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.
Category : Search result: tourism impact Illawarra
Hawks Legend Saville Reveals Pressure of NBL Title Defence
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?
Illawarra court roundup: Crypto theft, child abuse, stunts
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.
Peabody resists further mining cuts near Woronora Dam
Peabody claims it cannot reduce its Helensburgh mine plans further without making the project uneconomic, despite warnings of 'serious and irreversible' damage to Sydney's drinking water catchment. Read the full standoff.
Body found in car outside Lake Illawarra police station
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.
Child sex offender's new parole bid blocks victim's career
Robert Marc Windsor, jailed for horrific child sex crimes, is set for another parole hearing. His brother and survivor, Mitchell, says the process forces him to delay his paramedic graduate application.
Wollongong skydive strike halts tourist jumps
Skydive Australia instructors in Wollongong have walked off the job over a bitter pay dispute, grounding holiday plans. The union warns of massive pay cuts under a new 'piece rate' deal.
Spread Festive Cheer: Ways to Help in the Illawarra
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.
100-Site Belmont Wetlands Campground Officially Opens
A new $1.9 million beachfront campground with 100 sites has opened at Lake Macquarie's Belmont Wetlands, promising a major boost for Hunter eco-tourism and local jobs.
Wollongong Welsh Choir disbands after three decades
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.
Cairns Tourism Hub to Supercharge Region's $3.2bn Economy
A new $176 million tourism hub is set to transform Cairns, boosting the Far North's $3.2 billion visitor economy and creating hundreds of local jobs. Discover the plan.
11-year mystery: Hunt for Lake Heights abductors continues
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.
Townsville Mates Rates Tourism Deal Returns with 50% Off
Townsville's popular Mates Rates tourism program is back with massive 50% discounts at local attractions. Book now to experience the best of North Queensland at half price!
Burswood Race Track Business Case Under Fire
A political battle erupts over Perth's $218m Burswood race track as scrutiny reveals the economic benefits were significantly overstated. Discover the real numbers behind the controversial project.
Parliament House guide wins top tourism award
Rosie Bruce, a senior guide at Parliament House for 25 years, has been honoured with the Natasha Watson Women in Tourism award, celebrating her dedication to showcasing Canberra to visitors from around the world.
Summer Becomes Unaffordable Luxury for Australians
Rising costs threaten classic Australian summer activities as families struggle with inflation. Discover which traditions are becoming unattainable and why.
Aurora Expeditions' 2025 environmental impact report
Australian cruise company Aurora Expeditions reveals major environmental achievements including ocean regeneration, 90% emission reduction with biofuel, and microplastic filtration technology.
New coeliac-safe cafe opens in Warilla
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.
Murrumbateman wins three Canberra tourism awards
The small village of Murrumbateman has claimed three major wins at the 2025 Canberra Region Tourism Awards, proving its status as a must-visit destination just over the ACT border.
Wings Over Illawarra airshow details announced next week
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.
Mobile Phones: Weapons and Lifelines in Society
Mobile phones serve as both weapons and lifelines in modern society. Discover how community initiatives can transform these devices into tools for connection and support.
Wollongong Wins Major Local Government Conference 2026
Wollongong will host the Local Government NSW annual conference in November 2026, bringing 900+ delegates and economic benefits to the Illawarra region. Discover how this major event will boost local businesses.
Illawarra Christmas Lights Map 2025 Guide
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.
Wollongong's controversial tourism ad divides opinions
Wollongong's new tourism campaign featuring a negative local dismissing attractions is polarising residents and experts. Does reverse psychology work for tourism?
Hunter clean energy project slammed for biodiversity loss
Key environment group slams Hunter Transmission Project route, warning of irreversible impacts on 66 threatened species. Read the full analysis of this critical NSW energy debate.
Illawarra Court Roundup: Major Cases This Week
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.
Newcastle university voyeur jailed for secret filming
Ryan Yates sentenced for secretly filming six women at University of Newcastle and creating AI child abuse material. Victims speak of lasting trauma and violation.
Pat Cummins Features in Australian Tourism Campaign
Cricket star Pat Cummins promotes Australian tourism to English fans in new campaign. Discover how Australia is tempting UK visitors with iconic experiences.
Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Gets Green Light
Sunshine Coast Airport's major Gateway Precinct approved, featuring hotel, retail and services. Set to boost tourism and create thousands of jobs ahead of 2032 Olympics.
Geelong's $120m Crowne Plaza Opens Bookings
Bookings now open for Geelong's $120 million waterfront Crowne Plaza hotel. The 152-room luxury accommodation opens March 2025, creating 150 jobs. Secure your stay today!
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