Free Australia Day Festival at Coogee Beach
Celebrate Australia Day 2026 with free family entertainment at Coogee Beach. Enjoy live music, cultural performances, wildlife encounters, and classic Aussie competitions.
Celebrate Australia Day 2026 with free family entertainment at Coogee Beach. Enjoy live music, cultural performances, wildlife encounters, and classic Aussie competitions.
Discover how Graham Brown turned a passion into a profession, capturing iconic Illawarra sporting moments and earning global recognition. His story is one of timing, persistence, and pure love for the game.
As a severe heatwave looms, we revisit the Hunter's 1939 furnace that killed scores, halted work, and left a tragic mark on local records. Discover the history to understand the present.
A 33-year-old Whitlam man faces court over alleged repeated rape and indecent assault of his ex-partner in the early 2000s. He has been released on conditional bail. Support services information included.
Police hold serious concerns for the welfare of 20-year-old Eghan Khun, last seen on King Street, Warrawong in the early hours of Tuesday. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Explore a fascinating year from the Illawarra Mercury's history column, featuring tales of drunken tree-chopping, fiery ships, political threats, and vintage crime. Dive into 170 years of local stories.
The Illawarra-Shoalhaven region's 2025 progress, led by Port Kembla's major rezoning, unlocks thousands of jobs in clean energy and manufacturing. Industry leaders warn the region must act now or risk losing its strongest position in a generation.
A delicious recap of the Illawarra's biggest food stories from 2025, featuring award-winning restaurants, iconic closures, and exciting new openings. Discover the region's culinary heartbeat.
A rediscovered 1912 book, 'The Ideal Western Australia', reveals the ambitious social blueprint for the state. Explore the untold history of WA's planned future.
Perth is set to host six world-class sporting events in 2026, including the FINA World Swimming Championships and the IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Discover the full schedule.
From the Hawks' championship glory to community triumphs and wild weather, Illawarra Mercury photographers Adam McLean, Anna Warr, and Robert Peet share their standout images and stories from a remarkable year.
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.
Your complete guide to celebrating New Year's Eve in Townsville. Find times for family and midnight fireworks, event locations, transport tips, and essential road closures for a safe and spectacular night.
Discover the best Illawarra pubs and breweries where you can bring your dog this summer. From ocean views to craft beer, find your perfect spot.
Nowra's beloved 90-year-old Roxy Cinemas has triumphantly reopened after severe flood damage. Discover the careful restoration that blends modern upgrades with cherished Art Deco heritage.
Discover six easy, family-friendly bushwalks in and around the Illawarra, perfect for getting kids outdoors. Includes details on trails, wildlife, and safety tips for a memorable adventure.
Relive the year's most thrilling Illawarra sports stories. From the Hawks' NBL championship to local clubs ending decades-long droughts, discover the moments that defined 2025. Read the full countdown now.
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.
Adelaide's ambitious $20 million Grand Opera project is back on, with fresh dates locked in for 2025. Discover the new timeline and what it means for the city's arts scene.
Santa Claus has a special festive message for Illawarra children in 2025, outlining his three simple rules for Christmas Eve and revealing details about his ancient sleigh. Get the full story.
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.
Over 300 young members of Shellharbour Surf Life Saving Club celebrated the festive season with games, water activities and a foil-surfing Santa. See the gallery.
The Illawarra Mercury unveils its exclusive list of 56 standout young athletes set to dominate courts, fields, pools, and slopes in 2025. Discover the region's future champions.
Lion's Den Collectibles opens in Warrawong Plaza, offering Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering & Warhammer. Owners aim to create a community hub where gamers of all ages can play and connect.
Your guide to Perth's best events this festive week, from the Optus Stadium Christmas Festival to Boxing Day beach parties. Find free family fun and major concerts.
A severe heatwave warning is in effect for the Illawarra, with temperatures predicted to reach 35 degrees Celsius. Learn the details, why it's classified as a heatwave, and how to stay safe.
A Victorian man's attempt to avoid a Working With Children Check due to historical offences has been rejected by VCAT. The tribunal upheld the need for child safety. Read the full ruling.
A deadly canine parvovirus outbreak is spreading across the Illawarra, claiming one puppy's life. Vets warn the soil-borne virus can linger for years. Protect your pet now.
Thousands of children with disability or illness celebrated at the annual KidsWish Christmas party at Symbio Wildlife Park. The Illawarra Mercury mascot joined the fun.
Illawarra Hawks great Glen Saville opens up on the immense pressure facing the team as their NBL championship defence teeters. Can they turn it around?