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.
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.
Upper Hunter farmers celebrate as the critical Coulsons Creek Road reopens just before Christmas, ending a costly five-year detour. The $60 million project fixes a botched council upgrade.
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.
Reach Resources finishes a 5,281m drilling program at its Murchison South gold project, targeting a resource upgrade. Assays due in February will guide 2026 plans.
A driver has died after a collision with a milk truck on the South Gippsland Highway near Lang Lang. The truck driver was hospitalised. Major road closures are in place.
A cyclist has died following a serious collision with a truck on the Pacific Highway at Bulahdelah. The southbound lanes remain closed as police investigate. Read the latest traffic updates.
The Pacific Highway is closed southbound at Bulahdelah following a serious crash between a truck and a cyclist. Emergency services, including a helicopter, are on scene. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and use Bulahdelah Way as a detour.
A $1.2 million footpath upgrade is transforming access to The Willows Shopping Centre in Townsville, improving safety and connectivity for thousands of shoppers. Discover the details of this council-led project.
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.
Nearly half of Cockburn residents say a proposed $7 million upgrade for Beeliar Reserve and Community Centre is inadequate. Read the community's concerns and the council's response.
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 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.
A major crash involving a truck has closed the Bruce Highway at Rollingstone, north of Townsville, causing significant delays. Emergency services are on scene.
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?
A former Dragons star faces crypto theft charges, a man admits years of stepdaughter abuse, and reckless stunts headline a busy week in Wollongong and Port Kembla courts. Read the full wrap-up.
The City of Canning has completed a $3 million upgrade to Riverton Leisureplex, featuring a new pool, improved accessibility, and better facilities for families and wellness groups. Explore the changes.
A 48-year-old woman was discovered deceased in a parked vehicle outside the Lake Illawarra police station. Police believe she may have been there for three days. A critical incident has been declared.
Discover key ways Illawarra residents can support locals in need this Christmas, from donating hampers and gifts to volunteering at community events. Get involved and make a difference.
The Wollongong Welsh Choir will hold its last concert this December, ending a 30-year tradition due to dwindling membership and fewer Welsh migrants to the Illawarra region.
ADX Energy has significantly upgraded the gas resource at its Sicily Channel project by 31% to 484 billion cubic feet, bolstered by new technical data and a favourable European energy climate.
The $390 million Mt Ousley interchange project will require full night closures of the M1 Princes Motorway in 2025/2026 for bridge girder installation. Get the latest detour info.
The 2014 attempted abduction of April-lee Gillen in Lake Heights remains unsolved. Police believe someone in the Illawarra community knows the identity of the two men in a black BMW SUV.
Newcastle Council defends its $39.8 million ocean baths upgrade as heritage advocates demand the DA be withdrawn over transparency and alcohol concerns. Full details inside.
Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox wants a pre-season AFL game in Newcastle, saying it could accelerate the $3.65m upgrade of No.1 Sportsground. Record participation surges in the Hunter.
A new study shows Wollongong commuters lose over $1800 annually to traffic congestion. Discover the data and what major roadworks aim to fix it.
A woman from Giru was hospitalised after her car left the Bruce Highway near Ingham. Emergency services responded to the single-vehicle accident on Tuesday afternoon.
The Australian government commits $467 million to Bruce Highway safety works, but critics argue more comprehensive upgrades are needed to address Queensland's growing transport demands.