Kiernan says litter—especially plastics, which made up 81% of rubbish collected in 2024 - remains a major environmental problem. Free Clean Up kits are available for volunteers, and early registrations enter a Coles voucher draw. Donations also support nationwide environmental action.
18 November 2025
KAREN JONES APPOINTED CEO OF DESTINATION NSW
KAREN Jones has been appointed as CEO of the government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Ms Jones has been Acting CEO of Destination NSW since January 2025. During her five-month tenure, NSW has celebrated its highest-ever visitor expenditure, while the agency has delivered events including Australia Day in Sydney, Great Southern Nights and Vivid Sydney 2025. Prior to joining Destination NSW, Ms Jones served as CEO of the Office of Sport, where she drove its Strategic Plan, Play Her Way strategy and involvement in the ‘10 World Cups in 10 Years’ initiative. Ms Jones has more than 27 years of leadership experience in state and local government. She is an accomplished and respected chief executive with a track record of driving growth, efficient operations and strategic partnerships across diverse sectors.
