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

Ang Darragh is being remembered as a car enthusiast after she was tragically killed in a road crash on Friday. Picture: Facebook, Supplied

SUBSCRIBER'Lived for her kids': Brother pays tribute to sister killed in horror Figtree crash

Ashleigh Tullis

Allegation defended: Garth Murray was been charged with a rare offence of challenging a police officer to a duel. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

SUBSCRIBERFairy Meadow man 'challenged' police officer to duel

Ashleigh Tullis

Fire crews and neighbours rushed to the scene of an engulfed house fire in Helensburgh on Sunday morning. Picture: Supplied

SUBSCRIBERHelensburgh home destroyed by fire, man suffers burns to arm

Ashleigh Tullis

A man has been injured while abseiling off a cliff near Clover Hill Road walking track on Macquarie Pass.

Complicated rescue to retrieve injured abseiler at Macquarie Pass

Ashleigh Tullis

A motorcyclist in his 20s crashed into this power pole on Lake Avenue, Cringila, on Sunday morning. Picture: Adam McLean

Man dies after crashing into power pole at Cringila

Glen Humphries

A file photo of Wollongong station, where police alleged in court a man pulled a knife on someone after suffering racial abuse. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Man pulled knife at Wollongong station after suffering racial abuse: court

Land and Sea Clean Up: Alessio Zacconer with a tyre he found in Wollongong Harbour on Saturday. Picture: Sylvia Liber.

All the trash found dumped in Wollongong Harbour during clean-up

Greg Ellis

Pillion passenger dies in hospital after crash near Picton

Pillion passenger dies in hospital after crash near Picton

A new venue to open in Thirroul's old Cin Cin site

Mum and girl's lucky escape from runaway truck in Calderwood

SES volunteers haul 12 bags of rubbish up from Bulli Tops escarpment

Roadworker mum Tiarn is back on the job - and driving trucks

Ang Darragh is being remembered as a car enthusiast after she was tragically killed in a road crash on Friday. Picture: Facebook, Supplied

SUBSCRIBER'Lived for her kids': Brother pays tribute to sister killed in horror Figtree crash

Ready, aim: Reno Piscopo fires for Wellington Phoenix against Perth on Sunday. Picture: Adam McLean

Phoenix rise wearing lucky Wollongong Wolves-inspired kit

One dead, three children injured in serious collision on M1 at Figtree

UPDATEDOne dead, three children injured in horror crash on M1 at Figtree

Helping out: SES members Nick Ayre (left) and Dave Bere were at Bulli Tops to collect rubbish over the escarpment for Clean Up Australia Day. Picture: Robert Peet

SES volunteers haul 12 bags of rubbish up from Bulli Tops escarpment

Matthew John Freeborn pleaded guilty to maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child. Picture: Meagan Dillon, ABC News

SUBSCRIBERFormer Holy Spirit teacher jailed for having sex with student

Launceston property developer Errol Stewart has an idea to fix at least one problem with the Tamar River's mud: finding a way to keep the marina functional. Picture: Phillip Biggs

The mud monster swallowing a city's river

SUBSCRIBER'Never a sadness like it': The many faces of Mathew, Piccadilly shooter

20:00PM

SUBSCRIBERNBL Cup: Hawks cop pasting at hands of Wildcats

18:29PM

Phoenix rise wearing lucky Wollongong Wolves-inspired kit

18:00PM

SUBSCRIBERFairy Meadow man 'challenged' police officer to duel

18:00PM

SUBSCRIBER'Lived for her kids': Brother pays tribute to sister killed in horror Figtree crash

17:15PM

Complicated rescue to retrieve injured abseiler at Macquarie Pass

17:05PM

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Picture: Getty Images

DIGESTLockdown ends in NZ, AstraZeneca rollout ramps up

Women are less likely to solely own homes in Australia, new research suggests.

Aust women less likely to solely own homes

2hrs ago

Alison Pennington says women have been bearing the brunt of the COVID recession while governments have targeted stimulus spending in bloke-heavy industries. Picture: Supplied.

Casual job surge in pandemic widened gender pay gap

2hrs ago

A Sydney man will face court after a teenager was threatened with a knife on a train.

Man charged over Sydney train knife threat

A man has died after being pulled from surf on the NSW mid north despite resuscitation attempts.

Man drowns on NSW mid north coast

Hannah Ryan

Peter and Dean Brus walked away after their helicopter crashed near Orange on Saturday. Main photo of the smouldering wreckage. Photo: Troy Pearson/TNV

Father, son walk away from fiery chopper crash

Nick McGrath

WA has received its first shipment of 21,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Latest snapshot of the coronavirus impact

P-plater caught driving at nearly 200km/h, police say

P-plater caught driving at nearly 200km/h, police say

Sandy Powell

FRUSTRATING: Tyler Harvey's 17 points was a lone bright spot for the Hawks in an otherwise dismal night against Perth on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

SUBSCRIBERNBL Cup: Hawks cop pasting at hands of Wildcats

Mitch Jennings

Ready, aim: Reno Piscopo fires for Wellington Phoenix against Perth on Sunday. Picture: Adam McLean

Phoenix rise wearing lucky Wollongong Wolves-inspired kit

Tim Barrow

Save the day: Wolves' Taylor McDonald celebrates Sunday's equaliser against Manly United. Picture: Adam McLean

SUBSCRIBERFrustrated Wolves offer nod to glorious NSL past and A-League future

Tim Barrow

FRUSTRATING: Tyler Harvey's 17 points was a lone bright spot for the Hawks in an otherwise dismal night against Perth on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

SUBSCRIBERNBL Cup: Hawks cop pasting at hands of Wildcats

Watchful: Rob Fisher on his way to a half-century against Wollongong at North Dalton Park. Picture: Anna Warr

Balgownie blow Illawarra premiership race wide open

Tim Barrow

ILLAWARRA PROUD: She's a bone fide Maroons great but inaugural Jillaroos skipper Nat Dwyer has never forgotten where she comes from. Picture: NRL Imagery

SUBSCRIBERDwyer still Illawarra through and through

Mitch Jennings

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Picture: Getty Images

DIGESTLockdown ends in NZ, AstraZeneca rollout ramps up

What does the AstraZeneca spat mean for Australia's vaccine program?

EXPLAINERWhat does the AstraZeneca spat mean for Australia's vaccine program?

A tsunami warning, a review and an apology

DIGESTA tsunami warning, a review and an apology

National Cabinet will meet on Friday, with the next phase of the country's response to the pandemic to be the major topic for discussion. Picture: Getty Images

New approaches to virus risks to be discussed by state, territory leaders

ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith (top) and Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young.

DIGESTQueensland fears COVID superspreader on the loose

Janine Graham

Australian of the Year, Grace Tame. Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong

DIGESTPowerful words on a day of very many words

Janine Graham

IRT Woonona resident Elizabeth Gunter said after the "first nip" of the needle she was fine. At 85, she said she'd be "silly" not to get the COVID vaccine. Pictures: Robert Peet

Wait for COVID vaccine finally over for Woonona aged care residents

Lisa Wachsmuth

The logistics of distributing the COVID vaccine in Australia must run smoothly. Picture: Shutterstock

OPINIONLogistics of COVID-19 vaccine rollout must be perfect

Dr Elizabeth Jackson

Food delivery volunteers wanted: Sarah Callaway, Jeannie Lyall and Kevin Collison with the new refrigerated Meals on Wheels van. Picture: Anna Warr

Meals on Wheels calls for volunteers after COVID restrictions ease

Greg Ellis

Sam Jones, Johannah and Matt Taylor-Watkins have said goodbye to the hustle and bustle of Sydney to open a wine bar and restaurant in the heart of Thirroul. Picture: Sylvia Liber

A new venue to open in Thirroul's old Cin Cin site

Desiree Savage

INFLUENCER: Shellharbour firefighter Mark Williams (pictured at Bass Point) co-runs the Instagram page @Hike_Australia with his partner Leigh. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Shellharbour firefighter finds success as an Instagram influencer

Desiree Savage

Launceston property developer Errorl Stewart wants a solution to the Tamar's mud problem. Picture: Phillip Biggs

LISTENWhy this Australian city is stuck in the mud

Launceston property developer Errorl Stewart wants a solution to the Tamar's mud problem. Picture: Phillip Biggs

LISTENWhy this Australian city is stuck in the mud

ANU student Jozef Meyer points out a dieback affected snow gum in Koscziosko National Park. Picture: Kate Matthews

LISTENWhat's killing our Snow Gums?

ANU student Jozef Meyer points out a dieback affected snow gum in Koscziosko National Park. Picture: Kate Matthews

LISTENWhat's killing our Snow Gums?

Dr Alex Ritchie and his daughter, Shona, at his home in Canberra. PHOTO: Tom Melville

LISTENUncovering Canowindra's forgotten fossils

Dr Alex Ritchie and his daughter, Shona, at his home in Canberra. PHOTO: Tom Melville

LISTENUncovering Canowindra's forgotten fossils

Brewpubs offer creative menus to match the beers, creating a destination for locals and tourists. Pictures: Michael Turtle

Crafty brewers blazing hoppy trails across the country

Michael Turtle

Enjoy a private food and wine tasting experience at Heifer Staton Wines, Orange.

The NSW region that really shines in autumn

Louise Goldsbury

Millions of crabs emerge from the Christmas Island forest and head for the sea.

Cupid hits Christmas Island for annual journey to the sea

Explore Travel

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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

Grateful for every day: Prue and Tim Granger.

Man in the mirror': How dementia reversed the roles for carer Prue and her dad

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

Harness the power of word of mouth

Harness the power of word of mouth

Emma Brown

See Floriade in all its glory in Canberra on this Travelrite/The Senior escorted tour with Maureen and Paul Lucas. Photo: Paul Lucas

Join a September tour of some of Australia's best gardens in NSW and the ACT

HOT PROPERTY: According to the CoreLogic report, strong growth was recorded in the Dapto/Port Kembla area. Pictured are properties recently sold in these suburbs.

SUBSCRIBERThe two Wollongong suburbs where property prices are rapidly on the rise

HOT PROPERTY: According to the CoreLogic report, strong growth was recorded in the Dapto/Port Kembla area. Pictured are properties recently sold in these suburbs.

SUBSCRIBERThe two Wollongong suburbs where property prices are rapidly on the rise

Pictures: Supplied

A stone's throw from ocean, Woonona deceased estate expected to fetch $2m

Pictures: Supplied

A stone's throw from ocean, Woonona deceased estate expected to fetch $2m

PROJECT: The proposed subdivision, which is located on Golden Valley Road, follows a rezoning of the land. Pictures: Robert Peet, Supplied

51 new residential lots slated for Jamberoo's Golden Valley Road

Brendan Crabb

Why Illawarra first home buyers could struggle in 2021

SUBSCRIBERWhy Illawarra first home buyers could struggle in 2021

Brendan Crabb

Wollongong's 21-storey 'Signature' complex at 1703/10-18 Regent Street. Photos: supplied

SUBSCRIBERWollongong tower unit up for grabs as owners sell up and move to Queensland

Brendan Crabb

Land and Sea Clean Up: Alessio Zacconer with a tyre he found in Wollongong Harbour on Saturday. Picture: Sylvia Liber.

All the trash found dumped in Wollongong Harbour during clean-up

Greg Ellis

Spellbound: Pippa Grant 4, Oliver Hanley, 7, and Maximilian Grant, 7, check out Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on day one of the Illawarra Brick Show at Berkeley. Picture: Anna Warr.

Thousands flock to Berkeley for annual Lego brick show

Greg Ellis

Mentor: Flagstaff support coordinator and counsellor Gemma Sheehy loves how employees such as Natalie Gartshore respond to face-to-face mentoring. Picture: Sylvia Liber.

'Super rewarding': Female mentors wanted for new Flagstaff program

Greg Ellis

Land and Sea Clean Up: Alessio Zacconer with a tyre he found in Wollongong Harbour on Saturday. Picture: Sylvia Liber.

All the trash found dumped in Wollongong Harbour during clean-up

Food delivery volunteers wanted: Sarah Callaway, Jeannie Lyall and Kevin Collison with the new refrigerated Meals on Wheels van. Picture: Anna Warr

Meals on Wheels calls for volunteers after COVID restrictions ease

Greg Ellis

Helping the environment: Lake Illawarra South Public School students Farrah Cody, 10 and Paige Hogben 11preparing for Clean Up Australia Day. Pictures: Anna Warr.

Children help clean up Shellharbour on Friday

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

Save the day: Wolves' Taylor McDonald celebrates Sunday's equaliser against Manly United. Picture: Adam McLean

SUBSCRIBERFrustrated Wolves offer nod to glorious NSL past and A-League future

Tim Barrow

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

ALONE AND VULNERABLE: Single older women without children face unique challenges. Image: Pixabay

The single woman, no kids paradox

Eileen Wood

SHOW GOES ON: The fundraising event will be the first time Maria Venuti will sing publicly since her stroke five years ago.

Maria Venuti to return to stage for 80th birthday

Geraldine Cardozo

IN THEIR ELEMENT: Silver Salties having a swell time at Terrigal on the NSW Central Coast.

You don't need gills to be in the water

John Piggott

A lego parent's worst nightmare. Picture: Shutterstock.

OPINIONAll in all, Lego parents are another brick in the wall

Julian O'Brien

'Please, buy the steak instead of the schnitzel'

COMMENT'Please, buy the steak instead of the schnitzel'

Mark Sleigh

DIDN'T READ IT: Christian Porter in parliament in February.

OPINIONYeah nah, didn't read it but I know Christian Porter didn't do it - PM

Ben Langford

James and Elise Nixon, Leewan, Yarrabandai, with their children, Maggie, Henry and Elkie.

Nixon family's hat-trick of wins

Mark Griggs

GENERATIONAL: Jenny Hodges and Robert Hamilton, both of Wagga Show Society, reflect on three-generations of society presidents from the Hamilton family. Photo: Nikki Reynolds

Three generations of Hamilton family serve as Wagga Show Society president

Nikki Reynolds

Star Witness (and handler Alex Whittakar) along with stable companion Nicconi, will both continue their stud duties at Widden Stud's newly acquired Victorian base of the former Sun Stud at Riddles Creek. Photo Virginia Harvey

Money boost a star turn for the horse industry

Virginia Harvey

SIMPLY STYLISH: Lyrical white quilt cover from Sheridan's new autumn/winter range.

How to choose the best pillow and other bedding questions

RENOVATED DELIGHT: Making use of raked ceilings, demolishing walls and opening the inside to the outside has turned this mid-century shack in Coffs Harbour into a sleek California-style home.

Let a winner of The Block explain a minimalist renovation

HOUSE | DESIGN

Food delivery volunteers wanted: Sarah Callaway, Jeannie Lyall and Kevin Collison with the new refrigerated Meals on Wheels van. Picture: Anna Warr

Meals on Wheels calls for volunteers after COVID restrictions ease

Greg Ellis