Isabella Ross Earlier this week, HSC results were released to the 2018 cohort of NSW high school students, anxiously waiting to see whether their expectations and aspirations were met. To celebrate those who excelled by topping this year’s Higher School Certificate was a ceremony hosted by the NSW Government. The results have also reinforced the message that students can achieve success in either a public or private schooling sector. An equal number of government to non-government schools were recognised in this year’s First in Course awards.   Education Minister Rob Stokes awarded academic prizes to 127 students from across...

Hannah Prasad This month Sydney Observer spoke exclusively to Jade Hodge, the Channel Manager for the New Zealand Territory for BBC Studios. She gave us an insight into her industry, what a typical day consists of, and how individuals looking to pursue a career in media can get a foot in the door. “I started at BBC Studios four years ago as a Programming Assistant which involved ensuring all shows were delivered to the broadcaster ready to air and maintaining the EPG (Electronic Programming Guide). I then moved onto becoming an Acquisitions Executive where I acquired programmes for all...

Hannah Prasad and Isabella Ross To aid students in the challenging quest to discover which occupation they wish to pursue, Sydney Observer has founded a new feature within our Education section of the website– the Career Spotlight. We spoke exclusively with individuals who work within the field of nursing. Georgia Butler is a second-year registered nurse working at Royal North Shore Hospital. Her love of interacting with people, and compassionate nature encouraged her to pursue a career in nursing. “I have always enjoyed interacting with and meeting new people. Nursing is perfect for that because you meet lots of...

Marlene Even The Grace Cossington Smith Art Awards have officially been announced, along with the launch of their 2018 exhibition. The gallery holds a biennial award for art that responds to the concept of ‘making connections’. This year three winners were announced from a shortlist of 37 incredible artists. The well-deserving Catherine O’Donnell won the prestigious Grace Cossington Smith Art Award for her artwork Yates Court.   “Catherine’s representation of her subject creates a universal connection to the urban environment that is humanised and layered with mystery through her rendering of the curtains and window spaces,” stated judges Alison...

Marlene Even A group of eclectic and gifted poets from the humble North Shore have launched their second ever anthology, The Intimacy of Strangers. The anthology includes the marvellous work of local poets such as David Malouf, John Carey, Eileen Chong and Benjamin Dodds. The works within The Intimacy of Strangers capture the atmosphere of the group’s dinners at Rubino’s Restaurant and the local favourite in Willoughby, The Incinerator, dinners that centred on discussions of poetry. The book explores the “epidemic of suburban aloneness”, an issue the group has tried to deter through facilitating meetings and gatherings. The anthology...