At the Illawarra Flame’s 10th Biz Birthday party at Coledale RSL last Friday, guest of honour Maryanne Stuart, the Member for Heathcote, congratulated the entire team behind the independent publication, which is run, written and read by locals.

“Your work has not only kept community news alive but has also enriched our lives in ways that words alone cannot fully capture,” she said.

Named after a beautiful native tree, the Flame is more than just a news outlet, Maryanne said. “It has become a symbol of our community’s resilience, creativity and shared values.

“In an era where local news is increasingly under threat, the Illawarra Flame has defied the odds.

“It has weathered the storms of changing technology, rising costs, and even a global pandemic. Yet, through it all, the Flame has remained steadfast, continuing to deliver trusted and engaging news to the community.

“The Flame has survived and thrived because of the dedication and passion of its owners – Genevieve and Marcus. Their commitment to local news, to mentoring the next generation of storytellers, and to ensuring that our stories are told is something we all should cherish and support.”