Saturday, 20 September 2025 12:44
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
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Saturday, 20 September 2025 12:39
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.
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Wednesday, 17 September 2025 18:56
EMPOWERING AUSSIE PROPERTY INVESTORS
Courses for smarter buying solutions
IN an increasingly complex property market, Australians looking to invest face a range of challenges: identifying promising suburbs, negotiating the right price, securing positive cash flow, and future‑proofing their portfolios.
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