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 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.
Construction on the $600m Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone begins early 2026, creating nearly 600 jobs and connecting 1.8GW of clean power. Read about the region's energy future.
AJ, 18, went from a traumatic childhood to performing for a massive crowd with the Unbroken Carollers, a group formed by charity Musicians Making a Difference to support at-risk youth.
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.
A serious crash on the Pacific Highway near Urunga has caused major delays, injuring one woman. Police investigations continue, with motorists urged to allow extra travel time.
A Wollongong magistrate has identified major problems with the prosecution's case against a man charged over the 1993 disappearance of Pauline Sowry, but denied bail due to alleged threats against police. Read the latest court developments.
Construction on the $4 billion Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone will begin early 2026, creating nearly 600 jobs and connecting 1.8GW of clean power. Read more about this major NSW project.
A $5 million McDonald's proposal opposite Toukley Public School has been formally rejected by Central Coast Council, ending a year-long community fight over traffic and safety concerns.
An eight-month-old Eastern Grey kangaroo joey named Rooster is thriving after being thrown from his mother's pouch. Australian Reptile Park staff call his survival a festive miracle.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge shares a powerful wartime story of finding a life's purpose in peace after tragedy, urging compassion following Sunday's events.
Exclusive first image reveals plans for six towers, including three 40-storey skyscrapers, on the old Bunnings site in central Wollongong. The $500m project could house over 3000 people.
A busy week in Wollongong courts saw ex-footballer Wendell Sailor arrested, Trent Merrin avoid conviction for crypto theft, and a $2.5 million embezzlement case. Read the latest local legal news.
A 61-year-old Central Coast man has been sentenced to four years in prison for defrauding the Australian government through a scam involving visa applications and business grants. Read the full details of the case.
The NSW government's draft planning framework proposes merging the Hunter and Central Coast into a single region. The Property Council calls for a clear metropolitan strategy to unlock housing and jobs.
Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths remains calm despite a growing injury list ahead of the crucial A-League Men's clash against Central Coast Mariners. Get the latest team news and his confident outlook.
Wollongong businesses lament a 'step backwards' as fire safety concerns force a ban on outdoor dining in Crown Lane. Discover the impact on local nightlife and council plans.
A Wollongong man required surgery after a long-time friend, wearing a motorcycle helmet, attacked him with a machete inside his Fairy Meadow home. The attacker has pleaded guilty. Read the shocking details.
The City of Canning invites residents to a free New Year's Day concert and fireworks display at Shelley Foreshore on January 1, 2026. Enjoy live music, family activities and a stunning finale over the Canning River. Plan your visit now.
Ian Palamara was sentenced to over five years in prison for a reckless assault that caused grievous bodily harm to Carissa Edwards in a Kembla Grange park. The victim faces a guarded prognosis for her vision.
A new $25 million shopping centre in Alkimos gets the green light, featuring a supermarket, childcare, medical centre, and 301 car parks. The project is a major boost for the growing northern suburb.
Wollongong City Council has awarded the Lagoon Restaurant lease to Sydney hospitality giant The Grounds of Alexandria. The five-year deal promises a new era for the Stuart Park site. Read the full story.
Plans for a new 79-place Montessori childcare centre on church land in Lake Heights have been submitted to Wollongong City Council. The development includes a shared underground car park and church upgrades. Read the full details.
A festive gift wrap fundraiser at Cairns Central is raising vital funds to upgrade the Special Care Nursery at Cairns Hospital, providing crucial support for premature and sick newborns and their families.
Newcastle Jets' unbeaten start shattered by Central Coast Mariners in a ruthless 4-1 A-League Women's defeat. Captain Cassidy Davis demands improvement after a delayed and disappointing F3 Derby clash.
A 55-year-old man was stabbed at Bankstown Central in Western Sydney. A 27-year-old man has been charged. Read the latest on this shocking incident.
A fast-moving bushfire has gutted homes in Koolewong, NSW. Over 250 firefighters battled the blaze as residents watched on in horror. Read the latest updates.
At least 12 homes have been lost in a fierce bushfire at Koolewong on the NSW Central Coast, as extreme heat and winds drive dangerous conditions across multiple regions. Residents urged to enact survival plans.
Homes have been engulfed in a fast-moving bushfire near Woy Woy on the Central Coast. Residents in several streets are told to leave immediately if safe to do so. Read the latest updates and safety advice.