Charlton Hart shares a personal reflection on spending the festive season alone, offering a raw and honest perspective on solitude, self-worth, and finding peace between Christmas and New Year's Eve in Australia.
Transport for NSW has detailed road closures around Wollongong Harbour for New Year's Eve fireworks. Plan your trip with public transport advice and key times.
Police continue the search for a knifeman after a fatal stabbing in Perth's Aubin Grove on Christmas Eve. The victim was found in a shopping centre carpark.
King Charles's 2025 Christmas message, delivered from Westminster Abbey, calls for strength in diversity following terror attacks in Sydney and Manchester. Read his full message of hope.
Thousands of backpackers celebrated Christmas at Sydney's Coogee Beach after heeding warnings to avoid Bronte following the Bondi attack. The move averted a repeat of last year's chaos.
A quiet Whitlam street descended into chaos on Christmas Eve as tactical police arrested a 39-year-old man. Residents were told to stay inside during the tense two-hour operation. Read the full story.
A violent incident at Hakea Prison on Christmas Eve left two officers injured, highlighting the severe overcrowding crisis at the WA facility. Read the latest on safety concerns.
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.
Zolile Ganya-Jones arrived at 4am on December 25, becoming the first baby born on Christmas Day at Canberra Women's and Children's Hospital. New parents Juanita Ganya and Hugo Jones share their festive joy.
A Throsby resident found a venomous tiger snake in his garage on Christmas Eve. Expert Gavin Smith safely removed the uncommon urban visitor, highlighting snake safety and respect.
A man has died after being found with stab wounds on Talisker Gate in Aubin Grove on Christmas Eve. Homicide squad detectives are investigating and urge witnesses to come forward.
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.
A teenage boy has died and two others are in a critical condition after a car hit a tree on the NSW Mid North Coast on Christmas Eve. Police are investigating and appealing for dashcam footage.
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.
Get into the festive spirit with The West's ultimate guide to the best Christmas movies. From 'Elf' to 'Love Actually', our picks will delight the whole family this Christmas Eve.
A husband and wife looking at Christmas lights in Pakenham rescued a 23-year-old man from a violent kidnapping. The victim was attacked with a machete before fleeing to safety. Police are investigating.
Over 150 volunteers served a festive feast to up to 1200 people at the 25th Samaritans Christmas Lunch in Newcastle, providing vital community support during tough economic times.
Chefs Courtney Roulston and Michael Weldon reveal their favourite Christmas side dish recipes. Get easy steps for a Heirloom Tomato Caesar and Tzatziki Potato Salad to wow your guests.
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!
Harley and John's Seafood in Fairy Meadow faced massive Christmas Eve demand, selling five tonnes of prawns and thousands of oysters as queues formed before dawn. Locals share their festive feast plans.
A Norwegian visitor's Australian Christmas holiday ended abruptly after a vicious attack by a group at St Kilda pier. Police seek four young people captured on CCTV.
Emergency services responded to a serious two-vehicle collision on the Great Ocean Road near Cumberland River on Christmas Eve. One person was hospitalised. Read the latest details.
Discover what the stars have in store for your zodiac sign this Christmas Eve. From festive sparkle to domestic dilemmas, get your unique daily forecast now.
On Christmas Eve, a Newcastle father reflects on the honour of raising children. Plus, community letters tackle safety, Santa, and social cohesion in the wake of recent national events.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese uses his 2025 Christmas address to honour victims of the Bondi terror attack, calling for peace and unity. Read the full tribute.
From classic rom-coms to Santa action flicks, discover the 12 definitive categories of Christmas films to plan your perfect holiday viewing. Find your new festive favourite.
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.
Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, shot in the Bondi terror attack, is home for Christmas. Read about his recovery and the ongoing condition of fellow officer Scott Dyson.
Transport authorities vow a dependable Stockton ferry service for Newcastle's New Year's Eve crowds, with backup plans amid community concerns over recent breakdowns. Learn about the contingency measures.