► A Mittagong team will attend an NRL cup with a cause on Sunday.

Mittagong Junior Rugby League Football Club members will go to the Stay Kind Cup on Sunday.

The game will raise funds for the Thomas Kelly Foundation’s Stay Kind initiative, which was launched in memory of Thomas’ brother Stuart.

►Storm damaged roads and individual losses will be a priority of funding relief for those affected by the March storms. 

The Wingecarribee Shire will receive disaster assistance in a joint federal and state government initiative.

The funds aim to help ease the financial burden shouldered by residents, councils and businesses devastated by storms and floods earlier this year. 

►A 10-year wait for the region’s first transitional home is almost over.

Challenge House, a multi-million dollar initiative from Challenge Southern Highlands to provide housing for Highlanders with disabilities, is near completion.

►Family history will be the focus topic of discussion at the next meeting of the Berrima District Historical Society on July 27.

Guest speakers Joy and Allan Murrin have researched family history for more than 40 years. Their Family History Services business now includes the providing of Birth, Death and Marriage transcription and certificate services for England/Wales, Scotland, Victoria and New Zealand.

►Friends of the Wingecarribee Animal Shelter (FOWAS) has welcomed a new committee and with it, a strong focus on transparency.

Incoming president Deborah Barnes said the team would continue to support the animals at the shelter, but also place a strong focus on sharing progress with members, retailers and supporters.

►A team of Highlands boys remained undefeated until the final of the a state hockey competition. 

The team, made up of boys from several Highlands clubs, played in the Under-13 Boys State Hockey Championships in Armidale from July 14 to 16. More here.

TRAFFIC:  The Illawarra Highway on Macquarrie Pass will shut weekly – between 6am on Monday and 3pm on Friday – from July 24 until August 11, weather permitting.

All other roads are clear in the Southern Highlands today. Drive safely and enjoy the journey. 

TRAINS: Commuters can expect a good service on the Southern Highlands today. 

WEATHER: A mostly sunny day with a slight chance of a shower along the coastal fringe in the south, near zero chance elsewhere, winds W/SW 15 to 25 km/h tending S/SW 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the late afternoon and a daytime maximum temperature of 12 can be expected in the Highlands today.

Here's a look at what the local weather is doing right now.

Good morning and welcome to the Southern Highlands Rise and Shine. Here’s a wrap of what has been grabbing the interests Highlanders.

Weather, road conditions, breaking news, we will have it all - and we'd love to have your help! If there's anything happening in your part of the world, drop us a line! Email jackie.meyers@fairfaxmedia.com.au