The Illawarra Flame is keeping community news alive against the odds.
We’re an independent local news publication run, written and read by locals for more than a decade. Named after a beautiful tree, the Flame shines a light on local people and places. It is free for everyone to read.
The Flame is a local family business owned and operated by two journalists who are proud to bring decades of experience to publishing news for their community, as well as mentoring the next generation of young storytellers.
Our goal is to connect, empower and inspire our readers. Our motto is “everyone has a story” and over the past 10 years we’ve told countless stories about everyone from scouts to firefighters, historians to scientists, sports stars to artists, authors and musicians. We’ve covered everything from fires to floods, from traffic to development, from school fundraisers to environmental science.
The seed for the Illawarra Flame was planted in the 2508 postcode and what started as a small monthly paper has grown to become a much-loved celebration of the diverse communities of the Illawarra and its villages from the mountains to the sea.
The Illawarra Flame has survived changing technology, rising costs and a global pandemic. It endures as an engaging, entertaining and trusted voice for volunteers, small business, sport, sustainability and the arts.
Today the magazine is published in print and online – the only local publication delivered to letterboxes and inboxes. And our website reaches audiences across the region.
In 2025 – as a business providing a public service to help build a fairer and more sustainable world – the Illawarra Flame was recognised as a Social Enterprise. All profits are reinvested in our core purpose: producing community news.
“What makes the Illawarra Flame so special is its connection to the people it serves,” Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart wrote in a recent Community Recognition Statement to NSW Parliament in 2025.
“With contributions from locals, the magazine celebrates community. It is informative, uplifting and a joy to read. It reminds us of who we are and what we can achieve when we tell our own stories because, just like the magazine’s motto, 'everyone has a story'."
The Illawarra Flame is a member of the Local and Independent News Association and the Australian Press Council.
How to join the Illawarra Flame community
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Community contributions are welcome, please contact the editors.
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Or simply make a one-off contribution – all funds go towards telling more local stories.