From Aboriginal cultural experiences to informative parenting talks, swing dance extravaganzas and Latin-inspired singing workshops, the Illawarra has something for everyone this week.
Kiama will throw a vintage fair for treasure hunting enthusiasts and the Helensburgh Lion’s Club will host a special event for LEGO lovers.
Wollongong Youth Services will mark Pride Month with a night of fun, and there’s a special afternoon tea event for a good cause.
Here are our top nine picks for the week.
Friday
Pride Night – Wollongong Library
When: Friday 28 June, 5 to 8 pm
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free, book here.
This exclusive after-hours event celebrating Pride Month is open to members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies aged between 12 and 25. Get ready for a fun-filled evening of Pride-inspired activities including rainbow polymer clay jewellery and henna tattoo workshops, badge-making, a film screening and much more. Bookings are preferred for catering purposes, but drop-ins are welcome.
Saturday
South Coast Sings – Goes Latin
When: Saturday 29 June; music workshops 9:30 am to 4:30 pm; public concert 3:30 pm
Where: The Pavilion Kiama, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama
Cost: Workshop and concert, adults $65 or $35 for students; afternoon concert only, adults $20, concession $12, under 12s free; book here.
This is a chance for singers of all ages and vocal experience to enjoy workshops exploring Latin songs, dance, musical theatre and Latin jazz styles, under the guidance of experienced performers. Members of the public are warmly invited to attend the concert afterwards, featuring guest performers “Lorenzo Y Su Swing” salsa quintet. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Children’s Medical Research Institute.
Gumaraa’s Cultural Experience
When: Saturday 29 June, 10 am
Where: The Farm Kiosk, Killalea Regional Park, Killalea Drive, Shell Cove
Cost: Adult $60, child $50, book here.
Take a journey into the heart of Indigenous traditions and heritage in this rich, two-hour Aboriginal cultural immersion experience. Expect mesmerising traditional dances, ancient stories and spiritual practices. Guided by skilled instructors, you’ll try your hand at the art of boomerang and spear throwing, engage in captivating storytelling sessions and delve into the world of bush tucker and medicine, learning about the plants and herbs that have sustained and healed Indigenous communities for generations. Meaningful discussions led by knowledgeable guides will explore Indigenous heritage and history, providing a deeper understanding of the land’s original custodians.
High Tea for Henry
When: Saturday 29 June, 2 to 5:30 pm
Where: Kiama Baptist Church, 1/3 Brown Street, Kiama
Cost: Adults $60, high school students and concession $40, primary school students free, book here.
Henry Boothroyd was born with congenital femoral deficiency and will need several operations to correct this, which can only be done overseas. His family and friends are having a high tea fundraiser to raise $400,000 for medical expenses. Special guest entertainment is Kiama singer and guitarist Penny Hartgerink. There will be a scrumptious afternoon tea, wine, cider tea and coffee, plus auctions, lucky door prizes and raffles. All are welcome.
The Big Swing
When: Saturday 29 June, 7 to 11 pm
Where: The Pavilion Kiama, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama
Cost: $50, book here.
Slip on your dancing shoes and glad rags and head to The Pavilion Kiama. Presented by Katandra Womens A Cappella, the tunes of impressive 16-piece Beachside Big Band will fill the air at this electrifying soiree, inviting guests to sway and twirl to the beat. BYO drinks and nibbles – glasses are provided. All proceeds will be donated to the Salt Ministry in Nowra.
Sunday
Helensburgh Brick Fair
When: Sunday 29 June, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Helensburgh Tradies, 30 Boomerang Street, Helensburgh
Cost: $5, payable upon entry.
Love yourself some LEGO? This is the event for you (and the whole family to boot). See the amazing LEGO displays set up by GongLUG, explore rare, retired sets and mini LEGO figures and enjoy a separate LEGO play area for hands-on creativity. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase, with LEGO sets as prizes.
Kiama Vintage Fair
When: Sunday 30 June, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Masonic Hall, 46 Collins Street, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
This one-day vintage-inspired market-style fair will have more than 20 stalls featuring retro, vintage, mid-century, antique, collectables and bric-a-brac, preloved and re-loved treasures and quirky curios. If you love the charm and delight of discovery, uncovering a treasure from days gone by, you’ll love the selection of tableware, crockery, crystal, jewellery, furniture, books, records, art, bric-a-brac, homewares, decor, fashion and more available for purchase.
Thursday
Tall Tales – The Man Walk
When: Thursday 4 July, 5:45 pm
Where: Shellharbour City Library, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free, book here.
Men of the Shellharbour community are invited to hear from local social organisations and speakers with the occasional author talk in this Shellharbour Libraries program. The theme for this session is “Hobby Highlight”. CEO and founder of The Man Walk – a walking, talking support group for men – Mark Burns will be there to discuss this fantastic group and how you can get involved. This is a casual discussion in the library space where you’ll hear about the organisation, what they do and how you can join, with a Q and A to follow.
Parenting Workshop: Sleep and Settling
When: Thursday 4 July, 10:30 to 11:30 am
Where: Thirroul Library, 352/358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: Free.
Ask any new parent to list their greatest pain points, and more often than not sleep deprivation will come up. Presented in partnership with the Illawarra Early Parenting Centre this workshop will teach new parents how to help their babies develop great sleep patterns from the first few weeks through to two years of age. The session will cover age appropriate guidelines, routines and settling techniques.