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

EXPOSURE: The Parq on Flinders complex is one of two known apartment blocks in Wollongong caught up in the current COVID outbreak. Picture: Anna Warr

Two Wollongong apartment complexes see COVID cases

Natalie Croxon

Lake Illawarra pelican tragedy as dogs left out of control

Lake Illawarra pelican tragedy as dogs left out of control

Ben Langford

An 80 per cent vaccination rate is needed to end lockdowns, the Grattan Institute says. Picture: Geoff Jones

The vaccination rate needed to end lockdowns

Finn McHugh

Police request ADF help in enforcing lockdown restrictions

LIVEPolice request ADF help in enforcing lockdown rules

Mercury newsroom

CHAMPION: Jessica Fox of Australia holds the gold medal after winning the Women's C1 final. Picture: AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

LIVETokyo Olympics day six: Jessica Fox claims Australia's eighth gold medal

Joshua Bartlett

AFFECTED: Gwynneville Bakery has been listed as a new venue of concern, with a case visiting on Saturday morning. Picture: Anna Warr

UPDATEDWollongong bakery, supermarket emerge as COVID exposure sites

Natalie Croxon

ROUNDOFF: Aerial spraying over East Corrimal Reserve in 2008 drew protests.

RoundUp ban for Wollongong playgrounds but drone spraying on the cards

Ben Langford

Pay-it-forward generosity: KidSWish fundraising and events manager Renee Hawira and Symbio natives keeper Liz Florance prepare for the second annual KidsWish Christmas Party for more than 3000 children at the family run zoo. Picture: Robert Peet.

How Symbio is paying-it-forward with Discover vouchers to help children during COVID

Greg Ellis
2hrs ago

Summer beachside dining option for the city's food trucks

New disaster payments will struggle to cover the mortgage: union boss

WATCHFour under 60s and a teenager explain why they were vaccinated against COVID-19

Dates change for all uni offers after HSC drama

EXPOSURE: The Parq on Flinders complex is one of two known apartment blocks in Wollongong caught up in the current COVID outbreak. Picture: Anna Warr

Two Wollongong apartment complexes see COVID cases

Date with destiny: Emma McKeon. Picture: Clive Rose/Getty Images

McKeon's date with destiny arrives as 100m final looms

The protesters showed their feelings by getting really close together at the lighthouse.

For our new Dumb Rebellion, it's all about the feelings

Lake Illawarra pelican tragedy as dogs left out of control

Lake Illawarra pelican tragedy as dogs left out of control

Racing to the front: Saya Sakakibara pushes for victory in Tokyo on Thursday. Picture: Ben Curtis/AP

Nightmare start can't stop Saya Sakakibara as she chases Tokyo glory

Student Harry Allen (pictured), 19, got the Pfizer vaccine and said it "went really well" as he "didn't feel a thing" from the jab on Monday

WATCHFour under 60s and a teenager explain why they were vaccinated against COVID-19

How Symbio is paying-it-forward with Discover vouchers to help children during COVID

2hrs ago

Australian women cruise through opening day of Olympic sevens tournament

19:40PM

Rose's faith in Virgil to bloom on Olympic stage

19:30PM

Two Wollongong apartment complexes see COVID cases

19:15PM

Lake Illawarra pelican tragedy as dogs left out of control

19:00PM

McKeon's date with destiny arrives as 100m final looms

19:00PM

Gladys Berejiklian rejected claims her government failed by imposing COVID restrictions too late.

NSW shatters virus record, rules tightened

2hrs ago

Six people on board the bulk carrier Darya Krishna are being transferred into WA hotel quarantine.

WA bulk carrier crew to enter quarantine

A report warns reopening Australia before 80 per cent of the population is vaccinated will be dire.

Reopening with 50pc vaxxed 'kills 30,000'

David Crisafulli says the LNP will put forward environmental policies that show "we're fair dinkum".

Qld LNP side step net zero commitment

Tropical Cyclone Seroja damaged more than 875 buildings and 32 were completely destroyed.

Long road to rebuild after WA cyclone

Michael Ramsey

RULES BROKEN: Sydneysiders have been caught trying to access COVID-19 vaccines at the Bathurst clinic on William Street.

Sydneysiders caught leaving lockdown for COVID vaccinations

Jacinta Carroll

Angus Taylor (left) says the joint funding with the UK will help create jobs and reduce emissions.

Australia, UK to fund low-emissions tech

Georgie Moore

NSW has asked to use ADF personnel during Sydney's lockdown. Australia's golden guy Zac Stubblety-Cook (inset). Photos: AAP

DIGESTHow to clean up our 'world-class mess

Janine Graham

In the clear: Emma Tonegato starred for Australia during the opening day of the women's rugby sevens competition. Picture: Shuji Kajiyama/AP

Australian women cruise through opening day of Olympic sevens tournament

Cameron Mee

Jumping for gold: Shane Rose will launch his Tokyo campaign on Friday. Picture: Bimbadeen Park

Rose's faith in Virgil to bloom on Olympic stage

Cameron Mee

Date with destiny: Emma McKeon. Picture: Clive Rose/Getty Images

McKeon's date with destiny arrives as 100m final looms

Cameron Mee

In the clear: Emma Tonegato starred for Australia during the opening day of the women's rugby sevens competition. Picture: Shuji Kajiyama/AP

Australian women cruise through opening day of Olympic sevens tournament

Racing to the front: Saya Sakakibara pushes for victory in Tokyo on Thursday. Picture: Ben Curtis/AP

Nightmare start can't stop Saya Sakakibara as she chases Tokyo glory

Cameron Mee

Positive: US pole vaulter Sam Kendricks. Picture: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Illawarra athletes given all clear after Covid lockdown scare

Pay-it-forward generosity: KidSWish fundraising and events manager Renee Hawira and Symbio natives keeper Liz Florance prepare for the second annual KidsWish Christmas Party for more than 3000 children at the family run zoo. Picture: Robert Peet.

How Symbio is paying-it-forward with Discover vouchers to help children during COVID

2hrs ago

EXPOSURE: The Parq on Flinders complex is one of two known apartment blocks in Wollongong caught up in the current COVID outbreak. Picture: Anna Warr

Two Wollongong apartment complexes see COVID cases

NSW has asked to use ADF personnel during Sydney's lockdown. Australia's golden guy Zac Stubblety-Cook (inset). Photos: AAP

DIGESTHow to clean up our 'world-class mess

AFFECTED: Gwynneville Bakery has been listed as a new venue of concern, with a case visiting on Saturday morning. Picture: Anna Warr

UPDATEDWollongong bakery, supermarket emerge as COVID exposure sites

RULES: Police officers conduct compliance checks at the car park near Bellambi Beach. Picture: Anna Warr

Wollongong residents among 239 new COVID-19 cases

Natalie Croxon

Shellharbour council has introduced measures to help people suffering financial stress due to the COVID pandemic.

Shellharbour council waives fees for COVID financial victims

Glen Humphries

Police pulled over a man allegedly speeding in Wollongong, who had come all the way from Liverpool. Picture: Facebook

Liverpool man hit with COVID fine for travelling to see our sunrise

Glen Humphries

The bakery remains open for business. Picture: Anna Warr

Gwynneville Bakery identified as venue of concern after visit by COVID case

Lisa Wachsmuth

Australia were no match for reigning Olympic water polo champions Serbia, losing 14-8.

Serbia feed on Sharks in men's water polo

31m ago

Australia were no match for reigning Olympic water polo champions Serbia, losing 14-8.

Serbia feed on Sharks in men's water polo

31m ago

Lauren Reynolds and Saya Sakakibara (centre) will lead the Australian charge in BMX Racing.

Aussies in Action - Day 8

38m ago

Lauren Reynolds and Saya Sakakibara (centre) will lead the Australian charge in BMX Racing.

Aussies in Action - Day 8

38m ago

Novak Djokovic is through to the Tokyo Olympic semi-finals after defeating Japan's Kei Nishikori.

Djokovic through to Olympic tennis semis

52m ago

Novak Djokovic is through to the Tokyo Olympic semi-finals after defeating Japan's Kei Nishikori.

Djokovic through to Olympic tennis semis

52m ago

Who needs to go out when the events come to you! Get comfy in those pyjamas for a virtual boat show, a major music festival in your loungeroom, a cooking class and kids workshops from the Discovery Space. Pictures: Robert Peet / Supplied / Anna Warr

Seven events Illawarra residents can visit from their lounge

Desiree Savage

SOOTHING SOUL: Singer-songwriter Kane 'Calcite' Neville has been writing music to deal with anxiety and hopes others dealing with mental health know they are not alone. PICTURE: Robert Peet

GOOD NEWS'You're not alone': Figtree musician shares struggles of anxiety

Desiree Savage

Culinary escape: Rockpool may be empty but Illawarra residents don't need to wait until they can travel to experience an occasional metro meal.

Rockpool Bar & Grill now delivering ready to heat meals to Wollongong

Greg Ellis

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?

Dual income family to become homeless

Dual income family to become homeless

Dual income family to become homeless

Dual income family to become homeless

Andy Lynch played 229 games for Castleford during his stellar rugby league career. Photo: SW Pix

PHOTOSLynch trades historic English rugby league career for NSW South Coast life

Andy Lynch played 229 games for Castleford during his stellar rugby league career. Photo: SW Pix

PHOTOSLynch trades historic English rugby league career for NSW South Coast life

Australia's national obsession goes regional

Australia's national obsession goes regional

Australia's national obsession goes regional

Australia's national obsession goes regional

Get the digital version of Today's Paper

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

88 and 90 Renfrew Road. Picture: Supplied

Two for one: Werri Beach properties fetch total of $3.5m prior to auction

88 and 90 Renfrew Road. Picture: Supplied

Two for one: Werri Beach properties fetch total of $3.5m prior to auction

8 Seaview Street, Kiama.

Open houses you may (or may not) be able to attend in the Illawarra and South Coast this weekend

8 Seaview Street, Kiama.

Open houses you may (or may not) be able to attend in the Illawarra and South Coast this weekend

Pictures: Supplied

Inside the $5m Jamberoo acreage property that's now on the market

Brendan Crabb

Regional areas, particularly those close to the coast, have been popular with city buyers. Photo: Sylvia Liber

What's next for regional house prices?

Jack Needham

This project in Newrybar, NSW was commenced after the Covid-19 pandemic began. Photo: Supplied

Architects see 'surge' in requests for regional work

Jack Needham

Pay-it-forward generosity: KidSWish fundraising and events manager Renee Hawira and Symbio natives keeper Liz Florance prepare for the second annual KidsWish Christmas Party for more than 3000 children at the family run zoo. Picture: Robert Peet.

How Symbio is paying-it-forward with Discover vouchers to help children during COVID

Greg Ellis
2hrs ago

SUPPORTED: Forty-two people sleeping rough in the Illawarra will have a roof over their head before 2025, as part of the Together Home program. Picture: Marck Newsham.

Safe homes for 42 of the Illawarra's most vulnerable

Zoe Cartwright

CRATES OF KITTENS: Donna Ashelford with one of the many cats that arrived from regional NSW to find new homes in the area. Picture: Robert Peet

Dubbo sends crates of kittens to alleviate Illawarra 'drought'

Zoe Cartwright

Pay-it-forward generosity: KidSWish fundraising and events manager Renee Hawira and Symbio natives keeper Liz Florance prepare for the second annual KidsWish Christmas Party for more than 3000 children at the family run zoo. Picture: Robert Peet.

How Symbio is paying-it-forward with Discover vouchers to help children during COVID

2hrs ago

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

Adam Zarth. Picture Adam McLean.

Business Illawarra joins the call for return of JobKeeper

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

The protesters showed their feelings by getting really close together at the lighthouse.

For our new Dumb Rebellion, it's all about the feelings

Ben Langford

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

The protesters showed their feelings by getting really close together at the lighthouse.

For our new Dumb Rebellion, it's all about the feelings

Ben Langford

How many more less than zero is OK , Premier?

OPINIONHow many more less than zero is OK , Premier?

There were 102,233 real heroes on Saturday

OPINIONThere were 102,233 real heroes on Saturday

Mercury newsroom

Merino icon Bomber Moxham, Mullengudgery stud, Nyngan, with AWI Chairman, Jock Laurie, Deloraine, Walcha, catch up when inspecting displays during the day.

Midstate Merino's day

Mark Griggs

Squadron Leader Kate Yaxley, a visiting fellow of UNSW Canberra, with Charles Sturt University professor Bruce Allworth, Kelpie Sarge and the Sky Shepherd drone. Photo: Olivia Calver

Do drones stack up to man's best friend?

Olivia Calver

ASSET OR PEST: Kangaroos could be an asset to farmers if their population was managed better to avoid boom-and-bust cycles.

Roos could be a commodity to farmers under proposed national plan

Jamieson Murphy

Some might not know you have to submit a "valid notice of intent to claim a deduction for personal superannuation contributions". Picture: Shutterstock.

ADVICEGetting super contributions wrong hurts tax deductions

Noel Whittaker

A future electric vehicle concept for wireless charging from the road. Picture: Shutterstock.

OPINIONImagine a road that can charge an electric car as it drives along

Mathew Dickerson

Spider venom could be game-changing for heart-attack treatments. Picture: Shutterstock.

Could spider venom help save your life from heart attack?

Deborah Devis