Woolworths posts 3.2pc lift in third quarter sales but Big W trading challenged
Woolworths has posted a modest improvement in group-wide sales for the third quarter, driven by the strength of its supermarkets division despite cost-of-living pressures that remained front of mind for shoppers.
But it revealed its long-struggling discount department store Big W is set to cop a $70 million loss in the second half.
Woolworths on Thursday said sales at its Australian grocery business lifted 3.6 per cent to $13.05 billion in the 13 weeks to the start of April, contributing a 3.2 per cent uplift in group sales to $17.3b.
Excluding fruit and vegetables and tobacco, average prices across its store network declined by 1.2 per cent. But higher meat prices offset falls in the cost of long life categories such as pantry, snacking, freezer and everyday needs.
Group e-commerce sales jumped 15.7 per cent to $2.2b.
'Cost of living remains a concern for customers, however customer scores were largely stable during the quarter and sales growth rates improved modestly across the group,' Woolworths chief executive Amanda Bardwell said.
Sales in Big W slid 1.5 per cent to $986 million. While the clothing category returned to growth, increased markdown investment was required to accelerate the sell through of the spring/summer range.
Play growth was driven by toys and continued strong momentum in its own brand Somersault, which offset declines in gaming, office and stationery, and books.
The home category delivered a strong quarter thanks to improved product design, range resets and better availability.
'Clothing remains a challenge with Q3 growth reliant on clearance of spring/summer, and a slower start to autumn/winter which has continued into April,' Ms Bardwell said.
'This has impacted BIG W's profit outlook with the loss before interest and tax for H2 now expected to be approximately $70 million.'
Shares last trade at $31.57.
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Career Links events manager Amber Glasper is available to visit local schools for a 20-minute Q&A (email events@ This year, the awards are supported by a new gold partner, Hunter Valley Operations, bringing a strong focus on STEM and innovation. Secondary school winners will also be invited to participate in the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival. Entries close on October 26. All winners will receive cash prizes and access to mentorships with local industry professionals. Full entry details, resources and inspiration can be found online at Whiteley has opened a 'first-of-its-kind' Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago. The $25 million purpose-built plant will manufacture alcohol-based hand rubs and over-the-counter medicines for use in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Once fully operational, it is expected to create 30 new jobs across research, manufacturing, compliance and operations. "This facility is a long-term investment in Australian science, Australian jobs and Australian manufacturing," Whiteley executive chairman Dr Greg Whiteley said. "This sector has long been dominated by multinational corporations. This plant levels the playing field and puts the Hunter Region at the centre of therapeutic manufacturing in Australia." A 92-year-old family business, Whiteley has operated from Tomago since 1995 and continues to expand its footprint both nationally and internationally. In 2024, Whiteley was named NSW Business of the Year and Hunter Business of the Year, and won the Excellence in International Business Award at both the Business NSW and Business Hunter Awards. Whiteley now exports to more than 35 international markets and recently achieved Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) certification, enabling it to export medical devices from Tomago to the US and Canada. The new facility is designed to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is, Dr Whiteley says, the only therapeutic plant in NSW to meet modern fire safety and engineering compliance benchmarks. It will also serve as a hub for collaborative research with leading Australian universities, focused on tackling antimicrobial resistance and chronic biofilm-mediated infections. "This is more than a factory. It's a platform for scientific innovation and global competitiveness," Dr Whiteley said. "We're proud to be turning Australian research into real-world therapeutic products that are made in the Hunter to serve the healthcare system long into the future." Winarch Group has launched a new division dedicated to creating original live content, cultural platforms and community-driven experiences across Australia. It's called Winarch Experience, and it brings together the group's owned and operated platforms, including design market The Finders Keepers and Newcastle's Olive Tree Market. It will also create new original live content, with several projects in development and set to launch in 2026. Winarch Experience joins the group's existing divisions: Winarch Music, which oversees the company's investment, ownership and management of live entertainment venues such as the proposed 10,000-capacity Cedar Mill venue at Morisset; and Winarch Live, which encompasses the group's venue, event, safety and management services. Former Winarch Live head Ewen Craig has moved to Winarch Experience. "This is a unique opportunity to develop innovative live content that advances Winarch's vision through signature events, creative excellence and lasting cultural impact," he said. "Our aim is to create experiences that genuinely connect with people. Winarch Experience is about working with communities, creatives and partners to bring ideas to life in a way that feels fresh, inclusive, and unique." Two local First Nations creatives - Elisha O'Leary of Morisset and Shanaya Buddingh of Floraville - are among nine finalists in the running for the 2025 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship. Each finalist receives a $1000 prize and mentorship from industry leaders. The winner, announced on July 10 at Murrook Culture Centre during NAIDOC Week, will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Now in its third year, presented by Facon Magazine and supported by Greater Bank, the scholarship aims to uplift and empower Indigenous creatives from across NSW, offering access to industry mentors, professional resources, and a platform to share their stories with the world. Wiradjuri woman Shanaya Buddingh will be mentored by accomplished First Nations dancer and choreographer Kassidy Waters. Darkinjung-born Elisha O'Leary, who is of Wiradjuri ancestry, will be mentored by artist and cultural educator Cassie Leatham. Facon editor-in-chief Lara Lupish said the program "reminds us of the importance of cultural representation and the strength of Indigenous storytelling". For details, visit or The next generation of entrepreneurs, problem-solvers and creative thinkers are invited to pitch their ideas to the 2025 Young Business Mind Awards. Students from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and the Upper and Lower Hunter regions are welcome to submit a short video pitch showcasing their innovation, start-up, community project or sustainable solution. Teachers are also encouraged to enter their own classroom innovations. The awards have, since 2017, celebrated innovation among primary and secondary students, inspiring young people to think like entrepreneurs and develop the confidence to present their business, product or community solution to real-world judges. In 2024, the awards attracted more than 150 students and teachers from 13 local schools. "Every year, we're blown away by the ideas, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shown by local students. It is more than a competition - it's a launchpad for real-world opportunities, with mentorship and support continuing long after the awards night," Career Links chief executive officer John Purcell said. Career Links events manager Amber Glasper is available to visit local schools for a 20-minute Q&A (email events@ This year, the awards are supported by a new gold partner, Hunter Valley Operations, bringing a strong focus on STEM and innovation. Secondary school winners will also be invited to participate in the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival. Entries close on October 26. All winners will receive cash prizes and access to mentorships with local industry professionals. Full entry details, resources and inspiration can be found online at Whiteley has opened a 'first-of-its-kind' Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago. The $25 million purpose-built plant will manufacture alcohol-based hand rubs and over-the-counter medicines for use in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Once fully operational, it is expected to create 30 new jobs across research, manufacturing, compliance and operations. "This facility is a long-term investment in Australian science, Australian jobs and Australian manufacturing," Whiteley executive chairman Dr Greg Whiteley said. "This sector has long been dominated by multinational corporations. This plant levels the playing field and puts the Hunter Region at the centre of therapeutic manufacturing in Australia." A 92-year-old family business, Whiteley has operated from Tomago since 1995 and continues to expand its footprint both nationally and internationally. In 2024, Whiteley was named NSW Business of the Year and Hunter Business of the Year, and won the Excellence in International Business Award at both the Business NSW and Business Hunter Awards. Whiteley now exports to more than 35 international markets and recently achieved Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) certification, enabling it to export medical devices from Tomago to the US and Canada. The new facility is designed to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is, Dr Whiteley says, the only therapeutic plant in NSW to meet modern fire safety and engineering compliance benchmarks. It will also serve as a hub for collaborative research with leading Australian universities, focused on tackling antimicrobial resistance and chronic biofilm-mediated infections. "This is more than a factory. It's a platform for scientific innovation and global competitiveness," Dr Whiteley said. "We're proud to be turning Australian research into real-world therapeutic products that are made in the Hunter to serve the healthcare system long into the future." Winarch Group has launched a new division dedicated to creating original live content, cultural platforms and community-driven experiences across Australia. It's called Winarch Experience, and it brings together the group's owned and operated platforms, including design market The Finders Keepers and Newcastle's Olive Tree Market. It will also create new original live content, with several projects in development and set to launch in 2026. Winarch Experience joins the group's existing divisions: Winarch Music, which oversees the company's investment, ownership and management of live entertainment venues such as the proposed 10,000-capacity Cedar Mill venue at Morisset; and Winarch Live, which encompasses the group's venue, event, safety and management services. Former Winarch Live head Ewen Craig has moved to Winarch Experience. "This is a unique opportunity to develop innovative live content that advances Winarch's vision through signature events, creative excellence and lasting cultural impact," he said. "Our aim is to create experiences that genuinely connect with people. Winarch Experience is about working with communities, creatives and partners to bring ideas to life in a way that feels fresh, inclusive, and unique." Two local First Nations creatives - Elisha O'Leary of Morisset and Shanaya Buddingh of Floraville - are among nine finalists in the running for the 2025 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship. Each finalist receives a $1000 prize and mentorship from industry leaders. The winner, announced on July 10 at Murrook Culture Centre during NAIDOC Week, will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Now in its third year, presented by Facon Magazine and supported by Greater Bank, the scholarship aims to uplift and empower Indigenous creatives from across NSW, offering access to industry mentors, professional resources, and a platform to share their stories with the world. Wiradjuri woman Shanaya Buddingh will be mentored by accomplished First Nations dancer and choreographer Kassidy Waters. Darkinjung-born Elisha O'Leary, who is of Wiradjuri ancestry, will be mentored by artist and cultural educator Cassie Leatham. Facon editor-in-chief Lara Lupish said the program "reminds us of the importance of cultural representation and the strength of Indigenous storytelling". For details, visit or The next generation of entrepreneurs, problem-solvers and creative thinkers are invited to pitch their ideas to the 2025 Young Business Mind Awards. Students from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and the Upper and Lower Hunter regions are welcome to submit a short video pitch showcasing their innovation, start-up, community project or sustainable solution. Teachers are also encouraged to enter their own classroom innovations. The awards have, since 2017, celebrated innovation among primary and secondary students, inspiring young people to think like entrepreneurs and develop the confidence to present their business, product or community solution to real-world judges. In 2024, the awards attracted more than 150 students and teachers from 13 local schools. "Every year, we're blown away by the ideas, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shown by local students. It is more than a competition - it's a launchpad for real-world opportunities, with mentorship and support continuing long after the awards night," Career Links chief executive officer John Purcell said. Career Links events manager Amber Glasper is available to visit local schools for a 20-minute Q&A (email events@ This year, the awards are supported by a new gold partner, Hunter Valley Operations, bringing a strong focus on STEM and innovation. Secondary school winners will also be invited to participate in the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival. Entries close on October 26. All winners will receive cash prizes and access to mentorships with local industry professionals. Full entry details, resources and inspiration can be found online at Whiteley has opened a 'first-of-its-kind' Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago. The $25 million purpose-built plant will manufacture alcohol-based hand rubs and over-the-counter medicines for use in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Once fully operational, it is expected to create 30 new jobs across research, manufacturing, compliance and operations. "This facility is a long-term investment in Australian science, Australian jobs and Australian manufacturing," Whiteley executive chairman Dr Greg Whiteley said. "This sector has long been dominated by multinational corporations. This plant levels the playing field and puts the Hunter Region at the centre of therapeutic manufacturing in Australia." A 92-year-old family business, Whiteley has operated from Tomago since 1995 and continues to expand its footprint both nationally and internationally. In 2024, Whiteley was named NSW Business of the Year and Hunter Business of the Year, and won the Excellence in International Business Award at both the Business NSW and Business Hunter Awards. Whiteley now exports to more than 35 international markets and recently achieved Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) certification, enabling it to export medical devices from Tomago to the US and Canada. The new facility is designed to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is, Dr Whiteley says, the only therapeutic plant in NSW to meet modern fire safety and engineering compliance benchmarks. It will also serve as a hub for collaborative research with leading Australian universities, focused on tackling antimicrobial resistance and chronic biofilm-mediated infections. "This is more than a factory. It's a platform for scientific innovation and global competitiveness," Dr Whiteley said. "We're proud to be turning Australian research into real-world therapeutic products that are made in the Hunter to serve the healthcare system long into the future." Winarch Group has launched a new division dedicated to creating original live content, cultural platforms and community-driven experiences across Australia. It's called Winarch Experience, and it brings together the group's owned and operated platforms, including design market The Finders Keepers and Newcastle's Olive Tree Market. It will also create new original live content, with several projects in development and set to launch in 2026. Winarch Experience joins the group's existing divisions: Winarch Music, which oversees the company's investment, ownership and management of live entertainment venues such as the proposed 10,000-capacity Cedar Mill venue at Morisset; and Winarch Live, which encompasses the group's venue, event, safety and management services. Former Winarch Live head Ewen Craig has moved to Winarch Experience. "This is a unique opportunity to develop innovative live content that advances Winarch's vision through signature events, creative excellence and lasting cultural impact," he said. "Our aim is to create experiences that genuinely connect with people. Winarch Experience is about working with communities, creatives and partners to bring ideas to life in a way that feels fresh, inclusive, and unique." Two local First Nations creatives - Elisha O'Leary of Morisset and Shanaya Buddingh of Floraville - are among nine finalists in the running for the 2025 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship. Each finalist receives a $1000 prize and mentorship from industry leaders. The winner, announced on July 10 at Murrook Culture Centre during NAIDOC Week, will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Now in its third year, presented by Facon Magazine and supported by Greater Bank, the scholarship aims to uplift and empower Indigenous creatives from across NSW, offering access to industry mentors, professional resources, and a platform to share their stories with the world. Wiradjuri woman Shanaya Buddingh will be mentored by accomplished First Nations dancer and choreographer Kassidy Waters. Darkinjung-born Elisha O'Leary, who is of Wiradjuri ancestry, will be mentored by artist and cultural educator Cassie Leatham. Facon editor-in-chief Lara Lupish said the program "reminds us of the importance of cultural representation and the strength of Indigenous storytelling". For details, visit or The next generation of entrepreneurs, problem-solvers and creative thinkers are invited to pitch their ideas to the 2025 Young Business Mind Awards. Students from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and the Upper and Lower Hunter regions are welcome to submit a short video pitch showcasing their innovation, start-up, community project or sustainable solution. Teachers are also encouraged to enter their own classroom innovations. The awards have, since 2017, celebrated innovation among primary and secondary students, inspiring young people to think like entrepreneurs and develop the confidence to present their business, product or community solution to real-world judges. In 2024, the awards attracted more than 150 students and teachers from 13 local schools. "Every year, we're blown away by the ideas, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shown by local students. It is more than a competition - it's a launchpad for real-world opportunities, with mentorship and support continuing long after the awards night," Career Links chief executive officer John Purcell said. Career Links events manager Amber Glasper is available to visit local schools for a 20-minute Q&A (email events@ This year, the awards are supported by a new gold partner, Hunter Valley Operations, bringing a strong focus on STEM and innovation. Secondary school winners will also be invited to participate in the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival. Entries close on October 26. All winners will receive cash prizes and access to mentorships with local industry professionals. Full entry details, resources and inspiration can be found online at
