Lives could be lost along the Lake Illawarra break walls unless drastic reconstruction work is undertaken to prevent the onset of large crevasses within the framework according to one Warilla resident.

Vandalism of Coast Guard property could have major implications for the general public and put lives at risk, Coast Guard volunteers believe.

Mangerton resident John Aldridge was last week rewarded for 15 years of tireless service to the Australian Coast Guard Association, when he received an Emergency Services Medal as part of state-wide Australia Day celebrations.

An endangered pocket of bushland near Albion Park is receiving new fencing and upgrades to walking tracks and fire trails in an effort to protect it from rubbish dumping, arson and trampling.

The annual 2008 Shell Cove Shellharbour City Festival of Sport Dragon Boat Challenge will take to the waters of Lake Illawarra on Saturday March 1 and teams are being called for now.

Local fisherman are being encouraged to dust off the rod, cast a line and reel in a whopper as part of this weekend’s seventh annual Shellharbour Open Game Fishing Tournament.