The Early Start Discovery Space is marking its 10th anniversary in a very fitting way this week. Photo: Early Start Discovery Space.
There’s something in the air this week — a blend of creativity, curiosity and community spirit that’s woven through events right across the region. From the intimacy and contemplation of author talks to the expressive energy of a collage workshop, from thoughtful conversations about homelessness and leadership to the thrill of quantum frontiers and seasonal flavours, this week’s line-up is as diverse as the Illawarra itself.
Whether you’re keen to get your hands dirty (literally, in the garden or figuratively with paper and glue), celebrate local storytelling, introduce the kids to playful learning, or simply treat yourself to a five-course truffle feast — there’s an experience here to suit your pace and passion.
So clear your calendar, rally some friends and make space for something new. Here’s your guide to nine memorable ways to spend the week ahead.
Saturday
Books will be available for purchase and signing at this fascinating author talk. Image: Kiama Library.
David Dufty author talk: Charles Todd’s Magnificent Obsession
When: Saturday 2 August, 2 to 4 pm
Where: Kiama Library Auditorium, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama
Cost: Members $8 | General $10 | Book via TryBooking.
The year was 1870, and mail took six weeks to get to England by sea. Australians hungered for the speedy communication a telegraph connection would bring. Engineer Charles Todd promised that he could string up wires on poles from Adelaide over 3000 km to an undersea cable in Darwin Harbour in just 18 months. The construction of Australia’s Overland Telegraph was an extraordinary feat of engineering, a wild gamble and an epic race against time that nearly went terribly wrong. Join author David Dufty for a talk on his latest book Charles Todd’s Magnificent Obsession — a tale of obsession, heroism and tragedy.
Cut, layer and express your story in this workshop with registered art therapist Kirsten Campbell. Image: Number 99.
Cut & Create | Collage Workshop
When: Saturday 2 August, 6 to 8 pm
Where: Number 99, 99 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: $50 | Book via Humanitix.
This guided, hands-on art therapy experience is designed to unlock your creativity and connect with your inner self. Led by registered art therapist Kirsten Campbell, this unique workshop invites you to explore the power of collage as a tool for reflection, expression, and healing. Using an array of thoughtfully curated materials, you’ll be encouraged to cut, layer and assemble images, textures and words that represent your personal journey. No artistic experience is necessary and all materials are provided – just bring your curiosity and an open heart.
Sunday
A day of hands-on — and hearts-on — work at Nan Tien might be just what the doctor ordered. Photo: drazenphoto.
Nan Tien Temple Gardening Day
When: Sunday 3 August, 10 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Nan Tien Institute, 231 Nolan Street, Unanderra
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
The Metta Centre and Nan Tien Temple have joined forces for a special event: a day of gardening grounded in care for each other and a heartset of “metta”. Metta, also known as loving-kindness, is a Buddhist concept and practice focused on cultivating unconditional love and goodwill towards all beings.
Participants will engage in tree care activities such as mulching, root trimming, clearing overgrowth and staking young trees to protect them from the wind. But it’s also an exploration of mindset, heartset and spiritset. The event is guided by the principles of “Spiritual and Environmental Preservation Practice” and aligned with the Nan Tien 2030 Campaign’s theme: the journey toward the Symbiocene — an era of living in mutual benefit with the Earth and one another.
Monday
Celebrate Early Start Discovery Space’s 10th anniversary with its Festival of Play. Photo: Early Start Discovery Space.
Festival of Play – Early Start Discovery Space Celebrates 10 Years
When: Monday 4 August, 9 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Building 21, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong
Cost: General $20 | Member Guest $17 | Concession $10 | Book via Early Start Discovery Space.
The Early Start Discovery Space is turning 10 — and you’re invited to the party. Celebrate across the day with workshops by AT Culture, UOW Science Space, CHiME and Milk Crate Circus, as well as many research-informed programs co-delivered by Early Start researchers and professional staff. And in the Children’s Technology Play Space, researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child will be hosting some great digital play experiences all day. All experiences are included in the admission fee.
Tuesday
No experience is needed for this workshop but places are limited — book early to secure your spot. Photo: Supplied.
Origami Peace Crane Workshop with artist Parry Yang
When: Tuesday 5 August, 11 am to noon
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: $25 | Book via eventbrite.
Unfold the art of origami with Parry Yang, a master of delicate design and meditative craftsmanship. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the traditional techniques behind one of the most iconic origami figures — the peace crane — using authentic Japanese Washi paper known for its strength, texture and beauty. Whether you’re a complete beginner or simply seeking a mindful creative moment, this is a unique opportunity to slow down and engage in a craft where every crease becomes a step toward beauty, calm and connection.
Wednesday
Don’t miss this powerful local film and Q&A spotlighting the human face of homelessness during a growing housing crisis. Image: Supplied.
Film screening of Frances and Q&A panel at Wollongong Library
When: Wednesday 6 August, 3 to 5 pm
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free, but gold coin donations accepted on the day for Wollongong Homeless Hub and Housing Services | Book via eventbrite.
To mark Homelessness Week, don’t miss this screening of Frances — an award-winning, locally produced short film that brings home a vital message: amid a worsening housing and rental crisis, homelessness can affect anyone. Poignant and thought-provoking, Frances challenges common assumptions and highlights the often unseen human stories behind the statistics.
Following the film, stay for a special Q&A panel discussion featuring the filmmaker alongside local homelessness experts and frontline workers. The panel will explore the realities of housing insecurity in our region, the growing pressures on vulnerable communities, and what can be done to create lasting change. Audience members will have the opportunity to submit questions for the panel when booking tickets — an invitation to be part of a timely and important conversation.
Thursday
This public lecture is part of the Marie Curie Lecture series, sponsored by the Australian Institute of Physics. Image: Science Space.
From Quantum Past to Quantum Future – talk by Dr Sol H Jacobsen and Dr Danielle Holmes
When: Thursday 7 August, 6 to 7:30 pm
Where: UOW Science Space, Puckey Avenue, North Wollongong
Cost: $5 | Book via Science Space.
The first quantum century fundamentally changed the way we understand and interact with our world. It gave us much of the technology underpinning modern life: lasers, LEDs, GPS, MRI, solar cells, electron microscopes and myriad others. The revolutionary potential of the next quantum century promises applications necessary for solving our greatest global challenges. Join this celebration of the first quantum century, with a rare opportunity to hear how two different approaches are shaping your quantum future, from quantum computing to superconducting spintronics — from doctors Sol H. Jacobsen and Danielle Holmes. Your entry includes one free drink of your choice.
Truffle season is in full swing. Photos: Michelle Kroll.
Winter Truffle Dinner Event at Relish on Addison
When: Thursday 7 August, from 5:30 pm
Where: Relish on Addison, Shop 4/6 Addison Street, Shellharbour
Cost: $100 | Book via SevenRooms.
Winter is prime time for truffle lovers — and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with an unforgettable culinary experience at Relish. Join this special winter food event showcasing the rich, earthy flavour of Black Diamond Truffles, sourced from the cool-climate region of Oberon, NSW. Enjoy a decadent five-course menu expertly crafted to highlight the unique depth and aroma of these prized seasonal delicacies. With limited places available for this exclusive truffle celebration, early booking is highly recommended to avoid missing out.
This in-conversation event will explore vital themes of leadership, women in politics, and the enduring impact of former prime minister Julia Gillard’s 2012 “Misogyny Speech”. Image: Supplied.
Julia – In Conversation
When: Thursday 7 August, 7 pm
Where: IMB Theatre, IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via TicketSearch.
In 2012, Prime Minister Julia Gillard delivered a speech that sent shockwaves around the world. Now, over a decade later, a group of Australia’s finest theatre-makers have created a stirring and inspiring re-examination of that moment, and a revelatory portrait of the woman who made it happen. To mark the Wollongong season of the critically acclaimed Julia, produced by Sydney Theatre Company and Canberra Theatre Centre, Merrigong Theatre Company will host a special in-conversation event with playwright Joanna Murray-Smith and City of Wollongong’s Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown, hosted by ABC Illawarra’s Melinda James.
