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

Crunch time: Illawarra Hawks. Picture: Sylvia Liber

EXCLUSIVEIllawarra Hawks staff stood down as Stratford NBL ownership collapses

Tim Barrow

Illawarra's COVID-19 cases continues to rise with bulk of infections from Wollongong

Illawarra's COVID-19 cases continues to rise with bulk of infections from Wollongong

Kate McIlwain

Innovation: Shellharbour Village Pharmacy's Rehana & Shabbir Kermali offer 24/7 consultations and free prescription delivery. Picture: Sylvia Liber.

How pharmacies are innovating to support community through COVID-19 lockdown

Greg Ellis
1hr ago

How the coronavirus pandemic is unfolding across Australia

IN DEPTHHow COVID-19 is unfolding around Australia

Gayle Tomlinson

Grocery shopping is one of the 16 reasons you can be outside your home under new government legislation.

There are only 16 reasons for you to be outside. What are they?

Glen Humphries

Physios are deemed "essential" but are battling on many fronts during this pandemic. Photo: Shutterstock.

The list of hurdles 'essential' businesses are fighting to stay open

Shana Morgan

Online support for couples: Illawarra relationship counsellor Catherine O'Grady has moved to online counselling via the Zoom app.

Couples counselling available online during coronavirus lockdown

Greg Ellis
2hrs ago

EQUITY IN EDUCATION: Warilla North Public School principal Nicole Riley, who purchased 165 laptops for all the school's students, with year 2 student Tijah Butler. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Laptops gifted to all Warilla North students to deal with COVID-19 crisis

Agron Latifi

IN DEPTHHow will you cope with six months in coronavirus isolation?

'He's got a gun!' - Dapto man charged over DV claims

Illawarra RFS reflect on worst bushfire season in state's history as it ends

Illawarra health district imposes tighter hospital visitor restrictions amid COVID-19 crisis

Crunch time: Illawarra Hawks. Picture: Sylvia Liber

EXCLUSIVEIllawarra Hawks staff stood down as Stratford NBL ownership collapses

Many Wollongong businesses have shut due to the COVID-19 crisis. Picture: Robert Peet

LIVE$130b wage subsidy plan to keep people in work as Illawarra COVID-19 cases rise - live updates

Nurses are worried by the lack of personal personal protection equipment in Ballarat. Photo: Shutterstock

DIGESTOur healthcare workers: 'Why are we falling down in these critical hours?'

Cartoon by Peter Lewis

Frontline hospital staff share how they are preparing for COVID-19

Wollongong Hospital emergency department staff sent a clear message to the community on Monday morning. Picture: Sylvia Liber

'Stay home for us' beg hospital workers as Illawarra Shoalhaven COVID-19 cases rise

Free guide to local businesses open during the COVID-19 crisis

FREEFree guide to local businesses open during the COVID-19 crisis

How pharmacies are innovating to support community through COVID-19 lockdown

1hr ago

Couples counselling available online during coronavirus lockdown

2hrs ago

Laptops gifted to all Warilla North students to deal with COVID-19 crisis

18:30PM

'He's got a gun!' - Dapto man charged over DV claims

18:30PM

Illawarra RFS reflect on worst bushfire season in state's history as it ends

18:04PM

Illawarra health district imposes tighter hospital visitor restrictions amid COVID-19 crisis

18:00PM

Health Minister Greg Hunt made the announcement on Tuesday. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

UPDATEDPrivate hospitals to be used in coronavirus fight

49m ago

Innovation: Shellharbour Village Pharmacy's Rehana & Shabbir Kermali offer 24/7 consultations and free prescription delivery. Picture: Sylvia Liber.

How pharmacies are innovating to support community through COVID-19 lockdown

1hr ago

Online support for couples: Illawarra relationship counsellor Catherine O'Grady has moved to online counselling via the Zoom app.

Couples counselling available online during coronavirus lockdown

2hrs ago

Illawarra health district imposes tighter hospital visitor restrictions amid COVID-19 crisis

Illawarra health district imposes tighter hospital visitor restrictions amid COVID-19 crisis

Time to rally behind small business: Illawarra Business Chamber executive director Adam Zarth. Picture: Greg Ellis.

Chamber calls on councils to follow State and Federal government lead on business support

Greg Ellis

Owner of Farrah's Liquor Collective, Matthew Farrah says he's seen a boost in business from people stockpiling on alcohol. Picture: Jamila Toderas

Bottle shop limits come into effect to prevent panic buying

Andrew Brown

Wollongong beaches a no-go zone as flags come down to curb spread of COVID-19

Wollongong beaches a no-go zone as flags come down to curb spread of COVID-19

Kate McIlwain

JOBS ON OFFER: Telstra is looking for 1000 new customer service employees at six sites across Australia. Photo: FILE

Telco calls for 1000 new staff due to coronavirus surge

Nadine Morton

Crunch time: Illawarra Hawks. Picture: Sylvia Liber

EXCLUSIVEIllawarra Hawks staff stood down as Stratford NBL ownership collapses

Tim Barrow

UNCERTAINTY: Wollongong's Dylan Ryan will have to wait until 2021 for his Olympic chance; (below left) Will the crowds stay away?; (Below right) Blake Govers. Pictures: Asian Football Confederation, NRL Imagery and James Worsfold.

The Debate: Did the IOC make the right call in postponing the Olympics?

Josh Bartlett, Cameron Mee

ON TARGET: Brett Stibners prepares to shoot for the Wollongong Roller Hawks. Picture: Geoff Adams

Brett Stibners supports call to postpone Paralympics

Geoff Adams

Crunch time: Illawarra Hawks. Picture: Sylvia Liber

EXCLUSIVEIllawarra Hawks staff stood down as Stratford NBL ownership collapses

Up in the air: Maddie Studdon. Picture: NRL Imagery.

St George Illawarra back women's team as NRLW under threat

Cameron Mee

CONCERNED: Japanese import Taira Yoshimura (right) in action for Corrimal Rangers during a pre-season contest. Picture: Adam McLean

FREEShootout: Corrimal ponder what happens next due to COVID-19 crisis

Joshua Bartlett

The Great Beach Drive takes you through Fraser Island's rugged interior. Picture: TEQ

Dreaming of the 10 best Australian road trips

Craig Tansley

Hallgrmskirkja, is a Lutheran church in Reykjavk, is the largest church and the tallest structure in Iceland. Picture: Shutterstock

Could cruise ships become floating hospitals?

Daisy Huntly

Stone walls criss cross through farmland on the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mor. Photo: Kathy Sharpe

Ancient relics and wild landscapes enchant on the Aran Islands

Kathy Sharpe

Get the digital version of Today's Paper

Get the digital version of Today's PaperRead Now

Loved by parents and kids: Blue heeler pup sisters Bluey and Bingo, and their parents, Bandit and Chilli will all be appearing in Bluey's Big Play.

'Bluey's Big Play' tour, including Wollongong shows, has been postponed

Brendan Crabb

CANCELLED: The event was due to kick off in late May, and take place at various Illawarra venues. Picture: File image

FREEWollongong Eisteddfod won't take place this year, 'will be back in 2021'

Brendan Crabb

HOME STUDIO: Multi-instrumentalist Greg Mineeff recently released his second full-length album, After Today, via the Greek-based Cosmicleaf Records. Picture: File image

FREEMusicians can use self-isolation to hunker down and be creative, Illawarra artist says

Brendan Crabb

Ten years since fleeing an abusive marriage, Jacquie Charlesworth wants to see a centre set up for women who feel they have no way out. Picture: Sylvia Liber

'Are you in a safe place': Jacquie managed to grab her mobile before taking refuge in the bathroom

Ten years since fleeing an abusive marriage, Jacquie Charlesworth wants to see a centre set up for women who feel they have no way out. Picture: Sylvia Liber

'Are you in a safe place': Jacquie managed to grab her mobile before taking refuge in the bathroom

Moving forward: Melissa Edwards experienced many forms of domestic abuse at the hands of her ex-husband. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Gaps in support for DV 'glaringly clear' to Melissa, after a three year battle

Moving forward: Melissa Edwards experienced many forms of domestic abuse at the hands of her ex-husband. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Gaps in support for DV 'glaringly clear' to Melissa, after a three year battle

Funds welcomed: UNSW's Dr Patricia Cullen, Shellharbour MP Anna Watson and Women's Health Centre's Sally Stevenson. Picture: Sylvia Liber

UPDATEDAustralia's first domestic violence trauma recovery centre a step closer for Illawarra

Funds welcomed: UNSW's Dr Patricia Cullen, Shellharbour MP Anna Watson and Women's Health Centre's Sally Stevenson. Picture: Sylvia Liber

UPDATEDAustralia's first domestic violence trauma recovery centre a step closer for Illawarra

Exotic ports of call are awaiting our return

Exotic ports of call are awaiting our return

Emma Brown

An Easter baked dinner recipe that will knock your socks off

An Easter baked dinner recipe that will knock your socks off

Sponsored Content

Successful businesses create the future, failed ones struggle to react to it

Successful businesses create the future, failed ones struggle to react to it

Sponsored Content

Exotic ports of call are awaiting our return

Exotic ports of call are awaiting our return

Do you know where your money is?

Do you know where your money is?

PODCAST || Connectivity vital to regional Australia

PODCAST || Connectivity vital to regional Australia

Gemma Purves

HOT PROPERTY: 'Aberteifi' (named after a small town in Wales) is located at 24 Barney Street, Kiama. Pictures: NEG Photography

Historic Kiama property sold after almost 80 years in same family

Brendan Crabb

James Ianni, director of Wollongong-based Ianni & Co. Property. Picture: Sylvia Liber

FREE'Tricky' time for buyers, sellers and agents in Illawarra property market due to coronavirus

Brendan Crabb

PROPERTY: 'Willabrook', a 37-hectare property at 30 Parrishs Road, Upper Kangaroo River initially had an asking price of $4.5 million to $4.9 million. Pictures: Supplied

Rock star's Kangaroo Valley property still on the market, with $4m-plus asking price

Brendan Crabb

Make a plan for the weeks ahead

OPINIONMake a plan for the weeks ahead

Community Billboard

Community Billboard

Keep your anxiety in check

Keep your anxiety in check

Gary Bentley

Make a plan for the weeks ahead

OPINIONMake a plan for the weeks ahead

Send us your 'Working From Home' selfies

PHOTOSSend us your 'Working From Home' selfies

Julian O'Brien

Iris Soldi

Age no barrier for Fraternity Club sports president

Agron Latifi

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

Send us your 'Working From Home' selfies

PHOTOSSend us your 'Working From Home' selfies

Julian O'Brien

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

Thinking of moving in with your adult children? Get legal advice first. Image: Shutterstock

Legal minefield: When granny flat arrangements fail

Eileen Wood

Pension rise won't lift many older people out of poverty. Image Shutterstock

Age pension increase announced for March 20

Eileen Wood

FIELD OF EXPERTISE: Cochlear implant inventor Professor Graeme Clark and Aussie cricketing legend Brett Lee have teamed up to urge older Aussies to get their hearing checked.

Cricket legend Brett Lee bowled over by bionic ear inventor

Geraldine Cardozo

'I can't hug my grandparents and mum lost her job': Kiama boy shares how COVID-19 crisis has affected him

'I can't hug my grandparents and mum lost her job': Kiama boy shares how COVID-19 crisis has affected him

Editorial

Just one simple act of kindness can help

OPINIONJust one simple act of kindness can help

Alex Hains

BEARABLE: Woonona resident Amy Harris with her daughters Mabel Harris 1 and Sadie Harris 3 and their teddy bears. Picture: Robert Peet

Bear Hunt haters take a chill pill, it's for the children

Health Minister Greg Hunt made the announcement on Tuesday. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

UPDATEDPrivate hospitals to be used in coronavirus fight

49m ago

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has told foreign cruise ships to go home.

Humanitarian call to repatriate Ruby crew

2hrs ago

Virgin Australia has confirmed it is seeking a federal government bailout amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Virgin considers axing Tigerair pilots

2hrs ago

Seven people with coronavirus while onboard the cruise ship Artania are in intensive care in Perth.

Twelve coronavirus patients in ICU in WA

A large number of baggage handlers in Adelaide are expected to be forced into quarantine.

SA Qantas baggage staff have COVID-19

Tim Dornin

West Australians facing financial hardship amid COVID-19 will get help with power and water bills.

WA pledges to keep power, water connected

The latest snapshot of COVID-19 cases, measures and impacts.

Latest snapshot of the coronavirus impact

A BIT OF FUN: Shaune Moloney and Ben Hochuli are pictured in a screenshot of the video that has reached more than 80,000 people online.

'I made it for 80 people, not 80,000': footy club's hilarious video gets traction

Tim O'Connor

STAYING STRONG: Marliese Heffernan. Picture: Rachel McDonald

Farmers launch online group exercise program to stave off loneliness, depression

Kenji Sato

Empty shelves where toilet paper would usually be stacked.

Panic buying impacts outback stations

Olivia Calver

Rain in the north saw up to 30mm fall on the Liverpool Plains. This is the view from Tony Burgess's place Upland at Spring Ridge, where he will plant bread variety wheat in the next two weeks. He has had 305mm so far this year compared to 276mm for the whole of last year.

Batten down the hatches as strong cold front hits state

John Ellicott

GOING UP: The principles of compounding apply to money and pandemics.

Compounding principle shows why we need to isolate

A sleep study can assist in pinpointing underlying issues to your sleep.

What is a sleep study and why do I need it?

LOPS OF LOVE: Rabbits are social, curious animals who need bunny companions.

What's up doc? Five fun facts about bunnies, that's what

RSPCA