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Election bites: Where to find your Democracy Sausage

The trusty democracy sausage is a time-honoured tradition on polling day, allowing voters to enjoy a snag for a local good cause. The term ‘democracy sausage’ was coined around 2010, but community organisations have run cake stalls to capitalise on the election day atmosphere since voting was made compulsory in 1924.

Tyneesha Williams

Closer to Home, Louder Than Ever: The Case for Independent News

By Claire Stuchbery, Executive Director of the Local and Independent News Association (LINA) Across the globe we’re seeing an increasing level of polarisation in politics. But is that reflective of what’s going on in our communities? Much of our...

The Illawarra Flame

Author joins calls for a museum celebrating Illawarra’s ‘remarkable’ history

Author Michael Samaras thinks local proposals for a world-class regional museum celebrating the Illawarra’s history are a “great idea”. “I think that would be splendid,” said Michael, who will be in Thirroul to talk about his new book...

Genevieve Swart

Yours & Owls greening program brings young crowd to Bushcare

Yours & Owls’ commitment to sustainability was formally acknowledged at Wollongong City Council’s 2024 Environment Volunteer Awards, where the festival organisers received the Rise & Shine Community Group Business Award. This recognition...

Tyneesha Williams

Q&A with Sharon Cousins, One Nation candidate for Whitlam

Ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, the Illawarra Flame is giving all local candidates a chance to share their vision for Australia. Sharon Cousins is the One Nation candidate for Whitlam, the Commonwealth Electoral Division covering Shellharbour...

The Illawarra Flame

No other pamphlets permitted in Illawarra Flame magazines

In a small section of Stanwell Park, an unauthorised flyer was delivered along with May’s magazine. This propaganda was inserted into our magazines without our knowledge or consent, and we have no connection with the group responsible. We do not...

The Illawarra Flame

Continental Pool swimmers launch petition, telling Council they ‘won’t give up’ campaign for longer winter opening hours

Swimmers who’ve been lobbying Wollongong City Council to extend winter opening hours at North Wollongong’s Continental Pool have vowed never to give up despite Council voting not to proceed at this time. On the eve of Anzac Day, the day the popular...

Coledale film screening raises over $1000 for ‘Grandma’s House’

The Coledale RSL hosted a sold-out screening last week of two locally made short films: Grandma’s House (2024) and Dating Violet (2021)

Genevieve Swart

Q&A with Jamie Dixon, Greens candidate for Whitlam

Jamie Dixon is the Greens candidate for Whitlam, the Commonwealth Electoral Division covering Shellharbour City Council, Wingecarribee Shire Council, and part of the Wollongong City Council LGA.

The Illawarra Flame

3 Ways with Climate Action: The letter writer

Worried about climate change, an Oak Flats grandfather is campaigning for action and he’s chosen to deliver his message via good old-fashioned Letters to the Editor. What’s more, he’s found it an effective way of reaching an undecided demographic...

Genevieve Swart

Q&A with Nathaniel Smith, Liberal candidate for Whitlam

Ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, the Illawarra Flame is giving all local candidates a chance to share their vision for Australia. Nathaniel Smith is the Liberal candidate for Whitlam, the Commonwealth Electoral Division covering Shellharbour City...

The Illawarra Flame

NF1 convenor reelected after council’s major Helensburgh projects discussed

Warwick Erwin is heading towards his 10th year as Neighbourhood Forum 1 convenor, after being re-elected unopposed at the group’s April 9 meeting at Helensburgh Community Rooms.

Genevieve Swart

Homes NSW seeks to calm Gwynneville locals angry over big new housing plans

Responding to community concerns about a lack of consultation about plans for a major new residential precinct near the University of Wollongong (UOW), Homes NSW has produced an information brochure in an attempt to allay concerns. The glossy...

Harbour drowning tragedy prompts calls for education, urgent safety audit

The tragic drowning on Good Friday of a fisherman swept to his death by a huge wave at the entry to Wollongong Harbour has prompted calls for safety fencing to be repaired and improved education of those who fish in the area. Shortly before sunrise...

3 Ways with Climate Action: The conversation starter

Nearly everyone is worried about climate change. A ground-breaking global survey of 10,000 young people in 10 countries – including Australia – published in The Lancet in 2021 found that 84% were worried, with more than half feeling sad...

Genevieve Swart

Early voting begins in 2025 Federal Election

The 2025 Federal Election has begun, with hundreds of people heading to the booth in Crown Street Mall during the first three hours of early voting today. Given past trends in early voting, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) anticipates that...

The Illawarra Flame

When and where to see HARS aerial parade on Anzac Day

A parade of six former service aircraft above Anzac Day marches will form a special tribute from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) above Shellharbour, Kiama, Kangaroo Valley Wollongong, Bundeena, Coogee, Oatley and Sydney on Friday...

Egg-ceptional: How Stanwell Park children make Art in the Park

The Stanwell Park Children’s Centre in the Stanwell Avenue Reserve has been involved in Banksia Bushcare’s work since its formation in 2017. We invited the Children’s Centre to have their pupils paint some of the eggs for the nests we created...

Meet two STARS helping to ease bed block in the Illawarra

STARS stands for Support Transition Assistance Response Service. Simply put, these volunteers really are the stars of aged care in the Illawarra, providing practical advice for people stuck in hospital, waiting for a place in a care home. “Our...

Tyneesha Williams

3 Ways with Climate Action: The protestor

Nearly everyone is worried about climate change. A ground-breaking global survey of 10,000 young people in 10 countries – including Australia – published in The Lancet in 2021 found that 84% were worried, with more than half feeling sad...

Genevieve Swart

Drowning sparks calls for urgent safety measures at Wollongong Harbour breakwall

The tragic drowning of a 58-year-old Sydney fisherman in the early hours of Good Friday has sparked calls for an urgent review of safety along the breakwall. As reported by The Illawarra Flame a fortnight ago, the breakwall is in a poor state of...

The battle for Beaton Park’s Ted Tobin Hall is on again as fitness groups petition council to keep it in community hands

After a six-month cease fire between Wollongong City Council and users of a popular indoor sports facility at the Beaton Park Leisure Centre, battle lines have been drawn again. This time, fitness groups who fear they’ll be left homeless if Council...

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