Category: Environment

BREAKING NEWS  April 2026

Wollongong is set to play a surprising but potentially significant role in the future of human space exploration, with a local plant species attracting international scientific interest as part of NASA’s Artemis program.

The Artemis missions aim to return humans to the Moon and establish a long-term, sustainable presence, including the development of a lunar eco-dome capable of supporting life on the harsh lunar surface. Early-stage construction of this habitat is anticipated as soon as 2030.

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center has been undertaking advanced space agriculture research and is actively seeking plant species capable of surviving extreme conditions, including low-nutrient soil, temperature variability, limited water availability, and reduced gravity.

Cr Andrew Anthony, who has a long-standing personal interest in space exploration, said an opportunity arose when he became aware of NASA’s plant research program.

On the eve of the Artemis II launch, Cr Anthony revealed that high-level discussions with NASA scientists are already underway regarding the potential contribution of vegetation from Wollongong that shows promise for a lunar habitat.

“After learning that NASA was undertaking this research, I was quick to get in contact to suggest the palm trees in Wollongong Mall as a potential candidate due to their proven resilience in a harsh urban environment,” he said.

Wollongong’s CBD palms, originally installed as part of an art installation and the subject of considerable community debate, have demonstrated a notable capacity to thrive in challenging conditions. One specimen appears to defy gravity atop a pole, while others grow at unusual angles or even through stone structures, despite limited soil and water.

Preliminary feedback from NASA researchers has described the palms as “unexpectedly robust” and “highly promising” for controlled-environment agriculture in extraterrestrial settings.

“These trees have proven they can survive and adapt in a harsh, unforgiving urban environment. That kind of resilience is exactly what’s needed for off-world sustainability,” a NASA spokesperson said.

With further testing required, Cr Anthony said he hopes NASA will be able to relocate the palms to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for more detailed assessment under simulated lunar conditions.

Cr Anthony said the opportunity could spark renewed interest in space exploration among Wollongong residents. If successful, the initiative could see Wollongong’s palms playing a small but historic role in humanity’s next “giant leap”, helping to create breathable air for future lunar habitats.

“While these palms may have divided opinion here in Wollongong, they could ultimately help support life beyond it,” he said.

Cr Andrew Anthony

 

 

With the countdown to Christmas well and truly underway, cat-loving Wollongong councillor Andrew Anthony is encouraging locals to think carefully before bringing a new pet into the family this festive season

by Jeremy Lasek – Published November 25, 2025
https://www.theillawarraflame.com.au/thinking-about-a-pet-for-christmas-think-hard/

 

Windows 10 End-of-Support Could Spark E-Waste Surge, Warns Cr Andrew Anthony

Wollongong City Councillor and ICT consultant Andrew Anthony is warning of a potential surge in electronic waste (e-waste) following Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 from 14 October 2025. This move could result in the premature disposal of millions of otherwise functional computers and laptops.

When support ends, Windows 10 will stop receiving security updates, leaving countless devices worldwide more vulnerable to viruses, malware, and other cyber threats. Many users, particularly those less tech-savvy, may feel their devices are no longer safe to use. Yet many of these computers remain fully capable of performing everyday tasks such as browsing the web, sending emails and editing documents.

Upgrade Options

Cr Anthony is encouraging people to check now whether their computer is already running Windows 11 or whether it meets the system requirements. If eligible, the upgrade is generally free and available through the built-in Windows Update tool.

For those who cannot upgrade, there are alternatives:

1. Extended Security Updates (ESU) – Microsoft is offering a paid program extending updates beyond October 2025. While initially targeted at large organisations through volume licensing, Microsoft has indicated households and small businesses will also be able to access ESUs.
2. Open-Source Operating Systems – Free and open-source alternatives such as Linux (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Zorin OS) can give older machines a new lease on life. These systems are secure, user-friendly, and able to run efficiently on hardware that cannot support Windows 11.

Right to Repair and Local Solutions

A strong advocate for the Right to Repair movement, Cr Anthony believes people should be able to maintain, repair, and upgrade their devices rather than being forced into expensive and avoidable replacement cycles driven by planned obsolescence.

One positive example of how the industry can move in a better direction is Framework, a company manufacturing modular laptops designed to be easily repaired and upgraded. Instead of replacing the whole machine when a single part fails or becomes outdated, users can swap out components like memory, storage, batteries, and even the mainboard. This approach challenges the disposable model of the tech industry and shows that it’s possible to build high-performance devices while dramatically reducing e-waste.

“We should be doing everything we can to extend the life of our existing technology,” he said. “That means backing local repair services, exploring open-source alternatives like Linux, and challenging the throwaway mentality that’s become so common in the tech industry.”

Outside his Council role, Cr Anthony refurbishes older donated computers and gives them away to families, students and community members in need across the Wollongong region, people who may otherwise miss out on access to basic technology.

Recycling Options

For devices that genuinely cannot be upgraded or reused, Cr Anthony urges residents to dispose of them responsibly.

• The Community Recycling Centre (CRC) at Whytes Gully, operated by Wollongong City Council, is equipped to safely process e-waste and recover valuable materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.
• Many local retailers, such as Officeworks, also offer free e-waste recycling programs, providing convenient drop-off options for residents.

A Call for Sustainable Action

Looking ahead, Cr Anthony is calling for greater public awareness and government action on this issue. He is urging investment in local repair and refurbishment programs, stronger national policies on e-waste reduction, and wider community education on upgrade alternatives.

By repairing and reusing our computers and other electronics, we extend their lifespan, reduce the demand for new manufacturing, cut carbon emissions, save money, and help more people in our community access technology. When a device finally reaches the end of its life, responsible recycling allows us to recover valuable materials like copper, gold, and rare earth elements, keeping them out of landfill, reducing the need for further resource extraction and protecting the natural environment we all depend on.

“Together, we can build a more circular and sustainable economy where technology lasts longer, waste is minimised and valuable resources are recovered and reused,” Cr Anthony said. “Let’s make smarter, more sustainable choices for the benefit of future generations.”

Why This Matters for Wollongong

According to the 2024 Global E-Waste Monitor, the world generated about 62 million tonnes of electronic waste in 2022, of which only around 22.3% was formally collected and recycled. (https://ewastemonitor.info/the-global-e-waste-monitor-2024/)

Australia is also among the highest per-capita generators of e-waste, previously measured at approximately 23.6 kg per person per year. (https://eridirect.com/blog/2019/03/the-worlds-worst-electronic-waste-offenders/)

Locally, Wollongong City Council’s Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2024–2034 sets clear goals to reduce landfill waste and promote reuse and recycling. Supporting residents to extend the life of their technology aligns perfectly with these goals.