Public Notice Roundup: Official Council Updates and Health Advisories for Friday 13 March 2026

Official City Notices: Community Briefing

Welcome to the official public service announcement roundup for Friday, 13 March 2026. As the lead editor for Wollongong.news, we have synthesized the latest essential updates from Wollongong City Council and NSW Health to keep our residents informed and safe. Today’s briefing covers animal welfare initiatives, critical infrastructure projects, and active planning exhibitions.

Animal Care: Challenging Superstitions on Friday the 13th

Wollongong City Council’s Animal Care and Impounding Services has launched a unique community appeal this Friday, 13 March. In a bid to challenge long-standing superstitions regarding black cats, the Council is encouraging residents to consider adopting one of the many black domestic shorthair cats currently in their care.

• Adoption Drive: Felines such as five-month-old Raisin, two-year-old Frappe, and 11-year-old senior cat Shadow are currently seeking forever homes.
• Health and Safety: All cats and kittens available for adoption come microchipped, desexed, vaccinated, and treated for fleas and worms.
• Fees: Adoption prices currently range from $50 to $200, which includes lifetime registration.

Since the launch of the Pet Connection program, over 530 cats have been rehomed. Interested residents are encouraged to view the full range of available animals via the Council website.

Infrastructure: Lighting Up Ray Robinson Oval

Wollongong City Council has confirmed that work is well underway on a major lighting upgrade at Ray Robinson Oval in Towradgi. The project began earlier this week and remains active this Friday. This upgrade is designed to improve visibility for evening sports and enhance community safety within the parklands.

While the oval remains open, visitors are advised to maintain a safe distance from cordoned-off work zones. This project follows the ongoing planning for future upgrades at MacCabe Park, where residents will soon see significant changes to the city center landscape.

Planning and Development: Public Exhibition Notices

Several significant Development Applications (DAs) and planning proposals are currently on public exhibition. Community feedback is invited for the following projects active today:

• Corrimal Cokeworks (DA-2023/840): The exhibition period for the major urban renewal project at Railway Street remains open until Wednesday, 18 March 2026.
• New Submissions: Public exhibition began this week for developments at Murray Park Road in Figtree (DA-2026/120), Ajax Avenue in North Wollongong (DA-2026/102), and Soudan Street in Thirroul (DA-2026/112).
• Council Landholdings: Feedback is also being sought on a planning proposal for the reclassification of land associated with the Stewart Street East Carpark.

Public Health Advisory: Measles Monitoring

NSW Health has issued an urgent health alert following confirmed measles cases across the Greater Sydney region. While no exposure sites have been listed in the Illawarra as of this Friday morning, Wollongong residents who have recently visited Sydney are advised to monitor for symptoms until 28 March 2026. Symptoms typically include fever, runny nose, and a sore cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash. If symptoms develop, please call ahead to your medical provider before visiting in person.