Morning Briefing: Sizzling Sunday and a Soaring Hawks Victory

The Morning Outlook

Good morning, Wollongong. As we wake up on this Sunday, 25 January 2026, the primary story for every resident is the thermometer. We are in the grip of a significant summer heatwave, and today is expected to be the peak of the intensity. While inland regions are sweltering in the 40s, Wollongong is forecast to hit a top of 35 degrees today. This intense heat is being driven by a 'heat engine' phenomenon pulling hot air from the country’s west toward the coast. If you are heading out, the best advice is to seek the relief of our easterly coastal winds, which are expected to keep the Illawarra slightly more bearable than the surrounding tablelands.

The City Mood: Sun, Surf, and Celebration

The mood across the city is a classic long-weekend mix of relaxation and caution. With the mercury soaring, our local beaches from Stanwell Park to Windang are expected to be at capacity by mid-morning. There is a palpable sense of community pride in the air this morning, following a stellar performance from our local heroes on the court last night. The pre-Australia Day atmosphere is building, with many families already scouting the best spots at the harbor for tomorrow's festivities.

Key Talking Point: The Hawks and the New Precinct

The talk of the town today is undoubtedly the Illawarra Hawks. The team secured a dominant 101-91 victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers last night, providing the perfect start to the long weekend. Beyond the scoreboard, residents are discussing the recent 'Hawks Welcome Precinct' announcement. This major infrastructure update aims to align Wollongong with the global basketball stage, signaling a massive investment in the city’s sporting future. Expect to see plenty of Hawks jerseys out and about today as fans celebrate the win before the team takes on Brisbane tomorrow.

Sunday Feel-Good: Culture and Connection

If you are looking for a way to enjoy the day away from the sand, there are several community highlights to enjoy:

• Botanic Garden Discovery: At 2:00 pm, the Wollongong Botanic Garden is hosting a guided discovery walking tour. It is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the shade of the canopy and learn about our local biodiversity.
• Salsa Sundays: For those looking for evening rhythm, Salsa Sundays at The Icon kicks off today at 5:00 pm. It features free Latin dance classes and live music from Lorenzo Y Su Swing to keep the long-weekend energy high.
• Art and Insight: The 'Voices of Insight' photographic exhibition continues at the Wollongong Library, offering a moving look at community resilience through the lens of local experiences.

Stay hydrated, look out for your neighbors in this heat, and enjoy the middle of our summer long weekend.