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

Anti-lockdown protesters at Wollongong's Flagstaff Hill

LIVEAnti-lockdown protest in Wollongong

Anti-lockdown protesters at a self-styled "freedom rally" at Wollongong lighthouse on Saturday.

'Totally irresponsible' anti-lockdown protest in Wollongong

Glen Humphries
1hr ago

A total of 163 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases have been recorded in New South Wales.

NSW records one death, 163 COVID-19 cases

Marty Silk

Adam Johnston was refused bail after allegedly leading police on a dangerous pursuit through Lake Illawarra suburbs. Picture: Facebook

SUBSCRIBERDisqualified driver led police on high-speed dangerous pursuit through Lake Illawarra, court told

Ashleigh Tullis

The Kookaburras opened their campaign in thrilling fashion against Japan. Picture: Getty

LIVEOlympics blog day one: First medals claimed in Tokyo as typhoon looms

Caden Helmers

Hard times: Kanahooka resident Kylie and her family are among those struggling to make ends meet during the COVID lockdown. Picture: Adam McLean

Kids in tears: how lockdown is making Illawarra families suffer

Glen Humphries

Pet communication during COVID: Nath Morrison and Liv Javier prepare for the opening of the second Walkys Dog Training Academy in the Illawarra at Unanderra. Pictures: Sylvia Liber.

New dog training academy teaches owners how to have a happy canine

Greg Ellis

Meth supplier avoids jail over drug operation in Lake Illawarra

SUBSCRIBERMeth supplier avoids jail over drug operation in Lake Illawarra

Ashleigh Tullis

OPINIONTime to Advance Australia to be more fair

OPINIONCOVID horse has bolted in NSW. Now there's only one way out of mess

No new cases in Illawarra as NSW records highest daily total

Windows smashed as Kiama-bound passenger train clips freight train

Anti-lockdown protesters at Wollongong's Flagstaff Hill

LIVEAnti-lockdown protest in Wollongong

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has agreed to send thousands of extra Pfizer vaccines to NSW.

PM hails 'record day' for COVID jabs

Flying into frame: Emma McKeon is chasing history at the Tokyo Olympics. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Emma McKeon ready to launch bid for Australian Olympic history

Living the dream: Vicki and Lionel Stewart are living in dream isolation in their new tiny home at Jamberoo. Picture: Robert Peet.

From little things relaxing lifestyles come with the evolution of tiny homes

Olympic medal contenders: swimmer Emma McKeon, football player Caitlin Foord, hockey player Blake Govers and surfer Sally Fitzgibbons.

When to watch the Illawarra's athletes during the Olympics

Meet the TikTok stars of the Australian Olympic team

Meet the TikTok stars of the Australian Olympic team

'Totally irresponsible' anti-lockdown protest in Wollongong

1hr ago

Judoka being sent home over Israel stance

2hrs ago

UPDATEDKookaburras survive scare in Tokyo opener

12:09PM

Windows smashed as Kiama-bound passenger train clips freight train

12:00PM

NSW records 163 new local COVID-19 cases

11:44AM

LIVEAnti-lockdown protest in Wollongong

11:00AM

Queensland LNP leader David Crisafulli wants members of the party to 'stop talking about ourselves'.

Crisafulli calls for end to Qld LNP rifts

6m ago

The World Heritage Committee voted to delay any decision on the Great Barrier Reef until 2023.

Palaszczuk backs UNESCO reef decision

1hr ago

Performers during the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. Photo: AAP Image/Joe Giddens

Subdued ceremony opens Tokyo Olympics

More than 70 fines and 100 cautions have been issued to people for breaking SA's COVID-19 rules.

Fines, warnings issued over SA lockdown

1hr ago

Thousands of homes across suburban Adelaide are without power amid stormy weather.

Wind, rain and hail lash South Australia

Tim Dornin
1hr ago

Thousands of angry, unmasked people have marched through inner Sydney to rally against the lockdown.

Angry protesters march against lockdowns

Hannah Ryan
1hr ago

Chief Health Officer Nicola Spurrier says she is encouraged by the high testing rates in SA.

One new case in SA coronavirus cluster

Tim Dornin
2hrs ago

Meet the TikTok stars of the Australian Olympic team

Meet the TikTok stars of the Australian Olympic team

Shivé Prema

Hard fought: Blake Govers battles for possession during the Kookaburras victory over Japan. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

UPDATEDKookaburras survive scare in Tokyo opener

Cameron Mee

Opportunity: Jayden Sullivan has been tipped to shine for the Dragons on Sunday. Picture: Jack Brady

St George Illawarra youngster tipped to soar in crucial Gold Coast clash

Cameron Mee

GAME ON: Tournament organiser Jarrod Pollard.

Virtual contests help to fill void for South Coast footballers

Joshua Bartlett

Hard fought: Blake Govers battles for possession during the Kookaburras victory over Japan. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

UPDATEDKookaburras survive scare in Tokyo opener

Roo beauty: Marco Tilio embraces Australian coach Graham Arnold after scoring against Argentina on Thursday night. Picture: Masashi Hara/Getty Images

COMMENTOlympics offering hope for the future during COVID 'emergency'

Tim Barrow

Focused: Blake Govers. Picture: Getty Images

Kookaburras prepared for Japanese test in Olympic opener

Cameron Mee

Anti-lockdown protesters at a self-styled "freedom rally" at Wollongong lighthouse on Saturday.

'Totally irresponsible' anti-lockdown protest in Wollongong

1hr ago

Why so serious? Australia's vaccine ad compared to the rest of the world

WATCHWhy so serious? Australia's vaccine ad compared to the rest of the world

Quality food plan post COVID: The Fraternity Club general manager Greg Field said food will be a priority when the venue reopens after the present COVID lockdown. Picture: Robert Peet.

The Fraternity Club weathers the COVID storm with drive-thru pizza

CONCERNED: Kerri Haines is worried about COVID-19 coming to the Illawarra through people travelling for the vaccine. Picture: Adam McLean

Revealed: Sydneysiders head south to take Illawarra's vaccines

Get vaxxed baby, but no more Pfizer for you, NSW

DIGESTGet vaxxed baby, but no more Pfizer for you, NSW

Janine Graham

TESTING: A record 86,620 COVID tests were performed in the 24 hours to 8pm Thursday. Picture: Sylvia Liber

No new cases in Illawarra as NSW records highest daily total

Natalie Croxon

SCANNED: Signing in via QR codes helps contact tracers narrow down precisely where COVID cases have been and when. Picture: Adam McLean

Why QR codes are vital for COVID contact tracers

Natalie Croxon

Police set up to catch COVID rulebreakers at Bombo

Police set up to catch COVID rulebreakers at Bombo

Glen Humphries

John Millman has made a winning start to his Olympic campaign in Tokyo.

John Millman's winning start in Tokyo

1hr ago

John Millman has made a winning start to his Olympic campaign in Tokyo.

John Millman's winning start in Tokyo

1hr ago

Blake Govers scores a drag-flick goal in Australia's 5-3 men's hockey win over Games hosts Japan.

Kookaburras forced to dig deep, beat Japan

12m ago

Blake Govers scores a drag-flick goal in Australia's 5-3 men's hockey win over Games hosts Japan.

Kookaburras forced to dig deep, beat Japan

12m ago

Amanda Spratt believes her Australian road race team can win an Olympic medal.

Spratt buoyed by strong road race team

17m ago

Amanda Spratt believes her Australian road race team can win an Olympic medal.

Spratt buoyed by strong road race team

17m ago

Quality food plan post COVID: The Fraternity Club general manager Greg Field said food will be a priority when the venue reopens after the present COVID lockdown. Picture: Robert Peet.

The Fraternity Club weathers the COVID storm with drive-thru pizza

Greg Ellis

Picture: Supplied

Vivid Sydney festival moved to September, with an Illawarra flavour

Desiree Savage

Deadly Science charity founder Corey Tutt is releasing a series of children's books through Australian Geographic. Picture: Supplied

Dapto man to release kids science books with Australian Geographic

Desiree Savage

Sister Brigid and Anjali Sharma one of the teenagers who brought the duty of care case against the Environment Minister. Picture: Supplied

LISTENEight kids and a nun walk into court, and it's no joke for rural Aussies

Sister Brigid and Anjali Sharma one of the teenagers who brought the duty of care case against the Environment Minister. Picture: Supplied

LISTENEight kids and a nun walk into court, and it's no joke for rural Aussies

Brumby Bar & Grill co-owner Patricia Borthwick-Higgs has had to reduce the number of patrons in the pub because she doesn't have the staff to serve them. Picture: Tom Melville

LISTENJobs abound in snow country, so why isn't anyone applying?

Brumby Bar & Grill co-owner Patricia Borthwick-Higgs has had to reduce the number of patrons in the pub because she doesn't have the staff to serve them. Picture: Tom Melville

LISTENJobs abound in snow country, so why isn't anyone applying?

Anna Winter, team leader, run the court-mandated drug diversion program in Tasmania's North-West. Picture: Brodie Weeding

LISTENWhy is everyone in this courtroom so happy?

Anna Winter, team leader, run the court-mandated drug diversion program in Tasmania's North-West. Picture: Brodie Weeding

LISTENWhy is everyone in this courtroom so happy?

There is more to Wingecarribee's population than meets the eye. Photo: Shutterstock

RACE TO REGIONSData reveals this NSW region's ageing population is climbing

There is more to Wingecarribee's population than meets the eye. Photo: Shutterstock

RACE TO REGIONSData reveals this NSW region's ageing population is climbing

Katherine renters are facing a major surge in property prices. Image: SHUTTERSTOCK

Rental price surge prompts housing affordability concerns

Katherine renters are facing a major surge in property prices. Image: SHUTTERSTOCK

Rental price surge prompts housing affordability concerns

Homelessness: Manager of the Hastings Neighbourhood Services Leesa-Rae Harrison.

Homelessness pain as property market prices out locals

Homelessness: Manager of the Hastings Neighbourhood Services Leesa-Rae Harrison.

Homelessness pain as property market prices out locals

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Get the digital version of Today's Paper

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Is using alternative data the future of lending?

Is using alternative data the future of lending?

Rachel Horan

Why customers are turning to comparison websites to source energy deals

Why customers are turning to comparison websites to source energy deals

Dellaram Vreeland

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE: For some people the grief process from the losing a pet can be as intense as that of dealing with the passing of any other family member.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy

Is using alternative data the future of lending?

Is using alternative data the future of lending?

How to take the stress out of moving and guarantee your bond back

How to take the stress out of moving and guarantee your bond back

Filling a void in the market

Filling a void in the market

Della Vreeland

Pictures: Supplied

'Lost in time': Inside the tree-change property surrounded by rainforest and its own waterfall

Pictures: Supplied

'Lost in time': Inside the tree-change property surrounded by rainforest and its own waterfall

Living the dream: Vicki and Lionel Stewart are living in dream isolation in their new tiny home at Jamberoo. Picture: Robert Peet.

From little things relaxing lifestyles come with the evolution of tiny homes

Living the dream: Vicki and Lionel Stewart are living in dream isolation in their new tiny home at Jamberoo. Picture: Robert Peet.

From little things relaxing lifestyles come with the evolution of tiny homes

Pictures: Supplied

'It's a celebration of life': $5.5m South Coast home built by writer Barbara Blackman on the market

Brendan Crabb

15 Aspect Court, Port Macquarie. Photo: Supplied

Holiday at home: Five prestige properties with room for the whole family

Jack Needham

Yes, Sydneysiders can still attend regional open houses

Yes, Sydneysiders can still attend regional open houses

Jack Needham

Living the dream: Vicki and Lionel Stewart are living in dream isolation in their new tiny home at Jamberoo. Picture: Robert Peet.

From little things relaxing lifestyles come with the evolution of tiny homes

Greg Ellis

Pet communication during COVID: Nath Morrison and Liv Javier prepare for the opening of the second Walkys Dog Training Academy in the Illawarra at Unanderra. Pictures: Sylvia Liber.

New dog training academy teaches owners how to have a happy canine

Greg Ellis

Quality food plan post COVID: The Fraternity Club general manager Greg Field said food will be a priority when the venue reopens after the present COVID lockdown. Picture: Robert Peet.

The Fraternity Club weathers the COVID storm with drive-thru pizza

Greg Ellis

Living the dream: Vicki and Lionel Stewart are living in dream isolation in their new tiny home at Jamberoo. Picture: Robert Peet.

From little things relaxing lifestyles come with the evolution of tiny homes

Mollymook's Lauren Martin said she wanted to create a beard-friendly mask, which was longer than the typical mask with adjustable straps. Images: supplied.

South Coast woman's beard-friendly face masks a hit with hairy men

Grace Crivellaro

Best in the business: Illawarra Credit Union chief executive Anthony Perkiss. Picture: Anna Warr.

Illawarra Credit Union named Australia's best

Greg Ellis

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

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

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

FUN TIMES: Shellharbour Anglican College principal Megan Hastie in her pyjamas with Sienna, Evangeline, Liam and Iva . Sylvia Liber

Lockdown no barrier as Shellharbour school embraces pyjama day

Agron Latifi

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

MORE HELP: 80,000 new packages are on the way. Photo: Shutterstock

Government announces 80,000 new home care packages

Eileen Wood

Yuck factor a barrier to bowel cancer screening

Yuck factor a barrier to bowel cancer screening

Rev. Bill Crews shares his rules for living a better life.

Bill Crews: Twelves rules for living a better life

Samara Ross

Wallabies players sing the national anthem. Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong

OPINIONTime to Advance Australia to be more fair

Julian O'Brien

Don't wait: Getting a COVID vaccine - as soon as possible - is the only way we can take personal action to protect our community against further lockdowns. Picture: Shutterstock

How to help make this the last lockdown

COVID horse has bolted in NSW. Now there's only one way out of mess

OPINIONCOVID horse has bolted in NSW. Now there's only one way out of mess

University of Queensland students are working to improve the use of green sugar cane "trash" by converting it into hydrogen through gasification.

New options for sugar cane bagasse

Terry Toohey, Padura Park via Casino, welcomes increasing milk prices for the farmer but says the three major supermarket chains must come to the party and allow other sectors of the supply chain to make a living. "Consumers will pay more for their milk if they know that money helps the farmer," he said.

Competition heats up for fresh milk

Jamie Brown

Sydney Royal Merino judging ring was Griggsy's hideout for decades. Here he and Stephen Burns assess the judge's decision.

It's time to hang-up the camera

Mark Griggs

ADVICE: Researcher calls on parents to check on sleeping children. Picture: Shutterstock

Signs a child is suffering sleep-disordered breathing

DELEGATION: According to Caroline Brunne, one person should not be responsible for the entire family admin load. Photo: Supplied

Tips to help sort out your family admin

MESSAGE: New standards can help end battery cages for good. Picture: Shutterstock

Choose wisely and bid bye bye to the battery cage for hens

RSPCA