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

District Skate Oak Flats is being forced to close after Michael Ford was given an eviction notice. Picture: Adam McLean

'Devastating': Oak Flats skate rink forced to close after lease terminated

Desiree Savage

File image

SUBSCRIBERWollongong man admits to beating 8-week-old puppy

Ashleigh Tullis

RESILIENT: Gracie Skinner has called for Wollongong City Council to install lights and security cameras at skate parks after she was hospitalised last Wednesday. Picture: Anna Warr.

'I felt hands push me': Gracie calls for CCTV at Berkeley skate park after six-foot fall

Zoe Cartwright

ROAD UPGRADE: The Calderwood urban development area. File photo. Picture: Adam McLean

Developer to upgrade road under Calderwood agreement

Natalie Croxon

NEW BEGINNINGS: Margaret Lamb, 65, has gone from having nothing to a beautiful piece of something, securing a rental in a new affordable housing block in Corrimal. Picture: Anna Warr

Margaret looked at 40 rentals before turning to a refuge in desperation

Desiree Savage

Wollongong woman claims million-dollar Lotto win

Wollongong woman claims million-dollar Lotto win

Mathew Hodder pleaded guilty to high-range drink driving. Picture: Facebook

SUBSCRIBERWombarra man crashed into tree while four times over alcohol driving limit

Ashleigh Tullis

OPPOSED: City Beach is one of five beaches in Wollongong where shark nets are placed each summer. Picture: Anna Warr

Wollongong council's stance on shark nets welcomed

Natalie Croxon

A sneak peek inside the off-limits Corrimal cokeworks

New date announced for L'Étape bike race

Hunt up for Anzac Day return for St George Illawarra Dragons

Illawarra police urge public to stay COVID-safe this Anzac Day

District Skate Oak Flats is being forced to close after Michael Ford was given an eviction notice. Picture: Adam McLean

'Devastating': Oak Flats skate rink forced to close after lease terminated

IN SIGHT: Paul Gallen and Lucas Browne. Picture: Adam McLean

SUBSCRIBERBrowne promises to 'knock out' Gallen during heavyweight battle in Wollongong

A reef structure being positioned 1.6km south of Long Point at Merimbula in 2018.

A 'reel' coup: Call to install artificial reef in Illawarra waters

Footage of the incident was caught on video.

SUBSCRIBERUgly off-field incident at Kiama rugby league match caught on camera

Lachlan Raymond is accused of robbing a chef on his way home at Albion Park. Picture: Facebook

SUBSCRIBERUnanderra man robbed teen chef of perfume bottles, court hears

(Left to right) Deborah Hamilton, Phil Bourke, Hans Hornig, Dorothy Dean, Bill Dean, Col Potts, Isabelle Plattner and Wayne Burgess at Albion Park RSL ahead of the Anzac Day events. Picture: Adam McLean

Your guide to Anzac Day dawn services and marches across the Illawarra

Developer to upgrade road under Calderwood agreement

21:00PM

Wollongong woman claims million-dollar Lotto win

19:31PM

CAPTAIN'S CALL: Home, sweet home for rested Hawks

18:55PM

SUBSCRIBERWombarra man crashed into tree while four times over alcohol driving limit

18:30PM

SUBSCRIBERLomax backs Wollongong boxer to shine at the WEC

18:05PM

'Devastating': Oak Flats skate rink forced to close after lease terminated

18:00PM

A man has been charged with the murder of Gold Coast mother Kelly Wilkinson.

Gold Coast murder case set for court

1hr ago

Two NSW mining firms will pay an estimated $1.5m bill for breaching environmental lead regulations.

NSW miners to pay up for lead breaches

1hr ago

A NSW Supreme Court judge has prevented a woman from saying her former lover sexually assaulted her.

Woman barred from publishing rape claim

1hr ago

Brendan Murphy hopes to have all vulnerable Australians in phase 1a vaccinated by mid-2021.

Disability care residents waiting for jabs

1hr ago

Victoria's vaccination hubs will provide shots for anyone aged over 70 with or without bookings.

Vic mass vaccination hubs open to over 70s

1hr ago

Embattled NSW MP John Sidoti says he has always acted with integrity and honour.

Sidoti to face second day of ICAC grilling

Tiffanie Turnbull
1hr ago

Strong consumer confidence is expected to be reflected in March retail spending figures.

Buoyant confidence to lift retail spending

Colin Brinsden, AAP Economics and Business Correspondent
1hr ago

An expert says Australia could face a crisis if US and China tensions erupt into conflict in Taiwan.

Crisis warning for Australia over Taiwan

Matt Coughlan

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Sam Froling of the Hawks goes up for the dunk in front of the Illawarra faithful during a game in February. Picture: Anna Warr

CAPTAIN'S CALL: Home, sweet home for rested Hawks

AJ Ogilvy

SUPPORT: Zac Lomax and Tyler Sargent-Wilson. Picture: Adam McLean

SUBSCRIBERLomax backs Wollongong boxer to shine at the WEC

Joshua Bartlett

Back in action: Ben Hunt is close to a return after hurting his leg. Picture: Adam McLean

Hunt up for Anzac Day return for St George Illawarra Dragons

Pamela Whaley

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Sam Froling of the Hawks goes up for the dunk in front of the Illawarra faithful during a game in February. Picture: Anna Warr

CAPTAIN'S CALL: Home, sweet home for rested Hawks

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay has been linked to a potential role at Melbourne Victory. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

SUBSCRIBERWellington Phoenix maintain their focus despite speculation over Talay's future

Joshua Bartlett

IN SIGHT: Paul Gallen and Lucas Browne. Picture: Adam McLean

SUBSCRIBERBrowne promises to 'knock out' Gallen during heavyweight battle in Wollongong

Joshua Bartlett

Aus Post ban a blow to regional producers

DIGESTAus Post ban a blow to regional producers

Smiles beam under masks as travel bubble opens

DIGESTSmiles beam under masks as travel bubble opens

Picture: Getty Images

EXPLAINERHow Australia's vaccine rollout fares globally

At least 885,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine had been administered in Australia so far, making the instances of blood clots rare. Picture: Shutterstock

UPDATEDTGA confirms death 'likely linked' to AstraZeneca vaccine

PM prepares nation for longer border closure

DIGESTPM prepares nation for longer border closure

A NSW woman has reportedly died after developing blood clots a day after being vaccinated. Picture: Shutterstock

PM, premier urge calm after NSW clot death

Photos: Shutterstock

DIGESTAs we hurtle towards a climate endgame, the pandemic rages on

Kim Chappell

Advice was changed for the AstraZeneca vaccine in Australia due to the blood-clotting risk. Picture: Karleen Minney

EXPLAINERHow come some AstraZeneca vaccine recipients develop blood clots

Andrew Brown

District Skate Oak Flats is being forced to close after Michael Ford was given an eviction notice. Picture: Adam McLean

'Devastating': Oak Flats skate rink forced to close after lease terminated

Desiree Savage

A Nimmitabel family dressed up for the occasion at a previous years' event. Photos: Mark Burgess

WHAT'S ONCorsets, goggles and hats on for Nimmitabel's steampunk festival

Ellouise Bailey

CHIRPING UP: Wollongong and District Avicultural Society president John Walker. Picture: Adam McLean.

WHAT'S ONMore success for Whiskey ahead of annual Bulli bird show

Agron Latifi

Community solar farms empowering small towns

LISTENCommunity solar farms empowering small towns

Community solar farms empowering small towns

LISTENCommunity solar farms empowering small towns

Latarnie McDonald and Rodney Carter are trying to make kangaroo grass a viable crop. Picture: Tom Melville

LISTENWould you eat Kangaroo Grass bread?

Latarnie McDonald and Rodney Carter are trying to make kangaroo grass a viable crop. Picture: Tom Melville

LISTENWould you eat Kangaroo Grass bread?

Peter Hayes has been auctioneer and lessee of the Beaudesert pig and calf saleyard for 19 years. Picture: Larraine Sathicq

LISTENThe story of one town's fight to retain its heritage

Peter Hayes has been auctioneer and lessee of the Beaudesert pig and calf saleyard for 19 years. Picture: Larraine Sathicq

LISTENThe story of one town's fight to retain its heritage

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Feeling breathless? Dizzy? Fatigued? Don't assume its your age, it could be your heart

Feeling breathless? Dizzy? Fatigued? Don't assume its your age, it could be your heart

Independence Square in Accra, Ghana. It commemorates the independence of Ghana from the United Kingdom in 1957. Picture: Shutterstock.

Haven of peace: Ghana celebrates its independence with eyes on future growth

Collaborative law focuses on using effective and constructive communication to resolve property settlement matters. Picture: Shutterstock

Family law without the fight: How collaborative law can save time, money and heartache

Feeling breathless? Dizzy? Fatigued? Don't assume its your age, it could be your heart

Feeling breathless? Dizzy? Fatigued? Don't assume its your age, it could be your heart

Discovering the beauty of Regional NSW

Discovering the beauty of Regional NSW

Illawarra Health & Services Directory 2021

Illawarra Health & Services Directory 2021

Nicki Davey

Wombarra beachfront home snapped up by Sydney buyer for $6m-plus

SUBSCRIBERWombarra beachfront home snapped up by Sydney buyer for $6m-plus

Wombarra beachfront home snapped up by Sydney buyer for $6m-plus

SUBSCRIBERWombarra beachfront home snapped up by Sydney buyer for $6m-plus

'Out of this world': Inside the Werri Beach home with nearly $8m price tag

SUBSCRIBER'Out of this world': Inside the Werri Beach home with nearly $8m price tag

'Out of this world': Inside the Werri Beach home with nearly $8m price tag

SUBSCRIBER'Out of this world': Inside the Werri Beach home with nearly $8m price tag

Gemma Gillett and husband Tom were "surprised at what we couldn't get" for around the million-dollar mark in the Illawarra. Picture: Supplied

SUBSCRIBER'Are you for real?' Couple's shock at quick jump in northern house prices

Brendan Crabb

Former prime minister buys weekend getaway in Gerringong

SUBSCRIBEREx-prime minister buys $2.7m weekend getaway in Gerringong

Brendan Crabb

90 Belinda Street, Gerringong, sold off-market for $1,327,500.

SUBSCRIBERMore at auction? The Illawarra sellers trying their luck off-market

Brendan Crabb

NEW BEGINNINGS: Margaret Lamb, 65, has gone from having nothing to a beautiful piece of something, securing a rental in a new affordable housing block in Corrimal. Picture: Anna Warr

Margaret looked at 40 rentals before turning to a refuge in desperation

Desiree Savage

TO THE SKIES: Children and carers board the Link Airways joy flight at Shellharbour Airport. Picture: Adam McLean

Children in foster care taken on joy flight over the Illawarra

Natalie Croxon

Scamwatch: Scammers phishing for data

Scamwatch: Scammers phishing for data

NEW BEGINNINGS: Margaret Lamb, 65, has gone from having nothing to a beautiful piece of something, securing a rental in a new affordable housing block in Corrimal. Picture: Anna Warr

Margaret looked at 40 rentals before turning to a refuge in desperation

SWEET TREAT: Berry Tea Shop owner Paulina Collier with Jules Sebastian on Friday evening at the launch of her book, Tea & Honesty. Picture: Rachael Tagg Photography, rachaeltagg.com.au

Stylist Jules Sebastian pours heart and soul into Berry book launch

Dayle Latham

Joy: Ron Hedley, with his wedding day shirt and bow tie in a bag, said he would have loved to take Marie Hill on a honeymoon on the Indian Pacific to Perth. Pictures: Max Mason-Hubers

GOOD NEWSHunter couple aged 93 and 100 prepare for wedding on Sunday

Helen Gregory

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

Edwards claims national 1500m title, secures Tokyo Olympic spot

PHOTOSEdwards claims national 1500m title, secures Tokyo Olympic spot

Courtney Ward

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

GREEN IS GOOD: Tony Kanellos has plenty of priceless childhood memories of times spent in his family backyard.

A time when the grass was greener

Rowan Cowley

Enjoy meeting and serving travellers at the William Creek Hotel. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission.

Fancy a working holiday?

Sue Preston

Cafes and shops in Kings Cross, Sydney, 1933. Photo: National Library of Australia.

Fun and frolics up at the Cross

John Piggott

BIG DADDY: Lucas Browne at the announcement in Wollongong recently of his fight against NRL great Paul Gallen. Picture: Adam McLean.

OPINIONAll we can say is 'Good luck Paul Gallen ... you might need it'

Illawarra Mercury

Prime Minister Scott Morrison receives a COVID-19 vaccination at Castle Hill Medical Centre in late February. Photo: Getty Images

OPINIONAhead of winter, where is the PM's sense of vaccine urgency?

Julian O'Brien

Economic indicators ignore the pandemic

Economic indicators ignore the pandemic

Dr Alex Frino

Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt, who is in front of the Darling River, wants to get the money from the emergency water infrastructure rebate scheme into farmer's hands now.
Photo: Supplied

Feds extend water rebate for 12 months, but still no official start date

Samantha Townsend
1hr ago

In the Muttama Creek catchement, Tamara Schaal from Leuphana University of Lueneburg, lead investigator in the project.

What could the future of rural landscapes look like in years to come?

Stephen Burns

Director George Miller attends the premiere of Mad Max: Fury Road in 2015. Mr Miller will direct the prequel Furiosa, which will be partially filmed in Hay.

Long-awaited Mad Max prequel Furiosa to be shot on location in Hay

Jessica McLaughlin

No-one makes it through life unscathed, but it is possible to remain intact. Picture: Shutterstock.

Our attitude toward setbacks determines our personal growth

Gary Bentley

There are various signs to look out for that will let you know when your baby is ready for solid food. Picture: Shutterstock

Hey baby! Take the anxiety out of feeding in the first six months

Karen Hardy

Save Melissa, please. Picture: Supplied

OPINIONThings I've learned from Married at First Sight

Karen Hardy