Local Business

Poetry & History at the Pub in April

Wednesday 16th Poetry at the Pub launching new books from David Stavanger and Ali Jane Smith. Also appearing will be Joseph Schwarztkopf Jr, Nicole Smede and special guest, Hasib Hourani. If you’ve been to one of our poetry events at Ryan’s...

Collins Booksellers Thirroul

April 2025

Local Business

Family creates streetwear brand: Meet the Helensburgh crew behind Shred Clothing

A Helensburgh-based online enterprise called Shred Clothing is a true family business. “I started Shred with my three boys,” said owner Carla Brittain, who also runs Coal Coast Shutters and Blinds with her husband, Dave. “It started out as...

Genevieve Swart

April 2025

Partner content

Home decor for harmony and happiness with CS Interiors

By local interior decorator Claire Cronin-Smith, owner of CS Interiors Communication is at the heart of my work. I believe that understanding my clients and their families is essential to bringing their vision to life. With a degree in...

The Illawarra Flame

April 2025

Local Business

Networking and training boosts careers, thanks to Junior Chambers International’s Illawarra chapter

Want to give your career a boost? Melannie Thomas, president the Illawarra chapter of Junior Chambers International (JCI), recommends joining her local group of young leaders.

Genevieve Swart

March 2025

Local Business

New leaders volunteer at local business chambers

In the north and the south, new leaders are emerging at Wollongong’s volunteer-run local business chambers.

Genevieve Swart

March 2025

Partner content

Viking Skip Bin Recycling: Where does the waste go?

Viking Skip Bin Recycling processes and crushes concrete, bricks and tiles, which can then be resold to homeowners or the construction industry. It’s one of just three companies in the Illawarra to provide this service, says Glen Steggles, owner...

Lesley Roulston

March 2025

Local Business

Illawarra Flame honoured: Walkley Foundation announces grants for solutions journalism

Yesterday the Walkley Foundation announced that The Illawarra Flame has been honoured with a grant from the new Walkley Solutions Journalism Fund. Eleven new Australian journalism projects will share in just over $180,000 of funding support. The...

The Illawarra Flame

March 2025

Local Business

Earth Walker & Co: From cafe to cultural haven

By Emma Maggs A cafe in the heart of Coledale, Earth Walker & Co. is embarking on an exciting new chapter under the creative vision of founder Ciara Kulmar. Many locals in the area have borne witness to the changes and are enjoying the new...

Emma Maggs

March 2025

Local Business

New business leader Coralie McCarthy ready to shake things up

Today marks one month in the job for the new Business Illawarra boss, Coralie McCarthy, and she’s clearly loving it. While it’s early days in the role as the most powerful business advocate for the Illawarra, Coralie is excited about the future of...

Jeremy Lasek

February 2025

Local Business

Lord Mayor’s Column: Promoting Wollongong’s 2025 Investment Prospectus

By Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown Last week, we launched Invest Wollongong’s 2025 Investment Prospectus in Sydney and used the opportunity to send a clear message to investors and businesses - Wollongong is ‘open for business’ and we are...

Wollongong City Council

February 2025

Local Business

Nature contact influences children’s resilience, well-being and emotional regulation, survey finds

By Simone Potter, founder of Bush Magic Adventure Therapy Why is ‘bush school’ and outdoor learning gaining in popularity? What makes for a successful bush school program? How does increased nature connectedness impact children with special needs?...

Simone Potter

February 2025

Partner content

New podiatrist starts at Helensburgh clinic

To book an appointment, visit the Platinum Health Podiatry website

The Illawarra Flame

January 2025

Local Business

Book events are back at Collins in Thirroul

Our 2025 Events calendar kicks off slowly with three on offer so far. February 1st is the return of the Mini Makers Market from 9.30-2pm. You’ll be surprised at the quality of work and the range of beautiful, fun products available to purchase...

Collins Booksellers Thirroul

January 2025

Local Business

Gerringong entrepreneurs launch therapeutic tea range to support gut health

For Gerringong-based entrepreneurs Zhenya Gerson and Jacqueline Clark, gut health isn’t just a trend – it’s a way of life. After transforming the PROPPR, their sleek bathroom foot stool, into an award-winning wellness essential, the duo is...

Kasey Simpson

January 2025

Local Business

New year, new books

Our wishes to all for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025. January is perfect to redeem those gift vouchers received in 2024 so allow yourself time to browse and make it an enjoyable morning or afternoon in the bookshop. As always, our shelves are...

Collins Booksellers Thirroul

January 2025

Local Business

Team HELNO ready the rally car

John Hine from Helensburgh Car Services will join the Shitbox Rally, driving from Perth to Dawin to raise funds for Cancer Council in June 2025. Joined by his co-driver and sister-in-law Nicole Howe, team HELNO are preparing their rally car and...

Tyneesha Williams

November 2024

Local Business

ITeC Academy to host new free Business Connections Club

Networking events are making a comeback as local business people show they value the chance to connect with others. On Thursday, November 14, the revival of the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce (NICC) had a promising start, with Wollongong...

Genevieve Swart

November 2024

Local Business

Q&A with the Glow Girls founder

First Helensburgh local Sammy Mahler changed her own life, now she’s changing others’. “After many years in fashion, where I honed my skills in creativity and communication, I realised my true calling lay in supporting young people,” Sammy...

Genevieve Swart

November 2024

Partner content

Horizon Bank Celebrated 60 years of Service to the Illawarra & South Coast!

By the team at Horizon Bank This November, Horizon Bank proudly marked their 60th Anniversary, commemorating six decades of dedicated service as a customer-owned financial institution in the Illawarra and South Coast. It all began in 1964 when...

The Illawarra Flame

November 2024

Local Business

Collins hosts last author talks of 2024

Invitation to young & old to join our Xmas Fundraising Project raising money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. How does it work? We’ll give you a plain paper carry bag to take home and decorate using your medium of choice: pencils, ink...

Collins Booksellers Thirroul

November 2024

Local Business

Gem of a gift idea

As we count down the days to the festive season, how many of us are struggling to come up with a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift which has style, purpose and practicality? Why not consider giving your someone special a unique creative experience, in...

Jeremy Lasek

November 2024

Local Business

Well done to Helensburgh’s Todd Brennan, founder of Forkpro Australia

By Michelle Mitchell, general manager at Forkpro Australia Helensburgh’s Todd Brennan, CEO and founder of Forkpro Australia, has won the Australian Forklift & Industrial Truck Association’s H&E Grant Award. It is a prestigious award...

The Illawarra Flame

October 2024