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

Daily numbers: Case numbers are down in the Illawarra Shoalhaven however hospitalisations are up. Picture: Adam McLean

Illawarra Shoalhaven records 1164 new COVID-19 cases, one death

Connor Pearce

Accused: Jonathan Whitfield was refused bail in Wollongong Local Court yesterday accused of robbery. Picture: Facebook

EXCLUSIVE'It doesn't add up': Warrawong man denies robbery, theft allegations

Shannon Tonkin

Man says he lied when he confessed to fatally stabbing girlfriend at Woonona

GRAPHIC CONTENTMan says he lied when he confessed to fatally stabbing girlfriend at Woonona

Ashleigh Tullis

Photo: File.

WATCHNSW records 20,148 new COVID-19 cases, 30 deaths

Kim Chappell

Qatar will host the Fifa World Cup this year, and faces criticism from human rights groups. EPA/Noushad Thekkayil

How mining, energy companies sponsor your favourite sports to help clean up their image

Tasmanian government picks up jumping castle bill while fund remains unavailable

Tasmanian government picks up jumping castle bill while fund remains unavailable

Meg Powell

Tim Tonkin was living on the streets for six years before finding a mobile home. Photo: Claire Sadler.

'Streets aren't kind': Mobile home becomes safe haven for couple sleeping rough

Claire Sadler

Source: Triple J

Who's going to top the Hottest 100?

Kim Chappell

Fire spreads through Mangerton unit block

COUNCIL ELECTIONSWhy Shellharbour residents could be going back to the polls

PHOTOSLake Illawarra a focus for maritime compliance blitz

20m ago

Tributes as Wollongong union legend Fred Moore passes away at 99

Daily numbers: Case numbers are down in the Illawarra Shoalhaven however hospitalisations are up. Picture: Adam McLean

Illawarra Shoalhaven records 1164 new COVID-19 cases, one death

HERE'S CHEERS: Brewer Andrew Colley created an Australian Pale Ale for one of Sweden's oldest craft brewers south of Stockholm.

A little taste of Australia is making a mark in a Swedish craft brewery

TRUE LOVE: Port Kembla man and WWII veteran Alec Summerside celebrated his 100th birthday at his home with his wife Joan, surrounded by family. Picture: Sylvia Liber.

Port Kembla veteran, devoted family man celebrates a century

BEAUTIFUL: Illawarra performers Jamie Walsh, Ralphy Walter, Jenaya Okpalanze and Brad Weightman. Picture: Wesley Lonergan.

After years'-long rehearsal, 'Beautiful' to hit Thirroul stage

Under pressure: Wollongong Hospital staff on their way into the building today. ISLHD has revealed about 150 of its staff are unable to work on any given day due to COVID-19 isolation requirements. Picture: Robert Peet

EXCLUSIVERevealed: 150 Illawarra public healthcare staff in isolation every day

ROCK AND ROLL: Alezander Adrales, aged four, is showing off his drumming skills online. Photo: Peter Hardin

WATCHThis little drummer boy has the world tapping along to the beat

PHOTOSLake Illawarra a focus for maritime compliance blitz

20m ago

Man accused of Wodonga murder faces court

26m ago

School plan released 'shortly': Perrottet

33m ago

Hunt doubles down on Qld rapid test claims

37m ago

Post-Omicron: will life return to normal?

50m ago

SA virus cases fall by almost a third

54m ago

Benjamin Paul Stiler is charged with the murder of 26-year-old Dwayne Johnson at Wodonga last week.

Man accused of Wodonga murder faces court

26m ago

NSW has recorded 20,148 new COVID-19 cases and 30 deaths in the latest reporting period.

School plan released 'shortly': Perrottet

33m ago

Greg Hunt says claims of the government 'commandeering' RAT supplies have been referred to the ACCC.

Hunt doubles down on Qld rapid test claims

37m ago

Head bust of former prime minister Robert Gordon Menzies wearing a mask. Photo: Kate Healy

Post-Omicron: will life return to normal?

50m ago

Steven Marshall says SA may have reached the peak of the Omicron wave, with case numbers falling.

SA virus cases fall by almost a third

54m ago

Police are searching for a man who ran into the Manning River after a traffic stop in Taree.

Man dies in NSW river after fleeing police

1hr ago

Jeroen Weimar says recruiting retired teachers is a pragmatic step to keep Victoria's schools open.

Vic to unveil back-to-school COVID plan

Callum Godde
1hr ago

An air and sea search is underway for a man missing after a boat capsized off Sydney.

NSW fisherman search continues, dog alive

Callum Godde
1hr ago

Need Insurance for your business?

Contact View Insurance today

EARNING IT: Harry Froling has emerged as a key second-unit piece for Brian Goorjian this season. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Goorjian rocket the catalyst for Froling

Mitch Jennings

LOVING IT: Jamie Soward is relishing a return to the Dragons fold as NRLW coach a decade after spearheading the club's 2010 NRL premiership. Picture: Dragons Media

GAME ON: Soward feeling the love on Dragons return

Mitch Jennings

ON TARGET: Nathan McAndrew prepares to smash the ball while batting for the Sydney Thunder on Wednesday. Picture: Mike Owen/Getty Images

McAndrew, Sydney Thunder to strike at right time

Joshua Bartlett

EARNING IT: Harry Froling has emerged as a key second-unit piece for Brian Goorjian this season. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Goorjian rocket the catalyst for Froling

Kristy Bonner with a nice conditioned 40cm bream from the Basin.

Ulladulla cancels Hisway tourney

RARE SIGHT: Mark Johnston batting for Keira in December. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Cricket set to get green light on Saturday

Joshua Bartlett

Daily numbers: Case numbers are down in the Illawarra Shoalhaven however hospitalisations are up. Picture: Adam McLean

Illawarra Shoalhaven records 1164 new COVID-19 cases, one death

Photo: File.

WATCHNSW records 20,148 new COVID-19 cases, 30 deaths

Photo: File

NSW passes grim milestone as 46 COVID-19 deaths are recorded

Health Minister Greg Hunt says companies who claim home test supplies are being redirected to the national stockpile are lying. Picture: Dion Georgopoulos

'They are lying': Greg Hunt to report retailers to ACCC over RAT claims

Under pressure: Wollongong Hospital staff on their way into the building today. ISLHD has revealed about 150 of its staff are unable to work on any given day due to COVID-19 isolation requirements. Picture: Robert Peet

EXCLUSIVERevealed: 150 Illawarra public healthcare staff in isolation every day

Merryn Porter

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has provisionally approved the Novavax for use in Australia. Picture: Keegan Carroll

Novavax approval sparks hope vaccination rate can hit 98%

Dan Jervis-Bardy

New cases: The local health district has recorded 1806 new COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Picture: Adam McLean

WATCHIllawarra Shoalhaven records 1806 new COVID cases, one death

Merryn Porter

Our shout: Justine McKenna has been overwhelmed by the response to her GoFundMe campaign to buy Wollongong Hospital staff a coffee to thank them for working during the pandemic. Picture: Anna Warr

GOOD NEWSCampaign to shout Wollongong Hospital staff a coffee smashes target

Merryn Porter

BEAUTIFUL: Illawarra performers Jamie Walsh, Ralphy Walter, Jenaya Okpalanze and Brad Weightman. Picture: Wesley Lonergan.

After years'-long rehearsal, 'Beautiful' to hit Thirroul stage

Zoe Cartwright

Victoria Sayle, 10, from Shell Cove with a cute friend. Picture: Sylvia Liber

PHOTOSAll the pictures from Albion Park Show - despite the storm

Natalie Croxon

This weekend's performances of the Sesame Street Circus Spectacular are off. Picture: Supplied

UPDATEDShellharbour Sesame Street shows postponed for a week

Natalie Croxon

Shane Nicholson has gained a strong reputation as an emotive singer-songwriter and talented music producer.

LISTENDifficult reality sparks Nicholson's latest work

Shane Nicholson has gained a strong reputation as an emotive singer-songwriter and talented music producer.

LISTENDifficult reality sparks Nicholson's latest work

Sally-Anne Whitten has performed all over the world but will always call Tamworth home. Photo courtesy Di Stacey

LISTENHome-town girl lives and breathes country

Sally-Anne Whitten has performed all over the world but will always call Tamworth home. Photo courtesy Di Stacey

LISTENHome-town girl lives and breathes country

Jayne Denham wrote her album Wanted here in Australia, when her trip to the US was cancelled due to COVID.

LISTENDenham a Wanted woman in many countries

Jayne Denham wrote her album Wanted here in Australia, when her trip to the US was cancelled due to COVID.

LISTENDenham a Wanted woman in many countries

CITY MOVE: Harcourts Horsham agent Tim Coller has sold St John's Church three times, this time most of the demand came from Melbourne, and ended up with a city owner.

City buyers ditch plans to stay close to the office

CITY MOVE: Harcourts Horsham agent Tim Coller has sold St John's Church three times, this time most of the demand came from Melbourne, and ended up with a city owner.

City buyers ditch plans to stay close to the office

No end in sight in race to the regions

No end in sight in race to the regions

No end in sight in race to the regions

No end in sight in race to the regions

Infrastructure and services racing to keep up across regional Australia

Infrastructure and services racing to keep up across regional Australia

Infrastructure and services racing to keep up across regional Australia

Infrastructure and services racing to keep up across regional Australia

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Get the digital version of Today's Paper

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CYBER CRIME: IT&T ICT Project Manager Dr Sashah Eftekhari, PhD, says small and medium sized businesses need to protect themselves against digital scammers.

Cyber criminals scamming businesses of Sydney and the Illawarra out of millions

Experience the planet's most awe inspiring landscapes

Experience the planet's most awe inspiring landscapes

Have dog, will travel: Planning ahead to make sure your furry family members are safe and comfortable during long car journeys will ensure it's a fun trip for everyone.

On the road: Travel tips to keep your dog safe and happy these holidays

CYBER CRIME: IT&T ICT Project Manager Dr Sashah Eftekhari, PhD, says small and medium sized businesses need to protect themselves against digital scammers.

Cyber criminals scamming businesses of Sydney and the Illawarra out of millions

Sleep troubles? Take action to get the rest your body needs

Sleep troubles? Take action to get the rest your body needs

Under attack: As cyber crime incidences rise, more businesses are taking out insurance to protect from losses.

Cyber crime a growing business threat

Brand-new beachside oasis

Brand-new beachside oasis

House of the Week

The homes you have to inspect this weekend

The homes you have to inspect this weekend

Open for inspection

Spacious family home

Spacious family home

Feature property

Allan Chidziva leading class - photo courtesy of CSNSW

Teaching valuable life skills behind prison's walls

Ocean views: Get a front-row seat to the journey south.

WATCHGet a train driver's eye view of Bondi to Wollongong

Connor Pearce

Marine Rescue NSW's Ulladulla Unit Commander David Hall urges people to carry out basic safety measures before going out onto the water.

South Coast marine rescue commander outlines biggest boating mistakes

Allan Chidziva leading class - photo courtesy of CSNSW

Teaching valuable life skills behind prison's walls

A Wollongong wedding venue became the scene of a bridal horror movie on Saturday, with a freak storm sending the centre into chaos minutes before two newlyweds couples were to make an official entrance.

EXCLUSIVEWollongong DJ stops two brides' worst nightmare

Desiree Savage

ACM file image of beach closed. Picture: Adam McLean

UPDATEDIllawarra beaches closed due to Tsunami warning, hazardous surf

Desiree Savage

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

Community concerned: Speakers at the rally argued against the Kiama South housing development. Picture: Robert Peet

WATCHKiama South rally draws hundreds in opposition

Connor Pearce
2hrs ago

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

WHERE ARE THE WORKERS? Advocates concerned labour shortages will impact access to home care packages.

Worker shortage as home care list drops

Eileen Wood

Want to be the best grandparent you can?

Want to be the best grandparent you can?

Guests toast being aboard Coral Geographer. Photo: Jeurgen Freund

Cruising set to make comeback

Sue Preston

Stay strong, stay connected: We have experienced a disruption to our social connections due to the pandemic, and many of us have seen the impact on our day-to-day sense of wellbeing. Picture: Shutterstock

Loneliness a deeply personal experience

Population paying the price for lack of planning, Letters, January 22, 2022

HAVE YOUR SAYPopulation paying the price for lack of planning, Letters, January 22, 2022

School classroom generic

End this back to school confusion: Editorial, January 21

Amber Azzopardi, Kristy Azzopardi, Kahla Baker & Holly Azzopardi are all receiving COVID vaccinations through the RFDS. Photo: Supplied

Regional kids to roll up their sleeves thanks to the RFDS

Newsroom
1hr ago

Hardy black hollyhock Alcea rosea Nigra and Berberis thunbergia Purpurea in Fiona's garden.

A country garden mainstay | In Fiona's Garden

FIONA OGILVIE
1hr ago

The DAG Sheep Station owner Johnny Krsulja has emerged from lockdown with new songs.

Music and magic at The DAG sheep station

Lydia Roberts

How self-driving cars 'see' where they're going

How self-driving cars 'see' where they're going

Jake Port

PUSSABILITY: Let your imagination go wild and create a feline funhouse. Picture: Shutterstock

No place like home ... Give your cat a fun, fabulous inner life

RSPCA

Hannah Moloney loves the magic of composting. Picture: Good Life Permaculture.

ADVICETurning food waste into garden gold

Hannah Moloney

Picture: Wesley Lonergan

WOLLONGONG 2022How to ride the Wollongong 2022 UCI course from your living room

Picture: Wesley Lonergan

WOLLONGONG 2022How to ride the Wollongong 2022 UCI course from your living room

IN THEIR STRIDE: Julien and Graeme Hill, with Messi and Maggie, weren't concerned. Picture: SILVIA LIBER.

WOLLONGONG 2022Mt Keira Rd to close for UCI, residents take the news in stride

IN THEIR STRIDE: Julien and Graeme Hill, with Messi and Maggie, weren't concerned. Picture: SILVIA LIBER.

WOLLONGONG 2022Mt Keira Rd to close for UCI, residents take the news in stride

EARLY DAYS: The route for the UCI 2022 Road World Championships has been released. Blackbird Cafe owner Chris Henry is cautiously optimistic.

WOLLONGONG 2022Northern Illawarra shops react to UCI Road World Championships road closures

EARLY DAYS: The route for the UCI 2022 Road World Championships has been released. Blackbird Cafe owner Chris Henry is cautiously optimistic.

WOLLONGONG 2022Northern Illawarra shops react to UCI Road World Championships road closures