Nine things to do in the Illawarra this week (18 - 24 August)

Festival fever seems to have hit the Illawarra this week, with the South Coast Writers Festival and not one but two film festivals.

At IPAC you can catch the stage adaptation of the gripping and controversial story that catapulted Colleen McCullough to international fame, or catch a fairytale pantomime for the whole family at Roo Theatre.

On the sporting front our very own Dragons face off with Melbourne Storm at WIN Stadium and The Hawks take on the Roller Hawks for the first time to raise funds for KidsWish.

In between there’s retail therapy for green thumbs and a literary lunch. Here are our top nine picks for the week.

All weekend

South Coast Writers Festival 2023

When: Friday 18 to Sunday 20 August, various times, see program here
Where:Wollongong Town Hall, cnr Crown and Kembla Sts, Wollongong
Cost: Opening night (Friday) $45, all other sessions $22, book here.

“A weekend of captivating stories, thought-provoking discussions, and inspiring conversations” – Wollongong’s annual literary celebration will spoil the region’s book lovers, writers and anyone curious about the process. Across more than 25 sessions of conversations, panels and readings plus a satellite program of film, poetry slams and music, come stellar award-winning authors, talented new voices and acclaimed poets, broadcasters and thinkers including John Birmingham (He Died with a Felafel in His Hand) and Indira Naidoo (Ritual, Nature, and Grace).

Tim

When: Friday 18 August, 7:30 pm and Saturday 19 August, 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm
Where: IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Premium $84, adult $72, pension/student/group 8+ $67, under 30s $62, school groups 8+ $23, family of four $248, book here.

The gripping and controversial story that catapulted Colleen McCullough to international fame is sensitively adapted for the stage by acclaimed playwright Tim McGarry and directed by the award-winning Darren Yap in the stage production of Tim. It tells the tale of an unorthodox relationship between Mary, a career-driven business executive in her mid-50s, and Tim, a handsome 25-year-old labourer with a mild intellectual disability. Theirs is a life-changing relationship with shattering consequences.

Beauty and the Beast – a Beast of a Pantomime

When: Friday 18 August, 7:30 to 9:30 pm, Saturday 19 August, 2 to 4 pm and 7:30 to 9:30 pm and Sunday 20 August, 2 to 4 pm
Where: Roo Theatre, Corner Of Addison & Wentworth Streets, Shellharbour
Cost: Adult $30, concession $28, children 12 and under $25, family of four $100.

We all know the classic fairytale: a handsome but arrogant prince falls foul of an enchantress whose spell dooms him to spend his life hiding in his castle in the guise of a grotesque beast – until, that is, he learns to show kindness and compassion to all and to love and be loved in return. Then, he meets Belle …

Beauty and the Beast has been adapted into this charming pantomime at Roo Theatre – a wonderful theatrical night for the whole family.

Friday

SCINEMA Short Film Festival

When: Friday 18 August, 10 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Cost: Free.

In celebration of National Science Week comes a free drop-in screening of SCINEMA, the largest science short film festival in the southern hemisphere. Showcasing the best in science cinema from around the world, this year’s entries explore themes around the natural world, the nature of time and technology and our place in the universe. Set to inspire the young, satisfy the curious, explain the baffling and ask the impossible, this event is open to all ages and there’s no need to book.

Greenplan Plant Sale

When: Friday 18 August, 7:30 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Botanic Garden Nursery, 65 Northfields Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: Free entry.

Do you have a space that could use a little greenery? The Botanic Garden Nursery has an extensive range of local trees, shrubs, ground covers and grasses, as well as worm farms and compost bins for sale. Expert horticulture staff will be on-hand to give plant advice on the day, and you can plan by visiting the Greenplan Plant Sale web page for a list of species available and prices. You’ll also find great information on many of the plants available on the Growing Illawarra Natives website and will be able to pick up a printed copy of the Growing Illawarra Natives or Edible Plant Guides, and council’s Verge Guidelines.

Please note as this is a ratepayer subsidised service, a current Wollongong City Council rates notice is required on the day as proof of residency.

Saturday

NRL: Dragons V Storm

When: Saturday August 19, gates open 6 pm for a 7:30 pm start
Where: WIN Stadium, 46 Harbour St, Wollongong
Cost: $22.50 to $55, book here.

Don’t miss this epic face-off between our own St George Illawarra Dragons and Melbourne Storm, as the teams compete for the Emergency Services Cup. The game recognises NSW and VIC emergency services and their commitment to our communities. Grab your friends, family and fellow rugby enthusiasts and indulge in the roar of the crowd as you witness all the adrenaline-fuelled action on the field.

Sunday

Hawks v Roller Hawks Charity Match

When: Sunday 20 August, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Snakepit Basketball Stadium, 37 Foley St, Gwynneville
Cost: Adult $10, under 12s free, book here.

The Illawarra Hawks, Wollongong Roller Hawks and KidsWish have partnered to bring this incredible exhibition match to our community – all for a good cause. Cheer on the stars from The Hawks as they take on the talented Roller Hawks players in the first-ever event bringing the two together on the court.

This fun-filled day will include activities for all the family, a raffle to win signed merchandise and a double weekend pass to this year’s Yours and Owls Festival and an opportunity to get up close and personal with the players. Food and drink will be available for purchase on the day, with all funds raised supporting KidsWish.

Monday

Bike Bike Film Night

When: Monday 21 August, 7 to 9:30 pm
Where: Gala Cinema Warrawong, 204 Cowper Street, Warrawong
Cost: Adults $27, under 17s $18, under 12s $13.50, book here.

A film festival unashamedly designed for the two-wheel devotee, the best cycling short films from around the world roll right into town this Monday. The 2023 lineup showcases everything a cycle-centric audience could want – action, drama, humour and plenty of inspiration. Follow Australian bikepackers as they complete a scenic trip to hell, a 74-year-old rider whose spirit personifies cycling and a cyclist whose eyes are opened to the healing power of the bicycle. Join a family that chooses to live life to the fullest in the face of adversity and find out what happens when you combine an ultra-distance 320 km gravel race and parenting together over 24 hours. Hint: it will be entertaining.

Courtesy of presenting partner Nga Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, ticket holders also have the chance to win a cycling holiday in New Zealand.

Thursday

A Literary Lunch with Om Dhungel and James Button

When: Thursday 24 August, noon to 2 pm
Where: Wollongong City Council, 41 Burelli Street Wollongong
Cost: Friends of Wollongong $30, non-members $35, book here.

Don’t miss this candid discussion with Om Dhungel, a refugee who fled Bhutan, and his co-author James Button. Their novel – Bhutan to Blacktown – documents Om’s life as he ultimately settled in Australia.

Books will be available for purchase at the event and if you would like to take part in the raffle, please bring along coins or notes. For any dietary requirements, please contact Marg on 0407 211 657 or by email at [email protected]