No messing with this cat.

►Council continues to work with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) following asbestos found at one of its facilities last year.

Crushed concrete containing asbestos found at the Resource Recovery Centre (RRC) in 2016.

Last year council reported a small amount of asbestos was confirmed via routine laboratory testing in a sample of crushed concrete at the facility. More here.

►The Friends of Bundanoon Preschool and the parents and friends association linked with Bundanoon District Preschool for the inaugural Winter Chill on July 29. 

The group hosted a cake stall and raised more than $600 for a permaculture garden for the preschool.

►Since 2011, Melissa Cervonaro has battled Multiple Sclerosis. 

And now she needs help for a treatment that could halt or reverse the disease.

Melissa hopes to undergo Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in Russia. More here.

►For years it has stood empty.

But one iconic Bowral building will soon have a new purpose.

Zlatko Todorcevski, along with his wife Maruza and his brother Robert have purchased the property at 421-425 Bong Bong Street.

The settlement will likely take place by the end of the month. More here.

►“They bring so much to our economy and community.” 

This is what Juanita Manahan said about Airbnb and Stayz properties in the Southern Highlands. 

Mrs Manahan rents out Morton Cottage in Bundanoon on these websites. “We have people come and stay usually for two or three nights and they get a real taste of the Highlands,” she said. 

But Airbnb and Stayz properties may not be as easy and convenient in future. 

►Bundanoon Highlanders will have the chance to claim their first Group 6 minor premiership in front of their home fans this weekend.

But in what promises to be a cracker of a match, the Highlanders will need to defeat Robertson Spuddies in the final round of the regular Shield competition. 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 sunny day with patches of light morning frost about higher ground, winds W 25 to 35 km/h decreasing to 15 to 25 km/h in the late evening and a daytime maximum temperature of 11 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