Social Archives - New England Times Engage

1 in 8 households don’t have the money to buy enough food

5 days ago10 September 2025

Around one in eight Australian households, or 1.3 million people, could not afford enough food in 2023. Rising housing and energy costs are cutting into food budgets, forcing families to buy less nutritious food or skip meals.

Posted inFeatured, Social

A tale of two hospitals

7 days ago11 September 2025

RK Crosby writes that in her recent hospital stay in Armidale and Tamworth, she had two very different – and very educational – experiences.

Posted inFeatured, Social

Mr Squiggle entertained Australia’s children for 40 years. Now, he’s back in the spotlight

9 September 20259 September 2025

For 40 years, Mr Squiggle turned children’s scribbles into magic with his pencil nose. Now, the beloved man from the Moon is back in the spotlight at the National Museum of Australia’s new exhibition.

Posted inColumns, Political, Social

Australia’s Tax System is Tilting Against the Young

28 August 202510 September 2025

Denise McHugh argues that Australia’s tax and Welfare system is increasingly leaving young people behind.

Posted inSocial

Breaking Up Is Hard. In 2025, It’s Financially Brutal

16 July 202522 July 2025

Sky-high rents, soaring debt – and no one wants to leave the house. Here’s how Australia’s cost-of-living crisis is reshaping divorce, according to a leading family lawyer

Posted inSocial

Are ‘ghost stores’ haunting your social media feed? How to spot and avoid them

12 July 202510 July 2025

Is that a real store or a scam? Gary Mortimer from QUT has some tips on how to spot a fake online store.

Posted inSocial

Kumanjayi Walker inquest: racism and violence, but findings too little and too late

7 July 202522 July 2025

The almost six years since the shooting of Kumanjayi Walker have not delivered on Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s promise that “consequences would flow”.

Posted inNational, Social

These are deeply disturbing patterns of censorship across Australian universities

10 June 202518 June 2025

To stifle growing pro-Palestinian activities on Australian campuses, university authorities are developing and applying disparate techniques of control.

Posted inNational, Social

Young people who witness domestic violence are more likely to be victims of it. Here’s how we can help them

5 June 202518 June 2025

Children who witness domestic violence often face lasting harm. With the right support, healing is possible. Their voices must be central to breaking the cycle.