Before you chide someone for not wearing a mask in public, it's important to remember there are legitimate exemptions. "It's good that people are being vigilant - but it's important to remember that we don't know everyone's circumstances," Wollongong MP Paul Scully said.

'Health outcomes should not be determined by postcodes'.

Early intervention can address many childhood mental health issues.

Kate will travel to Oxford University in September 2021 where she hopes to enrol in the BA (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) with senior status.

Claire Peterson will investigate biosecurity practices in the hay industry.

Bold tax reforms are needed to lure more businesses to the bush and capitalise on the boom in working-from-home tree-changers many regional areas are experiencing.

The numbers surprised the hospital's nursing and midwifery director Michelle Keir, who said it could have either grown or shrunk thanks to the pandemic, however no-one really predicted the numbers to stay consistent over the years.

We will probably never guess how much the world will change in 50 years. But when it comes to housing, health, jobs and industry, great challenges lie ahead. Luckily, each of the University of Wollongong experts Future Focus' partner the Illawarra Mercury spoke to agreed that - if we act now - the city is uniquely placed to deal with many of these challenges.

'Everyday hero', Thirroul's Paul Tuckerman, was among those nominated for Australian of the Year awards.

Artist, educator and activist Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann is the Senior Australian of the Year.

Elaine Maslen has delivered 140 cakes to people living alone.