17th April, 2026
Illawarra’s dementia advocate that the years cannot stop
At 97 years young, Val Fell OAM shows no signs of slowing down. Recently named as one of the NSW 2026 Local Women of the Year, Val was recognised for her tireless…
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Fresh talent takes flight at Wollongong Short Film Festival
More than 900 people packed out UOW University Hall to see a variety of locally made movies united by a bird motif in the 2026 Creative Wollongong Short Film Festival. Presented by…
Rally for refugees highlights plight of forgotten people
A crowd of more than 200 people gathered at the Wollongong Town Hall on a Sunday in March to demand justice for those fleeing war and persecution. At the Refugee Action Collective…
Shift to dune care was natural step for award-winning volunteer
While Wollongong residents often enjoy the pristine sands of Puckey’s Estate for a morning stroll or a weekend swim, Raewyn Proctor and her team work weekly to ensure the health of the…
Founding firefighters recall forces that shaped Helensburgh station
In 1975, a dozen men joined their local fire station, hoping to make a difference. It was the start of a tradition of community service and camaraderie that would endure for five…
More money for trees – and how forests can help our city breathe
Wollongong City Council has secured $480,000 under the NSW Government’s Greening Our City program, with plans to plant more than 1500 trees across the region. The aim is to increase canopy cover…
Plant program brings residents with dementia back to nature
As the number of Australians with dementia climbs toward half a million, Illawarra horticulturalist Narelle Happ wants more meaningful, non-clinical interventions in aged care. “You can’t imagine being cooped up in the…
Residents resist plan to upend Bellambi housing
About 100 people have rallied at Bellambi Beach to protest against plans for land that has been a housing commission area since the 1970s. Over the next 20 years, the state government…
Riled residents resist plan to upend Bellambi housing
About 100 people have rallied at Bellambi Beach to protest against plans for land that has been a housing commission area since the 1970s. Over the next 20 years, the state government…
Faster arts grant system grows southern branch
After 13 years of funding over $100,000 in grassroots projects in Wollongong, including the very first Yours and Owls Festival, a proven model for community-led philanthropy, the Culture Bank model, is moving further…