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.
A near 50% increase in learning support assistants over five years is a key factor behind a $70 million staffing overspend in ACT public schools. An independent review is now underway.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Elderly Magnetic Island residents face crisis as essential care provider ends services. Community demands immediate government action to fill critical gap.
This International Volunteer Day, Australians are urged to move beyond gratitude and offer practical support to the community volunteers who are the backbone of our towns, especially as we face another high-risk summer season.
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.
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.
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.
A 38-year-old man is under police guard in hospital after allegedly leading officers on a dangerous pursuit from Bellambi to Albion Park. Read the latest on this developing story.
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.
Chad Hardy, diagnosed with schizophrenia, stands trial for murdering his NDIS-funded housemate. The case raises questions about mental health support in group homes.