Welcome to NAIDOC Week, or Nagangbi as they say in the local Dharawal language in Wollongong. I hope you are enjoying some of the local activities and stories. Pictured here we have Koorin Parsons, who performed the smoking ceremony, with James Spink, the general manager of the Servo in Port Kembla. Our very own Sarah Moss snapped the photo.
 

The weather continues to play a big role in our coverage as locals recover from last week's heavy rains, strong winds and monster surf. As I write there are more warnings for strong blustery winds as a big low pressure system moves past south-east Australia, bringing back chilly temperatures. Since we have passed the solstice the days are getting longer — which I for one warmly welcome.
 

In the news, our in-depth coverage of the Gareth Ward trial continues. It was set down for four weeks, but we are now into the seventh week and looking like it will roll into an eighth. Friendlyjordies producer Kristo Langker gave evidence in the trial this week, as well as ABC reporter Gavin Coote.
 

Have a great week, and remember, if you have a story idea drop an email to 973@your.abc.net.au.
 

Nick McLaren,
 

ABC Illawarra acting editor.

ABC journalist Gavin Coote has told a court that he "vividly" remembers speaking with one of the men who has accused MP Gareth Ward of indecent assault.

YouTube producer Kristo Langker tells a Sydney court a man who has accused Gareth Ward of indecently assaulting him was "nervous" about speaking out due to the NSW MP's "powerful" position.

Dianna Bisset finds a dead wombat on the side of the road, with a small bullet mark just behind its ear. In town, there's no mystery as to why this protected species is in the crosshairs.

When Aboriginal-Filipino rapper DOBBY made his ARIA award-winning album Warrangu: River Story, it set him on a journey of spiritual self-reflection. Now he's using his voice to send powerful messages around climate, racism and injustice.

Parts of the country have recorded their coldest June mornings in decades, but on average, winters are getting warmer.

With a billion dollars worth of ham and bacon imports pushing Australian pork out of supermarket delis in the past year, the industry wants consumers to push back and demand locally grown.