Artist’s impression of the new Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library. Construction is under way and will continue this year. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Welcome to 2026! It is going to be a big year, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead for Wollongong and the projects getting under way to shape our city’s future.
We’re locked in on delivering key community infrastructure, with construction under way on the new Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library and we’ll soon be coming back to the community with design options for the new Helensburgh Community Centre and Library.
These hugely significant developments will create modern, welcoming spaces for our community to learn and connect.
At North Wollongong, work is also about to begin on a new section of our seawall to protect our coastline and create a modern, safe precinct while maintaining the character of this much-loved jewel of the Blue Mile.
Across the city, we’re continuing to respond to the housing challenge with significant development to provide more homes for local families, as well as advocating for continued investment in our city and region, particularly with the hotel sector.
Securing investment to upgrade the WIN Entertainment Centre and activate the wider precinct remains a passion of mine and a priority for council this year.
There is a business case ready to go and I will be advocating strongly to the NSW Government for investment to upgrade this important state-owned asset.
I’m also continuing to push for a cruise terminal to be located at Port Kembla, which would bring enormous economic benefits to our region. I will be continuing to work with the cruise industry, tourism bodies and government to advocate for this project.
Through the LG8 – our partnership with neighbouring councils across the Illawarra Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and Southwest Sydney – we’re working together for increased investment into road and rail infrastructure to ensure we are well connected to Greater Sydney and the new Western Sydney Airport.
This connection is critical in supporting our recently released Economic Development Strategy, which sets out our goal to create 20,500 jobs over the next decade.
Improved transport links will support local businesses and make it easier for workers to travel between regions expanding economic opportunities.
We will carry on our support for events and culture across Wollongong. After the success of the World Triathlon Championships, Wollongong is firmly on the map as a destination for major events that bring international visitors and showcase our beautiful region to the world.
We are looking forward to welcoming the Rugby League World Cup in October 2026 and continuing to support vibrant cultural experiences across our city like Culture Mix and music festivals like the Open Streets Festival in Thirroul.
We’re always looking for more funding to make these cultural and sporting events possible and will continue to work closely with local community groups and government to bring these to life.
At the same time, we’re also investing in sports fields and facilities to ensure our community has access to quality spaces for recreation – including the soon-to-be-opened Wollongong Regional Tennis Centre.
Here’s to 2026 being a year of progress, partnership and opportunity for Wollongong. Together, we’re building a stronger, more diverse and connected city.
