Keeping the wheels in motion for our community

With flights now taking off from the new Western Sydney Airport, it’s now time for Wollongong to shine as a key destination for travelers coming through the state’s newest airport.

And what better way to do that than by collaborating with our fellow LG8 Councils on new self-drive itineraries that connect Campbelltown, Camden, Wollondilly, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee local government areas.

Transport is a key shared regional priority through the LG8 and encouraging better links between our areas is vital to our region’s shared growth.

As I said in the media release launching the initiative: “This itinerary connects experiences... You can go from country towns and mountain escarpments to waterfalls, rainforest and the coast, meeting passionate locals and discovering places you might never have thought to visit.

These self-drive itineraries are a way to promote some of the key highlights of each of the areas – and they’ll be promoted through social media. Wollongong’s must-dos are (naturally) the Sea Cliff Bridge and some of the bushwalks along the escarpment.

Of course, some of these features are no doubt being enjoyed by some of the international travellers who’ve been in our city for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup matches last Friday, and for the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup that runs until 13 November.

Our city is no stranger to holding international sporting events and embracing the diverse codes that have come to our region. Our community is also fantastic at getting behind the events and cheering on the competitors and I encourage everyone to get to the WEC and experience this fast-paced game in action.

I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere as England’s women’s and men’s teams took on Samoa and Papua New Guinea at WIN Stadium on Friday night, and the Australia verses New Zealand match featuring the Wheelaroos on Saturday was an entertaining high scoring physical match.

I hope those who are visiting Wollongong have a terrific time while they’re here. We’ve so much to offer when it comes to things to see and do, places to eat and fantastic beaches to enjoy.

Just be sure to swim between the red and yellow flags and to follow the advice of Lifeguards and volunteer life savers when they’re at our beaches. They’re there to keep you safe!