KidsWish Christmas party brings joy to Illawarra children
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.
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 firefighter has tragically died after being hit by a tree while battling a bushfire near Bulahdelah. The incident is under investigation as the community mourns.
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.
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.
After years of dreaming, a journalist finally gets her Balsam Hill faux Christmas tree. Discover why this premium Australian decor item justifies its cost and has become a new family tradition.
Pemberton's iconic Gloucester Tree climb remains closed, with the DBCA unable to confirm a 2025 reopening date. Key summer tourism faces uncertainty as safety upgrades continue.
A Bassendean landowner has been fined $17,000 for illegally removing regulated trees. The landmark case highlights the council's commitment to protecting canopy cover. Learn more about the policy.
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.
Tasmania-born Queen Mary of Denmark includes a Sydney Opera House ornament on the palace Christmas tree, a touching nod to her Australian roots. Discover the royal family's festive traditions.
Santa's Farm in Tullimbar has opened for the Christmas season, offering families the chance to cut down their own real Christmas trees after nearly five years of growth. Local families share their festive traditions.
Caleb Cooper and Corey Keating launch The Boys on Veronica, a fully gluten-free cafe in Warilla responding to community demand for safe, high-quality coeliac-friendly dining options.
Victoria Park Ratepayers Association challenges council over 'highly restrictive' tree policy for residents while 65 trees were removed from Elizabeth Baillie Park. Investigation underway.
Discover the complex pollination process of avocado trees and expert tips for successful fruit production in Western Australia's climate. Learn planting strategies now!
The Cairns community mourns arborist Jacob 'Jake' Swain, 32, killed in a workplace fall. Family remembers his big heart as workplace safety investigation continues.
Exciting news for aviation fans! Details about the revived Wings Over Illawarra airshow will be revealed next week following AMDA Foundation's withdrawal. Stay tuned for dates and new operators.
East Fremantle is planting 30 native trees to replace 10 lost to the polyphagous shot-hole borer. The project is funded by a State Government grant. Learn more about the recovery efforts.
A mother and her baby miraculously survived after a tree crushed their vehicle during severe NSW storms. Over 2260 emergency calls recorded across affected communities.
A 76-year-old man has died after being struck by a falling tree during severe NSW storms causing widespread power outages and transport chaos. Stay informed with the latest weather warnings.
Speaker Milton Dick and Senate President Sue Lines illuminate Parliament House's Christmas tree with sustainable charities Country Needs People and Landcare Australia as 2025 beneficiaries.
Discover the Illawarra's best Christmas light displays with the Mercury's 2025 interactive map. Register your home by Dec 10 to be included in this festive spectacle.
A tree lopper has died after falling approximately 8 metres from a tree at Clifton Beach. Emergency services responded but were unable to save the man. Read the full details.
Former mayor Darryn Lyons condemns Geelong Council's floating Christmas tree as an embarrassing eyesore. Discover why this festive display has sparked community outrage.
Geelong families celebrated the start of Christmas with the city's iconic floating tree and Carols by the Bay hosted by Denis Walter. See the magical photos!
Discover expert advice on selecting healthy, thriving trees for your Australian garden. Avoid costly mistakes and ensure your gardening investment pays off for years to come.
This week in Illawarra courts featured dramatic cases including a drug syndicate member pleading guilty, a chef convicted of rape, and a murder case dismissal due to mental health. Read the full details.
A 100-year-old conifer that survived road construction in the 1960s now faces removal for Canberra's light rail expansion. Discover its soldier settler history and preservation efforts.
Join Santa and his elves for Newcastle's magical Christmas tree lighting ceremony on November 28. Enjoy free family activities, festive treats, and live entertainment in Wheeler Place.