Wollongong news, sport and weather | Illawarra Mercury | Wollongong, NSW

Turn them off: Shoppers could get free parking in Wollongong CBD under a proposal by councillor Cameron Walters. Picture: Adam McLean.

Wollongong council to vote on whether to make CBD parking free for Christmas

Kate McIlwain

WRONG SPOT: Local residents Louise Wellington and Stephen La Bas helped lead a community campaign against the Thirroul Plaza development.

BREAKINGThirroul Plaza told by council to withdraw - or risk rejection

Ben Langford
1hr ago

Shutdown: The entrance to Peabody's Metropolitan Colliery at Helensburgh.

BREAKINGPeabody to close Metropolitan Colliery for January, February

Ben Langford

'I hope this is what he was after': Councillor Leigh Colacino will urge the council to make traffic changes in Stanwell Park. Picture: Sylvia Liber.

'Brett's law': Tragedy could trigger traffic changes in Stanwell Park

Kate McIlwain

The scarring on a Norfolk Island Pine after it was struck by lightning on Tuesday afternoon.

Pine tree at Kiama bears scars of a lightning strike

Glen Humphries

HIS CALL: Jack de Belin, pictured at Dragons training in July, is free to resume training with the club despite his trial on sexual assault charges ending in a hung jury on Monday. Picture: Anna Warr.

De Belin free to return to Dragons training as retrial date confirmed

Mitch Jennings

Stakes high as heavy hitters address Dendrobium expansion hearing

Stakes high as heavy hitters address Dendrobium expansion hearing

Ben Langford
22m ago

All the joyful photos from KidzWish's Christmas zoo party

All the joyful photos from KidzWish's Christmas zoo party

Desiree Savage
1hr ago

Here's where to find Santa's mailboxes around the Illawarra

2hrs ago

BREAKINGDance floors reopen, no limits for weddings and funerals as COVID rules ease

Mural says 'everything Indigenous important at Dapto High School'

Campaign to build a women's trauma centre in the Illawarra gains momentum

Turn them off: Shoppers could get free parking in Wollongong CBD under a proposal by councillor Cameron Walters. Picture: Adam McLean.

Wollongong council to vote on whether to make CBD parking free for Christmas

All the joyful photos from KidzWish's Christmas zoo party

All the joyful photos from KidzWish's Christmas zoo party

1hr ago

10-year-old boy hit by car in Unanderra

10-year-old boy hit by car in Unanderra

Photo: National Parks

Get out your walking shoes - Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track reopens

Did wounded Windang brothers stab each other? Lakeside mystery sparks police appeal

SUBSCRIBERDid wounded Windang brothers stab each other? Lakeside mystery sparks police appeal

Submit a photo of your child for our Babies of 2020 feature

Submit a photo of your child for our Babies of 2020 feature

All the joyful photos from KidzWish's Christmas zoo party

1hr ago

BREAKINGThirroul Plaza told by council to withdraw - or risk rejection

1hr ago

Here's where to find Santa's mailboxes around the Illawarra

2hrs ago

'Brett's law': Tragedy could trigger traffic changes in Stanwell Park

15:00PM

Pine tree at Kiama bears scars of a lightning strike

14:30PM

BREAKINGDance floors reopen, no limits for weddings and funerals as COVID rules ease

14:01PM

Jessica Camilleri stabbed her mother multiple times before taking her head to the footpath.

'Can doctors sew Mum's head back on?'

10m ago

Outdoor stadiums and theatres in NSW will be allowed to operate at 100 per cent of capacity.

The new normal: Eased restrictions in NSW

REACH OUT: Aaron Pinney went through hell and back using ice for five years, reaching a peak during the bushfires. Now eight months clean, he has urged others to reach out.

'Not weak to speak': Chef who was addicted to ice urges others to reach out

22m ago

Large chunks of NSW including around Sydney were hit by severe thunderstorms on Tuesday.

Some storm-hit NSW houses still powerless

36m ago

Have you heard the latest? Photo: file

DIGESTThe pollies are teasing us again

Janine Graham
37m ago

Lidia Thorpe says a national treaty would elevate Indigenous voices.

New Greens senator renews calls for treaty

Rebecca Gredley
47m ago

Tuesday's T20 at the SCG could be the first full house for a sports event in Sydney this year.

Latest snapshot of the coronavirus impact

49m ago

Closing arguments have started in the rape trial of former NRL player Jarryd Hayne.

No to sex with Hayne 'not end of the game'

Mark Russell
1hr ago

The jury in the de Belin trial came back twice on Monday to say they could not reach a decision. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Date set for Jack de Belin rape retrial

The jury in the de Belin trial came back twice on Monday to say they could not reach a decision. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Date set for Jack de Belin rape retrial

Callan Sinclair's lawyer vowed "we will be back to fight these charges" during a retrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict in the sexual assault trial. Picture: Sylvia Liber

SUBSCRIBER'Extremely disappointed': Sinclair vows to fight on after hung jury in rape trial

Callan Sinclair's lawyer vowed "we will be back to fight these charges" during a retrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict in the sexual assault trial. Picture: Sylvia Liber

SUBSCRIBER'Extremely disappointed': Sinclair vows to fight on after hung jury in rape trial

A verdict in the Jack de Belin and Callan Sinclair trial has not been reached, with the Judge declaring a mistrial.

Hung jury: no verdict in Jack de Belin rape trial

A verdict in the Jack de Belin and Callan Sinclair trial has not been reached, with the Judge declaring a mistrial.

Hung jury: no verdict in Jack de Belin rape trial

HIS CALL: Jack de Belin, pictured at Dragons training in July, is free to resume training with the club despite his trial on sexual assault charges ending in a hung jury on Monday. Picture: Anna Warr.

De Belin free to return to Dragons training as retrial date confirmed

Mitch Jennings

Mates: Dave Booth, Geoff Burke, Chris Murray and Garry Taylor played in the Wayne Crane Over 50s Pairs at Warilla. Picture: Mike Driscoll

SUBSCRIBERLOOSE ENDS: Record turnout to honour Zone legend

Mike Driscoll

Champs: Teenagers Ricci-Rose Hampton and Tyson Arneman combined to win the Dapto Citizens Mixed Pairs in a positive for the clubs junior development program.

SUBSCRIBERLOOSE ENDS: Citos young guns make their mark

Mike Driscoll

HIS CALL: Jack de Belin, pictured at Dragons training in July, is free to resume training with the club despite his trial on sexual assault charges ending in a hung jury on Monday. Picture: Anna Warr.

De Belin free to return to Dragons training as retrial date confirmed

Rise: Taylor McDonald in last year's NPL series final. Picture: Adam McLean

Wollongong Wolves plan to make most of golden ticket to revamped FFA Cup

Tim Barrow

New era: Can Dragons coach Anthony Griffin make them a top eight force again? Picture: NRL Imagery

SUBSCRIBERThe Debate: Big issues still cloud Dragons' new era with Griffin

Tim Barrow and Mitch Jennings

Have you heard the latest? Photo: file

DIGESTThe pollies are teasing us again

37m ago

New Victorian coronavirus rule changes to be announced this weekend

New Victorian coronavirus rule changes to be announced this weekend

Cleaning crew fumigates a room as part of a deep clean of the Bennet Hotel pub in Hamilton in August. Wednesday, August 6, 2020. Picture Max Mason-Hubers

BREAKINGDance floors reopen, no limits for weddings and funerals as COVID rules ease

Photo: File

DIGESTTell mum you'll be home for Christmas

An unedifying diplomatic pile-on

DIGESTAn unedifying diplomatic pile-on

Janine Graham

A passenger from a repatriation flight from Singapore makes her way to a bus to hotel quarantine after landing at Canberra airport. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

EXPLAINERWill we see stranded Aussies at home for Christmas?

Steve Evans

Picture: Shutterstock

OPINIONCOVID-19 cases decrease as weather heats up

Jasper Lindell

AstraZeneca's vaccine is already being manufactured in Melbourne.

EXPLAINERWhen will we get our COVID-19 jabs?

Steve Evans

A scene from the movie Terror Nullius by Soda Jerk screening for free on December 9 at IPAC.

WHAT'S ONFree film screening of Terror Nullius at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre

Desiree Savage
22m ago

All the joyful photos from KidzWish's Christmas zoo party

All the joyful photos from KidzWish's Christmas zoo party

Desiree Savage
1hr ago

Picture: Sylvia Liber

Got an event or gig happening in the Illawarra? Share it here

Michelle Forte and members of the Austinmer Dance Theatre have altered choreography to adhere to strict social distancing measures. Picture: Robert Peet

How these Illawarra arts troupes kept afloat during a pandemic

Desiree Savage

"The brass in the piano actually started to melt. That's how hot it got", Torrington resident Richard Cork lost a property to fire on November 8, 2019. PHOTO: Andrew Messenger

LISTENWhen these wilderness escapes became death traps

"The brass in the piano actually started to melt. That's how hot it got", Torrington resident Richard Cork lost a property to fire on November 8, 2019. PHOTO: Andrew Messenger

LISTENWhen these wilderness escapes became death traps

Rick and Carolyn Lean lost their son to suicide two years ago after a long battle with addiction and mental health issues. Photo: Kellsey Galea

LISTENHow one city is trying to tackle its drug problem from within

Rick and Carolyn Lean lost their son to suicide two years ago after a long battle with addiction and mental health issues. Photo: Kellsey Galea

LISTENHow one city is trying to tackle its drug problem from within

Photo of Cobargo posted to Facebook on December 31 by Josh Mead.

We've moved on to the next crisis, but black summer still haunts Cobargo

Photo of Cobargo posted to Facebook on December 31 by Josh Mead.

We've moved on to the next crisis, but black summer still haunts Cobargo

Bob along at Arbory Afloat. Picture: Supplied

Four ways to fall in love with Melbourne all over again

Sue Wallace

A popular waterhole for swimming at Litchfield National Park is Florence Falls. Picture: Michael Turtle

Ethical tourism is about more than just picking up your litter

Michael Turtle

Air wars as borders reopen: what it means for travellers

Air wars as borders reopen: what it means for travellers

Explore Travel

Just because we can't travel, doesn't mean we can't enjoy art.

The Virtual Traveller: Galleries of Art

Nicole Phillips

Get the digital version of Today's Paper

Get the digital version of Today's Paper

READ NOW

We may have a blind spot when it comes to the way we think about skin cancer

We may have a blind spot when it comes to the way we think about skin cancer

Sponsored Content

Seniors encouraged to share the word on CarerHelp

Seniors encouraged to share the word on CarerHelp

Holiday season plans look-up as lockdowns are eased

Holiday season plans look-up as lockdowns are eased

Emma Brown

We may have a blind spot when it comes to the way we think about skin cancer

We may have a blind spot when it comes to the way we think about skin cancer

Regional NSW is calling!

Regional NSW is calling!

Never a better time to build a career in regional Australia

Never a better time to build a career in regional Australia

New, quick way to search the property market

New, quick way to search the property market

New, quick way to search the property market

New, quick way to search the property market

Pictures: Supplied

PHOTOSThis old cow paddock turned private oasis is for sale near Albion Park

Pictures: Supplied

PHOTOSThis old cow paddock turned private oasis is for sale near Albion Park

The 'COVID effect' set to make the Illawarra a popular work-from-home location

The 'COVID effect' set to make the Illawarra a popular work-from-home location

Brendan Crabb

HOT PROPERTY: This property, 'Excelsa', located at 199 Alne Bank Lane, Rose Valley sold for $5,665,000 at auction in September. Picture: NEG Photography

Illawarra high-end property sales still topping $4m benchmark despite pandemic

Brendan Crabb

Pictures: Supplied

Former rugby league player lists luxury Bowral estate for $14 million

Brendan Crabb

HUMBLY ACCEPTED ON BEHALF OF HIS MATES: Bob Smith with his World War II 75th anniversary commemorative medallion and certificate.

Soldier who came of age amid battlefields in New Guinea

HUMBLY ACCEPTED ON BEHALF OF HIS MATES: Bob Smith with his World War II 75th anniversary commemorative medallion and certificate.

Soldier who came of age amid battlefields in New Guinea

COMFORT BELOW: Nurses in the Second World War in the Underground Hospital in Mount Isa.

Did 79 soldiers die of cyanide?

COMFORT BELOW: Nurses in the Second World War in the Underground Hospital in Mount Isa.

Did 79 soldiers die of cyanide?

SHOVELLING SNOW IN SYRIA: Members of the 2/3 Battalion clearing snow in 1942.

Tragic drowning of digger who fought the enemy in three countries

SHOVELLING SNOW IN SYRIA: Members of the 2/3 Battalion clearing snow in 1942.

Tragic drowning of digger who fought the enemy in three countries

All the joyful photos from KidzWish's Christmas zoo party

All the joyful photos from KidzWish's Christmas zoo party

Desiree Savage
1hr ago

Emma and Jason Young outside the new Fish Tribe eatery in Johnson Street, Kiama Downs.

New eatery opens in emerging Kiama eat street

Greg Ellis

Merger: Objective CEO Tony Walls and former Itree CEO Ben Hobby.

Illawarra IT success stories team up to service clients in 60 countries

Greg Ellis

All the joyful photos from KidzWish's Christmas zoo party

All the joyful photos from KidzWish's Christmas zoo party

1hr ago

Birthday celebration: Dapto Rotarians marked the club's birthday by helping the environment: Pictured is Barry Hemley planting trees near the skate park near Bong Bong Road at Dapto on Friday. Picture: Robert Peet.

Dapto Rotary Club celebrates 60 years by planting trees

Greg Ellis

New law firm in town: Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers partner Karena Nicholls at the new office in Keira St, Wollongong. Picture: Robert Peet.

Local lawyer brings new law firm to Wollongong

Greg Ellis

Garrawarra Cemetery. Pictures: Christopher Chan

The forgotten souls of Waterfall's Garrawarra Cemetery

8 of the most haunted places in the Illawarra and South Coast

8 of the most haunted places in the Illawarra and South Coast

The Imperial Hotel at Clifton from a new angle — at Mt Mitchell, Stanwell Tops. Photo: Bushwalk the Gong

Is this Wollongongs most spectacular bushwalk?

Blue pool. Photo: Bushwalk the Gong

This Southern Highlands bushwalk has a blue pool, cascades and multiple lookouts

A video tour of the majestic Wollongong garden tucked under Mount Keira

A video tour of the majestic Wollongong garden tucked under Mount Keira

Bushwalk the Gong

FILMMAKING: Living at home works a treat when work dries up thanks to a pandemic, now Adam Olds and Jordan Turner are making the animated series Samurai Unicorn. Picture: Robert Peet

'It'd be a dream to get it on Netflix': Talented Dapto duo's new animated series

Desiree Savage

The view from Burragorang lookout and picnic area. Photo: Chris Piazzo, Piazza Wood Works

7 wilderness walks near Wollongong to add to your bucket list

Ashleigh Tullis

A still from footage of the fire by Top Notch Video.

Watch dramatic footage of massive Corrimal High inferno

LISTEN TO THIS: The winning project holds promise for those who have suffered hearing loss as a result of ageing, among other possible factors.

Hearing loss treatment crowned winner

ONLINE CHECK: There are many charities that deserve your donation this Christmas. But before giving, do a quick check on the ACNC website's Charity Register.

How to avoid charity scams this Christmas

Geraldine Cardozo

Ethicist calls for sexbots for elderly

Ethicist calls for sexbots for elderly

Faces of domestic violence could be ours

Faces of domestic violence could be ours

Dr Karen Williams

One of the images in the exhibition taken by Mercury photographer Sylvia Liber.

OPINION'Stop asking us what we did to deserve it'

Julian O'Brien

Worth a toast: Dining and entertainment vouchers announced in this week's state budget will see $500 million injected into these sectors early next year. Picture: Shutterstock

Nation's economic recovery well under way

Adam Zarth

We as 'ILLAWARRA' Hawks fans need to step up to plate

OPINIONWe as 'ILLAWARRA' Hawks fans need to step up to plate

Julian O'Brien

NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey has called on communities to give their feedback on the state's online water trading registeries.

Community consulted on NSW water registries

Olivia Calver
22m ago

Vittorio Cavion, Trevail Park, Coleambally, was encouraged to plant corn this year due to low water prices.

The resurgence of southern summer crops

Olivia Calver
2hrs ago

What would you like from 2021?

HAVE YOUR SAYWhat would you like from 2021?

Singapore has approved the sale of chicken meat grown in a lab by an American company.

Singapore approves sale of lab-grown meat

Aradhana Aravindan and John Geddie
53m ago

Self-assessment and self-criticism, one leads to growth the other to depression. Picture: Shutterstock.

OPINIONThe difference between self-assessment and self-criticism

Gary Bentley
1hr ago

Tiny "dealership" promotes an augmented reality sales platform. Photo: Volkswagen Australia.

Are you willing to buy a new car online? Because some do

Sam Hollier