As part of ACM’s digital network the editors from across New South Wales were asked to pen a letter to the voters of their region.

You can find an interactive map of those letters online at www.illawarramercury.com.au.

It’s interesting to look around the state and see many similar issues being faced by communities but some unique challenges as well.

This was the contribution from the Illawarra Mercury editor Julian O’Brien _

THE ILLAWARRA has a steel heart.

The region and the city of Wollongong was founded on the Port Kembla steelworks and, while we have diversified,  the steel industry heart still provides the lifeblood for the local economy.

Yet, last year, that heart almost stopped beating. The Port Kembla steelworks almost closed its gates.

The Mercury and key figures in the region campaigned for Australian steel. But Federal leaders were not seen or heard.

Almost a year after the crisis began, we still wait for action.

Perhaps it’s the curse of having so many safe seats - one side thinks they can’t lose, the other thinks they can’t win.

And so the region has too often been taken for granted.

That stops here.

We want our leaders to deliver a better future for a region that is starting to realise its potential.

The Illawarra deserves a Federal Government ready to commit to helping the steel industry and prepared to support jobs growth.

It needs a Federal Government to help deliver crucial major transport projects for the area like the Maldon Dombarton rail link and a faster commute to Sydney.

It needs a government to unlock the potential of what a convention centre can do for the city and the region.

This election, Illawarra voters must not simply vote the way they have always voted.

They must vote for the party/candidate which they think will best deliver this result for the Illawarra.

That way we can ensure the region’s heart keeps beating.

We will have a special Federal election edition on Friday, July 1.