Be a Friend of the Flame

Welcome to May – our latest edition is online today!

For new readers, a quick introduction: The Illawarra Flame is a family publishing business that covers community news in the not-for-profit sector, from local volunteers, societies and sports clubs to charities, industry bodies and the arts. The Flame is also a champion of small business, providing great exposure, affordable rates and storytelling expertise.

The magazine is free, monthly and the only publication still letterboxed to local homes.

Thanks to our unique team of walkers – ranging from teenagers taking on their first job to active retirees who like to walk with a purpose – magazines are currently being delivered to 11,000 homes from Waterfall to Bulli, as well as businesses, newsagencies, galleries and libraries around Wollongong.

The magazine has its roots as a volunteer-run publication in the community-minded town of Helensburgh, where it began in the late 1960s. Over the years, it's had many names, shapes and editors, and for the past decade, it's been owned and operated by two journalists, Genevieve Swart and Marcus Craft, who each have 30 years' experience at newspapers, magazines and websites around the world, including London, Cape Town and Sydney.

Produced by the community, for the community, the Flame is a rare trusted source in a world where news deserts are common.

Here’s 5 ways you can support independent community news.

1. Shop local. This publication is entirely funded by advertising, please thank our local businesses with your custom. Don’t forget to tell them you saw their ad in the Flame!

2. Become a 'Friend of the Flame' via our website. For $5 per month, supporters also have access to all our interactive digital puzzles and brain teasers.

3. Share your story. We love to tell the stories of inspirational local volunteers, societies and sports clubs. Submit news tips here

4. Advertise with us. The Flame is only publication still letterboxed locally, with our unique (and very fit!) team delivering to 11,000 homes, businesses and libraries in the first week of every month.

5. Tell your friends. We’ve built a digital hub that has almost 8000 unique visitors a month, and counting. Every new subscriber or social share helps.

And did you know, it's easy to add our website to your phone, where it will appear like an app? Simply add a shortcut to your homescreen (find 'how to' help here).

Happy reading,

Genevieve and Marcus, the editors

Read recent editions online here