and hundreds of frustrated and tired travellers are disembarking the train headed south at Helensburgh All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThey've been told 10 buses wait at the station to take them to Thirroul severe weather damage between Wombarra and Scarborough caused all trains to stop between Waterfall and Thirroul The stoppage caused frustration and anger among travellers but for the passengers told to get off the train at Helensburgh the lack of information caused the most distress stood in front of the group after the rain mercifully went away and implored his fellow passengers to call the Sydney Trains complaint line "They knew back at Central that there was no trains further There are bus depots close enough to be able to organise," he said "There are maybe two or three buses needed Will said he would like to "know who's responsible" and wanted the people who were left abandoned at Helensburgh to have a "voice" and the stranded passengers were able to catch a train from Helensburgh on a service bound for Port Kembla A Sydney Trains spokesperson apologised to the passengers affected by the disruption "A total of 10 rail replacement buses were operating between Thirroul and Waterfall stations to transfer passengers one was not at Helensburgh station when the service in question arrived," they said so passengers at Helensburgh were advised of a Port Kembla service through to Wollongong "When rail replacement buses are operating marshals are requested and supplied subject to availability." Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, covering business and entertainment most of the time. Got a tip? Send it to me at joel.ehsman@austcommunitymedia.com.au. He/Him Today's top stories curated by our news team Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters Get the latest property and development news here Find out what's happening in local business tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert Your digital replica of Today's Paper Test your skills with interactive crosswords community groups and businesses in Helensburgh will soon have access to indoor meeting spaces in the village centre with the reopening of Helensburgh Community Rooms at 26A Walker St The reopening comes after Helensburgh Community Centre was closed in December 2021 due to mould and other issues affecting parts of the ageing facility the northeastern section of the building was found to be repairable and works have been undertaken to replace a portion of the roof update flooring and equip the space for community use Helensburgh Community Rooms will reopen to the public from 1 January multipurpose facility featuring a large and small meeting room and an office space available for hire seven days a week from 7.00am-midnight For those who are keen to get their reservations in early The main hall and several rooms linked to the main entry foyer will remain closed and off-limits due to isolated building issues in this portion of the building “While we’re working through the plans for a brand-new integrated Community Centre and Library for Helensburgh and surrounds having community spaces available now is a message we have heard loud and clear from Helensburgh residents and community groups,” Wollongong City Council’s Director of Community Services Kerry Hunt said “We’ve worked hard to respond to this need and I’m delighted that we are ahead of schedule with this refurbishment and fitout for the residents of Helensburgh.’’ The facility has been given a few more years of life while Wollongong Council works to deliver the new Community Centre and Library at 53 – 55 Walker Street the current Helensburgh Library site at 57 Walker Street will be sold to help cover the cost of the new facility “We recognise that community facilities play an important role in community life these spaces are the ‘glue’ that bind our community together,” said Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said “We are pleased to have started on the planning for the new centre while also being able to offer enhanced spaces for Helensburgh residents to use in the short-term.” Bookings for the Helensburgh Community Rooms can be made by calling Thirroul Community Centre at 4227 8181 or online. Visit our News page to find out what's happening in your community, or sign up for e-news. We show our respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Dharawal Country, Elders past and present, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. You can also use the number above for after hours Council-related emergencies Email council@wollongong.nsw.gov.au Webchat We show our respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Dharawal Country and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People A team of runners from all over the world ran into Helensburgh last week bringing the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Relay to the town the Run has visited almost every country on earth – over 170 nations and territories – and touched the lives of millions of people On this visit to Helensburgh the runners were welcomed to the town by Argyll and Bute’s Provost Dougie Philand visit organiser Irene Sommerville and Helensburgh Central councillor Fiona Howard They were piped in by Colin Smith from Helensburgh Pipe band and a second piper Norman McPhee was on hand to pipe them into the civic centre for refreshments Toni Taylor from Nature’s Harvest handed out fresh fruit cups and freshly squeezed orange juice to the relay team and their support as well as tor many of the townsfolk who ere their to enjoy the spectacle Many people opted to hold the lighted peace torch and an enthusiastic group of young people chose to run with it along side team members Local musician Robert Ryan gave a brief concert of Scottish folk song and music The group moved to the Civic Centre for a vegetarian and vegan buffet prepared by the centre’s catering team and it the Sri Chinoy team were delighted to be able take supplies home with them Mrs Sommerville said: “I was delighted so many people came out to see the runners and I would like to thank everyone who helped make it such a happy day “The runners enjoyed themselves very much and have asked if they can come back again in the future.” She added: “It was nice to see all the folks who were passing through the square join in holding the torch and making a wish for peace and the children running round the square holding the peace flame torch Cllr Howard aid: “I was really happy to have been involved in this It was an inspiring experience and I was delighted to assist with the organisation “I would also like to thank our provost for taking the time to attend and of course the runners for visiting Helensburgh on their incredible journey.” as the runners travel from nation to nation Anyone who wants to be there to see the runners arrive will be very welcome to attend The runners were: Abhejali Bernardová (Czech Republic) Enter your email address to receive notifications of news by email All material on this website is © copyright of the Lochside Press and cannot be reproduced without permission We continue to work as quickly as possible to carry out repairs to Helensburgh Leisure Centre following the damage done by red weather event Storm Eowyn, and this remains a priority We are working closely with our loss adjusters insurers and disaster recovery specialists to protect and fix the damage caused.  Whilst not apparent from external viewpoints work has been done internally to protect the building as reasonably practicable and a waterproof membrane has been attached to the roof A site meeting took place last week with contractors and we were able to realign the fencing cordoning off the site to enable public access to a section of the pier. We aim to get the leisure centre open again as soon as is feasibly possible We cannot yet give a definite timescale at this stage because various key steps and survey work are ongoing and repair details are being finalised with contractors and insurer.  We will provide updates once the programme to complete the repair is confirmed Enquiries@argyll-bute.gov.uk The St George Dragons and Illawarra Steelers kick-off their junior reps seasons this Saturday with all four grades set for trial matches at Helensburgh's Rex Jackson Oval. It marks the next step in what has proven a grueling preseason for the young sides as they continue to build towards a February season kick-off. They will be the first of three trial matches played with two more scheduled for January against other opponents. The day kicks off with the Dragons and Steelers Lisa Fiaola Cup outfits doing battle at 10:00am before the Tarsha Gale Cup squads meet at 11:30am followed by Harold Matthews Cup at 1:00pm and SG Ball Cup at 2:30pm. The day offers all those involved in the club's pathways an important opportunity to build connections as players continue to filter through the system. "One of the main things we really wanted to do is narrow that connection, so the coaches as well as the players spend some time with each other, understand what we're trying to do," Recruitment & Pathways Manager Shane Millard said. "It's a good opportunity for the coaches to see what they practice in the off-season too. Usually, you get a smoky; a kid that bounces out of the ground... We want to make St George Illawarra Dragons." Dragons Wheelchair Rugby League continue march towards finals Jersey Flegg Cup Highlights: Round 9 v Wests Tigers Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Highlights: Round 9 v Magpies Knock-On Effect NSW Cup: Dragons thump Wests, retain Roy Masters Cup Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThis could set up a difficult decision for the federal Albanese government whose Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek insisted late last year it had not approved any "new coal mines" Peabody subsidiary Metropolitan Collieries wants to mine a new longwall panel to the west of its current operations This would go beyond the boundary of its mining lease in the drinking water catchment "special area" near the Woronora Dam so Peabody would need a new lease to mine the section which it calls Longwall 318 This would require a new lease being granted over part of its exploration lease extending west from the existing operation It may seek to expand mining further west into the drinking water catchment in the future, having already described this as "a logical and efficient progression" of the Metropolitan mine Peabody is currently developing longwall 309 and has several years of mining to go before it reaches the area of 317 and 318 Peabody says this modification would enable it to extract about 2.8 million tonnes of coal and extend the existing workforce's employment for about two years "The extension safeguards the 400-strong local workforce at Metropolitan Mine while continuing to supply high quality steelmaking coal to the local steelworks and for export," a Peabody spokesman told the Mercury supporting the economies of both the Illawarra region and NSW "Metropolitan mine produces coal used for steel production which is essential for building our homes bridges and renewable energy infrastructure." The miner has referred its application to federal environment authorities as a modification to the current consent, as Peabody did with its NSW Major Projects application for the same project This will determine whether the new longwall is classed as a "controlled action" which requires Commonwealth approval In 2009 Peabody's expansion of the same mine was ruled not to be a controlled action A controlled action is one which is assessed to have a significant impact on certain protected matters While Peabody's additional longwall is substantially the same activity as it has had approval for the need for a new mining lease to be granted may be an issue for planning authorities considering whether this is a "modification" or a more significant development Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Love footy? We've got all the action covered. The latest news, results & expert analysis. Get the latest property and development news here. Find out what's happening in local business. Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Pictures by Wollongong Police DistrictPolice are calling on the public for help to find a person accused of smashing down traffic signs across Helensburgh Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueNo entry keep left and roundabout signs have allegedly been bent "Traffic and road signs at the intersection of the Princes Highway and Lawrence Hargrave Drive November 30," Wollongong Police District officers said "Transport for NSW has been advised of the damaged signs." View +5 PhotosMalicious damage cases in Wollongong local government area are stable with 1351 incidents reported in the 12 months to June 2024 compared to 1356 for the same time period last year data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows malicious damage cases dropped by 13 per cent The incident came 11 days after NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb opened a new $3 million police station on Waratah Street in Helensburgh. While the station can accommodate eight police officers, it is not staffed 24/7. Police have asked anyone with information or dashcam footage of the incidents to contact Wollongong Police Station on 4226 7899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au Pack your picnic basket and bring your four-legged friends Proud Park in Helensburgh has had its winter refresh completed and is ready to enjoy The upgraded park features include a new fenced off-leash dog area and park entry park signage as well as landscaping improvements “Our Helensburgh community value Proud Park and is a popular off-leash dog area.  As such they have asked for upgrades to make the park more accessible and safer,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said we’re pleased to complete the upgrades to lift the park’s amenity and create a better experience for all we also hope to see more dogs and owners enjoying this green space.” The project was boosted by a $45,340 grant under the NSW Government Local Small Commitments Allocation (LSCA) funding program The program supports small local projects to enhance community wellbeing and provide benefits to communities Cr Bradbery said Council is grateful to have received funding to help invest in community-focused facilities to make Wollongong a liveable and thriving city “We’ve ambitious plans to make our facilities and spaces the best it can be The funding from governing bodies makes a great difference on uplifting projects and progressing them to completion,” he said the funding has aided the array of park improvements to complement our new fenced off-leash dog area We’re always thankful in their support of our community goals and vision.” is excited by the improvements to the park: "The upgrades to Proud Park are a wonderful enhancement for our community “This project reflects the Minns Labor government’s commitment to creating safe welcoming spaces where residents and their pets can enjoy the outdoors together.” “The new facilities will undoubtedly make Proud Park an even more popular spot in Helensburgh and I’m proud to see our government’s investment making a positive impact on local lives." Council have also received $40,000 under LSCA to fund the current Stanwell Park Nature Play project The works will incorporate nature play opportunities that complement the renewal of Stanwell Park playground The works for the nature play are underway and depending on weather and other conditions it is anticipated works will be completed in September 2024 “Our shared spaces are an integral part of community life Our parks provide important places for people to connect and play,” Cr Bradbery said “We are looking forward to continuing our investments in our parks Proudly funded by NSW Government Local Small Commitments Allocation (LSCA) funding program Supplied picture by Bob CrombieThe owner of the Helensburgh mine must pay fines and costs of more than $500,000 for polluting waterways flowing into the Royal National Park and Garawarra State Conservation Area $150,000 will go to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for a water quality and environmental monitoring program in the Royal National Park and Garawarra State Conservation Area Metropolitan Collieries also has to pay the EPA's investigation and legal costs of almost $305,000 The offences occurred between July and October 2022 beginning with the company's failure to ensure that a large water storage basin called Turkeys Nest Dam which stored surface water runoff and mine water an Environment Protection Authority (EPA) officer saw the dam was largely full of sediment and there was little room to store water Six months earlier the same officer had observed that coal sediment had almost reached the top of the basin a member of the public saw polluted discharge from the mine in the water and on the banks of Camp Gully Creek about 50 metres upstream of where it joined with the Hacking River the EPA notified the Metropolitan Collieries but its representative dismissed it because he believed it was from a previous discharge the mine was already investigating The following day the member of the public returned to the area and saw "thick black deposits floating in the water and black sediment coating the rocks along the banks of the Hacking River" mine staff investigated on September 8 and saw material from the dam discharging into Camp Gully Creek at about 10 litres per second They also found an inlet to a pump blocked with sediment Staff addressed the problem and the discharge of water and sediment into the creek stopped about noon that same day it was not known how much water and sediment went into the creek Metropolitan Collieries had no instruments to monitor the water level of Turkey Nest Dam or alert staff if there was discharge via the spillway mine staff noticed the dam's water level rising due to rain and began pumping water to a disused part of the mine but the water coming in outpaced their efforts Water and sediment in the dam started overflowing into Camp Gully Creek for 10 hours with an estimated volume of about half a megalitre Justice Robson said the two pollution events were caused by inadequate water storage at the mine and could have been avoided had Turkeys Nest Dam been cleared of sediment The coal fines from the first spill killed macroinvertebrates and other organisms and contributed to a reduction in the population of these organisms which Justice Robson said could have long-term effects on river health the duration of the impacts including the smothering and killing of macroinvertebrates would have extended until at least the clean-up in February 2023," Justice Robson said "The October 2022 discharge event exacerbated those impacts however the October 2022 discharge event caused lesser environmental impacts." although diluted when mixed with the creek had the potential to cause harm to the aquatic ecosystem The EPA issued three clean-up notices to Metropolitan Collieries which removed about 13.75 tonnes of material from Camp Gully Creek and the Hacking River although it is unclear whether this all came from the two pollution events Justice Robson accepted that the mine had taken some steps in 2021 and 2022 to manage sediment and had since taken action to prevent repeated pollution including greater dam capacity and new equipment to monitor dam conditions But he noted there were similar events earlier in 2022 where polluted water ran into Camp Gully Creek and found the pollution was "entirely foreseeable" Metropolitan Collieries had no prior environmental offences on its record The EPA has since imposed tougher conditions on the mine's environment protection licence and imposed two fines totalling $30,000 for a separate alleged pollution event that occurred in late 2022 Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs and education. Our Watch award winner. If you've got a story, let me know. Wollongong City Council is seeking feedback from the community about their preferred option for Helensburgh Cemetery’s Portico The structure at the entrance to the cemetery was damaged by an oversized vehicle in 2021 and has been closed for the past few years An alternative accessway over Crown Land has been used for vehicles entering the cemetery and Council is looking at a long-term option for the site The community is being asked to share their preference of two options The first is to demolish the damaged portico completely and the second is to repair it and reconstruct a new access road “Through this consultation we want to understand from the community which of these two options is their preferred choice and then we’re able to move forward with the required archaeological and heritage approvals for that option,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said “We know there is some interest in this matter in the community and Council has already sought an independent assessment of the portico which established there was no historical significance to the structure there is no reason why we can’t demolish it and reconstruct the sealed access road as we reinstate the entrance gates we want to know if there is a wish that the 1960s structure be repaired.’’ Option A is the cheaper of the two options with the plan not only demolish the damaged portico but to reinstate the entrance gates and put in new plantings along Cemetery Road This work could be completed faster as some of the initial investigations like the heritage impact have already been completed Option B would only involve restoring the portico and also building a new access road on the western side for oversized vehicles temporary road is not a long-term option as it isn’t under Council’s direct ownership or control and this limits our ability to maintain and improve it as needed Option B would involve the removal of a tree and some vegetation and places the road close to existing graves Timber bollards would be installed along the new road to protect existing known grave sites Council has plans to design a new entrance to the bush cemetery that meets current safety and access standards It is possible during construction for Option B works on the new road could uncover previously unidentified grave sites as the work is within the oldest section of the cemetery which has marked graves dating from the 1890s Further information about the options for the Helensburgh Cemetery site is available on Council’s website as well as at Helensburgh Library Community feedback is open from 19 August and closed on Monday 16 September 2024 Visit our News page to find out what's happening in your community, or sign up for e-news. In mid-2023, Wollongong City Council closed Helensburgh Mountain Bike Park following reports that fragments of asbestos had been found on the site’s tracks. Work was done to remediate the site, with the support of the NSW EPA and in conversation with the licensee, Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club (HORCC). The park has now reopened, and we will continue to work with the Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club on their plans for the reinstatement of safe tracks. You can read our past statements about Helensburgh Mountain Bike Park to learn more about what's happening at this location. File picture by ACMTwo men travelled several hours on a round trip from western Sydney to Helensburgh last year Agreed facts tendered to the court said the victim was a longtime resident of Mclerie Street in Helensburgh and shared the home with her husband and children which they kept chained together in the garage one of the children forgot to lock the garage door runner and place the wire used to lock the bikes together back through the rims the victim awoke to go to Pilates but on her way out she noticed that the garage door was open two-thirds of the way and one of the bikes - a Yamaha YZ250 - was missing and another man had set off from western Sydney They were detected travelling east at a toll point on the M5 at Hammondville at 12.02am Alderton and the other man broke into the garage of a family's home in Helensburgh and stole the Yamaha bike CCTV footage taken from the adjoining Boswell Street showed Alderton and his co-accused carrying a dirt bike about 3.18am recorded at a motorway toll point in western Sydney at 4.56am when police came knocking at his Lethbridge Park home Magistrate David Williams adjourned sentencing to obtain a report on Alderton's background Alderton will return to court at a later date Picture by Robert PeetThere is some light at the end of the tunnel for Helensburgh residents waiting for a library upgrade Construction work is aimed to begin in the first half of 2027 and the new centre - similar to those at Corrimal and Thirroul - will be built across the two vacant lots and the library site Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said it had been a long road because once the council acquired the site so the council worked through the issues at the site "I share their concerns and frustration because we were frustrated in the process as well," Cr Bradbery said "Trying to tick the boxes and make sure that we do everything according to the state government requirements and all the regulations that are around community assets "It's just been one thing after another and I share the community's concern but we're finally here and we will progress it as quickly as possible." the current community centre across the road - which has been closed due to mould - will be temporarily re-opened from January 1 "We've continued to look at the community centre since its closure," Cr Bradbery said "We've been able to establish that the centre's mould issues have a number of contributing factors "In the coming months repairs will start on the youth rooms portion of the building as this is where it has been established the mould was connected to roofing problems "Once the repair and remediation of this section has been completed Cr Bradbery said the council will be looking for grants from the state and federal governments to help fund the construction Ward 1 councillor Cameron Walters said he was aware the long wait for the centre may have left some Helensburgh residents feeling their suburb was being overlooked "You can understand that considering especially the attention Wollongong CBD gets," Cr Walters said "And that's why I'm very happy that we're here today finally announcing something and we're moving forward Cr Walters said the residents had been pushing for a new centre to be in town close to the existing library "I think residents will be very happy that their voices have been listened to and that it's actually going to be built where they want it to be built," he said "I think the real thing from here now is getting the library and community centre built but also making sure there's plenty of parking around it as well there have been concerns that there won't be enough parking for the future." I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading. Picture by Robert PeetWollongong City Council is triple-checking with Helensburgh residents to see what features they want in their new library All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAfter a long journey, the site for the new Helensburgh library - next-door to the current library - was revealed in August with construction aimed to begin in the first half of 2027 It had been a long journey in part because after the site was chosen it was identified as bushfire-prone which gave the council a whole lot of issues to work through before it got the all-clear Residents' opinions have been canvassed in 2017 and 2020 but due to the long lead times the council is checking one final time to make sure those wishes are still correct - especially in the wake of COVID "When we first spoke with the community about a new library and community centre facility for Helensburgh we hadn't been through a global pandemic," Lord Mayor Tania Brown said COVID-19 was in its infancy in terms of its impact and legacy "Over the past four years the way people study work and socialise has changed and we need to make sure that what we're planning for Helensburgh and the surrounding suburbs meets people's needs now and into the future." The third call for for feedback would also allow any people who had recently moved to Helensburgh to have their say we want this to be a well-used space that has a versatility in its design that allows for it to be used and enjoyed in a range of ways," Cr Brown said "This also goes for its community centre and rooms." There are a number of ways residents can provide feedback including via the council's Our Wollongong website at Saturday's Helensburgh Lions Fair in Charles Harper Park or by filling out a paper survey from the current library Picture by Robert PeetHelensburgh's new police station has officially opened to great fanfare but the multi-million station will not be manned 24 hours The Waratah Street station can accommodate eight officers and it will be used as a base to start and finish shifts "It offers the best of both worlds for residents in the Helensburgh area that officers that belong to this community will start and finish from this community," NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said A police car will be based at the new station and Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar said this will mean quicker response times during emergencies "It also provides a capability for our traffic and highway patrol as we know they're constantly doing operations whether it's on the motorway or it's through the [Royal] National Park," he said "It gives them the capability when they need to catch up on some paperwork or computer work While "stand down" time is vital for officers Assist Comm Cassar said he wants to see police out on the beat "Rest assured I do not want to see the police sitting in there for the whole shift because I think the community gets greater value if they're out and about using their police vehicles doing what they get paid for and that's keeping the community safe," he said NSW Premier Chris Minns was in Helensburgh for the opening and while he indicated the station could be manned on a permanent basis in the future he gave no indication when this could happen "As the police force grows and as the community north of Wollongong grows there's the capacity to staff it on a permanent rotation as well as include more police officers from this station as part of their daily shift," he said Click on the photo to see more pictures from the opening View +12 PhotosAssist Comm Cassar said it was not public pressure that led to the new station rather the opportunity to bring a non-operational demountable back online for use Helensburgh's crime rate may only make up about two per cent of overall crime in the Wollongong Police District, but local woman Allison Hogan told the Mercury there are significant delays when officers respond to the area. "If you had a problem they had to come from Wollongong so it'd take 30 or 40 minutes to get here," she said. Officers began using the station at the start of November, and Ms Hogan has noticed the recent increased police presence. "It's good for security to know that there are people here," she said. Helensburgh resident Allison Hogan and her daughter Aimee Falkinder on Monday, November 18, 2024. Picture by Robert Peet"It makes you feel a little bit more secure ... it's good to know police can come very quickly to help them if needed." Wombarra resident Terryanne Ingram said the lack of local police led to criminals targeting the area. "A lot of crime happens up here I think due to not having a local station and that station was never really manned," she said. "There was lots of things that happened, like house robberies due to not having central police." At the official opening, NSW Premier Chris Minns joked that the previous station looked like it was from a "1970s cop show", and the new purpose-built station would help officers undertake their sometimes "difficult and sometimes dangerous work". "Can I just say we are so grateful that you do it, not everybody can do it, not everyone's capable of doing it," he said to officers gathered. "For those that willingly sign up to be NSW police officer, we owe you a huge debt of gratitude." Helensburgh's Rex Jackson Oval hosted the NSWRL's Southern Corridor Development Day on Saturday with a variety of junior sides on display. It was the first time in several years that the Illawarra had hosted the Southern Corridor Development Day with the region's northernmost club – the Helensburgh Tigers – awarded hosting rights. An array of development squads hailing from the Illawarra, Group 7, St George and Canterbury regions had the opportunity to take to the field. Boys and girls sides ranging from Under 13s to Under 16s were on show in what proved a successful day. The day was another display of grassroots rugby league's continued growth throughout the state and beyond with participation records again broken this year. The suburb could end up holding a celebratory event for their Olympic resident Picture by Anna WarrHelensburgh could get a special event to honour its gold-medal winning BMX rider Saya Sakakibara Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAt Monday night's Wollongong City Council meeting Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery put forward a motion to work towards adding the 2024 Olympians and Paralympians to the commemorative wall at Lang Park Cr Bradbery's motion also called for the council to "investigate other opportunities to recognise local athletes who have competed at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games" One of those could be specific celebratory events in Olympians' home suburbs where there was significant support following an amendment moved by Ward 1 Cr Cameron Walters Cr Walter spoke of the Helensburgh community coming out in the early hours to watch Sakakibara's gold medal race and of local artist Sarah Rowan quickly adding it to her just-completed mural "I think it would be great to have something along the lines of Spinfest or something of a similar nature to be hosted in Helensburgh to celebrate Saya's achievement," Cr Walters said "I think Saya's coming back in the next week or so and I think it would be fitting to have an event to talk with Saya and the community like we've done with other Olympians here and host an event at a perfect time that suits the family in that area." Cr Janice Kershaw moved a separate amendment calling on the council to start discussions with Special Olympics Illawarra "to investigate opportunities to recognise our Special Olympians from the past and into the future" "The Special Olympics is the largest sporting organisation in the world for children and adults with intellectual disabilities," Cr Kershaw said "Their Olympics is held every four years like the Olympics that has just happened and the Paralympics that is happening "I think there are a number of residents in this city that have participated in the Special Olympics and are Olympians in that field "I think it's time for our city to recognise those people as well and I think this is an opportunity to have discussions with Special Olympics Illawarra to see how we can recognise their efforts as well." Both amendments were accepted by Cr Bradbery and passed unanimously Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time In the hours before her gold medal-winning race Saya Sakakibara was being immortalised on the side of a pet food store south of Sydney I can’t feel my fingers,” artist Sarah Rowan said as she put the finishing touches on the mural in Sakakibara’s home town of Helensburgh “I’m going to go to bed and watch her win gold in the morning.” Sarah Rowan with her mural of Saya and Kai Sakakibara on Short Street Sakakibara did just that, landing Australia’s first BMX racing gold medal three years after a crash in Tokyo as her family including brother Kai who switched to rowing following his own BMX injury Rowan hightailed it back to her mural of the siblings to paint the glistening honour around Saya’s neck the professional “speed painter” said the project began when a resident suggested a mural to show the town’s support in a Helensburgh Facebook group last week A statue outside Helensburgh Post Office decorated as a tribute to Saya Sakakibara and I got the owner and his permission,” Rowan said followed by 30 hours of painting from Wednesday as locals chipped in with donations to cover costs and time the smallest of kids would see the wall and go The community had been “phenomenal” and the vibe was “electric” “People have been coming up to me crying with excitement.” Southlake Illawarra BMX Club has thrown its support behind its former member with young children riding in T-shirts reading “Let’s go Saya Sakakibara won Australia’s first BMX gold medal in Paris.Credit: AP Kirrawee High School head PE teacher Amy Anderson recalled Sakakibara’s “natural desire to excel” as a year 12 student in 2017 Anderson said it had been an emotional ride after Sakakibara’s devastating crash in 2021 but the community woke on Saturday morning to watch her achieve gold “Our Kirrawee family have all just gone nuts over the internet,” she said had spoken to students about resilience after his injury and they would “absolutely love to have” Saya speak when she returns to Australia “She’s a beautiful role model for all of the young people and that anything can be achieved through hard work.” Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter here. In the hours before her gold medal-winning race, 17,000 kilometres from Paris, Saya Sakakibara was being immortalised on the side of a pet food store south of Sydney. \\u201CIt\\u2019s 1.20am \\u2026 7 degrees, I can\\u2019t feel my fingers,\\u201D artist Sarah Rowan said as she put the finishing touches on the mural in Sakakibara\\u2019s home town of Helensburgh. \\u201CI\\u2019m going to go to bed and watch her win gold in the morning.\\u201D Sakakibara did just that, landing as her family, including brother Kai who switched to rowing following his own BMX injury, watched on in the stands. On Saturday morning, Rowan hightailed it back to her mural of the siblings to paint the glistening honour around Saya\\u2019s neck. \\u201CI came back to add the gold,\\u201D she said. Speaking to this masthead on Saturday, the professional \\u201Cspeed painter\\u201D said the project began when a resident suggested a mural to show the town\\u2019s support in a Helensburgh Facebook group last week. \\u201CI went to the biggest wall in town, and I got the owner and his permission,\\u201D Rowan said. Drawing began on Tuesday, followed by 30 hours of painting from Wednesday, as locals chipped in with donations to cover costs and time. \\u201CWhen I was painting, the smallest of kids would see the wall and go, \\u2018Saya! Kai!\\u2019\\u201D Rowan said. The community had been \\u201Cphenomenal\\u201D and the vibe was \\u201Celectric\\u201D, she said. \\u201CPeople have been coming up to me crying with excitement.\\u201D Southlake Illawarra BMX Club has thrown its support behind its former member, with young children riding in T-shirts reading \\u201CLet\\u2019s go, Saya!\\u201D Kirrawee High School head PE teacher Amy Anderson recalled Sakakibara\\u2019s \\u201Cnatural desire to excel\\u201D as a year 12 student in 2017. \\u201CThis determination and drive, it\\u2019s just in her DNA,\\u201D she said. \\u201CIt\\u2019s part of her personality, which is what makes her so successful.\\u201D Anderson said it had been an emotional ride after Sakakibara\\u2019s devastating crash in 2021, but the community woke on Saturday morning to watch her achieve gold. \\u201COur Kirrawee family have all just gone nuts over the internet,\\u201D she said. \\u201CWe\\u2019re honoured to share in her success, being part of her childhood, we can\\u2019t be more proud.\\u201D She said Kai, who was school captain in 2014, had spoken to students about resilience after his injury, and they would \\u201Cabsolutely love to have\\u201D Saya speak when she returns to Australia. \\u201CShe\\u2019s a beautiful role model for all of the young people, to show what guts and resilience is like, and that anything can be achieved through hard work.\\u201D Get the day\\u2019s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. giving frontline officers with modern facilities and fulfilling an election commitment Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe new $3 million modular-style station replaces a decades-old demountable building on Waratah Street which was no longer fit-for-purpose and didn't meet work health and safety standards This meant that in recent years, officers were being deployed from Wollongong Police Station to the northern suburbs Police Commissioner Karen Webb said officers has already begun starting and finishing their shifts at Helensburgh which meant there was greater police presence in the Illawarra's northern suburbs Premier Chris Minns said the Helensburgh community was getting its police station back "NSW police are based in the northern Illawarra once again and that's something the Helensburgh community deserves," he said "The new police station is something our Government prioritised from the start and delivers today." The Labor Government promised to rebuild the Helensburgh Police Station during its first term Premier Chris Minns announcing that work would start on a new Helensburgh Police Stion in May Picture by Adam McLeanUp to eight officers can be based at the new site and a first response car will also be attached to the station The site manages and holds all necessary operational policing equipment and provides secure parking for police vehicles along with Minister for Police Yasmin Catley Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart and Police Commissioner Karen Webb announced plans for the new site in May Ms Catley said there would now be a permanent police presence in Helensburgh ensures officers can continue to support the growing community," she said "Police work every day to keep us safe - it's not an easy job which is why the Labor Government is providing them with the facilities and resources to support their essential work Ms Stuart said she was proud to have delivered the police station quickly "There has been a significant history to policing in Helensburgh and I am proud to help continue that," she said "This will restore peace of mind to the community." Proudly Illawarra Mercury since 2011, I'm an award-winning reporter who has helped the paper set the news agenda across our region for more than a decade. Helensburgh on July 20 replaces the Rosneath Peninsula Highland Games Solo Piping Competition and the Helensburgh Bicentenary Pipe Band Championships to provide a continuing competitive piping opportunity in this area of Argyll Bagpiping features and news from around the international piping community Contact us: news@bagpipe.news © Bagpipe News - The National Piping Centre