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.
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.
Four workmates were rescued by a ferry skipper after their boat capsized off Hillarys on Monday evening. Read the dramatic details of their 45-minute ordeal.
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.
A 70-year-old man has died after being pulled from the water at Dunsborough Beach in Western Australia. Emergency services responded but were unable to save him.
Marine Rescue NSW urges skippers to respect dangerous coastal bars like Swansea this holiday season. Last summer saw over 100 emergency responses. Safety tips and lifejacket advice inside.
A fisherman has died and another is missing off Cape Jaffa. The tragic incident comes as new data shows a 48% surge in drowning deaths among over-65s across Australia.
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.
Twelve people evacuated after a fierce fire tore through a Cooks Hill unit block. Four residents jumped from windows to escape, with five taken to hospital. Read the latest from the scene.
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.
New images reveal WA's first vertical public primary school in East Perth, a $165m project for 600+ students. Public comment is open until December 23.
An elderly man and a younger woman suffered life-threatening burns in a fierce apartment fire on Water St, Spring Hill. Fire crews made a daring rescue. Read the latest on the investigation.
A man was freed by emergency crews after a serious collision between a ute and a truck on the Gillies Range Road near Cairns. Read the latest on the rescue and road conditions.
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.
A yacht skipper was rescued by Marine Rescue NSW after suffering an eye injury and losing steering off the coast near Port Stephens. The seven-hour overnight mission brought them safely to shore.
Emergency services rushed to Geelong's Cunningham Pier after a fire ignited underneath the structure. The blaze was brought under control, with no injuries reported. Read the full details.
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.
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.
A severe heatwave is gripping Newcastle and the Hunter, with temperatures soaring 15°C above average. Extreme fire danger declared and wildlife struggles. Here's how to stay safe and help native animals.
A massive fire tore through the Thomas Creative factory in Unanderra, requiring 35 firefighters to bring it under control. Police are investigating the cause of the significant blaze.
The family of missing WA farmer Mark Adams faces the heartbreaking reality he died at sea. The 62-year-old disappeared while fishing alone off Albany.
A dramatic early morning rescue saved five people and a blue heeler puppy after their vessel began sinking 30 nautical miles off the Queensland coast near Ayr. All were winched to safety and are in good health.
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.
A dramatic marine rescue unfolded near Townsville as the RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter saved five people from a capsized boat. Read the full story of the emergency operation.
WA Police have scaled back the marine search for a 62-year-old Mt Barker man missing near Albany after his catamaran was found adrift. Beach patrols continue.
A 60-year-old woman was rescued from a deep cave in the remote Great Victoria Desert. The incident revives the dramatic history of Empress Spring, first discovered by explorer David Carnegie in 1896. Read the full story.
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.