Wollongong news, sport and weather | Illawarra Mercury

Petition pushback over UOW scrapping of free parking

Students who carpooled to UOW didn't have to pay for parking.

Glen Humphries

The free carpooling bays at the University of Wollongong will be scrapped because it claims they are underused. Picture by Robert Peet

Petition pushback over UOW scrapping of free parking

Students who carpooled to UOW didn't have to pay for parking.

Glen Humphries

What's on

Get a sneak peek at the pieces up for grabs at Thirroul Art Show

The Thirroul Art Show. Picture by Anna Warr

More than 500 paintings, sculptures, photos and minis have been hung.

Tareyn Varley

Turbulence at the top at UOW as HR boss, head of global strategy resign

University Chancellor said departures are not his doing.

Ben Langford

Photos

Port Kembla claim another huge scalp in the IPL with a statement Cringila win

A massive statement from Port Kembla in Illawarra Premier League.

Jordan Warren • 27m ago

Tetsunari Nishimura (right) was on fire as Port Kembla downed Cringila 4-1 in round 12 action of the Illawarra Premier League. Picture by Adam McLean

Property

Next steps in building real estate superstore

A number of key appointments have been made to the growing business.

Jen Melocco

Property

Next steps in building real estate superstore

A number of key appointments have been made to the growing business.

Jen Melocco

Search for people trapped in rubble after explosion

Fire crews and police are searching for anyone trapped in rubble after a townhouse collapsed in Sydney's west following a large explosion.

Cassandra Morgan • 2hrs ago

Five people have been hospitalised and a search for others is continuing after a home explosion. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Is US film director Quentin Tarantino married? Take our quiz

Or is he a perennial bachelor?

Anna Houlahan

Is US film director Quentin Tarantino married or single? Picture AFP photo/Francois Guillot

Illawarra hit by triple threat of respiratory illnesses as winter kicks off

The region's medical director says cases are on the rise

Kate McIlwain

Illawarra hit by triple threat of respiratory illnesses as winter kicks off

Exclusive

Horror road toll: 19 dead in 15 days, including three in the Illawarra

Emergency services call for road safety on Fatality Free Friday.

Nadine Morton

A floral tribute beside a road for someone killed in a crash. File picture by Karleen Minney

Young Flinders driver fell asleep at wheel before serious head-on crash

Chifley Road at Dargan, close to the crash site. Picture from Google Maps

The Flinders man has been sentenced.

Natalie Croxon

Illawarra hit by triple threat of respiratory illnesses as winter kicks off

The region's medical director says cases are on the rise

Kate McIlwain

Young Flinders driver fell asleep at wheel before serious head-on crash

The Flinders man has been sentenced.

Natalie Croxon

Exclusive

Horror road toll: 19 dead in 15 days, including three in the Illawarra

Emergency services call for road safety on Fatality Free Friday.

Nadine Morton

'Stick with us': Vikings coach confident Illawarra rugby strugglers on the way up

Inset - Wollongong Vikings coach Harry Swanenburg is excited about taking on Illawarra rugby champions Shoalhaven on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Picture by Robert Peet

Vikings play back-to-back champions Shoalhaven on Saturday

Agron Latifi

'I want to be playing NRL every week': recalled Couchman not looking back

It will be Couchman's first outing at NRL level this year.

Mitch Jennings

Toby Couchman will get his first taste of NRL action this season against Penrith on Saturday. Picture by Anna Warr

The plan going forward for David Carney to get his Wolves howling again

A home Sydney United fixture is the next test for the Wolves.

Jordan Warren

Wolves attacker Yagoub Mustafa has been key to David Carney's plans in recent weeks. Picture by Anna Warr

Shellharbour council hits the skate parks to tap into design ideas

And 'dotmocracy' was used. Yes, really.

Joel Ehsman

Left: Josh Samways on his bike. Right: Mat de Koning from Skate Sculpture at Albion Park skate park. Picture by Adam McLean

Watch

Men arrested in South Coast domestic violence sting caught on camera

The men are accused of domestic violence offences.

Nadine Morton

Two men being arrested at a hotel near Ulladulla on May 30, 2024, for alleged domestic violence offences. Footage by NSW Police

Helensburgh couple toasts $200k lottery win with bubbles

And the kids get some help, too.

Shellharbour council hits the skate parks to tap into design ideas

And 'dotmocracy' was used. Yes, really.

Joel Ehsman

Helensburgh couple toasts $200k lottery win with bubbles

And the kids get some help, too.

Watch

Men arrested in South Coast domestic violence sting caught on camera

The men are accused of domestic violence offences.

Nadine Morton

Photos

See some of the 2000 people who walked for reconciliation in Bellambi

Scenes and people from the annual Reconciliation Walk at Bellambi. A number of schools and guests were involved. Picture by Anna Warr

The Reconciliation Week walk is an annual event.

Natalie Croxon

What's on

All the can't-miss events on this weekend in the Illawarra

An arts festival, celestial light show, humpback whale tour and more.

Newsroom

All the can't-miss events on this weekend in the Illawarra

Inquiry recommendations 'fall short' of stopping preventable birth trauma

Better Births Illawarra says 'the fight is not over' to stop birth trauma

Kate McIlwain

Lis Legge, Lisa Langley, Alyssa Booth, Giselle Coromandel and Sharon Settecasse, from Better Births Illawarra. Picture by Robert Peet

Shellharbour food trucks could create 'tension', councillors hear

The council has released its draft food truck policy for public comment.

Glen Humphries

Shellharbour City councillors are concerned about possible damage food trucks could do to established local businesses. Picture by Max Mason-Hubers

Dragons confident Hunt will stay as Flanagan prepares for Panthers stoush

Dragons plan to extend Ben Hunt's contract after Origin series

Agron Latifi

Ben Hunt will miss the Dragons game against the Panthers due to Queensland Origin commitments. Picture by Anna Warr

Photos

Illawarra's rugby superstar Jesse Parahi lifts the lid on life after sport

Jesse Parahi pictured in action for the Woonona Shamrocks, playing for Australia in rugby sevens and with his wife Carlien and their children Lilli and Mieke.

The curtain might be coming down some time soon.

Agron Latifi

Shellharbour food trucks could create 'tension', councillors hear

The council has released its draft food truck policy for public comment.

Glen Humphries

Photos

Illawarra's rugby superstar Jesse Parahi lifts the lid on life after sport

The curtain might be coming down some time soon.

Agron Latifi

Dragons confident Hunt will stay as Flanagan prepares for Panthers stoush

Dragons plan to extend Ben Hunt's contract after Origin series

Agron Latifi

Tim's 26,232km run around the world brings him to Wollongong (of course)

Tim Franklin has gone through 29 pairs of shoes on the way.

Joel Ehsman

Lunch - on the run. Tim Franklin outside Wollongong Golf Course on Thursday. Picture by Anna Warr

Tim's 26,232km run around the world brings him to Wollongong (of course)

Tim Franklin has gone through 29 pairs of shoes on the way.

Joel Ehsman

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National

Social media ban could 'adversely' impact regional teens

Experts warn a social media ban could disproportionately impact regional teens. Shutterstock

Isolated young people rely on platforms for social connection.

Carla Mascarenhas

'Cost-of-living pressures biting': Australians move to regions

Sunshine Coast, Queensland was the most popular destination.

Jessica Belzycki

Picture of houses in Wollongong, NSW in 2020. Picture Anna Warr

Cost of living relief as airport train fares halved

Queenslanders will receive a six month reprieve on high fares to catch the train to the airport after the government bargained for half price tickets.

Savannah Meacham

Train travel to Brisbane airport will be cheaper for six months in a deal to cut transport costs. (Dan Peled/AAP PHOTOS)

Airport chaos continues as nearly 60 flights canned

Travellers are facing a nightmare day as Perth airport continues to battle a fuel supply issue, grounding nearly 60 planes.

Savannah Meacham

Problems with fuel supply have caused the cancellation of dozens of flights in or out of Perth. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

Watch

TikToker nabs rare Baz Luhrmann interview without recognising the director

'What is the point of the conversation we're having?'

Anna Houlahan

Still images from Georgia Godworth's surprise interview with Baz Luhrmann. Picture God_Worthy

Sport

Port Kembla claim another huge scalp in the IPL with a statement Cringila win

Photos

A massive statement from Port Kembla in Illawarra Premier League.

Jordan Warren • 27m ago

Greyhound racing news from around the NSW regions, May 31

Great greyhound bloodlines produce another winner

Young trainer Holly Taylor with her first winner Gift For Holly. Photo Lisa Vanderstok.

Kiama out to celebrate Atkins' milestone game by downing the Gerringong Lions

Tom Atkins will play his 200th game for the Knights on Sunday

Agron Latifi

Kiama Knights player Tom Atkins and coach Marc Laird.

'Stick with us': Vikings coach confident Illawarra rugby strugglers on the way up

Vikings play back-to-back champions Shoalhaven on Saturday

Agron Latifi

Photos

Illawarra's rugby superstar Jesse Parahi lifts the lid on life after sport

The curtain might be coming down some time soon.

Agron Latifi

The plan going forward for David Carney to get his Wolves howling again

A home Sydney United fixture is the next test for the Wolves.

Jordan Warren

'Stick with us': Vikings coach confident Illawarra rugby strugglers on the way up

Vikings play back-to-back champions Shoalhaven on Saturday

Agron Latifi

The plan going forward for David Carney to get his Wolves howling again

A home Sydney United fixture is the next test for the Wolves.

Jordan Warren

Photos

Illawarra's rugby superstar Jesse Parahi lifts the lid on life after sport

The curtain might be coming down some time soon.

Agron Latifi

Introduction of a new technology is a win for dog trainers

GRNSW and GBOTA jointly launched new welfare technology

GRNSW CEO Rob Macaulay and GBOTA CEO Daniel Weizman who have jointly launched the new welfare technology for greyhound trainers. Picture supplied

Dragons confident Hunt will stay as Flanagan prepares for Panthers stoush

Dragons plan to extend Ben Hunt's contract after Origin series

Agron Latifi

Property

'Cost-of-living pressures biting': Australians move to regions

Sunshine Coast, Queensland was the most popular destination.

Jessica Belzycki

Property

Next steps in building real estate superstore

A number of key appointments have been made to the growing business.

Jen Melocco

Property

Dragons premiership winner withdraws Shellharbour home from the market

This follows a recent six-figure drop in the asking price.

Brendan Crabb

Dragons legend Trent Merrin (pictured) has withdrawn his Shellharbour home from sale. Pictures: File image, Supplied

Digital home loans are on the rise, but are they the best option for you?

What are the advantages and disadvantages.

Jemimah Clegg

The main advantages of a digital loan are the quick turnarounds and generally lower interest rates than banks. Pic: Shutterstock

Property

After 268 days waiting for a buyer, Jamberoo weekender sells for $7 million

Flametrees at Jamberoo sold earlier this week.

Brendan Crabb

'Flametrees', located at 174 Clover Hill Road, Jamberoo sold earlier this week. Picture: Supplied

The South Coast suburb where house prices dropped by $187k in three months

Property

The home at 149 Stafford Street, Gerroa recently sold for $3 million. Picture: Supplied

Plus, the affordable suburb where prices increased the most.

Brendan Crabb

Digital home loans are on the rise, but are they the best option for you?

What are the advantages and disadvantages.

Jemimah Clegg

Property

The South Coast suburb where house prices dropped by $187k in three months

Plus, the affordable suburb where prices increased the most.

Brendan Crabb

Property

After 268 days waiting for a buyer, Jamberoo weekender sells for $7 million

Flametrees at Jamberoo sold earlier this week.

Brendan Crabb

What's On

13 fun Illawarra events to keep you entertained this weekend

What's on

A spectacular light show, a Celtic festival, boutique markets and more.

What's on

Get a sneak peek at the pieces up for grabs at Thirroul Art Show

More than 500 paintings, sculptures, photos and minis have been hung.

Tareyn Varley

What's on

All the can't-miss events on this weekend in the Illawarra

An arts festival, celestial light show, humpback whale tour and more.

Newsroom

A sneak peek at WHSPA's first big musical since COVID

Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts students are ready to roll.

Natalie Croxon

Lucas Clapham, Arne Castles and Fabian Coppola, front, with Kristin Mitchell, Madison Isaac and Chelsea Kokden. Picture by Adam McLean

Smith's Hill's own playwright about to make curtain call with his first musical

Teacher Bryan Cutler has been writing original plays for students for years.

Natalie Croxon

Drama teacher and playwright Bryan Cutler with students - and some of the stars of his latest production - Ella Sorensen, Scarlett Hill and Michael McCann. Picture by Robert Peet

Environment

Bass Point quarry drops solar power plan, says trucks won't be a problem

Ben Langford

A truck using the road to the Bass Point quarry where the surface has been damaged. Picture by Adam McLean

Three more years before sewage overflows fixed in Wollongong, Shellharbour

Ben Langford

Clockwise from main picture: Sewage overflow warnings at Belmore Basin in January 2024, Wollongong Golf Club in August 2023, Dandaloo sports ground in 2020, Belmore Basin in March 2019, Kembla St in March 2014, and where it should be: the Sydney Water treatment plant at Coniston.

Illawarra Knitting Nannas to head to Canberra in statewide climate push

Illawarra Knitting Nannas Anne Cipants, Anne Kelly and Cherry Hardaker. Picture by Anna Warr

Connor Pearce

Bass Point quarry drops solar power plan, says trucks won't be a problem

Ben Langford

Illawarra Knitting Nannas to head to Canberra in statewide climate push

Connor Pearce

Three more years before sewage overflows fixed in Wollongong, Shellharbour

Ben Langford

Today’s Paper

Saturday, 1 June 2024

Receive easy access to the latest news. Get Today’s Paper in your inbox by signing up to receive alerts.

Read Now

Stockland Shellharbour provides the ultimate guidance in all things fashion.

Emma Brown

Own it with your own unique fashion era. Picture supplied

How should I budget for my retirement?

For enough funds for your retirement, financial planner Cheryl Haines has some tips.

Having the comfortable retirement you dream about takes some careful plannng to achieve. Picture Shutterstock

Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers an experience so unique it has to be experienced to be truly appreciated

Special guests often join the dining experience including white lions. Picture Jamala Wildlife Lodge

Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers award-winning accommodations, safari-style dining and exclusive wildlife encounters.

Elizabeth Habermann

Dive headfirst into fashion at Stockland Shellharbour this winter

Stockland Shellharbour provides the ultimate guidance in all things fashion.

Emma Brown

Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers an experience so unique it has to be experienced to be truly appreciated

Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers award-winning accommodations, safari-style dining and exclusive wildlife encounters.

Elizabeth Habermann

How should I budget for my retirement?

For enough funds for your retirement, financial planner Cheryl Haines has some tips.

Business

Renewable energy critical for 3300 Port Kembla jobs in green metal shift

A BlueScope worker inside the hot strip mill. Picture by Sylvia Liber

Green metals are projected to be worth up to $122 billion.

Connor Pearce

'Doesn't stack up': Illawarra needs another 1500 tradies to meet housing target

Labour shortages are only the beginning of the housing headache.

Connor Pearce

Jennifer Macqurie (insert) said one third of the cost of building a new home in Calderwood was due to council and other government fees and charges. Picture supplied/Adam McLean

Opinion

Reasons not to fear your data getting sold

Data can actually be used for good purposes.

Adam Triggs

Giving over more data is not necessarily a bad thing. Picture Shutterstock

Shellharbour council waives developers' debt weeks after $7m Gold Coast sale

The trail of debts left behind by Samy Saad continues.

Connor Pearce

Samy Saad (insert), the developer behind the Elevation 77 apartment block in Shellharbour City Centre, had a $50,000 debt to council written off, weeks after he sold a site on the Gold Coast for $7 million. Picture by Sylvia Liber

Beating heart of city: Inside new plans for Illawarra Hotel

The changes to the hotel are only one piece of the puzzle.

Connor Pearce

Illawarra Hotel publicans Ryan and Nikki Aitchison have announced major changes to the pub they run, including renovating the vacant upper floors. Picture by Adam McLean

Photos and Video

Community invited to info sessions on Warrawong Community Health Centre

An artist impression of the future Warrawong Community Health Centre. Picture supplied

Tell us what's going on and we'll publish it here.

Newsroom

Photos

Port Kembla claim another huge scalp in the IPL with a statement Cringila win

A massive statement from Port Kembla in Illawarra Premier League.

Jordan Warren • 27m ago

Illawarra hit by triple threat of respiratory illnesses as winter kicks off

The region's medical director says cases are on the rise

Kate McIlwain

Inquiry recommendations 'fall short' of stopping preventable birth trauma

Better Births Illawarra says 'the fight is not over' to stop birth trauma

Kate McIlwain

Petition pushback over UOW scrapping of free parking

Students who carpooled to UOW didn't have to pay for parking.

Glen Humphries

Council election mode? Pollies crowd in at the opening of new toilet block

Rob Petreski, Sarah Kaine, Kellie Marsh and Gareth Ward. Picture by Sylvia Liber

Albion Oval now has male and female change rooms

Kate McIlwain

Inquiry recommendations 'fall short' of stopping preventable birth trauma

Better Births Illawarra says 'the fight is not over' to stop birth trauma

Kate McIlwain

Council election mode? Pollies crowd in at the opening of new toilet block

Albion Oval now has male and female change rooms

Kate McIlwain

Petition pushback over UOW scrapping of free parking

Students who carpooled to UOW didn't have to pay for parking.

Glen Humphries

Watch

Almost 200 house fires in the Illawarra inspires new program to save lives

How a Corrimal firefighter is creating change across Australia.

Nadine Morton

Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Superintendent Daniel Vrckoski, Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery, Corrimal Captain Paul Dorin and firefighter Chloe Heyman promoting the inaugural Smoke Alarm Action Day on June 1, 2024. Picture by Robert Peet

Shellharbour council hits the skate parks to tap into design ideas

And 'dotmocracy' was used. Yes, really.

Joel Ehsman

Comment

Volunteering: it's not just an act of charity

Illawarra locals Leanne, Diane and Narelle volunteering at Green Connect Op Shop Unanderra. Picture supplied

There are numerous volunteering opportunities in the Illawarra for those looking to make a difference

Robert Servine

Opinion

Spiderbait, student unionism, long denim skirts - it's the 2000s all over again

Opinion: Everything old is new again - but maybe not the prices.

Kate McIlwain

Spiderbait, student unionism, long denim skirts - it's the 2000s all over again

Every woman lost is one too many

The message is loud and clear from the University of Wollongong. Picture supplied

Not seeing the Illawarra Mercury's news in your social feed? Here's why

Before news vanishes from your social feed, support our journalism now.

Gayle Tomlinson

The Illawarra Mercury newsroom is dedicated to telling local stories for local people. Picture by ACM

One Illawarra Voice: we must act

A joint statement from organisations on the front line of the domestic violence crisis

Book Now

Adventure

Ultimate Guide: All that's new on the ski fields in Australasia this winter

From roller-coasters to chairlifts, here's the full lowdown.

Rachael Oakes-Ash

Ultimate Guide: All that's new on the ski fields in Australasia this winter

The Japanese city that has it all: Mountains, sea and excellent seafood

Experience timeless culture and world-class cuisine.

Kristie Kellahan

The Japanese city that has it all: Mountains, sea and excellent seafood

Trans Studio Bali: The best indoor theme park with 16 world-class rides

Ultimate Guide: All that's new on the ski fields in Australasia this winter

Adventure

From roller-coasters to chairlifts, here's the full lowdown.

Rachael Oakes-Ash

Trans Studio Bali: The best indoor theme park with 16 world-class rides

The Japanese city that has it all: Mountains, sea and excellent seafood

Experience timeless culture and world-class cuisine.

Kristie Kellahan

The mega Aussie festival where you get to leave the winter behind

DAAF 2023 13 AUG 2023 - Photos by Dylan Buckee-38

Embrace the light, colour and heat at the Darwin Festival.

Sally Pryor

Hotel Review

The Hunter Valley retreat everyone's talking about right now

Find peace and modern comfort in this new wine country offering.

Michael Parris

Two Ways to Go

Why these two summer-time Spanish festivals are worthy of your bucket list

Two Ways to Go: Festival de San Fermin v La Tomatina.

Mal Chenu and Amy Cooper

Why these two summer-time Spanish festivals are worthy of your bucket list

This new wellness spot in the Sunshine State is turning up the heat

Turn up the heat in outback Queensland.

Embrace the cold weather at these immersive festivals in country Australia

From wine fiestas to foodie adventures, here's the guide.

Car Expert

EV price cuts don't worry Australia’s newest car brand

A number of electric vehicles have been hit with significant price reductions in Australia, but that doesn’t worry Xpeng’s local distributor.

Jordan Mulach • 59m ago

Car Expert

2024 Audi RS e-tron GT review

The Audi RS e-tron GT is a seriously fast, seriously beautiful, but seriously expensive electric grand tourer.

William Stopford

Why this restoration firm is more concerned with classic G-Wagens than flashy AMGs

Car Expert

Before the G-Wagen became more popular as a city-slicker AMG, it was a much more basic off-roader – and it's the latter which a restoration firm is working over.

Simon Christie

EV price cuts don't worry Australia’s newest car brand

Car Expert

A number of electric vehicles have been hit with significant price reductions in Australia, but that doesn’t worry Xpeng’s local distributor.

Jordan Mulach • 59m ago

Car Expert

Why this restoration firm is more concerned with classic G-Wagens than flashy AMGs

Before the G-Wagen became more popular as a city-slicker AMG, it was a much more basic off-roader – and it's the latter which a restoration firm is working over.

Simon Christie

Car Expert

2024 Audi RS e-tron GT review

The Audi RS e-tron GT is a seriously fast, seriously beautiful, but seriously expensive electric grand tourer.

William Stopford

Car Expert

1800hp blown Holden v 650hp Hyundai EV drag race

Who wins in a drag race between a 1800hp Holden and a 650hp electric Hyundai? There's only one way to find out!

Paul Maric

1800hp blown Holden v 650hp Hyundai EV drag race

Car Expert

Why this Chinese EV brand says now is the right time to launch in Australia

A long list of Chinese EV brands are coming to Australia, but Xpeng’s local distributor thinks there’s no better time to arrive than now.

Jordan Mulach

Meet the US quiz master sending shockwaves through The Chase Australia

Brandon Blackwell, aka The Lightning Bolt. Picture supplied

Think you're smarter than The Lightning Bolt? Find out all about the new Chaser in Australia.

Therese Murray

Enduring Powers of Attorney review aims to reduce financial elder abuse

Proposed law changes to reduce financial elder abuse.

Eileen Wood

The Standing Council of Attorneys-General is looking into changes to financial Enduring Powers of Attorney. Picture Shutterstock

New swing suits veterans golfer Rita to a tee

Persistence has paid off for veterans golfer Rita Gounder.

Rowan Cowley

Rita Gounder is Western Sydney Region Veteran Golf Association's ladies player of the year. Picture supplied

A wild ride of fire and froth for start-up brewery

Co-founders of Mountain Culture beer Co, Harriet and DJ McCreadey, who in for years went from a small brewery to a nationally distributed product. Picture supplied by Mountain Culture Beer Co.

It is said when you are passionate about what you do, you don't work a day of your life ... until your company grows by 400 per cent.

Denis Howard

Winter work won't wait once June starts to loom | In Fiona's Garden

Some of my salvias such as S. leucantha 'Harry's Red', whose velvety purple flower spikes have a reddish glow, are barely frost-hardy, so I cut the stems to the base and pile them over the plant's crown.

Fiona Ogilvie