CN Newsletter: May 25
Issue 9/2025: Homelessness crisis, Indigenous languages at risk, anti-women influencers, bikers devastated over demolished trails
Happy Sunday!
In this week’s edition, Central News brings you the latest on Australia’s homelessness crisis, community concerns amidst growing drug and alcohol abuse, how Indigenous languages are at risk if more funding isn't provided to increase First Nations language speakers, why Gen Z men are falling victim to anti-women influencers, devastation amongst bikers after historic jumps were bulldozed, and the residents outraged after local green space was sold to developers.
A big congratulations to UTS students Leo Chau and Rosa Griffith who were both named the 2025 finalists for the Walkley Awards Student Journalist of the Year. The winner will be announced at the Mid-Year Media Prizes in Sydney on June 19. You can take a look at all the finalists announced for the Walkley Foundation’s 2025 Mid-Year Media Prizes here.
This edition will be one of the last ahead of the semester break as UTS journalism students prepare for their final assessments and take a well earned break.
Tidbit
Coalition abandoned
Leader of the Nationals David Littleproud announced this week that his party had formally split with the Liberal Party, breaking up the Coalition for the first time since the 1980’s. The breakup came after the Nationals sought confirmation from the Liberals on nuclear policy, separating major players in the supermarket sector, a $20 billion regional Australia future fund and a minimum standard of communication services in remote areas which leader of the Liberals, Sussan Ley said the party would not agree to and has instead promised a wide review of policies. In a statement Ley said “as Liberals, we respect their decision and commit to continue working collaboratively with them” and that the “Liberal Party’s door remains open to the Nationals should they wish to rejoin the Coalition before the next election”.
Since the decision, the announcement of the shadow ministry has been delayed as the Liberals and Nationals enter into negotiations on reunifying the Coalition. You can watch the Nationals’ full announcement on the split here.
News 🗞️
Amy moved 50 times in three years: Australia’s hidden homelessness crisis
Over the past three years, Amy Chen has moved more than 50 times, relying on temporary homes in women’s shelters and couch-surfing, until finding her first permanent home in years. Chen, who first moved to Australia from China in 2015 with her son after marrying her husband, was soon faced with homelessness after her alleged abusive husband kicked them out of their home. A recent report by Homelessness Australia found that 46 per cent of women cited family and domestic violence as the primary reason for seeking specialist homelessness services. Chen’s experience gives a glimpse into a crisis affecting women nationwide. To learn more about the reality of Australia’s growing women’s homelessness crisis, read the full article by Christine Lee here.
Community’s safety concerns as homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse rise
An increase in homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse in the Central Coast caused Wyong Community Centre to close its doors in April. The centre said daily incidents of anti-social behaviour contributed to its closure, preventing them from providing their services to local youth and families. The Central Coast LGA is one of seven in NSW that recorded the largest total increases in homelessness compared to last year. The Centre is working with local police and the Central Coast Council to continue to provide their services as safely as possible, but say more needs to be done to reduce homelessness in the area. Read the full story by Ellouise Ham here.
Risk to Indigenous languages without more funding
In April, the federal government committed $11 million in additional funding to increase the number of First Nations language speakers across Australia, on top of last year’s commitment of $53.8 million over four years. However, an Indigenous linguistic conservation expert says it’s a fraction of the cost needed to conserve over 250 Indigenous Australian languages. A growing issue globally, Indigenous languages around the world are disappearing at a rate of one language every two weeks, according to the International Work Group of Indigenous Affairs. Lilas-Mae Njoo spoke to Gamilaraay and Wiradjuri man and founding director of First Languages Australia, Daryn McKenny on why restoring Indigenous languages is essential for First Nation peoples culture and knowledge.
Gen Z’s ‘lost men’ falling victim to anti-women influencers
‘Manfluencers’ like Joe Rogan and Andrew Tate are becoming role models for Gen Z’s ‘lost men’, encouraging them to practice misogynistic and sexist behaviour. Dr Intifar Chowdhury, a lecturer at Monash University said that a societal focus on achieving justice for women has led to many young men feeling sidelined and anxious. In the full story, Eva Greifeneder speaks to Gen Z men and Dr Chowdhury to understand how ‘manfluencers’ play on the anxiety experienced by men today and the need for more progressive male role models.
Bikers devastated after bulldozing of historic jumps
Mountain bike riders have been left reeling after the bulldozing of a popular Sydney trail and jumps site that has been used for over 25 years. The Red Hill dirt jumps on the Northern Beaches were demolished last week, despite an application to have them formally recognised and without consultation with the riding community The trails were located on crown land near Frenchs Forest, containing dozens of jumps over a 1000 square metre area. A handful of jumps still remain on a portion of the site owned by the Catholic Church. Read Chris McCarthy’s full article to find out what riders, advocators, Crown Lands and local MP Michael Regan had to say about the trail’s demolition.
Residents fuming after green space sold to developer
Earlwood residents have been left outraged after a parcel of green space under Wolli Bluff was sold by the NSW government for housing development. Prior to the $2.93 million sale, residents had applied for the area to be included in Wolli Creek Regional Park. The bluff, situated at the entrance to the park, is a prominent sandstone outcrop and has historic connections to the Aboriginal warrior Pemulwuy. Wolli Creek Preservation Society (WCPS) has campaigned for the site to be connected to the Wolli Creek and Cooks River valleys to open up more green space in the area. Catherine Fletcher spoke to president of WCPS, Chris Jordens about the community’s campaign for the site and why residents disagree with the state government’s proposal to use the area for resident development. You can read the full article here.
Until next time.
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