The Illawarra Flame

Sydney neurosurgeon Dr Ruth Mitchell presenting in Wollongong. Photo: Ruth Barbato In delivering a lecture to 200 people, including two federal politicians, about her recent mission to Gaza, Sydney neurosurgeon Dr Ruth Mitchell engaged the audience with the warmth of her delivery – a bedside manner that usually brings comfort to children in distress. “I'm right up on Bluey, Cocomelon; I've got the whole curriculum. I'm quite well versed on dinosaurs. I can talk Lego, aviation,” she said.

Photo: Merrigong Theatre Co When ABBA: Thank You for the Music hit the stage at IPAC on August 28, it wasn't even the first act paying tribute to the famous Swedish foursome to play in Wollongong in that calendar month. That honour went to Abbalanche at Centro CBD on August 15, another event proving the enduring success of the international pop sensations.

Plenty of fuel, a well-maintained vessel, proper safety gear and logging on to the Marine Rescue NSW app are key to boating enthusiasts staying safe on the water, a top maritime official has warned. With the spring boating season here, it’s crucial that boating enthusiasts get their equipment in order, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews says. “As the weather warms up, more people will be getting their boats ready.

Electric vehicles sales have overtaken sales of petrol cars for the first time in Australia. Photo: The Illawarra Flame Electric vehicles sales have overtaken sales of petrol cars for the first time in Australia. New vehicle sales figures for August show more than 27,000 battery electric vehicles were sold, which is 24.9% of all new vehicle sales and a new monthly record. The Illawarra has more than five EV dealerships, including BYD Wollongong.

There is no question that the detection of H5 bird flu in our city is a distressing milestone. No matter how inevitable it felt that Wollongong would follow locations across the country, including the Shoalhaven with their positive cases, it’s upsetting that bird flu is in our city. Plus, perhaps the hardest thing of all about this positive case is that, with us only at the start of the migratory bird season, it will get worse before it gets better.

Wollongong has a history of standing up for injustice and United Nations Commissioner Chris Sidoti thinks that spirit is alive today. “It continues to be a city in the Illawarra, a region with a proud tradition of social activism, and yes, the industrial scene has changed, and that means the trade union scene has changed. But people don't walk away from their history.” Australia's leading human rights lawyer was in Wollongong last night for his third talk in two years.

It’s easy to sign up for a plan and forget about it. Most electricity and gas rates changed on 1 July, and as our homes change, the plan that once suited us may no longer be the best deal. Three Electrify Illawarra members recently compared their electricity plans and found that what makes a good plan depends very much on how your household uses and produces energy.

Wollongong City Council’s grand plans for the “renewal” of Beaton Park Leisure Centre are drawing closer to completion but it’s still likely to be the end of the year before they’re shared with the community. Council has also laid out a time-frame for the long-term vision of the popular sporting precinct.

Photo by Evan Wise / Unsplash With Father’s Day coming up this Sunday, barbecues are among the first activities that come to mind to celebrate the day – but do they remain popular in the public's eyes? Advancements in cooking appliances and the convenience of barbecues often prompt people to choose an easy and practical approach. Illawarra residents and visitors shared their thoughts on the stereotypical activity for Father’s Day with the Illawarra Flame.

Wollongong has today recorded its second case of H5 avian influenza, with another greater crested tern testing positive. The bird was found on the jetty near the Port Kembla Southern Breakwater, a popular fishing spot and small boat harbour. The first tern with bird flu was found last week near Windang boat ramp. Greater crested terns nest in the Five Islands off Wollongong, where the risk of bird flu spreading is greatest in spring.