Melbourne artist and designer Mark Cuthbertson with his entry in the 2025 Sculpture in the Gardens. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
The region is alive with live music, creative workshops, educational events and exhibitions this week.
Headlining the calendar, the Sculpture in the Garden Wollongong exhibition launches with the works of incredible national and local artists on display in one of the area’s most treasured natural settings.
The week caps off with the Illawarra Disability Options Expo where people with disabilities and their carers can connect with purveyors and products and services to make living – and thriving – easier.
Here are nine things to do in the Illawarra this week.
Multiple Days
You can view Collecting Tears by Greer Taylor at Sculpture in the Garden Wollongong from 1 to 30 April. Photo: Wollongong Botanic Gardens.
Sculpture in the Garden Wollongong
When: Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 April, 7 am to 6 pm and Sunday 6 to Wednesday 30 April, 7 am to 5 pm (closed Good Friday, 18 April)
Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden, Murphys Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: Free.
Discover 18 breathtaking sculptures by local and national artists at 2025’s Sculpture in the Garden exhibition. Throughout April, this free and exciting exhibition will make itself at home at one of Wollongong’s favourite natural spaces. Take a stroll through the garden and immerse yourself in art and the stories behind each work. See more of the program and other events at Wollongong Botanic Garden.
For those looking for lasting hope, this event is organised by Leading The Way and churches in the Illawarra. Image: Leading The Way.
Hope Explored
When: Friday 28 and Saturday 29 March, various times
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Corner Crown and Harbour streets, Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via Ticketmaster.
Organised by Leading The Way and churches in the Illawarra, this is a free event for those on the search for lasting, life-changing hope, peace, purpose or renewal. Expect inspiring music, powerful stories and the message of everlasting hope in Jesus. The event is split into “Hope for Youth” (for high schoolers), “Hope for Kids” (for younger children) and “Hope for the Illawarra” (all ages).
Friday
We Mavericks are touring their new album “Heart of Silver” throughout Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom. Image: Supplied.
The Illawarra Folk Club presents We Mavericks in Concert
When: Friday 28 March, 7 to 10:30 pm
Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: Member $25 | Non-Member $30 | Under 18s $5 | Companion Card Holder $23.50 | Companion Card Holder Support Person Free | Book via Humanitix.
Real-life troubadours and masters in the art of connection, We Mavericks – Victoria Vigenser and Lindsay Martin – interweave effortless strings, soulful vocals and driving rhythms to form a singular musical voice. They are touring their new album “Heart of Silver” throughout Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom. This year they appear with a formidable string section comprising Australia’s premier cellists/multi-instrumentalists Rachel Johnston and Trent Arkleysmith. Their show is supported by long-time folk musicians Mark Ballesi (Marco) and Russell Churcher (Rusty) of Rusty and Marco.
Looking for a new living decoration for your home? Photo: Kiama Library.
Bunnings Craft Workshop: Kokedama Balls
When: Friday 28 March, 10:30 am to noon
Where: City Library, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
In this hands-on session the expert from Bunnings will take you through the process of making beautiful kokedama balls. All materials are supplied and no experience is necessary. The workshop is suitable for adults aged 18 and over. Though free, with a limited number of spots available, book early to avoid disappointment and cancel your ticket should you be unable to attend.
Saturday
Detail, Seagrass from the Land Wounds exhibition by Jaz Corr. Photo: Jaz Corr.
Opening Night: Wounds by Jaz Corr
When: Saturday 29 March, 5 to 7 pm
Where: Sevenmarks Gallery, 7 Marks Street, Kiama
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Contemporary artist, educator and proud Dharawal woman Jaz Corr unleashes her curiosity about the world in this engaging and thought-provoking exhibition of paintings and sculptures. The collection has been thoughtfully designed for the unique duality of the Seven Marks Gallery space, utilising its two rooms to facilitate contrasting themes.
The exhibition includes Land Wounds – Minnimurra River and Bone Yard, a series of paintings that delves into our connection to Country through contemporary Aboriginal iconography and artistic practices. The event remains open each Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm until Saturday 10 May.
Tuesday
The Waterfront Shell Cove is proud to be partnering with Pause Nutrition to host a series of in-person sessions in Shell Cove dedicated to women’s health for 2025. Photo: Rawpixel.
Women’s Wellness Program: Managing Peri-Menopause With Confidence
When: Tuesday 1 April, 7 to 9 pm
Where: The Waterfront Shell Cove Sales Centre, 100 Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove
Cost: $11.90 | Book via eventbrite.
Looking for answers about peri-menopause? The third in Waterfront Shell Cove and Pause Nutrition’s series of women’s health workshops will be co-hosted by specialist women’s health dietitian Kara Roberts (founder of Pause Nutrition), Dr Melissa Cave and specialist nurse Kelly Clarke (My Menopause). These experts will share valuable knowledge and insights to help you understand the changes that may occur due to the hormonal fluctuations of this life stage and practical tips for how they can be managed.
Ready to explore your own image through creative eyes? Image: Kiama Library.
Mixed Media Self Portraits
When: Tuesday 1 April, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Where: Kiama Library, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama
Cost: $5 | Book via TryBooking.
Participants are invited to this relaxed workshop where they will use photography, painting and collage to create a vibrant, pop-art-inspired personal portrait. No prior experience is required and all materials are supplied.
Suitable for ages 12 to 120, the workshop requires attendees — or a parent or guardian for those under 18 — to email a photograph of themselves (shoulders up) to be used as the base of their artwork. The image will be enlarged and printed in preparation for the session. The submitted photograph will not be used for promotional purposes and will be deleted after the workshop.
Thursday
Where Country Is: Tales from the Road
When: Thursday 3 April, 6 pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre, 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: $59.90 | Book via Ticketmaster.
Anita’s Theatre and Great Southern Nights present this special event celebrating the heart of Australian country music. Legendary artists and rising stars will blend storytelling, acoustic virtuosity and heartfelt connection. The stellar line-up includes multiple award-winning storyteller Shane Nicholson, renowned entertainer Amber Lawrence, rising Newcastle talent Austin Mackay and 19-year-old singing sensation Bella Mackenzie.
Inspired by the iconic Nashville writers’ round, experience stripped-back renditions of cherished songs, a candid Q&A session and impromptu collaborations. Whether you’re a country fan or new to the genre, this evening will leave a lasting impression.
This event celebrates inclusivity, diversity and opportunities, creating a friendly and inclusive environment. Image: IDO.
2025 Illawarra Disability Options Expo
When: Thursday 3 April, 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Fraternity Club, Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: Free.
The annual Illawarra Disability Options Expo helps link people with a disability and their carers to more than 70 product and service providers. This event enables attendees to gain valuable insights from industry experts to help navigate the challenges of living with a disability. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect, learn and thrive.
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