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

Police handle some of the seized plants (left) and Lake Illawarra Police District Sergeant Peter Northey addresses reporters (right) Picture: Robert Peet.

UPDATEDIllawarra girl's prank call exposes mum's pot crop: police

Angela Thompson

Rodney Back. Source: Facebook

SUBSCRIBER'Rodney, just stop': Wanted man ends up handcuffed and soaking wet after failed ocean escape

Shannon Tonkin

Signs: Coalcliff resident Sean Linkson would like to see signs similar to those on the Mornington Penisula (inset) along Lawrence Hargrave Drive to encourage riders to travel single file. Picture: Adam McLean

'Make cyclists ride single file on Lawrence Hargrave Drive'

Glen Humphries

CLEAN UP: Volunteers bring some of the rubbish collected by divers and surfers from the harbour to the shore for disposal. Picture: Adam McLean.

Harbour Clean Up collects almost one tonne of rubbish

The changes will remain in place "until the need for them ceases".

Wollongong Bishop outlines changes to Communion amid coronavirus concerns

Lisa Wachsmuth

Mitchell Stewart has denied dropping a bag of cocaine at Balgownie Hotel last year. Picture: Facebook

SUBSCRIBERWollongong businessman charged with cocaine possession at work Christmas party

Ashleigh Tullis

Common crime: An Albion Park Rail petrol station manager, Tony Iannella, is pleased police investigate deliberate fuel theft. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Albion Park Rail petrol station manager speaks out about fuel theft

Ashleigh Tullis

SHOW TIME: Dapto's Graham Draper, founder of GongLUG, at work on one of his many LEGO displays. Picture: Robert Peet

Annual Illawarra event to showcase dozens of custom-built LEGO displays

Brendan Crabb

Man accused of crashing into cars whilst drink driving at Wollongong

Illawarra shoppers start stockpiling due to coronavirus fears

New 'luxury' development in Wollongong's CBD nearing completion

Colony of tiny microbats derails Wollongong council stormwater work in Dapto

Police handle some of the seized plants (left) and Lake Illawarra Police District Sergeant Peter Northey addresses reporters (right) Picture: Robert Peet.

UPDATEDIllawarra girl's prank call exposes mum's pot crop: police

A joint training day showing the Western Region Police Rescue Squad around Lake Illawarra and some flood rescue training around Windang Bridge. Picture: Illawarra Police Rescue Squad Facebook page

Behind the scenes of the Illawarra's most incredible police rescues

MUSIC: Brisbane's Blues Arcadia will be among the headliners for this year's Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival. The community festival is in its 33rd year. Picture: Supplied

Things to do in the Illawarra this week - March 2

MUSIC: Brisbane's Blues Arcadia will be among the headliners for this year's Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival. The community festival is in its 33rd year. Picture: Supplied

Kiama to host annual celebration of jazz, blues at three-day festival

STAYING: Hawks owner Simon Stratford. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Stratford vows to stay on as Hawks owner

Presenting the Illawarra's adorable babies of 2019

Presenting the Illawarra's adorable babies of 2019

UK prepares for severe virus spread

17m ago

SKorea orders more beds as cases rises

1hr ago

Harbour Clean Up collects almost one tonne of rubbish

19:30PM

Wollongong Bishop outlines changes to Communion amid coronavirus concerns

19:00PM

Albion Park Rail petrol station manager speaks out about fuel theft

19:00PM

SUBSCRIBER'Rodney, just stop': Wanted man ends up handcuffed and soaking wet after failed ocean escape

18:54PM

The changes will remain in place "until the need for them ceases".

Wollongong Bishop outlines changes to Communion amid coronavirus concerns

Lisa Wachsmuth

A low-end pandemic could cost the global economy $US2.33 trillion. Picture: Shutterstock

Pandemic could knock $2.3 trillion or more from global economy

Kirsten Lawson

Demand for hand sanitiser has outstripped supply at several stores across Wollongong; while stocks of other household items are running low.

Illawarra shoppers start stockpiling due to coronavirus fears

Lisa Wachsmuth

The changes will remain in place "until the need for them ceases".

Wollongong Bishop outlines changes to Communion amid coronavirus concerns

Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young, has confirmed a 10th coronavirus case.

Tenth Qld virus case a student from China

Nicholas McElroy and Darren Cartwright

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy pictured last week. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

Cash rate cut to new low of 0.5 per cent

Kirsten Lawson

HE'S BACK: Former Wanderer Mark Bridge (right) celebrates after scoring a goal. The 34-year-old has joined the Corrimal Rangers in 2020. Picture: Getty Images

Mark Bridge out of retirement, ready for next chapter at Corrimal

Joshua Bartlett

In form: Daniel Sams bats for NSW XI at North Dalton Park on Tuesday. Picture: Adam McLean.

Daniel Sams stars as NSW XI gain upper hand in Wollongong tour match

Cameron Mee

UPGRADED: Dragons recruit Billy Brittain has been promoted to the club's top 30 squad. Picture: NRL photos

Dragons trio earn upgrades

Mitch Jennings

HE'S BACK: Former Wanderer Mark Bridge (right) celebrates after scoring a goal. The 34-year-old has joined the Corrimal Rangers in 2020. Picture: Getty Images

Mark Bridge out of retirement, ready for next chapter at Corrimal

Success: Kembla Grange trainer Kerry Parker won with Sorridere.

Kembla Grange Classic door still open for Parker

Tim Barrow

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Canberra United defender Lauren Keir says she can't wait to join the Illawarra Stingrays in the coming weeks. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

Illawarra Stingrays snare Canberra United defender Lauren Keir

Joshua Bartlett

The view from Ronda. Photo: Nicole Phillips

Why this ancient Adalusian festival is an experience for the senses

Nicole Phillips

Navigating the other-worldly desert landscapes of the US

Navigating the other-worldly desert landscapes of the US

Mark Daffey

Spectrum of the Seas will be moved to Australia and offering free cruises to those involved in fighting the bushfires. Picture: Supplied

Huge cruise deals emerge as coronavirus pushes ships south

Bernadette Chua

Get the digital version of Today's Paper

Get the digital version of Today's PaperRead Now

MUSIC: Brisbane's Blues Arcadia will be among the headliners for this year's Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival. The community festival is in its 33rd year. Picture: Supplied

Things to do in the Illawarra this week - March 2

Brendan Crabb

MUSIC: Brisbane's Blues Arcadia will be among the headliners for this year's Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival. The community festival is in its 33rd year. Picture: Supplied

Kiama to host annual celebration of jazz, blues at three-day festival

Brendan Crabb

NEW TRACK: Independent Port Kembla artist Courtney Teixeira has self-released her new single Remedy. Picture: Supplied

Port Kembla singer hopes new single will start conversations about mental health

Brendan Crabb

Do you know where your money is?

Do you know where your money is?

Strong partnership: (From left) Ray Morcom's Mardi Smoother, Braiden Lowe and Andrew Morcom, and VERTO's Maria Meyers.

Perfect match: VERTO partnering with businesses and apprentices in mission to ensure skills future

Sponsored content

Pain and suffering has a cost... but it can also be compensated

Pain and suffering has a cost... but it can also be compensated

Sponsored Content

Do you know where your money is?

Do you know where your money is?

Autumnal hues of the USA and Canada

Autumnal hues of the USA and Canada

Emma Brown

Have a break: This summer explore more of our vast continent without worrying about network coverage. With Pennytel you can get 98.8 per cent coverage across Australia's populated areas.

Keeping covered this summer

PROJECT: Featuring 77 residential apartments that sit atop four floors of commercial space, Avantè is located on the crest of Rawson Street near Crown Street Mall. Picture: Supplied

New 'luxury' development in Wollongong's CBD nearing completion

Brendan Crabb

Greenwell Point waterfront property for sale for first time in 50 years

Greenwell Point waterfront property for sale for first time in 50 years

Brendan Crabb

FOR SALE: Heather and Neil Tait with the Big Potato in 2017. The land housing the potato is now up for sale, with a price guide of $920,000. Picture: Michelle Thomas

Robertson's famous Big Potato listed for sale with $920K price tag

Brendan Crabb

CARER: Illawarra resident Nikki Bushell, whose daughter made an attempt on her own life nearly two years ago. Picture: Robert Peet

‘I thought I had to hide every knife’: A mother’s story

Brendan Crabb

Thanks to rehab and psychotherapy Bruce McMillan has sufficiently recovered from his own mental health problems and is now helping others with theirs. Picture: Robert Peet

How talking helped this Wollongong man after years of keeping suicidal thoughts to himself

Lisa Wachsmuth

CARER: Illawarra resident Nikki Bushell, whose daughter made an attempt on her own life nearly two years ago. Picture: Robert Peet

‘I thought I had to hide every knife’: A mother’s story

Community Billboard

Community Billboard

Find a garage sale in NSW and the ACT

Find a garage sale in NSW and the ACT

Proceeds from the 2019 i98FM Illawarra Convoy have gone towards the Illawarra Cancer carers patient transport program.

Convoy's gift keeps Illawarra Cancer Carers volunteers on track

Community Billboard

Community Billboard

Green dream in a fragile land

Green dream in a fragile land

Michelle Haines Thomas

Find a garage sale in NSW and the ACT

Find a garage sale in NSW and the ACT

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

In the battle between Paramedics (above) and Ambulance Australia, it's Paramedics that is the clear winner.

OPINIONTelevision's ambulance shows do battle each week

Glen Humphries

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

DISINCENTIVE: Working seniors lose pension and pay tax. Image: Shutterstock

Pension's unkind cuts

Eileen Wood

SEA FARE: A six-time Australian spearfishing champion, Ben Cropp has never lost his passion for the sport and gets out on the reef at every opportunity.

Deep into his element

John Piggott

MAGIC NUMBER: If you've had more than 10 sexual partners in your lifetime, you may be at a greater risk of developing cancer. Photo: Shutterstock.

Sexual partners linked to cancer

Samara Ross

CLEAN UP: Volunteers sort and count over 300 kilograms of rubbish as part of last year's inaugural habrour clean up. Picture: Adam McLean.

OPINIONBring a drink bottle, gloves and smile for Harbour Clean Up

Julian O'Brien

Disincentivised: The kebab shop across the road has also closed.

OPINIONHarder for cars? Let's not 'disincentivise' the entire Wollongong CBD

Ben Langford

Hannah Baxter and her children - Laianah, Aaliyah and Trey - were murdered by the kids' father on Wednesday. Picture: Facebook

OPINIONWhen will domestic violence in Australia be taken seriously?

Jenna Price

NEW POLICY: Deputy Prime Minster Michael McCormack said aviation was a major regional issue. Photo: Karleen Minney

Regional aviation to take off under new federal government policy

2hrs ago

Amy McIntosh turned her life around after beating an addiction to ice. Picture: Emma Hillier

Recovered addict in support of ice inquiry's findings

ON THE TOOLS: German carpenter Titian Dorn is part of the volunteer team at the Kangaroo Valley BlazeAid camp. Photo: Sylvia Liber

Blaze Aid brings Kangaroo Valley back to life

The NSW government has announced stamp duty relief for some victims of the devastating bushfires.

Stamp duty relief for fire-hit NSW buyers

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said there was an escalation of diagnoses in the state.

Further coronavirus cases confirmed in NSW

AAP reporters

How David Littleproud plans to make agriculture sexy again

How David Littleproud plans to make agriculture sexy again

Jamieson Murphy

Lake Illawarra Police District Sergeant Peter Northey addresses reporters on Tuesday. Picture: Robert Peet.

Young girl's prank call exposes mum's pot crop: police

Angela Thompson

OUTBREAK: The closure of Charles Sturt University campuses is on the table in event of coronavirus outbreak. Photo: FILE

CSU closure on the table in event of coronavirus outbreak

Nadine Morton

Ted Little and Central Western ewe competitions coordinator, Dominique Nixon, watches on with Kate Kirk, Bundemar stud, Baldry, Jennifer Jones, Darriwell stud, Trundle and Bernadette Crouch, Karu, Condobolin.

Central West champs

Mark Griggs
2hrs ago

At least 10 individual cattle breeds saw a rise in exhibits at the Royal Canberra Show, which was also boosted by the return of competitors in the Saler, Santa Gerturdis, Lincoln Red and Highland rings.

Is this the revival of cattle at Canberra Show?

Lucy Kinbacher and Stephen Burns

"The targets have been achieved so now it's time to take off embargoes"

"The targets have been achieved so now it's time to take off embargoes"

Samantha Townsend

PAYMENT LIFT: Interest-only loans will likely face conversion to principal and interest.

Maturing interest-only loans facing huge jump in costs

OPTIONS: With so many beautiful animals available, which one is right for you?

Everything you need to know to find your pawfect match

RSPCA

NEW BEGINNINGS: Many architects are already designing in fire prone areas using designs that are more sustainable and cost effective in the long term.

Rebuilding after the fires