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 Grattan Institute report reveals stark inequalities in psychosocial support across Australia. Access should be based on need, not location. Read why reform is urgent.
Exclusive: DPS Secretary Jaala Hinchcliffe commits to fixing the department's culture of secrecy and bullying after a series of controversies. Read her plan for transparency.
Central Coast woman Maree Jenner, living with dwarfism, shares her journey from being told she couldn't be a nurse or teacher to becoming an Australian ambassador for International Day of People With Disability. Discover the ongoing fight for true inclusi
New government data shows specialist homelessness services in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are supporting almost nine people daily. Advocates warn the system is at breaking point.
Hunter-based Lifestyle Solutions hit with a landmark $2.5 million penalty for failing NDIS participants in a Central Coast group home. Read the shocking details of abuse and neglect uncovered by the court.
Meet the 2025 International Day of People with Disability ambassadors, including tech innovator Santiago Velasquez Hurtado and advocate Ronan Soussa, as they work to dismantle stereotypes and promote accessibility across Australia.
Human services giant APM has acquired failed NDIS provider Therapy Focus, securing jobs and continuity for 10,000 clients. The deal beats rival bidder Brightwater Care Group.
Newcastle-born charity Life Without Barriers celebrates three decades of supporting people with disability, mental health needs, and families across Australia. Discover their inspiring journey.
Canberra-based NDIS provider AbilitySeer supports over 200 participants with personalised disability services. Discover their growth from a sole trader to an 80-strong team committed to dignity and control.
Illawarra's Serendipity Support Services marks International Day of People with Disability, offering participant-centred care, SIL homes, and community programs. Discover their family-run approach.
The Cram Foundation celebrates a year of innovation, expanding its Supported Independent Living homes through co-design. CEO Alisha Musker outlines their commitment to choice and a future-ready organisation.
A Geelong V/Line crew created a magical commute for an autistic boy, turning a train into a classroom. This inspiring act of inclusion on the International Day of People with Disability highlights community spirit.
On International Day of People with Disability, Aaron Green urges all Australians to embrace inclusion as a shared duty. Discover how we can build a more accessible and equitable society for everyone.
Elderly Magnetic Island residents face crisis as essential care provider ends services. Community demands immediate government action to fill critical gap.
SRU Community Hub faces critical funding crisis, needing $100,000 to secure new premises and maintain essential domestic violence support services for Hunter families.
Clare Reilly from Portarlington is pushing 1072km in her wheelchair to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis research. Her inspiring journey proves MS won't stop her determination.
Emergency services respond to serious crash in Willetton where a person remains trapped in their vehicle after colliding with a tree. Rescue operation underway.
A new wellness centre has opened in Cairns to provide crucial mental health support for mothers facing perinatal challenges. Discover how this facility helps local families.
Explosive allegations reveal QGAir rescue helicopter service operating with skeleton crews, raising serious safety concerns. Read the full investigation.
Emergency services performed a dramatic rescue of a man trapped under a hydraulic lift on Tamma Road in Bakers Hill. Read about the heroic efforts that saved his life.
Chad Hardy, diagnosed with schizophrenia, stands trial for murdering his NDIS-funded housemate. The case raises questions about mental health support in group homes.
A vital legal service for victim-survivors of sexual violence in the ACT has secured funding until 2028, addressing 'enormous and unmet' demand. Learn how this supports survivors.
The Australian government mandates streaming services invest 7.5% of local revenue in homegrown drama and documentaries. Discover how this boosts Illawarra's film industry.
South Australia becomes the sole state without government funding for its homelessness peak body, raising concerns about sector advocacy and support services during housing crisis.
Hundreds of children experienced early Christmas magic at McDonald Jones Stadium during Variety's annual party, featuring Santa, gifts, and inclusive activities for all abilities.
Illawarra community gathers for rose vigil as domestic violence rates spike. 42 Australian women killed in gender-based violence this year. Learn how to help end the crisis.
Three detainees remain on Banksia Hill Detention Centre roof as riot enters new day. Authorities working to resolve dangerous standoff in Perth.
South Australian firefighter Peter Curtis tragically died in a crash at a dangerous Adelaide intersection. Learn about the community's response and safety concerns.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli demands transparency on health service amalgamation. Learn how this affects Cairns and regional healthcare delivery across the state.