People have been casting their ballots at early voting centres in the New South Wales electorate of Kiama in what some locals are labelling a rushed by-election.
 

Thirteen candidates are contesting the seat, left vacant after former MP Gareth Ward resigned following his conviction for sexual abuse offences.
 

At a pre-poll centre this week some voters told our reporter Kelly Fuller (pictured above) that this election is a test for Premier Chris Minns and a chance to see local housing and infrastructure issues raised.
 

Mr Minns and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman have visited the region multiple times during the campaign.
 

With so many names on the ballot, preferences under the optional preferential voting system could make the result tight.
 

ABC Illawarra will bring you all the news and results from the election across the weekend on 97.3 ABC Illawarra, on ABC TV and online at ABC Illawarra.
 

Also this week, read the story about the Austinmer Thirroul RSL Sub-Branch which is in shock after a wooden rifle was taken from its World War I memorial, and listen to our interview with Wollongong man Brodie Sargent who is running 26 marathons in 26 days.
 

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

Rory Macdonald,
 

ABC Illawarra editor.

The theft of a rifle model from a statue of a soldier on Thirroul's historic World War I memorial has dismayed members of the local RSL.

Friends Gem and Renata have saved money buying a home together with their respective families in Wollongong, and say the pay-off goes much further.

Frustration is growing on the NSW south coast where a diesel train line has not changed in more than 100 years.

Two men are charged with making and selling homemade firearms, after a cache of guns are seized during an investigation on the NSW South Coast.

Other parts of the state, including the Illawarra, may face more heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding into Friday.