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

Eight visionaries, heroes and changemakers making us proud

Eight visionaries, heroes and changemakers making us proud

1hr ago

The dye within a few minutes had been swept at an angle along Rosedale Beach, before being sucked out behind the breakers.

Safe in shallow water? Watch how fast kids can get into trouble

Kerrie O'Connor

Picture: Shutterstock

BREAKINGPfizer vaccine granted Australian approval

Andrew Brown
57m ago

South32 mine expansion plans panned by another government agency

UPDATEDSouth32 mine expansion plans panned by another government agency

Agron Latifi

Picture: Surf Life Saving NSW

'Our hearts go out to the families': Surf lifesavers lament Port Kembla tragedy

Brendan Crabb

Fishermen at Hill 60 on Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours after three men died at the same location. Picture: Anna Warr

Person swept off Port Kembla rocks where three men lost their lives

Natalie Croxon

PRDIE AND JOY: Donald Hewitt stands in front of the heritage part of Freeman House - the refurbished Crescent Guest House building

A life of service and caring is recognised by community peers

Vanessa Arundale

Sasha Chadwick rinses off after a surf on a hot day earlier this month. Picture: Anna Warr

Warm temperatures, strong marine winds to stay a couple of days

Natalie Croxon

Time to find homes for asylum seekers: Amnesty Wollongong

Alexander Volkanovski to defend world featherweight title at UFC 260

18m ago

Police release images of people wanted in relation to thefts

Road work planned for Stanwell Park and Warilla in coming weeks

Eight visionaries, heroes and changemakers making us proud

Eight visionaries, heroes and changemakers making us proud

1hr ago

JUMP IN: There is fun to be had in the Illawarra this Australia Day. Picture: Adam McLean

What's happening in the Illawarra on Australia Day 2021

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Picture: Supplied

Aussie movies for Australia Day

An inspiring group of people make up the nominees for the 2021 Australian of the Year awards.

Finalists for Australian of the Year 2021

Jets players celebrate after Valentino Yuel (centre) scored a goal against the Phoenix at WIN Stadium on Sunday.Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

PHOTOSPhoenix left to rue missed chances as Jets soar to victory in Wollongong

How to spot a rip

How to spot a rip

Alexander Volkanovski to defend world featherweight title at UFC 260

18m ago

Eight visionaries, heroes and changemakers making us proud

1hr ago

Safe in shallow water? Watch how fast kids can get into trouble

06:45AM

A life of service and caring is recognised by community peers

06:00AM

PHOTOSPhoenix left to rue missed chances as Jets soar to victory in Wollongong

20:11PM

Warm temperatures, strong marine winds to stay a couple of days

18:00PM

South Australia's Tanya Hosch is among the candidates to be crowned 2021's Australian of the Year.

Australian of the Year set to be announced

INSENSITIVE: In the week of Australia Day celebrations, Kamahi Djordon King writes 'it's exclusive by design to exclude the first people of this land". Picture: Roxanne Fitzgerald.

OPINIONThe treatment of the first people of this land is appalling. We need to change the date

2hrs ago

An emergency warning has been issued for a blaze in the Adelaide Hills.

Emergency warning for Adelaide Hills fire

27m ago

Frontline healthcare workers will be among the first to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Australia's phased virus vaccine rollout

29m ago

The Pfizer coronavirus vaccine has been provisionally approved for use in Australia.

Pfizer vaccine approved for Australian use

Matt Coughlan
32m ago

George Brandis has come under fire for returning to Australia over the Christmas break.

Diplomat flies home while Aussies stranded

Daniel McCulloch
34m ago

DON'T LAND IN TROUBLE: Failure to comply with new mandatory drone registration rules risk fines of up to $11,000.

Are you clear for takeoff? It's drone registration time

Vernon Graham
57m ago

Picture: Shutterstock

BREAKINGPfizer vaccine granted Australian approval

Andrew Brown
57m 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

PASSION: Brian Goorjian has come out swinging with his push to see 'Illawarra' return to the Hawks emblem. Picture: Getty Images

Goorjian says 'It's time' to bring back the Illawarra name

Mitch Jennings

AND STILL: Alex Volkanovski retained his UFC title with a split-decision win over Max Holloway last July. Picture: Getty Images

Alexander Volkanovski to defend world featherweight title at UFC 260

Joshua Bartlett
18m ago

Jets players celebrate after Valentino Yuel (centre) scored a goal against the Phoenix at WIN Stadium on Sunday.Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

PHOTOSPhoenix left to rue missed chances as Jets soar to victory in Wollongong

Joshua Bartlett

PASSION: Brian Goorjian has come out swinging with his push to see 'Illawarra' return to the Hawks emblem. Picture: Getty Images

Goorjian says 'It's time' to bring back the Illawarra name

CHARGING AHEAD: Paper Daisy, ridden by Tyler Schiller, salutes in race two, the Maiden Plate over 1000 metres at Kembla Grange on Saturday. Picture: Anna Warr

SUBSCRIBERPaper Daisy blooms in Kembla win

Joshua Bartlett

HAPPY DAYS: Oak Flats players celebrate after Kookas batsman Zac Jurd is caught behind by wicketkeeper Sam McClennan. Picture: Anna Warr

Rats take opening honours

Joshua Bartlett

Victoria has loosened its restrictions on household gatherings. Picture: Shutterstock

DIGESTFeeling the heat, but Australia avoids COVID troubles

January 26 is referred to as Invasion Day by a large number of Australians. Picture: Jamila Toderas

DIGESTJanuary 26: the debate about the date

Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: Karleen Minney

International arrivals cap will not be raised: Morrison

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has cooled on Queensland's push to establish remote quarantine facilities in disused mining camps. Picture: Getty Images

International COVID situation on national cabinet agenda

Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australia is learning lessons from vaccine rollouts overseas. Picture: Elesa Kurtz

Extra 500 workers, more training announced as part of vaccine rollout

Sally Whyte

Trump has left the White House as Biden is welcomed in. Photos: Shutterstock

DIGESTOrdinariness will do for now, as Biden steers the US back to normality

Chris McLennan

A testing clinic sits idle at Figtree in Wollongong. Picture: Adam McLean.

Sydney residents urged to get COVID test

Julian O'Brien

World holds breath as Trump departs

DIGESTWorld holds breath as Trump departs

Gavin Stone

JUMP IN: There is fun to be had in the Illawarra this Australia Day. Picture: Adam McLean

What's happening in the Illawarra on Australia Day 2021

Natalie Croxon

WRITE STUFF: Acclaimed author and Thirroul resident Kate Holden will host a workshop next month. Picture: Adam McLean

Best-selling Illawarra author to share secrets about telling your own story

Brendan Crabb

Picture: Sylvia Liber

Tell the Mercury about your event or gig here ...

Aussie Ark president Tim Faulkner says devils can help keep fox and feral cat numbers down.

LISTENDevils make a comeback on the mainland

Aussie Ark president Tim Faulkner says devils can help keep fox and feral cat numbers down.

LISTENDevils make a comeback on the mainland

Dan Christian of The Australian Indigenous Men's cricket team. PHOTO: Darrian Traynor (Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

LISTENHow cricket is addressing its pale, male and stale reputation

Dan Christian of The Australian Indigenous Men's cricket team. PHOTO: Darrian Traynor (Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

LISTENHow cricket is addressing its pale, male and stale reputation

Mike Wilson at his home in Armidale. Photo: Lucy Kinbacher

LISTENLivestock agent shares gutsy fight for survival to help save others in the bush

Mike Wilson at his home in Armidale. Photo: Lucy Kinbacher

LISTENLivestock agent shares gutsy fight for survival to help save others in the bush

The Factory in Gosford is heaven for chocolate fans.

Top spots for Easter getaways in 2021

Andrea Bell

Hot travel deals: Stunning Tasmania, luxurious Hamilton Island and more

Hot travel deals: Stunning Tasmania, luxurious Hamilton Island and more

Explore Travel

The sweet serenity of Lake Macquarie

The sweet serenity of Lake Macquarie

Teresa Ooi

Get the digital version of Today's Paper

Get the digital version of Today's Paper

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Grateful for every day: Prue and Tim Granger.

Man in the mirror': How dementia reversed the roles for carer Prue and her dad

Samsung's new flagship series pushes the boundaries of smartphone capability

Samsung's new flagship series pushes the boundaries of smartphone capability

Advertiser Content

Harness the power of word of mouth

Harness the power of word of mouth

Emma Brown

Grateful for every day: Prue and Tim Granger.

Man in the mirror': How dementia reversed the roles for carer Prue and her dad

See Floriade in all its glory in Canberra on this Travelrite/The Senior escorted tour with Maureen and Paul Lucas. Photo: Paul Lucas

Join a September tour of some of Australia's best gardens in NSW and the ACT

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

5 Acacia Street, Windang.

SUBSCRIBERThe Illawarra suburb with a property market offering 'the best of both worlds'

5 Acacia Street, Windang.

SUBSCRIBERThe Illawarra suburb with a property market offering 'the best of both worlds'

Sydney buyers drawn to newly listed property on the southern end of Coalcliff Beach

SUBSCRIBERSydney buyers drawn to newly listed property on the southern end of Coalcliff Beach

Sydney buyers drawn to newly listed property on the southern end of Coalcliff Beach

SUBSCRIBERSydney buyers drawn to newly listed property on the southern end of Coalcliff Beach

Pictures: Supplied

SUBSCRIBER'Sensational, resort-style' Illawarra property for sale with a $2.8m price tag

Brendan Crabb

'You could stare at it all day': Energy-efficient South Coast home with impressive views up for sale

'You could stare at it all day': Energy-efficient South Coast home with impressive views up for sale

Brendan Crabb

Pictures: Supplied

Luxury beach home within Sandon Point estate a hit with Sydney buyers

Brendan Crabb

DROP-OFF RETURNS: Kiama Council is reminding residents to register for the extended Household Bulky Waste Drop-Off being held March 13-26.

Kiama's household bulky waste drop-off to return in March

Agron Latifi

Scamwatch: Customers of streaming services targeted by scammers

Scamwatch: Customers of streaming services targeted by scammers

ON DUTY: The council has extended beach patrol hours due to the predicted hot weather starting on Friday. Picture: Adam McLean.

Patrol hours extended for Wollongong City lifeguards ahead of hot spell

DROP-OFF RETURNS: Kiama Council is reminding residents to register for the extended Household Bulky Waste Drop-Off being held March 13-26.

Kiama's household bulky waste drop-off to return in March

BUSINESSWOMAN: Bliss Gifts and Homewares owner Melissa Stone. Photo by Sam Venn Photography.

Bliss Homewares: A tale of family, hard work and a little Ulladulla store with more clicks than Kmart

Nicolette Pickard

'People just think 'oh you go to fires', but fires now are a small percentage of what we do,' says Duty Commander Illawarra Inspector Chad Wallace at Wollongong Fire Station. Picture: Robert Peet

HAZMAT spills to fingers stuck in plugholes, Wollongong firies do anything

Desiree Savage

The dye within a few minutes had been swept at an angle along Rosedale Beach, before being sucked out behind the breakers.

Safe in shallow water? Watch how fast kids can get into trouble

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

Jets players celebrate after Valentino Yuel (centre) scored a goal against the Phoenix at WIN Stadium on Sunday.Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

PHOTOSPhoenix left to rue missed chances as Jets soar to victory in Wollongong

Joshua Bartlett

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

VR technology is helping aged care residents to improve their mental health. Photo: Supplied.

From reminiscing to a night at the opera: Can VR boost mental health in aged care?

Rugby league legend Uncle Lionel Morgan in his playing days (left) and with the painting by Jandamarra Cadd. Photos: Lionel Morgan and Anglicare Queensland.

NRL legend in the frame again thanks to Aboriginal artist

SEVEN PURLERS: Di Shanahan, Janny Lane, Caralynn Hoft, Peta Goodwin, Sue Juniper, Tracy Skippings and Sally Wylie.

Not a nanna-second to lose

Hazel Bradley

Part of Greater Sydney: Wollongong has missed out on the regional tourism boom. Picture: Robert Peet

How Wollongong can halt tourism carnage

Mark Sleigh

Making hay, while the COVID sun shines

Making hay, while the COVID sun shines

Julian O'Brien

Goorj said 'tell the community where I'm at', so we did

Goorj said 'tell the community where I'm at', so we did

Julian O'Brien

John Bruce, Barooga, with his father John Bruce and Tom Oliver, 16, sold 157 Border Leicester/Merino ewes, May/June 2020-drop, 59kg, for $362, topping the sale.

Corowa first-cross ewe lambs to $362

Olivia Calver
2hrs ago

Monash University soil researchers have discovered soil bacteria play a key role in regulating the atmosphere.

Soil bacteria help breakdown methane

Brad Sanson, Lockwood, Purlewaugh, checks a crop of Sunprime wheat that yielded 5.5t/ha, a good result considering the dry spring conditions here in 2020. Storing fallow moisture is an important aspect of maximising crop yields.

Nutrient depletion alert

Bob Freebairn

Samsung's new flagship series pushes the boundaries of smartphone capability

Samsung's new flagship series pushes the boundaries of smartphone capability

Advertiser Content

LOUNGE TEST: Renting works for those who're indecisive and want to trial an item first. Photo: Snaffle.

Would you consider renting your furniture over buying?

Modern home hidden by terrace facade

Modern home hidden by terrace facade