Get fancy and get pedalling for the Fancy Women’s Bike Ride in Wollongong. Photo: IBUG.
As we usher winter out the door, the Illawarra has some dynamite events to help you spring into spring, kicking off with an exhibition showcasing the diverse and remarkable talents of local artists and finishing with a free first aid course for our furry companions.
In between, a juggernaut of orchestral ska music will stop by Wollongong, there will be a wholesome square dancing event (beginners welcome) in Kiama and parenting expert Maggie Dent will host a seminar on raising boys.
Also, the inaugural Fancy Women’s Bike Ride will create quite the spectacle in Wollongong – and you’re encouraged to join in.
Here are our top 10 picks for the week.
All week
Expect a vibrant celebration of creativity in The Exhibitionists, bringing together a rich tapestry of artistic expressions for the community to enjoy. Image: Shellharbour City Art Society.
The Shellharbour City Art Society Presents: “The Exhibitionists” – A Celebration of Local Artists
When: Daily until Wednesday 4 September, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Old Kiama Firestation, corner Shoalhaven and Tarralong streets, Kiama
Cost: Free.
This exceptional art exhibition will feature an extraordinary compilation of artworks, showcasing the diverse and remarkable talent of local artists. Visitors will be captivated by a wide range of pieces, including enchanting landscapes, thought-provoking abstracts, soulful portraits and vibrant wildlife depictions. Each artwork is a testament to the skill and passion of the artists, offering a unique glimpse into their creative worlds. Please note: the official launch takes place on Saturday 31 August at 2 pm.
Friday
Melbourne Ska Orchestra is bringing its Outlaws and Offbeats tour to Waves Wollongong. Photo: David Harris.
Melbourne Ska Orchestra – Outlaws and Offbeats
When: Friday 30 August, 7 pm
Where: Waves Wollongong, 170 Pioneer Rd, Towradgi
Cost: $69.22 | Book via Moshtix.
Celebrating 21 years, the incredible 26-piece Melbourne Ska Orchestra is on its Outlaws and Offbeats tour – and the next stop is Waves Wollongong. The band comprises some of Australia’s finest musicians and performers, helmed by the energetic and charismatic Nicky Bomba (John Butler Trio, Bomba, Bustamento). With its signature international ska sound, this energy-packed live show sees this behemoth band deliver a “turbo-charged freight train of pure dancefloor magic”.
Experience the best of Bollywood magic, all for a good cause. Image: Trybooking.
Taj Mahal Dinner
When: Saturday 31 August, 6:15 pm
Where: UniHall, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong
Cost: $150 | Book via trybooking.
Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of India as Bollywood comes to Wollongong. Step into UniHall as it’s transformed into a world of gourmet Indian food, entertainment, dancing and exciting prizes – all for four great causes. The event raises funds for TIGS Sony Camp, The Disability Trust Funds, TIGS Foundation and The Illawarra Passionate Cricketers Club. The dress code is formal/Indian.
Kiama Car Boot Sale
When: Saturday 31 August, 8 am to noon
Where: Black Beach, 4 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama
Cost: Gold coin donation | Payable upon entry.
Second Hand Saturday is an opportunity to find a preloved bargain and, by claiming someone’s unwanted items, reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. A gold coin donation grants access to a trove of treasures which may include clothes, toys, homewares, books and bric-a-brac. All proceeds will support Rotary Club of Kiama activities, and Kiama Council will also be giving away native plants to Kiama residents (you just need to bring along your rates notice to claim your plant).
Learn more about the noble greyhound and meet a few in the flesh at this special adoption event. Image: GAP.
Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) Adoption Day
When: Saturday 31 August, 9 am to noon
Where: Club Windang, 2-6 Judbooley Parade, Windang
Cost: Free entry.
Are you considering adopting a pet? Greyhounds have much to recommend them: they rarely bark, are loving dogs, don’t smell, minimally shed, can enjoy the company of other pets and children and have a calm and gentle demeanour. Contrary to popular opinion, they’re also great pets for apartments! Interested? Why not meet some in the flesh, and find out more about these wonderful animals when the Southern NSW GAP team host a large adoption event down south? They’ll be offering reduced adoption fees of $150 and just $75 for seniors on the day. View all available dogs for adoption and submit your application early at GAP NSW.
Image: Kiama SLSC.
Kiama Surf Club Inaugural Square Dance
When: Saturday 31 August, 7 pm
Where: Kiama Surf Life Saving Club, 74 Manning Street, Kiama
Cost: Single $25 | Couple $40 | Book via trybooking.
Looking to bid adieu to winter with some wholesome fun? No experience is needed for Kiama Surf Life Saving Club’s first Square Dance. Don your best checkered shirt, jeans and scootin’ boots and wander over to the club, where there will be a bar, doughnut van and prizes for best dressed individual and couple. Bring your own nibbles and make a night of it. Please note: this is an over 18s event.
Sunday
Don’t miss the inaugural Fancy Women Bike Ride in Wollongong. Image: Liv Lorkin Designs.
Fancy Women’s Bike Ride
When: Sunday 1 September, 11 am
Where: UOW, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong
Cost: $10 | Book via trybooking.
The Fancy Women’s Bike Ride is more than just a cycling event; it is a celebration of women’s empowerment, solidarity and a testament to the determination of volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to make a difference. The ride encourages women and all gender-diverse people from all walks of life to reclaim public spaces, promote sustainable transportation and challenge societal norms. All gentlemen who support these ideas are more than welcome to join the crew.
Your registration fee buys you a drink at Basin Cafe at the end of the ride and live music. Bring your picnic baskets – you can drop them off at the finish line before going to the ride. There will be prizes for Fanciest Rider, Best Dressed Bike, Best Dressed Group, Team Spirit Award, Best Bike Bling, Best Floral Bike, Best Vintage Bike and more.
Wednesday
Time to get prepared for the spring garden rush. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Hello Spring! Native Plants
When: Wednesday 4 September, 1 to 2 pm
Where: Dapto Library, 93/93-109 Princes Highway, Dapto
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Spring has sprung, and with it will come an abundance of growth, making it the perfect time to brush up on your gardening knowledge. Chat with passionate horticulturalist Carl Glaister about native plants. With over 30 years of experience at Wollongong Botanic Gardens, he will share ideas to help you choose natives that will flourish in your garden, and answer your gardening questions.
This seminar will be useful and insightful for all parents and anyone raising or working with boys. Photo: StiahailoAnastasiia.
Mothering Our Boys Seminar with Maggie Dent
When: Wednesday 4 September, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: The Pavillion, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama
Cost: $40 | Book via trybooking.
One of Australia’s favourite parenting authors, Maggie Dent, explores the power of mothering our precious boys in a warm, firm, fair and fun way from birth to adulthood. A mother of four sons herself, Maggie combines research, personal experience, and over 40 years as a teacher, counsellor, author, and speaker to help build understanding, compassion and empathy for boys. Although aimed primarily at mums of sons and other mother figures, the seminar will be useful and insightful for dads and other father figures to help build a better understanding of the importance of cooperative intimate relationships.
Thursday
Get first aid 101 down pat for your furry family members with experienced RSPCA vet nurses. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Basic Animal First Aid
When: Thursday 5 September, noon to 1 pm
Where: Thirroul Library, 352/358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
This one-hour introductory basic animal first aid session is hosted by experienced RSPCA NSW vet nurses with over 10 years in the industry. Learn the basics of animal first aid including the principles of first aid, locating vital signs, basic transport techniques, first aid for animal burns, near drowning and basic pressure bandaging. Please note, this session focuses on introductory concepts only. For those interested in more in-depth learning, RSPCA NSW offers comprehensive courses.
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