Southern Highland News
Sunday 11 May 2025
Southern Highland News' complete view of property
Why you shouldn't eat the wild mushrooms popping up in gardens
Some of the mushrooms which can be spotted after moist conditions around the Illawarra. Pictures by Kate McIlwain, Sylvia Liber
Kate McIlwain

Bunnings agent bangs on doors to sell off regional stores

Wesfarmers is selling the large Goulburn Bunnings store and five others in its portfolio. Picture by Louise Thrower.
Louise Thrower

The suburbs at highest risk of bushfire under new RFS plan include Robertson

Ben Langford
Rural Fire Service operational officer Inspector David Bartlett. Picture by Sylvia Liber
Court

North Nowra tragedy: Jury discharged after deadlock, bullying claim

Glenn Ellard
Nathan Bernhard tries to his his face as the leaves the Nowra Police Station on June 1, 2023, after being charged over the deaths of two friends. Picture by Glenn Ellard.
Property
Other side of Port Kembla: stunning $12m home in the same suburb as a major steel works
Brendan Crabb
No comments
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home at 40 Dovers Drive, Port Kembla sits on 1138 square metres. Picture: Supplied

Liberals push leadership cases after election thrashing

Savannah Meacham and Alex Mitchell
Sussan Ley and Angus Taylor are expected to battle it out for the Liberal leadership. Photo: Lukas Coch, Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS

Upgrades revved up for Australia's F1 Grand Prix venue

Alex Mitchell
Albert Park's facilities will undergo a huge upgrade following the 2026 Australian F1 Grand Prix. Photo: HANDOUT/VICTORIA STATE GOVERNMENT
Teacher's aide admits flogging $58k from junior rugby league club
Grace Crivellaro
Tamara Carlson. File picture by Adam McLean
The UOW students who will be thousands better off as they await 20% HECS cut
Daniel Fagan, Noah Skewes, and Laura Kirkland. Pictures by Robert Peet
Joshua Hutchinson
Problems in perimenopause: Hormones affect mood, mind, memory and mental health
Donna Jones
No comments
Dr Nargess Mazloumi giving her talk at the recent symposium in Bowral. Photo supplied

Emma Memma: former Wiggles star integrating sign language into her show

Emma Memma in her stylish moonboot. Picture supplied.
Amy Blizzard
No comments

Bowral Blacks struggle against Wollongong Vikings at Eridge Park

Mark Wallace*
No comments
The Blacks took on the Vikings in a match that was defined by the visiting teams strong defensive line. Picture by Mark Wallace - Pic 'n' Drive Photography

Loved people, loved drink, loved sex: What made Hawkie so popular?

Bob Hawke's widow, Blanche D'Alpuget, calls the Highlands home these days.
Rowan Cowley
Bob Hawke and Blanche D'Alpuget. Picture by Anita Jones
NSW Virtual STEM Academy expected to reach 1000 state-wide students
Allan Wilson
MRHS - Griffith year 9 students Parker Lee, Raiza Macabales and Brenora Webster have been in the program since primary school. Picture by Allan Wilson
Our People
'Just take little steps': You're never too young or too old to volunteer
71-year-old Bargo grandmother, Marjo Hallowell, launches new Facebook page Volunteering in Wollondilly. Picture supplied
Staff Reporter
No comments
Photos
Uninsured Yellow Rock home razed to the ground in ferocious blaze
Nadine Morton
Firefighters at the scene of a house fire in Yellow Rock on Sunday, May 4. Picture by Fire and Rescue NSW Albion Park

Today’s Paper

Read the latest edition online

Read now.

Access The Illawarra Mercury

Your subscription also includes access to The Illawarra Mercury.

Discover

Newsletters

Get the latest Breaking News alerts and Daily Headlines straight to your inbox.

Sign Up.

ViewJobs

ViewJobs brings you the best job opportunities across Australia

Discover

Advertisement

Ad

Newsletters & Alerts

View all
Your morning news Newsletter

Daily

Your morning news

Today's top stories curated by our news team.

National

How much did a cheese toastie with Virgin Mary's image sell for in 2004?

In 2004 a grilled cheese sandwich bearing the image of the Virgin Mary sold for how much in USD? Picture Canva
Anna Houlahan
No comments

Should it still be legal for Australians to smack their children?

Ben Silvester
No comments
Corporal punishment has been banned in 69 countries, but Australia isn't one of them. Picture Shutterstock

'Six months of hell': review to sort vexatious council complaints from misconduct

Saffron Howden
No comments
Andrew Thaler, who was suspended from Snowy Monaro Regional Council in May 2025 for his conduct, picture in May 2023. Picture by Sitthixay Ditthavong
Julie Fragar wins the 2025 Archibald Prize with a portrait of her friend
Artist Julie Fragar (left) poses for a photograph next fellow artist Justene Williams after her painting of her won the Archibald Prize 2025. Picture AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi
Ayden Dawkins
No comments
Watch
Meet Australia's number one Snoopy fan with more than 20,000 items collected
Cai Holroyd
Lisa Ridey and just a few of her Snoopies. Picture supplied
Security scare as teenager brings weapons to AFL match
Savannah Meacham
A teenage boy has been given a caution after trying to take a knife and fake gun into an AFL game. Photo: Daniel Pockett/AAP PHOTOS

Sport

Bowl for brain cancer at the Chris Benton Memorial in Bowral on May 10

File picture
Gordon Lewis
No comments

'Million-dollar question': Canberra braces for massive increase to player salaries

Caden Helmers, Melanie Dinjaski, Jacob McArthur
No comments
Jade Melbourne and her Capitals teammates are set for a major boost. Picture by Karleen Minney

Bowral Rugby Club celebrates women in Highlands rugby community on Ladies Day

Oliver Rodden
No comments
Young members and supporters of the club pictured at Ladies Day 2024. Picture by Mark Wallace - Pic 'n' Drive Photography

Match of the day goes to Team Day in an afternoon of tight bowls in Bowral

Gordon Lewis
No comments
File picture

From spectator to player: Tindal aviator Lauren Woods joins Anzac clash in Bowral

Royal Australian Air Force bowler Leading Aircraftwoman Lauren Woods makes a delivery. Picture by CPL Luke Bellman, ADF.
PropertyView

Why US celebrity real estate agent Mauricio Umansky has his eyes on Australian property

Property
"At my core, I'm a good salesperson because I love being an advisor to my clients," says Mauricio Umansky. Pic: Supplied
Jen Melocco
No comments
Property

Experts: Why property styling is not always a 'must do' when selling

Sonia Taylor
No comments
The character and personality of this apartment in Sydney's Surry Hills resonated with buyers. Pic: Supplied
Property

Inside Meshki fashion brand mogul's $48.5 million property splurge

Jade Lazarevic
No comments
Natalie Khoie, co-founder of fashion brand Meshki, purchased the stately Bellevue Hill mansion in March for $48.5 million. Pictures supplied
Why Daniel Johns is demolishing his iconic rock star pad in Newcastle
Property
The home of former Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns is under demolition in Merewether. Pictures Marina Neil/supplied
Jade Lazarevic
No comments
Eight household tips that are good for the environment and your hip pocket
January Jones
No comments
Winter is coming, which means energy bills will be increasing. Pic: Unsplash.
Record-breaking house auction raises $2.45 million for children's charity
January Jones
No comments
The sale price smashed the previous record by nearly $1 million. Pic: Supplied.
Today’s Paper
Issue cover

Saturday 10 May 2025

Receive easy access to the latest news. Get Today’s Paper in your inbox by signing up to receive alerts.

Read Now

The women behind Australia's biggest achievements revealed

Sita Sargeant, the founder of She Shapes History walking tours, has released a new book. Picture by Karleen Minney
Amy Martin
No comments

'Farcical': Why 16 lapel pins and 'First Matildas' have upset our most popular team

Renee Valentine
No comments
Julie Dolan has spoken out about the 1975 team, top inset, new lapel pins and the Matildas alumni. Main picture Getty Images

12 experiences you can have in Sydney this autumn/winter

Miranda Aitken
No comments
Photo by Shutterstock.
Things to Do

Empire French Film Festival and more: What's On across the Highlands

Staff Reporters
No comments
Max Jackson rolls into Robertson as part of her "LITTLE MORE COUNTRY" tour on Saturday, May 10.
Updated

Motherly advice: Tash's Matildas mission in Newcastle driven by mum's challenge

Josh Callinan
No comments
Jets defender Natasha Prior and Matildas coach Tom Sermanni in Newcastle on Monday. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

Recommended

13 must-have experiences: Raise a glass to fun in Brisbane

Beer Yoga on the lawn. Picture supplied

Brisbane's time in the sun

Jil Hogan
The purple Bougainvillea flowers at The Arbour at South Bank Parklands.
Recommended

A private paradise in the making - The Pandan Cove Project in Vanuatu

No comments
Photo by Shutterstock.

Bendigo Bank: Partnering for a better future in Australian agribusiness

Bendigo Bank's agribusiness team looks beyond numbers and seeks to understand the people behind the business to forge strong relationships with farmers. Picture supplied

5 easy steps to prepare for retirement

Are you on track for a financially-secure and fulfilling retirement? Picture Shutterstock

Ways to meet others, volunteering and community groups: the noticeboard

Seniors can join a class in Mittagong that helps improve their flexibility, balance and movement through gentle exercises. Picture supplied
Briannah Devlin
No comments
Good News

Oxley College and Harbison share memories and create art across generations

Briannah Devlin
No comments
Oxley College students Ellegra, Sebastian, Annabelle, Charlie, Charlie and Elsie making art with Harbison resident Joan. Picture by Briannah Devlin

All in the family: when your profession chooses you at birth

Sally Pryor
No comments
A watchmaker and a cobbler are keeping it old school. Pictures by Karleen Minney
Our People

A gentle blessing: Bishop treasures the moment Pope Francis took his hands

Nadine Morton
Catholic Diocese of Wollongong Bishop Brian Mascord at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, and pictured below with his treasured pectoral cross. Pictures by Robert Peet

Off with their heads! ... And other ways to deal with a weed infestation

Jackie French
No comments
Many weeds die if cut back often enough. Picture Shutterstock

Photos and Video

Husic unloads on Marles as 'factional assassin' after being dumped from ministry

Labor MP Ed Husic has hit out after being dumped from the ministry. Picture by Keegan Carroll
Connor Pearce
No comments

Shadow DOGE Senator Jacinta Price to run for Liberal deputy leader

Connor Pearce
No comments
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has announced her candidacy for deputy leader of the Liberal Party. Picture by Sitthixay Ditthavong
Opinion

10 thoughts about the election ... and a warning

Mark Kenny
No comments
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former opposition leader Peter Dutton at the final leaders' debate. Picture AAP

Confessions of a book sniffer: why that scent still makes giddy

Hayley Gannon
No comments
Luna's World author Hayley Gannon with Luna, a 10-year-old bookworm who is the star of her new series. Pictures Affirm Press, Michelle Conn

How much did a cheese toastie with Virgin Mary's image sell for in 2004?

Anna Houlahan
No comments
In 2004 a grilled cheese sandwich bearing the image of the Virgin Mary sold for how much in USD? Picture Canva

Comment

10 thoughts about the election ... and a warning

Opinion
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former opposition leader Peter Dutton at the final leaders' debate. Picture AAP
Mark Kenny
No comments
Opinion

Why Dutton's 'one tune' division and animosity didn't work for Australians

Ebony Bennett
No comments
Peter Dutton, pictured at Agfest on May 1, 2025. Picture by Eve Woodhouse
Opinion

Locking up kids isn't tough. It just creates more adult criminals

Juliana Warner
No comments
The detention and institutionalisation of children in their formative years is a proven key factor in recidivism rates. Picture Shutterstock
Explore
Book Now

All-women aboard: these cruise ships are all-female missions

Winetasting on board a Uniworld river cruiser.
Louise Goldsbury
No comments
Branded Content

Explore the cultural tapestry of south east Asia on a cruise

Sarah Falson
No comments
Explore the cultural tapestry of south east Asia on a cruise

13 must-have experiences: Raise a glass to fun in Brisbane

Beer Yoga on the lawn. Picture supplied
Brisbane's time in the sun
The purple Bougainvillea flowers at The Arbour at South Bank Parklands.
Jil Hogan
Branded Content
Discover the charms of this historic German city on a luxury cruise
No comments
Discover the charms of this historic German city on a luxury cruise
Every time I go to Bangkok, these are the first things I eat, see and visit
Justine Costigan
No comments
A floating market vendor prepares mango sticky rice. Picture: Shutterstock

Snow action vs classy city. Which New Zealand tourist hub is for you?

Amy Cooper and Mal Chenu
No comments
Punting on the Avon River in Christchurch.
Recommended

A private paradise in the making - The Pandan Cove Project in Vanuatu

No comments
Photo by Shutterstock.
Car Expert

2026 Kia Carnival price and specs

Car Expert
2026 Kia Carnival price and specs
Damion Smy
Car Expert

Which small European car would you buy?

Max Davies
Which small European car would you buy?
Car Expert

The EVs with the longest range in Australia

Josh Nevett
The EVs with the longest range in Australia
Car Expert

Audi cost cutting could see it sell Italdesign - report

Derek Fung
Audi cost cutting could see it sell Italdesign - report
Car Expert

2025 Honda HR-V e:HEV X review: Long term introduction

Josh Nevett
2025 Honda HR-V e:HEV X review: Long term introduction
The Senior

Broken dreams and lasting legacies: Daughter's love letter to Nina Simone

Picture by Jen Harris
Lisa Simone reflects on legendary mother Nina ahead of her Australian tour.
Rowan Cowley
No comments

Care recipients may have to choose between vital services, providers say

Home care recipients could be forced to pay $131 a week for services.
Rowan Cowley
No comments
Concerns are being expressed about what older Australians will have to pay under a new care model for services including cleaning, personal care and shopping. Shutterstock picture

Why you should ditch the daily makeup to keep your skin looking youthful

Is there too much of a good thing when it comes to makeup?
Rowan Cowley
No comments
Jodie Baker. Picture supplied
The Land

John Teitzel: four decades in Armidale and still getting used to the cold

John Teitzel at a Nutrien Weaner sale in Armidale. He's seen the highs and the lows of the wool industry. Picture by Simon Chamberlain
Simon Chamberlain
No comments

Europe potential called out for beef as the dust settles on Trump tariffs

Shan Goodwin
No comments
The opportunities in Europe for Australian beef are being highlighted as the flow-on from global tariff wars continues. Picture Emily Middleton.

Autumn colours redeemed by rainfall on the Tablelands | In Fiona's Garden

Fiona Ogilvie
Claret Ash (Fraxinus "Raywood") showing magnificent colour in Rosalie Pollock's high-altitude garden in Black Springs. Picture by Fiona Ogilvie.

Lifestyle

Meghan and Harry enjoy date night at superstar's show

Meghan and Prince Harry were in the crowd at Beyonce's concert in Los Angeles. Photo: AP PHOTO

Prince Edward to represent King at Pope's inauguration

Prince Edward will stand in for his brother King Charles at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration. Photo: AP PHOTO
Explainer

Google is rolling out its Gemini AI chatbot to kids under 13. It's a risky move

Lisa M. Given
No comments
A seven-years-old boy using a smartphone at night in bed. Picture Shutterstock