Agriculture and local business come together with the community at the Kiama Show, with a variety of spectacles and activities for all ages and interests. Photo: Kiama Show.
The weather might be a tad spotty, but that won’t hold the Illawarra down. This week’s social calendar is exciting, kicking off with the always-fun Kiama Show.
A week-long celebration of the Lunar New Year will take over Nan Tien Temple with spectacular fanfare for the whole family, and later in the week Australia’s favourite swim-run takes over Wollongong Harbour.
In between are enough cultural experiences and creative and educational workshops to keep the kids happy all week.
Here are nine of the best things to do in our region this week.
Multiple Days
Kiama Show
When: Friday 24 January, 9 am to 7:30 pm and Saturday 25 January, 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Kiama Showground, Bong Bong Street (off Manning Street), Kiama
Cost: Free entry with Kiama Show Society Membership – Adult from $21.30 | Child from $5 | Concession from $10.95 | Family from $42 | Book via KSS.
Marking 176 years, the area’s longest-running community event will transform Kiama Showground into a place where worlds collide spectacularly. Bringing together local businesses, the agriculture community and residents alike, the Kiama Show includes traditional agricultural events, featuring displays of cattle, and horses, showjumping, wood chopping and a pet show. There is an array of over 2000 pavilion exhibits and a variety of food vendors provided on-site. The day culminates in a fireworks show.
Lunar New Year Celebration
When: Tuesday 28 to Saturday 1 February, various times
Where: Nan Tien Temple, 180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley
Cost: Free entry.
This vibrant and culturally rich event draws visitors from near and far to one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Southern Hemisphere. Nan Tien Temple will host an array of activities to mark the occasion including traditional Chinese customs such as the lion and dragon dances, traditional music and performances, and a variety of cultural displays such as calligraphy and tea ceremonies. Visitors can also partake in offerings and prayers for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead.
Friday
Gumaraa invites you to learn about traditional Aboriginal bush tucker, medicine and/or weaving in its upcoming workshops. Photo: FiledIMAGE.
Gumaraa Cultural Experiences
When: Friday 24 January, 10 to 11 am and noon to 2 pm
Where: Killalea Regional Park, Killalea Drive, Shell Cove
Cost: $40 – $60 | Book via Gumaraa.
Gumaraa has two excellent cultural experiences lined up for this Friday (24 January). From 10 to 11 am, Gumaraa’s Traditional Bush-Tucker/Medicine Walk guides you to discover natural wonders and connect with the ancient wisdom of the land. During this one-hour walk you’ll learn about traditional healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of Aboriginal culture.
Then from noon to 2 pm, you’re invited to experience the rich culture of Aboriginal weaving in the two-hour Gumaraa’s Traditional Weaving Workshop. Participants of all skill levels are given all the materials and guidance they need to learn traditional techniques, cultural significance and create their own unique piece to take home – anything from a coaster to a bracelet or a small basket. Throughout the workshop, the instructor may share stories, songs or cultural practices related to weaving.
A Neon Dance Party and Healthy Harold plus fun at Block House combine for Kids Day Out at Shellies. Photo: The Shellharbour Club.
Kids Day Out
When: Friday 24 January, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Block House, The Shellharbour Club, corner Wattle and Shellharbour roads, Shellharbour
Cost: Member $12 | Non-Member $15 | Book via Jotform.
Kidlets, get ready to banish school holiday boredom with another Kids Day Out – under black light! The fun starts with an epic daytime party filled with chart-topping hits, karaoke and prizes for the most fabulous neon outfits. Enjoy all the fun at Block House with slippery slides and ball games plus a special visit from everyone’s favourite long-necked mascot, Healthy Harold. Note: Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Sprinkle some fun into the school holidays at Georgia Rose. Photo: Funwithfood.
Kids Donut Decorating Class
When: Friday 24 January, 10 to 11:30 am
Where: Georgia Rose, 1/9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove
Cost: $35 (ages 7 to 16) | Book via TryBooking.
You do-nut want your kids to miss out on this workshop, hosted by Black Duck Studio at Georgia Rose. Book your kids in for a fun morning of decorating their own pack of four yummy donuts. Let the kids get their hands dirty by decorating their own donuts with a selection of icing, sprinkles, lollies and more. The ticket price includes all the materials for this take-home pack of treats that, if they’re lucky, can be shared with the family.
Self-defence skills will imbue youths with confidence and awareness in this workshop. Image: WYS.
Empower + Protect Youth Workshops
When: Friday 24 January, 11 am and 2 pm
Where: Wollongong Youth Services, 85 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via Facebook or Instagram direct message, email [email protected] or call (02) 4227 8222.
Wollongong youths can start the year feeling empowered and confident with this practical self-defence workshop facilitated by Integrity Self Defence. Under expert guidance, they will learn essential self-defence techniques and practical personal safety skills in a safe and supportive environment. The workshop is free, but bookings are essential and spaces are limited. There are two sessions:
- 11 am to 1 pm – female only
- 2 to 4 pm – open session
Sunday
You will enjoy a spectacular location, a super fun, professionally organised safety-focused event and a big friendly crowd at the 25th edition of the MMJ Aquathon. Image: Aquathon.
Aquathon
When: Sunday 26 January, 8 am to noon
Where: Wollongong Harbour
Cost: Various | Book via Race Roster.
Australia’s favourite swim-run is back in its quarter-century anniversary. Held at beautiful Wollongong Harbour, this event attracts a huge crowd, is open to all ages and attracts a fun mixed crowd and awesome vibe. Participants of all ages and skill levels choose from five events: “Swim to Run” Kids, Mini, Short, Long or the Blue Mile 5 km Fun Run. You can even split the aquathon distance as a tag team! Entry includes finisher medals, prizes, sponsor giveaways and more.
Tuesday
Mix art, creativity, and emerging technologies these school holidays. Image: Number 99.
Virtual Reality Art Class with Nested Realities
When: Tuesday 28 January, 9 am to noon
Where: Number 99, 99 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: $71.75 (ages 12 to 17 years) | Book via Number 99.
In this workshop using Tilt Brush, a versatile virtual reality application for beginner or advanced artists, you’ll create a hand-drawn artwork in 3D space. Experiment with different animated brushes and light-based colours on an endless virtual canvas. This workshop will guide participants through design concepts to fully experience creativity in 3D space and teach them how to use tools like fire brushes. Finished sketches can be shared as a five-second gif.
Thursday
A monstrously fun clay sculpting workshop awaits at Georgia Rose. Image: Black Duck Studio.
Clay Sculpting
When: Thursday 20 January, 10 am to noon
Where: Georgia Rose, 1/9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove
Cost: $39 (ages 7 to 16 years) | Book via TryBooking.
These school holidays, the Black Duck Studio team have devised a “Make a Monster” theme for their fun clay sculpting workshop. Studio teachers will help little participants unleash their creativity to mould fabulous clay creatures. Once these masterpieces are moulded, paints are provided to bring the creations to life. All materials and morning tea are included.
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