Wollongong City Council will deploy surveillance cars to monitor timed parking zones from February 2026, replacing manual tyre chalking. The one-year trial aims to improve efficiency and turnover in high-demand areas.
A national car club abandons plans for a 200-person meeting in Wollongong due to a critical shortage of affordable hotel rooms, highlighting a major hurdle for the city's visitor economy.
Wollongong City Council will review the cancelled New Year's Eve fireworks after a wave washed over the breakwall. The probe will ask why there was no Plan B. Read the full story.
An antisocial trend of using cling wrap to reserve public spaces has returned to Wollongong's Stuart Park for New Year's celebrations, sparking local outrage and calls for better enforcement.
Wollongong Art Gallery has closed an exhibition after artist Anthony Lister was charged with multiple offences, including alleged sexual assault. The council is monitoring the case.
Wollongong City Council cancels the 9pm New Year's Eve fireworks display due to dangerous ocean conditions at the harbour. Public safety cited as the top priority.
Wollongong residents condemn racist propaganda distributed in local letterboxes. A former AFP communications head speaks out against the 'filth' targeting the community.
Plan your New Year's Eve in Wollongong with details on foreshore road closures, public transport options, and fireworks displays. Essential travel advice for 31 December 2025.
Ring in 2026 across the Illawarra! Our complete guide covers Wollongong Harbour fireworks, the Summer Carnival, and live music from Royale With Cheese to Touch Sensitive. Find your perfect party.
Wollongong residents have shared ambitious ideas, including a tunnel and a Las Vegas-style sign, for the Flinders St 'arrival boulevard' revamp. What do you think should happen?
Plans lodged to replace the 50-year-old Boat Harbour Motel in Wollongong with a dual-tower apartment complex featuring affordable housing. Public exhibition open until February 9.
From the Kardashians' matching PJs to Taylor Swift's $1 million donation, see how Hollywood's biggest names celebrated Christmas 2025 on social media.
Wollongong's bargain hunters weigh in on the Boxing Day vs Black Friday debate as national spending is set to hit $3.1 billion. Experts warn shoppers to track prices and beware of sophisticated scams.
Perth endured its hottest Christmas Day since 2021, with temperatures soaring to 41.3C. West Australians celebrated by heading to the coast, donning festive gear to beat the extreme heat. Discover how locals and visitors adapted their traditions.
Zolile Ganya-Jones arrived at 4am on December 25, becoming the first baby born on Christmas Day at Canberra Women's and Children's Hospital. New parents Juanita Ganya and Hugo Jones share their festive joy.
Take a trip down memory lane with the Illawarra Mercury's photo gallery showcasing decades of local Christmas Day traditions, from beach barbecues to backyard cricket. See the festive spirit in action.
As the Illawarra Hawks prepare for their third straight NBL Christmas game, we explore whether sport has a place in Aussie holiday traditions. Insights from players and fans.
Get into the festive spirit with The West's ultimate guide to the best Christmas movies. From 'Elf' to 'Love Actually', our picks will delight the whole family this Christmas Eve.
Over 150 volunteers served a festive feast to up to 1200 people at the 25th Samaritans Christmas Lunch in Newcastle, providing vital community support during tough economic times.
Chefs Courtney Roulston and Michael Weldon reveal their favourite Christmas side dish recipes. Get easy steps for a Heirloom Tomato Caesar and Tzatziki Potato Salad to wow your guests.
The Pod Well Travelled dives into festive customs worldwide, from Germany's markets to Japan's KFC Christmas. Discover the holiday magic. Listen to the episode now!
Harley and John's Seafood in Fairy Meadow faced massive Christmas Eve demand, selling five tonnes of prawns and thousands of oysters as queues formed before dawn. Locals share their festive feast plans.
Illawarra restaurants, pubs, and hotels are experiencing high demand for Christmas Day dining as families opt to avoid the stress of cooking at home. Discover the festive menus and prices on offer.
Wollongong and Shellharbour councils announce altered bin collection schedules over Christmas. Find out your new collection days and extra recycling services.
From classic rom-coms to Santa action flicks, discover the 12 definitive categories of Christmas films to plan your perfect holiday viewing. Find your new festive favourite.
Albion Park Village Meats sees a 25% surge in roast orders as Illawarra residents prioritise festive feasts. Owner Glenn Stewart says 'people find the money for Christmas'.
Wollongong revellers face a choice this New Year's Eve: harbour or CBD fireworks? The Illawarra Hotel adds a 9pm CBD show, complementing council's harbour display. Locals share their picks.
Discover where to find the crispiest, most authentic Portuguese tarts in the Illawarra region. From Wollongong to Shellharbour, we reveal the bakeries locals swear by.
Wollongong-born Jenna Owen co-writes and stars in the off-beat festive comedy 'Nugget is Dead: A Christmas Story', a modern Aussie family tale premiering on Stan. Discover the local inspiration.
Wollongong PE teacher Phil Saunders has had all charges against him dismissed in local court. Read the magistrate's detailed reasoning and the emotional courtroom outcome.