Wollongong Morning Briefing: Coastal Safety and Community Sweets

The City Mood: Proactive and Reflective

As Wollongong settles into the first full week of February 2026, the mood across the Illawarra is one of proactive care and community resilience. Following a period of extreme summer heat and recent reports of shark activity along the New South Wales coast, residents are focused on balancing their love for the ocean with a renewed emphasis on safety. There is a palpable sense of 'looking out for one another,' whether it is checking on neighbors during temperature spikes or advocating for better resources at our local beaches.

Key Talking Point: The Push for Shark-Bite Trauma Kits

The primary topic of conversation today follows last night’s Wollongong City Council meeting. Greens Councillor Jess Whittaker has officially brought forward a motion to install up to 20 rapid-response shark-bite trauma kits at popular surf spots across the region. This move follows a series of incidents this summer, including the serious injury of local surfer Andre de Ruyter. The community is discussing the practicalities of these kits, which cost approximately $70 each and include tourniquets and compression bandages designed to save lives in the critical minutes following an attack.

While the NSW Government has already begun a rollout of these kits in other regions, local advocates are pushing for Wollongong to be a priority. You can expect to hear plenty of debate today regarding the balance between beach safety education and the installation of physical medical resources at unpatrolled breaks.

Feel-Good Story: The Rise of the Cookie Queen

In lighter news, the 'Cookie Queen of Dapto' is currently the talk of the local culinary scene. Dapto resident and baker Dione David has seen her local business skyrocket, with her artisanal batches becoming a staple at local markets and cafes. Her success is being celebrated as a win for the 'support local' movement, proving that Wollongong’s suburbs are a fertile ground for small business innovation. Additionally, the city is looking forward to the cultural celebrations for the Lunar New Year—the Year of the Horse—with local Vietnamese community leaders already preparing for a major festival at the Dapto Ribbonwood Centre later this month.

What’s On Today: Tuesday, 3 February

• Sunset Cinema: Head down to the Botanic Garden this evening. Gates open early for a 7:00 PM screening under the stars—a perfect way to enjoy the comfortable 25°C forecast.
• Mabo v Queensland Exhibition: The 30th Anniversary exhibition is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering a chance for historical reflection.
• Coastal Conditions: With temperatures reaching a pleasant high of 25°C and partly cloudy skies, it is a great day for the coast, though swimmers are urged to stay between the flags given the recent focus on water safety.