JANIE FOREST spends her time between Nowra and Mittagong 

Her mother was the first person to bring ALPACAS into NSW and she had grown her family's business to trade the animals and their beautiful wool to South Africa, Thailand and Europe 

She is now a lead Councillor of Rural Achievers and section head of the Alpacas at the Sydney Royal Easter Show 

I caught up with her on Easter Sunday at the show and asked her where her love of being involved in the show movement came from

Janie Forest talks about her role at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and her passion for alpacas

Sydney Royal Easter Show Councillor Denise Ovens talks about her love of country shows and horses.

She competed at her first Sydney Royal Easter Show at the age of nine, and went on to compete until the last Show at Moore Park in 1997. 

She is now Chair of the Show Society's Horse Committee.

She is speaking to Kelly Fuller:

Sydney Royal Easter Show Councillor Denise Ovens

A new national foundation has been launched to help women navigate the Family Court.

Jane Matts said she wants to use the 'Sisters in Law Project' to draw attention to the mismanagement of abuse in the courts and how it impacts the lives of women and their children. 

The launch heard harrowing experiences from women who have had their children removed despite raising concerns about abuse and mistreatment.

Founder, Jane Matts says her first focus will be on harmonising the NSW state welfare processes with the Family Court processes. 

She invited state politicians Labor MP Anna Watson and Greens MLC Abigail Boyd to explain her campaign and call for help,

ABC reporter Kelly Fuller spoke to Jane after the launch

Jane Matts explains her 'Sisters In Law Foundation'

Illawarra clinicians say they hope the state government's new consent laws will create a cultural shift around how sexual assaults are viewed and prosecuted.

This week the NSW government revealed plans to adopt an affirmative consent model that means a person must do or say something to affirm they have consent before sex occurs.

Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Karen Williams spoke to ABC reporter Kelly Fuller about the reform:

Dr Karen Williams on new NSW consent laws

South Coast First Nations leaders say they are concerned Aboriginal staff involved in excavation work at Boral's sand mine at Minnamurra are working under duress.

The mine is near the 1818 massacre site of at least six Aboriginal people.

The Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council says the dig has already identified a significant amount of artefacts.

The Council's President Jade Kennedy says the site needs to be protected.

He is speaking to Kelly Fuller:

In a statement issued to the ABC, a Boral spokesperson said...

"Boral places great importance and value on Aboriginal heritage. The cultural heritage assessment process for the Dunmore Stage 5 project took over 3 years, including substantial consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders in accordance with NSW Government Aboriginal consultation guidelines.

The current salvage activities being undertaken at Dunmore are in accordance with the planning consent issued by the NSW Department of Planning in November 2020, as well as a methodology that was agreed with all registered Aboriginal parties (RAPs). This has resulted in an Aboriginal cultural heritage process that has gone beyond the basic Government mandated requirements.

Boral is committed to ensuring all sites are fully compliant with local, state and commonwealth government requirements. Boral undertook all consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders and Heritage NSW in a consistent and transparent manner and in accordance with Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation requirements.

Boral has voluntarily stopped work on site and we are working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, registered Aboriginal parties and the Illawarra LALC while the Department and Minister consider the application."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment said...
"The planning system has strict criteria to ensure potential Aboriginal cultural heritage impacts are considered before any approval.

The Dunmore Lakes Sand Project has operated since 2000 and been modified three times following a rigorous assessment process, which has included the examination of Aboriginal heritage impacts.

Under strict conditions of consent, the applicant Boral must ensure all activities are managed in line with its approved Heritage Management Plan, which must be prepared in consultation with registered Aboriginal parties."

Jade Kennedy from Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council

Last Friday marked 203 years since the Minnamurra Massacre took place. 

Colonists and convicts murdered at least six Wodi Wodi people along the banks of the Minnamurra River. 

It was just one of many massacres of Indigenous people to take place in Australia.

In 2018, Kiama Council held a gathering to formally acknowledge the massacre.

Dharwal and Wodi Wodi elder Aunty Joyce Donovan was one of the elders present at the ceremony.

I spoke to her on ABC Illawarra last Friday on the day of the actual anniversary and asked her how the event should be marked going forward:

203 anniversary of Minnamurra massacre

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its second day we spoke to Dr Stephen Brown, a Senior Lecturer in history at the University of Wollongong - he has studied Russia for 30 years:

UOW's Dr Stephen Brown on the second day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

One of Australia's most beaches, famed for having the whitest sand in the world has turned bright red after severe storms lashed the area

Local's have captured photos of the white sands of Hyams beach with a thick red coat of sea weed.

NSW Fisheries biologist, Dr Nathan Knott says floating red drift algae is a regular Jervis Bay.

He says its been stirred up and brought to shore in the recent wild weather

(Photo: supplied Jayde Clark)

Dr Nathan Knott on Hyams Beach red algae

Businesses in Nowra's defence industries precinct say they hope to be beneficiaries of some of the federal election promises being made to increase funding for Australia's armed forces.

This week the Prime Minister Scott Morrison promised to increase defence personnel and the Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has promised to increase defence spending.

Air Affairs Australia employs 175 people and is the second biggest non-government employer in Nowra providing specialised aviation services to the Airforce, Navy and Army.

It's CEO Chris Sievers says they would hope to provide a role in training more young people for the defence force.

He is speaking to Kelly Fuller:

Chris Sievers Air Affairs

After years of advocacy it’s finally happening .. 

Ramsay Health has announced the first hospital of its kind dedicated to the treatment of complex post-traumatic stress disorder among women who have suffered domestic violence.

The driving force behind the project is Illawarra based consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Karen Williams  - who will be the Medical Supervisor of the new service.

She hopes it will lead to major change in how victims of domestic, family and sexual abuse are treated

She is speaking to ABC reporter Kelly Fuller:

Dr Karen Williams on Australian first women's trauma recovery hospital

South Coast based environment group Manyana Matters says it hopes the Federal Government's decision to list the Greater Glider will help stop proposed housing developments in the area.

The group is fighting to stop two develops at Manyana and one at Callala Bay on land identified as habitat for the animals.

Founder, Jorj Lowrey says the move by the Environment minister, Tanya Plibersek is bitter sweet.


Photo: Greater Glider at Callala Bay June 2022 Brett Mezen

Manyana Matters Jorj Lowrey on Greater Glider Endangered listing

The creators of a surfing program credited with saving the lives of traumatised Defence Force veterans are hoping to win support from the federal government to roll the program out around Australia.

The Veterans Surfing Project at Gerroa has supported more than 200 veterans with P-T-S-D and other conditions. 

Greg Williams joined two years ago and says the surf medicine saved his life.:

Greg 'Willo' Williams on the Veterans Surf Project

Nowra's Hayden Blowes will graduate from the Oolong House program on Tuesday 20th. 

The 34-year-old father of four credits the program with turning his life around and says he knew many young men in jail desperate for a similar kind of opportunity.

NSW ICE INQUIRY HAYDEN BLOWES

An Illawarra based women's and children's advocate says she is grateful a parliamentary inquiry has recognised communication failures between the family law system and the state's child protection agencies, that are allowing children to be placed in the custody of abusive parents.

The inquiry was was initiated by the Greens after hearing concerns from the 'Sisters in Law Project' based at the Illawarra Women's Health Centre.

The government led inquiry has made 15 recommendations to improve the protection provided to children and review how the Department of Communities and Justice interacts with Federal Circuit and Family Court

'SIsters in Law' founder, Jane Matts says formal acknowledgement of the problem is a major step forward:

#nswpolhttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-16/nsw-inquiry-into-family-law-child-protection-findings/101777328

'Sisters in Law' founder Jane Matts

A domestic and family violence early intervention program praised by a New South Wales  Children's Court magistrate as "remarkable" and "transformative" is set to run out of funding at the end of August.

Since September last year, Children's Magistrate for the Illawarra David Williams has had the Australian Community Support Organisation's Boost program running at his court in Port Kembla.

He says the success rates for program have been through the roof ... and it's changing the trajectories of the lives of a number of young people in the area:

More on the story: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-27/boost-domestic-violence-intervention-program-call-for-funding/102650902

Illawarra Childrens Magistrate David WIlliams

After the Matildas win in their round of 16 clash, members of the Illawarra Stingrays football club are still on cloud nine after meeting and training with club champion Caitlin Foord just days before the World Cup started.

Foord selected her old team to feature in a TV commercial played during the World Cup.

The girls spent close to an hour training and talking to the star striker.

Ten year old Aaliah Gaudiosi says it was an incredible opportunity.

Aaliah Gaudiosi Stingrays

Albion Park's Tahlia Wilson has been named captain of the Sydney Thunder for WBBL T20 Spring Challenge.

The T20 Spring Challenge will run over a 10-days across Sydney and Adelaide ahead of the WBBL season, which kicks off on October 27.

Wilson spoke to the ABC's Kelly Fuller from her training camp, 

Kelly started by asking Wilson about the end of the last season, when she picked up two major awards:

Tahlia Wilson

Hundreds of people have gathered for the first of three meetings of the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission as it considers plans for a mega plastic recycling plant in the Southern Highlands.

Around 700-thousand tonnes of plastic goes into landfill in the state each year.

The state government has recommended the project at Moss Vale for approval – hoping to help ease the problems, but locals say it is in the wrong location.

Here's a report on the first day of the hearing: 

The NSW IPC considers plans for a mega plastic recycling plant at Moss Vale

Engineer Saul Griffith, architect of climate policy US Inflation Reduction Act, says Elon Musk and JD Vance can take inspiration from the Illawarra's Electrify 2515 project.


Australian engineer Saul Griffith on the electrify 2515 project and the impact of a Trump Presidency

My interview with Saul Griffith at the community launch of the Electrify 2515 project. It also includes Dr Griffith's take in the US election result. He says billionaire Elon Musk and vice-president-elect JD Vance could become unexpected climate allies under the Trump administration.

Saul Griffith

Australia's domestic maritime industry is calling for urgent tax reforms as the tender process for three Australian-flagged ships closes tomorrow, marking a key step in the federal government's strategic fleet plan.

With only nine locally crewed vessels remaining, the government is backing a fleet of 12 privately owned cargo ships that can be activated in times of national crisis.

Maritime Industry Australia Limited, CEO Angela Gillham supports the introduction of the fleet but insists tax incentives are necessary to close the cost gap with foreign vessels.

Angela Gillham, CEO of Maritime Industry Australia Limited on National Strategic Fleet

Jamie Newlyn, Assistant National Secretary of the MUA, sees the fleet as essential for a "reinvigoration" of the sector and addressing poor conditions on some foreign vessels.

Jamie Newlyn MUA on the need for a National Strategic Fleet

Martin Byrne, federal secretary of the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers, represents a range of workers, including marine engineers on ships, offshore oil rigs, and tugboats. 

He says the maritime sector has been shrinking, and a lack of local opportunities has made it harder for skilled workers to stay in the industry. 

With qualifications that take up to ten years to complete, marine engineers often face long training periods, including many, many hours of sea service, similar to the flying time pilots need. Mr Byrne believes the federal government's National Strategic Fleet will help create long-term, secure jobs for skilled workers and ensure Australia has a strong maritime industry

Martin Byrne Federal Secretary of the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers National Strategic Fleet

Wollongong based housing developer, Charles Daoud said a new apartment block in the city is a benchmark for inclusive housing.

The 13-storey building in Crown Street combines 38 private apartments, 18 social housing tenancies, and six affordable units with no segregated spaces. 

The Traders in Purple, Director said its been a rewarding endeavour.
(Mr Daoud - far right)

Charles Daoud Traders in Purple Director

The Illawarra based Housing Trust's says a new mixed tenure housing development in Wollongong is redefining inclusive living

The 13-storey NorthSea building on Crown Street combines 38 private apartments, 18 social housing tenancies, and six affordable units with no segregated spaces. 

The Housing Trust's CEO, Amanda Winks said the project is a beacon of hope.

Amanda Winks CEO Housing Trust

Australia's first fully integrated private, social, and affordable housing development has opened in Wollongong.

The 13-storey NorthSea building on Crown Street combines 38 private apartments, 18 social housing tenancies, and six affordable units with no segregated spaces. 

Sandra Biggs and Sandra Wojcik are among the first residents in Australia's first building to integrate private, social and affordable housing without segregated lifts or common spaces.

Meet Sandra and Sandra

A New South Wales couple has raised $10,000 to offer a reward for information that might lead to the return of their son, Gary Pearce, who they reported missing five weeks ago.

He was last seen in North Wollongong on Tuesday April 23.

ABC reporter Kelly Fuller spoke to his mother and father Joanne and Gary Pearce about the decision to offer the reward:

The family of missing man Gary Pearce offer $10,000 reward

A chance to catch up with another young bright mind who has just completed the new NSW Year 12 science extension course.

18 year old Kate Cudina from Warilla High says he has always enjoyed biology as a subject and decided to explore why women suffer more ACL or knee injuries than men.

Her research has helped unearth more evidence it is connect to a woman's menstrual cycle.

Kate is talking to the ABC's Kelly Fuller:

Science extension with Warilla High student Kate Cudina

From the staff at Wollongong Hospital, hearing from the health workers on the front line as the plan for the onset of COVID-19.
This week we meet Dr Bruce Ashford, Dr Tanya Selak and Dr Ben Greenhalgh.

They are talking to Kelly Fuller
I hope you can stay alongside the team as we follow their journey on ABC Illawarra.

(pictured Dr Ashford and Dr Selak)

Stay The Course by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5048-stay-the-course
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Frontline Covid Diaries: Week 1

The Frontline Covid Diaries: Week 6
An audio diary of the frontline staff at Wollongong Hospital as they respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
The team is settling into the new normal and thankful for the response of the Australian community.
There's also a new arrival in one of our homes..
This week we hear from Dr Tanya Selak, Dr Bruce Ashford and Dr Kate Molnar:
They are talking to Kelly Fuller
I hope you can stay alongside the team as we follow their journey on ABC Illawarra.
(pictured Dr Tanya Selak, Dr Bruce Ashford and Dr Kate Molnar)
Stay The Course by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5048-stay-the-course
License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Frontline Covid Diaries: Week 6

The Frontline Covid Diaries: Week 7

An audio diary of the frontline staff at Wollongong Hospital as they respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

The team is settling into the new normal and thankful for the response of the Australian community.

This week we hear from Dr Ben Greenhalgh, and Dr Bruce Ashford:

They are talking to Kelly Fuller

I hope you can stay alongside the team as we follow their journey on ABC Illawarra.

(pictured Dr Ben Greenhalgh, and Dr Bruce Ashford )
Stay The Course by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5048-stay-the-course
License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Frontline Covid Diaries: Week 7

UNSW Sydney researcher Dr Patricia Cullen is leading a team to interview workers in the domestic and family violence (DFV) area to better understand Australia’s responses in the context of COVID-19.

COVID-19 raised significant concerns around increases in violence against women and children,” Dr Cullen said.

"Ultimately, we want to help inform changes to policy and practice that will ensure equitable and better health outcomes for people impacted by DFV.”

Dr Cullen is talking to ABC reporter Kelly Fuller:

(photo: Justin Huntsdale)

Dr Patricia Cullen on her research surveying case workers about the impact of Covid-19

Katrina Dick is a case worker at the Illawarra Women's Health Centre.

Her role at the service was created as part of the increased demand from the pandemic, but she said her books are already almost full.

"From a casework perspective, we are very close to capacity already and it is a new position," she said.

"In terms of counselling, we have already closed books and can't take on new clients.

"You know they are in crisis, you know that you need help, so when they make that brave move and reach out, and then for us to be really limited in how much we can respond, it is heartbreaking, it is horrible."

She is speaking to ABC reporter Kelly Fuller:

(photo: Justin Huntsdale)

Domestic Violence case worker Katrina Dick on soaring rates of abuse during the pandemic

Health workers are making an urgent plea to the NSW Government to introduce a domestic violence concussion policy like the model developed for sport.

Wollongong based Psychiatrist Dr Karen Williams says in the sporting arena knocks to the head are being taken more seriously and the same standard needs to be in place for family and domestic violence victims.

Dr Williams recently met with the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Mark Speakman to explain the need for the policy 

She spoke to ABC reporter Kelly Fuller and started by explaining what many of her clients experience:

Psychiatrist Dr Karen Williams is calling for a domestic violence concussion protocol

Brain Injury Australia is joining calls for the urgent introduction of a domestic violence concussion policy similar to the protocol developed for sport.

Illawarra health workers are leading a push for the state government to recognise the problem.

Executive Officer, Nick Rushworth says the organisation released the first Australian data on the issue a couple of years ago and a major public awareness program is needed.

He is speaking to Kelly Fuller:

Brain Injury Australia Executive Officer Nick Rushworth  DV Concussion.MP3

Psychiatrists have warned a parliamentary inquiry it would be 'negligent' not to criminalise coercive controlling behaviours.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has become the first medical college to offer its support for the introduction of the law in NSW.

Illawarra based consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Karen Williams told the inquiry the law is essential.

"I argue that to leave the system as it is now, to leave women with absolutely no legal pathway to escape this behaviour is not only negligent, but an act of complicity in the ongoing abuses of women and children,"

For more on the story https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-23/pyschiatrists-back-coercive-control-law-change/13183850

Dr Karen Williams on Coercive Control at NSW Parliamentary Inquiry

Wollongong Counsellors say they will use messages in Australian of the Year and survivor of sexual assault Grace Tame's powerful speech at the National Press Club to help the children and adults they support.

The 26 year old used her address to call for reform of consent laws, better education and protection of children and for more resources to be put into stopping child abuse.

Helene Panaretos from Wollongong West Street Centre says Ms Tame's words will have a hopeful and power impact on other survivors

She is speaking to Kelly Fuller:

Helene Panaretos From Wollongong West Street Centre

ABC Illawarra, previously ABC NENW, @abcnews NSW Parli, Sydney & @triplej news, keep accepting more than one idea

Kelly Fuller

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks