Relive the year's most thrilling Illawarra sports stories. From the Hawks' NBL championship to local clubs ending decades-long droughts, discover the moments that defined 2025. Read the full countdown now.
From political upheaval with Donald Trump's Senate trial to a record-breaking Telethon, 2025 was a year of major events. Explore the key moments that shaped the world.
Relive the most glamorous 2025 weddings of Australia's Olympic swimmers, jockeys, soccer players and AFL legends. See who tied the knot this year.
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.
Discover the films that captivated Australian audiences in 2025, from major franchise hits to unexpected indie favourites. See if your top pick made the list!
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.
Popular Australian sports presenter Duncan McKenzie-McHarg has died in Los Angeles aged 41. Tributes flow for the former Triple M, Channel 7, and Stan Sport broadcaster.
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.
Illawarra Mercury's Grace Hamilton and Anna Warr recognised at Australian Community Media awards for powerful sports journalism and photography. Read their inspiring stories.
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.
Brace for a mixed bag of extreme weather this Christmas 2025 across Australia's capitals. From scorching heat in Perth to potential storms in Sydney, check the full forecast to plan your festive day.
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.
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.
Cricket legend Justin Langer argues parents and coaches must replace gut feelings with data to identify true sporting talent in children. Discover his evidence-based approach.
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.
The 41st annual South Coast Blues awards have celebrated 17 primary and secondary school athletes. Discover the winners, including President's award recipient and volleyball prodigy Mireille Smith.
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.
A sports car left the road and slammed into a martial arts school in Wollongong. Police are investigating the incident that occurred on November 30.
Vito Gaudiosi and Nick O'Hara from Crockers Gym have been voted Illawarra's best junior sports coaches in a massive community poll. Discover the full top 20 list and what makes these coaches special.
Northbridge transformed into a rainbow spectacle for Perth's 2025 Pride Parade. Discover the highlights from Dykes on Bikes to the Fremantle Dockers' float and why visibility matters.
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.
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.
Port Stephens Council launches a last-minute bid to host the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre as Newcastle faces community opposition. Could this resolve the stadium standoff?
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.