New data reveals the soaring cost of education in the Illawarra for 2026. Parents face up to $336,870 for private schooling, while public education hits $95,000 over 13 years. See the full breakdown.
Former St George Illawarra Dragons NRLW player and NSW captain Maddie Studdon has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence-related charges. The ex-Jillaroo was granted conditional bail.
Stuck for ideas with three weeks of Illawarra school holidays left? From skating in the mall to torchlight walks, here are 10 boredom-busting activities for families.
Hundreds of young athletes competed at the annual Lake Illawarra Athletics summer carnival, now renamed to honour life member Howard McGarry. See results and highlights.
For decades, a Bulli family has billeted Illawarra Folk Festival musicians, inspiring their daughter's career. The 2026 festival kicks off January 15-18 with new features.
Kickstart your 2026 fitness journey with our guide to the best gym, yoga, and pilates deals across the Illawarra. From $6/week offers to free trials, find your perfect fit.
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.
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.
Feed the family for under $25! Red Rooster's Whole Roast Dinner deal includes a rotating freebie each week until 3 February. CEO Sam Bragg says it takes the hard work out of roast night.
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.
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.
The Turner family from Perth faces an unimaginable crisis after father Mick and 13-year-old daughter Maddie were both diagnosed with cancer in the same week. Read their heartbreaking story and how the community is rallying to help.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Amidst cost-of-living pressures and global conflicts, celebrating Christmas is a vital act of resilience and connection for Australian families. Discover why.
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.
Forget stressful family trips. Discover how Discovery Parks — Narooma Beach on the NSW South Coast offers true relaxation for parents with kids, featuring heated pools, playgrounds and idyllic Handkerchief Beach.
Children are now sending video wish lists for Christmas presents. Is this a useful modern tool or a sign of growing materialism? We explore the debate and its Australian context.