Wollongong City Council will deploy surveillance cars to monitor timed parking zones from February 2026, replacing manual tyre chalking. The one-year trial aims to improve efficiency and turnover in high-demand areas.
A national car club abandons plans for a 200-person meeting in Wollongong due to a critical shortage of affordable hotel rooms, highlighting a major hurdle for the city's visitor economy.
Celebrate Australia Day 2026 with free family entertainment at Coogee Beach. Enjoy live music, cultural performances, wildlife encounters, and classic Aussie competitions.
Wollongong City Council will review the cancelled New Year's Eve fireworks after a wave washed over the breakwall. The probe will ask why there was no Plan B. Read the full story.
An antisocial trend of using cling wrap to reserve public spaces has returned to Wollongong's Stuart Park for New Year's celebrations, sparking local outrage and calls for better enforcement.
Wollongong Art Gallery has closed an exhibition after artist Anthony Lister was charged with multiple offences, including alleged sexual assault. The council is monitoring the case.
Wollongong City Council cancels the 9pm New Year's Eve fireworks display due to dangerous ocean conditions at the harbour. Public safety cited as the top priority.
Wollongong residents condemn racist propaganda distributed in local letterboxes. A former AFP communications head speaks out against the 'filth' targeting the community.
Plan your New Year's Eve in Wollongong with details on foreshore road closures, public transport options, and fireworks displays. Essential travel advice for 31 December 2025.
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.
Wollongong residents have shared ambitious ideas, including a tunnel and a Las Vegas-style sign, for the Flinders St 'arrival boulevard' revamp. What do you think should happen?
Plans lodged to replace the 50-year-old Boat Harbour Motel in Wollongong with a dual-tower apartment complex featuring affordable housing. Public exhibition open until February 9.
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG ended in just two days, leaving 90,000 fans disappointed and Cricket Australia facing huge losses. Curator Matt Page explains the grassy pitch decision.
England's historic two-day Boxing Day Test victory ends a 15-year drought in Australia and delivers a multi-million dollar financial hit to Cricket Australia due to lost match days. Read the full analysis.
Australia's dramatic batting collapse at the MCG has the Boxing Day Test on track to finish inside two days, posing a major financial blow for Cricket Australia. Follow the live action.
Perth's Boxing Day sales saw huge crowds at Karrinyup Shopping Centre, with nearly 100,000 shoppers expected. Discover the trends, top stores, and national spending forecasts.
Shoppers descended on Perth's Karrinyup Shopping Centre and CBD for Boxing Day sales, with major retailers reporting strong traffic and eager bargain hunters. Discover the scene and the deals.
Newcastle's iconic Boxing Day races made a triumphant return, with over 5000 attendees defying cooler weather. The event, boosted by headliner Hot Dub Time Machine, saw a surge in pre-sales and a vibrant party atmosphere.
Geelong's CBD was packed as bargain hunters descended for the annual Boxing Day sales. Retailers reported strong crowds and a positive start to the post-Christmas shopping period.
Wollongong's bargain hunters weigh in on the Boxing Day vs Black Friday debate as national spending is set to hit $3.1 billion. Experts warn shoppers to track prices and beware of sophisticated scams.
Black Friday sales have dramatically reshaped Australian holiday shopping, with new data showing higher spending and earlier purchases compared to traditional Boxing Day sales. Explore the shift in consumer behaviour.
Australian shoppers can save thousands on Samsung fridges, TVs, soundbars & more this Boxing Day. Limited-time PayPal offer adds extra $100 off. Grab deals before they sell out.
For many Aussies, the real holiday joy begins on December 26th with a marathon of cricket, sailing, and international sports. Discover why Boxing Day sport outshines Christmas.
England's cricketers train in Santa hats on Christmas Day at the MCG, seeking levity amid Ashes defeat and off-field criticism. Australia's relaxed squad prepares for a potential whitewash. Read the full story.
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.
The West Australian confirms its print edition will not publish on Christmas Day, returning with a special Boxing Day issue. Stay updated online at thewest.com.au.
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.