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© 2025 The Illawarra Flame
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Local Business

Illawarra Business Awards celebrate our region’s resilience and innovation

It’s surely a sign of the times that a business built on batteries is the 2025 IMB Illawarra Business of the Year. With its plant in the Montague Street light industrial precinct in North Wollongong and its HQ on UOW’s Innovation Campus, Sicon...

Jeremy Lasek
3 hours ago
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Puzzles

Quick Crossword, 19 Sept 2025

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
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What's On

Five things you need to know ahead of Culture Mix

A dedicated accessible drop off and pick up zone will be available on Burelli Street, adjacent to the Arts Precinct and in front of the Wollongong Art Gallery. There are also accessible parking bays in the precinct. No bookings are required and are...

Wollongong City Council
September 2025
video
News

Bright spark gets jump-start

A scholarship from a grassroots Illawarra organisation is helping a Yuin man from Shellharbour power up a career in electrics. Hi Neighbour is supporting Brock Amatto in building his career in renewable energy by awarding him the 2025 First Power scholarship.

Tyneesha Williams
September 2025
video
Local Business

BY Group on a mission to cultivate Indigenous talent in construction

When you walk through the Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo (IIBE), you’ll see more than just products and services, you’ll see stories of leadership, vision, and the power of First Nations entrepreneurship. One of the businesses leading the...

Gemma Lloyd
September 2025
video
Sport & Leisure

Windang surf club winner represents new wave of success

With her family history in surf lifesaving, an award for Alyssa Norris might not surprise, but being named youth volunteer lifesaver of the year still managed to amaze the 23-year-old, who has felt the sands of Windang between her toes her whole life. 

Tyneesha Williams
September 2025
video
News

Build strong relationships for best result in Gwynneville development, housing expert tells locals

Frustrated residents in the Gwynneville/Keiraville area have called on expert advice as they campaign for a detailed masterplan to guide the future development of what will see the creation of a small town close to the university. As reported in The...

Jeremy Lasek
September 2025
video
Clubs & Community

Youngest reporter shares Girl Guides news

By Freya Bond, age 8, of Helensburgh Girl Guides At Girl Guides we have been doing Christmas in July. We are making fairies, decorations and gnomes. We have been very creative. We made Christmas fairies out of clothes pegs and fabric and we used hot...

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
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Puzzles

Sudoku Challenge, 18 Sept 2025

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
News
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News

Build strong relationships for best result in Gwynneville development, housing expert tells locals

Frustrated residents in the Gwynneville/Keiraville area have called on expert advice as they campaign for a detailed masterplan to guide the future development of what will see the creation of a small town close to the university. As reported in The...

Jeremy Lasek
September 2025
video
News

Bright spark gets jump-start

A scholarship from a grassroots Illawarra organisation is helping a Yuin man from Shellharbour power up a career in electrics. Hi Neighbour is supporting Brock Amatto in building his career in renewable energy by awarding him the 2025 First Power scholarship.

Tyneesha Williams
September 2025
video
News

Jet ski approval panel said yes, despite ‘considerable community opposition’

The independent panel which last month approved a controversial jet ski business on Lake Illawarra was split, with one of the panel members strongly opposing it. The ‘community’ panel member, Lewis Troman, who was appointed to represent the views of...

Jeremy Lasek
September 2025
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News

Triathlon Worlds countdown begins, and locals’ concerns answered

Organisers of the fast-approaching World Triathlon Championship Finals have responded swiftly to concerns raised by locals living on the cycling route that they weren’t getting enough information about road closures and other disturbances. In one...

Jeremy Lasek
September 2025
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News

Boiling point: Why Helensburgh is ‘horrified’ at pool closure

“The pool is the ‘go to’ for the whole community on a daily basis when the sun is shining. The pool being shut will impact us all,” Helensburgh dad Scott Spiers told the Illawarra Flame

Genevieve Swart
September 2025
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News

Who knew? Locals question quality of consultation on mine modification

The quality of the state government’s public consultation over Peabody Energy’s plans to extend coal mining in the water catchment has been called into question by readers who’ve told the Illawarra Flame they knew nothing about it. Official notification did not even reach James McCormack, the Wild Magazine editor who exposed the “inky black water” flowing through Camp Gully Creek in 2022

Genevieve Swart
September 2025
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Opinion

‘Shark Safety Requires Evidence, Not Outdated Nets’

An opinion piece by Wollongong City Councillor Jess Whittaker At this time of year, every year, the debate about outdated shark nets rears its head. And at this time, every year, beachgoers, the broader public and the government grapple with two...

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
Arts & Culture
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What's On

Five things you need to know ahead of Culture Mix

A dedicated accessible drop off and pick up zone will be available on Burelli Street, adjacent to the Arts Precinct and in front of the Wollongong Art Gallery. There are also accessible parking bays in the precinct. No bookings are required and are...

Wollongong City Council
September 2025
video
Arts & culture

Local trio to present new works at Clifton School of Arts

Clifton School of Arts will be brimming with lovely artworks by three local artists this month, as Christine Hill, Tess McMaugh and Leonora Heaven display a wide-ranging collection of recent works. The exhibition will be open every day from Friday...

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
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Arts & culture

Murder, music and mayhem ahead at Kiama Library

By Perrie Croshaw, president of The Friends of Kiama Library On Friday, October 17 at 6pm, The Friends of Kiama Library are thrilled to present two well-known and well-published authors together to talk about how two “Kings of the Cross”...

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
video
Arts & culture

Watch local filmmaker’s documentary series about music label Bird’s Robe

Illawarra filmmaker James O’Connor is celebrating a creative project that has been a decade in the making – charting the rise of Bird’s Robe from artists’ collective to record label and management company. “I have been working with the...

Genevieve Swart
September 2025
video
Arts & culture

New street festival coming to Thirroul, because ‘who doesn’t like a good party?’

Thirroul has reason to celebrate, with an announcement that a new street festival will bring live music, family fun and an influx of visitors to King Street on November 29-30.

Genevieve Swart
September 2025
video
Arts & culture

New True Story podcast launches ahead of 2025’s festival of non-fiction at Coledale

Secure your tickets for the festival

Sarah Nicholson
September 2025
Energy Transition
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News

Bright spark gets jump-start

A scholarship from a grassroots Illawarra organisation is helping a Yuin man from Shellharbour power up a career in electrics. Hi Neighbour is supporting Brock Amatto in building his career in renewable energy by awarding him the 2025 First Power scholarship.

Tyneesha Williams
September 2025
video
Energy Transition

Electrify 2515 Powers Ahead

By Elsa Evers of Electrify 2515 Big news for the 2515 community — the official review of the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot has been approved! This marks a major milestone for the project and means we can kick start the main rollout, electrifying...

Elsa Evers
September 2025
video
Energy Transition

Illawarra’s Offshore Wind Zone enters new research and demonstration phase

Offshore wind in Australia will enter a new research and demonstration phase, which the Member for Cunningham has welcomed, hailing it as “a big green light” for investors. “I firmly believe that the Illawarra has a big role to play in the future of...

Genevieve Swart
August 2025
video
Energy Transition

Common Ground: Where a Baby Boomer ex-coal miner meets a Gen Z marine ecologist

Darryl Best and Phebe Fidge are both Illawarra locals and regular contributors to the Illawarra Flame. Despite their vastly different backgrounds – Darryl having worked in coal mines most of his life and Phebe just beginning her career in marine...

Darryl Best
August 2025
Clubs & Community
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Clubs & Community

Youngest reporter shares Girl Guides news

By Freya Bond, age 8, of Helensburgh Girl Guides At Girl Guides we have been doing Christmas in July. We are making fairies, decorations and gnomes. We have been very creative. We made Christmas fairies out of clothes pegs and fabric and we used hot...

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
video
Clubs & Community

Dream job dress-ups, speeches and a visit from the Mounties inspire Scarborough students

By Scarborough Public School’s principal, Emma Hutchinson On 6 August, Scarborough Public School proudly celebrated Public Education Week with this year’s theme, Ignite Your Potential. The day focused on inspiring students to explore how their...

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
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Clubs & Community

Students shine at Wollongong Schools’ Choral Festival

By Helensburgh Public School teacher Nina Sampson On August 5th, Wollongong Town Hall hosted the 2025 Wollongong Schools’ Choral Festival, featuring Helensburgh Public School and other local institutions. Guided by Mrs Nicole Hennessy and Ms...

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
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Clubs & Community

It’s time to Get Ready with RFS open days this weekend

By RFS volunteer Iris Huizinga Helensburgh Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade will host a Get Ready Weekend event on Saturday, September 20. Learn how to create a Bush Fire Survival Plan – plus, receive FREE gardening gloves and access essential...

Iris Huizinga
September 2025
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Clubs & Community

Time to knit with the First Wednesday Knitting Club

Carol Douglas has always been busy, it is simply the way she lives her life. “I can’t just sit down and watch TV, I have to be knitting something. I really do find it nourishing for the body and the soul,” she says. “My teacher at school...

Janice Creenaune
September 2025
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Clubs & Community

Shining a blue light on plastic

By Jadzia Wolff and Helen Lewis of Circular Plastics Illawarra A plastic clean-up organised by Wollongong Council at Stuart Park in August showed how much plastic litter – particularly microplastics and fibre – is in the environment but...

Helen Lewis
September 2025
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History

Water Stories for History Week

See it in the Lab, level 1 at Wollongong Library, September 2 – December 2 and online

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
Food & Travel
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News

Ruby’s restaurant ‘David and Goliath’ battle is still far from over as a community rallies

Ten days after news broke that the iconic Ruby’s Restaurant at Kembla Heights was being forced to close, the owner says he’s still in limbo nervously hoping for a long-term solution. But Scott Woods says he’s been blown away by the support he’s...

Jeremy Lasek
September 2025
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Food & Travel

It’s a final Ciao for the Cosa Nostra family

After the Illawarra Flame reported the popular family-run Cosa Nostra restaurant was on the market, bookings at the popular Corrimal Street diner in the city doubled. On Saturday, the place many regard as the best home-cooked Italian on the planet...

Jeremy Lasek
September 2025
video
News

The power of social media just may have saved one of our most iconic restaurants

If you’ve ever doubted the power of social media, please read on. In less than 24 hours, a simple Facebook post appears to have saved one of the Illawarra’s most loved restaurants – at least for now. At 7pm last night (Thursday, August 28) the...

Jeremy Lasek
August 2025
video
Opinion

Kaikōura village: What we can learn from Thirroul’s Kiwi cousin

Winding south along State Highway One we thought we were somehow back home. The road, narrow, a single lane each way, hugged the escarpment which shot up high and to our right. Big metal mesh nets held back falling rocks. The ocean stretched out...

Elliot Stein
August 2025
What's On
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20
September - 24 September
Events

‘Ekphrasis’ - An Exhibition of Perfume and Art

‘Ekphrasis’
24
September
News

Made From Scratch

Made
25
September
Events

Name that Song free concert

Name
26
September - 27 September
Events

Girls Gone Wild

Girls
Health & Wellness
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Health & Wellness

Forum helps explain changing face of dementia care

The 14th Annual Illawarra Shoalhaven Dementia forum will welcome discussion at Fairy Meadow’s Fraternity Club on 17 September. The forum will run from 10am to 3pm and includes presentations from Dementia Australia, Federal Government Department of...

Tyneesha Williams
September 2025
video
Health & Wellness

The Eco-Anxiety Epidemic: Why so many young people are anxious about climate change

You’ve heard of COVID-19, you’ve heard of the loneliness epidemic; but there is another invisible malady spreading across the Illawarra community. According to a 2023 YouthGov survey, concerns about climate change are having negative impacts on...

Phebe Fidge
September 2025
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Health & Wellness

Thirroul doctor calls out unethical prescribing that puts profits over patients in medicinal cannabis industry

A Thirroul doctor has spoken out against unethical behaviour in the medicinal cannabis industry, warning of the dangers of brief consultations, “prescribing by algorithm” and practitioners who make their money by recommending a particular brand...

Genevieve Swart
September 2025
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Health & Wellness

Find fresh produce and friends at Dapto Men’s Garden Shed

Dapto Men’s Garden Shed welcomes men 55+ Dapto Community Farm is launching a new program this spring designed for men aged 55+, the Men’s Garden Shed. This six-week program offers a therapeutic and practical way for men to get their hands dirty...

Tyneesha Williams
September 2025
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Partner content

Rementia Together: A New Way to Support People Recently Diagnosed with Dementia

To learn more or register interest for the 3–7 November Berry retreat, contact Maxine Radus on 0405 274 563 or visit videri. com. au

The Illawarra Flame
August 2025
video
Partner content

Supporting Women’s Health at Every Age

By Dr Hayley Glasson at Bulli Medical Practice Women’s health evolves through many distinct life stages, each bringing unique opportunities and considerations. From adolescence through to the golden years, understanding what to expect and when can...

Dr Hayley Glasson
September 2025
Local Business
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Local Business

Illawarra Business Awards celebrate our region’s resilience and innovation

It’s surely a sign of the times that a business built on batteries is the 2025 IMB Illawarra Business of the Year. With its plant in the Montague Street light industrial precinct in North Wollongong and its HQ on UOW’s Innovation Campus, Sicon...

Jeremy Lasek
3 hours ago
video
Local Business

BY Group on a mission to cultivate Indigenous talent in construction

When you walk through the Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo (IIBE), you’ll see more than just products and services, you’ll see stories of leadership, vision, and the power of First Nations entrepreneurship. One of the businesses leading the...

Gemma Lloyd
September 2025
video
Local Business

Coomaditchie artists to showcase products with purpose at Indigenous Expo

Coomaditchie is a name that carries deep significance in the Illawarra. For more than three decades, the Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation has been a place where culture, art, and community come together. Known for their vibrant public...

Gemma Lloyd
September 2025
video
Partner content

Community Bank Wollongong: A New Chapter Begins With Fresh Signage and a Leader Committed to Our Region

Thanks to Community Bank Wollongong for supporting independent local news and providing this partner content. A new look is just the beginning for Community Bank Wollongong. As part of the Bendigo Bank Group, the branch has unveiled striking new...

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
video
Partner content

A Fiji Wedding to Remember

Last month I was lucky enough to say “I do” in one of the most beautiful places in the world - Fiji. My husband and I celebrated our wedding at the stunning InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa with 35 of our closest friends and family by...

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
video
Local Business

End of an era as Australis Canoes & Kayaks set to close after 40 years

After more than 40 years of making top-quality watercraft for private paddlers and commercial tour companies, the owners of Australis Canoes & Kayaks are taking a well-deserved retirement. Started in 1984 by paddlesport-mad brothers John and...

Marcus Craft
September 2025
video
Local Business

MTB champ Nathan Rennie is sharing skills with the next generation via the Victory Lab

For a bloke who didn’t have a ‘‘normal’’ job until he was 31, Nathan Rennie has done okay – and now he’s happy to share the knowledge that took him global.  The downhill mountain biking world champion is using his experience to guide the next generation of athletes in the Illawarra – and not just for those on two wheels.

Tyneesha Williams
August 2025
Science & Nature
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Science & Nature

Everybody dance now: Peacock spiders and how to find them

Have you ever seen a spider dance? I haven’t but trust me, I’ve been looking. Witnessing the elaborate courtship dance of Peacock Spiders belonging to the Maratus family, isa not to be missed event. Easier said then done though when the dancers...

Amanda De George
September 2025
video
Science & Nature

Good plants for creeks

A short and sweet piece this week. For anyone who cares for a stretch of creek, the management challenges are often significant. As discussed in previous articles in this series, Illawarra waterways suffer from the legacy of inappropriate...

Emma Rooksby
September 2025
video
Science & Nature

Should we have a City fish?

The state of New South Wales has a number of emblems including a flower (waratah), a gemstone (black opal), a bird (kookaburra), a marsupial (the platypus) and two fish, one of which is a 370-million-year-old fossil and the other is the Blue Groper...

Duncan Leadbitter
September 2025
video
Science & Nature

Cheep talk: WIRES volunteer on how to help baby birds

By Jennifer Kay, a volunteer rescuer with WIRES It’s nestling season – Spring has arrived and so have a host of baby birds! Australia is home to more than 800 bird species, each exhibiting distinct nesting behaviours and patterns of chick...

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
Motoring & Property
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Partner content

RBA Cuts Cash Rate to 3.60% as Inflation Eases

Ian is a regular advertiser in the Illawarra Flame

Ian Pepper
August 2025
video
Motoring & Property

Driven: 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250 Series

The new-generation Prado (aka the 250 Series) is larger than the previous Prado and is now able to tow the industry-standard 3500kg, rather than the 3000kg the previous generation is limited to. The new Prado, now based on the same TNG-F chassis as...

Marcus Craft
July 2025
video
Partner content

RBA Holds Rates Steady – What It Means for the Local Property Market

At its July meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) opted to leave the official cash rate unchanged at 3.85%, despite broad expectations among economists and financial markets for a 0.25% cut. The decision reflects the RBA’s cautious optimism...

Ian Pepper
July 2025
video
Motoring & Property

Driven: 2025 Ford F-150 Lariat LWB 3.5L Auto

US utes are very popular in Australia and the Ford F-150 Lariat long wheelbase – the top dog in the F-150 line-up – is the latest arrival in America’s full-size pick-up invasion of our car market. 

Marcus Craft
July 2025
video
Partner content

RBA Cuts Interest Rates by 0.25%

Ian is a regular advertiser in the Illawarra Flame

Ian Pepper
May 2025
video
Partner content

Whatever the election result, first home buyers will be the winners

Ian is a regular advertiser in the Illawarra Flame

Ian Pepper
April 2025
video
Motoring & Property

Diary of an EV Driver: Charging Away Simplified

Part 12 in Peter Aubourg’s column, Diary of an EV Driver It turns out that it is quite a social affair at the charging stations, with people sharing their experiences, and generally helping each other. On the subject of planning the trip, another...

Peter Aubourg
March 2025
Sport & Leisure
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Sport & Leisure

Windang surf club winner represents new wave of success

With her family history in surf lifesaving, an award for Alyssa Norris might not surprise, but being named youth volunteer lifesaver of the year still managed to amaze the 23-year-old, who has felt the sands of Windang between her toes her whole life. 

Tyneesha Williams
September 2025
video
Sport & Leisure

From humble beginnings, Fairy Meadow Surf Club celebrates 75 years

It’s a big weekend ahead for members of the Fairy Meadow Surf Club which is celebrating its 75th birthday. Surf Club President Jeremy Kuiper says the main celebration will take place at the city Collegians club on Saturday night when 150 people will...

Jeremy Lasek
September 2025
video
Sport & Leisure

New Great Swim of the South comes to Coalcliff

The 2km Dave Winner Beach to Bombie Swim will come to Coalcliff on Saturday, 16 November 2025, writes Coalcliff SLSC’s Rob Deacon Introducing The New Great Swim of the South — a refreshed, professionally run ocean swim experience with heart, soul...

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
video
Sport & Leisure

Join Helensburgh Touch Football

By Andy McGregor Get ready to dust off those boots and start stretching! Helensburgh Touch Football, the No. 1 summer sport in the area, will kick off its two summer competitions in early October. Helensburgh Touch Football has been operating in the...

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
Videos
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Videos

On the road with NINA

Ahead of National Volunteer Week (16 to 22 May 2022), Iris Huizinga joins a Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid bus trip to the Imperial at Clifton. Visit the NINA office at 18 Walker Street, call 4294 1900 or follow @northernillawarraneighbouraid on...

Iris Huizinga
video
Videos

How John Stubbs put patients at the heart of healthcare

A Thirroul resident and now Member of the Order of Australia, 74-year-old John Stubbs is on a mission to put patients at the centre of healthcare treatment. Watch the interview

Iris Huizinga
video
Videos

Lifesaver teaches refugees to swim

When former Scarborough-Wombarra lifesaver Peter Rafferty volunteered as a driving instructor for refugees in Wollongong, he discovered most of his students couldn’t swim. So he decided to do something about it. Peter, who worked with asylum...

Iris Huizinga
video
Videos

Rise in demand for Need a Feed

“Right now, we can’t meet the demand, we have had to knock people back,“ says Need a Feed CEO and founder Shaz Harrison. ”There was one organisation that wanted 70 food packages, we could only give 25.”

Iris Huizinga
Puzzles
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Puzzles

Quick Crossword, 19 Sept 2025

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
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Puzzles

Sudoku Challenge, 18 Sept 2025

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
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Puzzles

Wordy: 17 Sept 2025

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
video
Puzzles

Easy Sudoku, 16 Sept 2025

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
video
Puzzles

Mini Crossword, 15 Sept 2025

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
video
Puzzles

Quick Crossword, 12 Sept 2025

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
video
Puzzles

Sudoku Challenge, 11 Sept 2025

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025
Digital editions
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September 2025

Look out for September’s magazine in your letterbox

The Illawarra Flame
September 2025

Shellharbour’s Spring edition is out now

The Illawarra Flame
August 2025

August 2025

The Illawarra Flame