Social enterprise leader Kylie Flament is standing as an independent for the NSW state seat of Keira, held by Labor since 2011. The seat is currently held by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park. Flament, who has never held political office, says voters want alternatives to party politics. Her campaign launch drew about 100 people at Corrimal Community Centre on October 17. Her main priorities include hospital wait times and housing. She says her campaign starts with far less funding than the major parties, which receive public money based on past vote tallies.
NSW Police are asking the public for help finding Ewan Meades, a 16-year-old boy last seen on a northbound train at Woonona at about 11:15 am on Thursday, 22 October. He was reported missing on Friday, and Wollongong Police have begun inquiries. Police and his family are concerned for his welfare, as he lives with autism. Ewan may be using the rail network to travel. Anyone with information about where he is should contact Wollongong Police.
The NSW Government has dropped plans for a new South Coast rail timetable after strong opposition from commuters, unions and community groups. Premier Chris Minns said he had not met anyone who supported the change and would rather reverse the policy than go ahead with it. The changes, due to start on 15 November, would have added more regular services but also extra stops for travellers heading to the airport or towards Bondi Junction. Local groups and unions welcomed the decision, while a rail expert said the plan lacked proper consultation with regular users.
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Samaras owner Omar Nemer returned to his former school, Illawarra Sports High, to speak at the class of 2026 graduation ceremony. He told students there is no perfect path and urged them to keep moving forward, learning and enjoying the journey. Nemer described his own route from high school to university and then to running three branches of the family business. He said one small opportunity, a community event in Unanderra, led to a food truck and many new chances. He encouraged graduates to be brave, work hard, and never be afraid to say yes.
Six Halloween events are planned across the Illawarra, from Gerringong to Woonona, on 30 and 31 October. Shellharbour hosts a free family Halloween Spooktacular on 30 October at the Civic Centre. Port Kembla Fearfest, held on 31 October on Wentworth Street, features live performances, armoured combat demonstrations and a horror maze. Science Space runs its Spookfest on 30 October, while the Illawarra Light Railway Museum and Woonona Bulli RSL Club host events on 31 October. The Co-Op Gerringong also hosts a one-night Halloween party that evening with live music.
The owner of an Illawarra homewares store has been denied bail after police allegedly found 2,500 child abuse material files on his devices. Calvin Gabriel Gorsuch, 27, faced court after his Woonona home was raided. He is charged with using a carriage service to make available child abuse material and one count of possession. Gorsuch will remain behind bars, with the matter returning to court in December.
The Illawarra Edible Garden Trail returns, featuring diverse gardens from Helensburgh to Gerringong. Hosts like Oliver Risi and April Sampson-Kelly will share their expertise in urban permaculture and food forests. Running over two weekends, the event encourages visitors to learn practical gardening skills and explore local food security initiatives. Organisers emphasise the importance of showcasing what can be grown in different microclimates across the region. The trail, supported by local partners, aims to inspire sustainable living and community connection through gardening.
North Illawarra Probus, one of Australia's oldest branches, has existed for 47 years. The club meets monthly at the Woonona Bulli RSL, where guest speakers give practical talks to members. President Shelley Tough says the group has built lasting friendships, though membership fell after Covid. Members, now about 60, take part in trips, lunches and games days. The next meeting is on Tuesday, 13 October at 10.30am, with cellist Tanya Phillips as guest speaker.
