Gerroa artist Michele Skuza captures local flora and fauna in her exhibition, on show in Gerringong this week. Image: Michele Skuza.
One week into the spring school holidays there’s still plenty to do in our bumper what’s on guide, but it can’t all be about the littlies.
From local art to amateur theatre, there is plenty to entertain all ages in the Illawarra this week.
Expect life drawing classes, NAIDOC celebrations, musical theatre, inspiration from incredible local women and much more.
Here are nine things to do in our beautiful region.
All Week
Showing for one week only at Gerringong Library and Museum Gallery, this exhibition is for fans of local art and/or local fauna. Photo: Michele Skuza Facebook.
Sharing the South Coast: Michele Skuza Art Exhibition
When: Friday 4 to Thursday 10 October, 10 am to 4 pm daily
Where: Gerringong Library and Museum Gallery, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Cost: Free.
Witness how Gerroa artist Michele Skuza’s background in marine science is put to good use as she captures the vibrant colours of the South Coast in her oil paints depicting the local birds and sea creatures of our coastline. In this exhibition, she will also introduce her new series Nocturnal Neighbours, celebrating creatures of the night, such as sugar gliders and quolls.
Friday
Mindful activities and meaningful topics are explored at this special headspace event. Image: headspace.
Headspace Day
When: Friday 4 October, 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Where: Shellharbour City Library, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free.
Young people aged 12 to 25 are invited to this relaxed afternoon of creativity and fun. Activities include painting, LEGO, bracelet making, crocheting and more. There will also be some exciting questions for curious minds to mull over and cool prizes to be won. All materials will be supplied.
The stage is set, and the actors loosed to bring to life a story of disastrous schemes, doomed romances, fatally ambitious people, and the dire (and often hysterical) consequences of their poor impulse control. Image: Rising Arts Productions.
Fiasco: An Improvised Play
When: Friday 4 October, 7:30 to 10 pm
Where: The Music Lounge, Wollongong Town Hall, corner Kembla and Crown streets, Wollongong
Cost: Premium $45 | Standard $40 | Standing $30 | Book via Merrigong Box Office.
Things can go wrong, early and often, when Fiasco returns to The Music Lounge for its fourth annual smash-hit show. This improvised play is inspired by tales of small-time capers gone disastrously wrong. Based on the award-winning storytelling game of the same name, Fiasco will place the audience as the director of their own play, using their suggestions to create a chaotic cast of characters, their bold motives and a setting filled to the brim with intrigue and peril.
Brought to you by Wollongong’s premier improv comic troupe Room for IMPROVment, Fiasco guarantees a theatre experience like no other, as each play is completely new and never to be seen again.
Learn how to become a natural beekeeper in this fun workshop. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Natural Bee Keeping
When: Friday 4 October, 11 am to noon
Where: Thirroul Library, 352/358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Embrace the practice of nature beekeeping – a gentler bee-friendly approach that prioritises care for the bees, allowing them to build natural honeycomb and to harvest only when sufficient honey is available. This results in healthy bees and delicious raw honey. This talk will provide an insight into natural beekeeping, caring for bees with a top-bar beehive, one of the most effective natural beehives for backyard and small-scale beekeepers.
Tuesday
See the side-splitting musical parody set to classic tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s that has had millions of women (and brave men) in stitches for over two decades. Image: Menopause the Musical.
Menopause The Musical
When: Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 October, various times
Where: IMB Theatre, IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Premium $89.90 | A-Res $79.90 | Book via Merrigong Box Office.
Inspired by a hot flush and a bottle of wine, Menopause The Musical is a celebration for women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change”. It follows a moment in time for four women at a lingerie sale, who have nothing in common but a black lace bra, memory loss, hot flushes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more.
Wednesday
Come to be inspired, or simply to celebrate fearless women who embrace risks and live life to the fullest. Image: Generation Women.
Generation Women Wollongong – Throwing Caution to the Wind
When: Wednesday 9 October, 7 to 9 pm
Where: The Builders, 61 Church Street, Wollongong
Cost: Member $23.50 | Non-member $33.50 | Book via Generation Women.
This October, Generation Women is “Throwing Caution to the Wind”. Hear stories of daring adventures, bold choices and unexpected twists. This event’s panellists include dynamic storyteller Paige Webster, writer, director, producer and actor Mara Jean Quinn, urban and regional planner Cath Blakey, inventor of an innovative vibrator Lisa Hughes, holistic wellbeing advocate Nancie Clisby and forensic and general psychiatrist Dr Yola Lucire.
Get ready for an exciting day of celebration at the Illawarra AMS NAIDOC Event 2024. Image: Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service Facebook.
Illawarra AMS NAIDOC Event 2024 at Dapto Showground
When: Wednesday 9 October, 9 am
Where: Dapto Showground, 89 Princes Motorway, Dapto
Cost: Free.
This year’s event promises a fantastic line-up of fun and community spirit. Enjoy live music from Isaac Compton and the Smoking Guns band, plus a variety of activities for all ages including kids’ rides, face painting, a reptile show, and the chance to meet NRL players. Browse through market stalls, indulge in snow cones and fairy floss and get in with a chance to win amazing giveaways. A delicious, free barbecue will keep everyone fuelled for the festivities.
Spots are limited for this life drawing session, so book fast to avoid disappointment. Photo: Maria Levkina.
Servo Sketch Club 027
When: Wednesday 9 October, 5 to 9 pm
Where: The Servo, 6-8 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: $27.19 | Book via Humanitix. $25, material included.
This unique life drawing session at The Servo offers an incredible creative experience with rotating models and occasional guest hosts. This event’s guest hosts are the talented Bligh and Noni of Gladdy Drawing Club. Settle in with a delicious beverage and tasty food as you sketch alongside friends in this beautifully curated, intimate setting.
All materials are included, but you’re encouraged to bring a diary and your favourite materials.
Thursday
Calling all future engineers … Photo: RoboThink.
RoboThink Spring Camp
When: Thursday 10 October, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Corrimal Community Centre, 15 Short Street, Corrimal
Cost: $100 | Book via MyRoboThink.
Get set to dive into a day of hands-on robotics fun. This exciting camp is perfect for kids who love to build, learn, and explore the world of robotics. Participants will discover different types of real-world tanks, build working miniature versions from scratch, and learn basic coding skills to bring their creations to life. With thrilling missions and challenges throughout the day, your child will gain valuable STEM skills while having a blast.
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