Last chance to catch Michelle Law’s brilliant new play, Miss Peony. Photo: Brett Boardman.
Spring has sprung, and it’s so glorious we don’t even mind the cliche. Also, Father’s Day has arrived – so a big week all around.
There are art exhibition openings and closings, theatre and wine and jazz for those looking to soak up some culture.
For some wholesome family fun, join the good folk at Coledale RSL as they mark their 75th anniversary or the South Coast Child Wellbeing Network as they mark Child Protection Week with a community event.
Hot on the heels of the announcement of the Voice referendum date, Aunty Shas is coming to Corrimal to share her perspective and answer questions.
There are plenty of ways to usher in the warmer weather and celebrate Dad – but here are our top thirteen picks.
Friday
All are welcome to the launch of FLOW – a biennial acquisitive competition open to artists from around Australia. Image: Wollongong City Council.
Official Opening & Announcement of Prize Winner – FLOW WAG National Contemporary Watercolour Prize
When: Friday 1 September, 6 pm
Where: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free, book here.
You’re invited to the official opening and announcement of this year’s FLOW Wollongong Art Gallery National Contemporary Watercolour Prize winner. All are welcome to this free event, and guests are asked to arrive at 6 pm for a 6:30 pm start.
FLOW is a biennial acquisitive competition open to artists from around Australia. The prize seeks to encourage innovation and experimentation in watercolour painting. This year’s prize was judged by the senior curator at the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ The Brett Whiteley Studio, Beatrice Gralton.
Miss Peony is a “glitzy and madcap” comedy of beauty pageants, unrealistic expectations and the business of family. Photo: Brett Boardman.
Miss Peony
When: Friday 1 September, 7:30 pm and Saturday 2 September, 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm
Where: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Premium $84, adult $72, concession and group 8+ $67, under 30s $62, school groups 8+ $23, family of four $248, book here.
Michelle Law’s uncanny nose for comedy gold has led her to this “glitzy and madcap” exploration of the world of beauty pageants. Billed as a coming-of-age comedy about “what happens when the ghosts of generations past come back to haunt you”, it follows the story of Lily, whose former Hong Kong beauty queen grandmother is pressuring her to enter the Chinese community beauty pageant, the highly competitive Miss Peony. She doesn’t care that times have changed, she won’t take no for an answer – oh, and she’s a ghost.
Miss Peony is performed in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, with subtitles in all three, so that everyone can enjoy the show.
Wine and jazz are a combination made in heaven at Little Betty’s. Image: Little Betty’s.
The Jazz Drop
When: Friday 1 September, 6:30 pm
Where: Little Betty’s, Collins Street, Kiama
Cost: $99 per person, book here.
Little Betty’s is set to transform its upstairs into a New Orleans-esque Aussie Jazz Club, presenting fine wine paired with jazz from the phenomenal Eric Dunan Trio.
Tickets include a two-course meal with matched wines and the live music. Wines from Aristotelis Ke Anthoula of regional NSW have been skillfully matched with a menu inspired by French bistro fare. Note: bookings are essential.
Saturday
Spring is calling for a good old-fashioned seed swap. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Seed and Sapling Swap
When: Saturday 2 September, 10 am to noon
Where: Corrimal Library, 15 Short Street, Corrimal
Cost: Free.
Is the hint of spring in the air beckoning you into your garden? Visit the library with some of your seeds or saplings, and swap with other members of the community to propagate your green space. You can also chat with other enthusiastic gardeners for tips and tricks on growing a thriving garden space. No bookings are required.
Coledale RSL is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a fabulous community event. Image: Coledale RSL.
Coledale RSL 75th Anniversary Community Street Party
When: Saturday 3 September, 11 am to 10 pm
Where: Coledale RSL, 731 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale
Cost: Free entry.
Coledale RSL is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a community street party. The public can join in from 11 am with kids entertainment all day, market stalls, food trucks, fairy floss and ice cream vans. Raffles will include kids toys, a luxurious Hugo Wines gift basket and more.
At noon Coledale Public School band will treat audiences to a performance led by Wollongong Conservatorium of Music and from 1 to 3 pm there will be kids entertainment courtesy of the Buldivers Band. Kids face painting takes place from 1 to 4 pm.
Entertainment for the “big kids” kicks in from 7 pm with music from the Side Hustle Band. Don’t miss out on your chance to celebrate this Coledale institution in the most fitting way possible – surrounded by its beloved community.
Sunday
Dad could be in with a chance (or several) to win an $800 barbecue prize pack at Warilla Bowls Club for Father’s Day. Image: Warilla Bowls Club.
Father’s Day Giveaway at Warilla Bowls & Recreation Club
When: Sunday 3 September, 9 am to 8:55 pm
Where: Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club, Jason Avenue, Barrack Heights
Cost: Various.
For every $5 spent between 9 am and 8:55 pm at Warilla Bolws and Recreation Club this Father’s Day, you’ll score a ticket to go in the running to win the massive draw at 9 pm. The winner is not required to be on the premises at the time of the draw to claim their prize: a massive $800 barbecue prize pack including a $200 meat tray.
It will be a Father’s Day the winner won’t soon forget, but regardless, the venue offers three exceptionally presented bowling greens, delicious cafe food and beverages, exceptional bar and grill food, a playground area and more – all the makings of a wonderful day to celebrate Dad.
Woonona Bulli RSL is putting on a day of fun for the whole family this Father’s Day. Image: Woonona Bulli RSL.
Father’s Day at Woonona Bulli RSL
When: Sunday 3 September, 9 am to 11 pm
Where: Woonona Bulli RSL, 455 Princes Highway, Woonona
Cost: Various, walk-in spaces only left.
Woonona and Bulli RSL are turning Father’s Day into a day for the whole family. There will be food specials including a mouthwatering $99 mixed grill platter to feed up to three people, including a bottle of wine.
For the kids, Matilda’s Farmyard Nursery will visit from 10 am to noon and face painting by Raeleen’s Fancy Face will be available from noon to 2 pm.
There will be live music courtesy of Oz to be Sure from noon to 3 pm, and the chance for Dad to win a big prize – a Duff Beer Retro Cooler plus goodies valued at more than $400. Tickets can be purchased for $2 each at reception, and the prize will be drawn at 7 pm on Father’s Day (members only draw).
Dad gets treated to a free dodgem ride and coffee this Father’s Day at Tabatinga. Image: Tabatinga.
Father’s Day at Tabatinga
When: Sunday 3 September, from 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Tabatinga Dapto Leagues Club, corner Station Street and Bong Bong Road, Dapto
Cost: One- to three-year-olds $8, four and over $10, non-playing adult free, bumper car single ride $4, bumper car x3 rides $6, to book phone (02) 4261 1333.
Housed inside the Dapto Leagues Club is Tabatinga play centre – a haven of fun for the whole family. This Father’s Day, dads will be treated to a free dodgem ride and a cup of coffee. There will be an arts and crafts station where little explorers can get creative and make heartfelt gifts for their incredible dads.
Note: children under six must be accompanied by an adult on bumper car rides.
Treat Dad to a day on the green. Image: Kiama Golf Club.
Father’s Day Golf
When: Sunday 3 September, 10:30 am
Where: Kiama Golf Club, 79 Oxley Avenue, Kiama Downs
Cost: Various, to book call (02) 4237 7300.
If your dad is the type to enjoy quality time on the green, Kiama Golf Club has you covered this Father’s Day. Various deals on the day allow you to choose your own adventure: eight holes for two adults with cart hire for $99, 18 holes for one adult and one junior with cart hire for $79, nine holes for two adults with cart hire for $69 or nine holes for one adult and one junior with cart hire for $49.
It’s looking to be a busy day so ensure you book your tee time in advance.
Collegians is offering a chance to win a $150 BCF voucher for every main meal purchased on Father’s Day.
Father’s Day on the Green
When: Sunday 3 September, noon to 5 pm
Where: Collegians Figtree, 147 The Avenue, Figtree
Cost: Various, to book a table call (02) 4229 7711.
Treat Dad to delicious food specials, live music, beer specials and a chance to win a $150 BCF voucher with every main meal purchased. Lunch specials include grilled marinated Australian prawn skewers for $28, barbecue pork ribs for $27 or a smoked half chicken for $21, all served with mouthwatering sides. Dad also receives a free schooner of Balter XPA or Captain Sensible with every Father’s Day meal purchased!
There will be live music by Pockets Duo from 2 to 5 pm. To avoid disappointment, call ahead to book a table.
Detail of Daniel Mudie Cunningham, Meeting Jodie Foster, 2001/2009. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Artist Talk with Daniel Mudie Cunningham – Are You There? Curated by James Gatt
When: Sunday 3 September, 2 pm
Where: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free, book here.
Who’s your celebrity crush? Artist Daniel Mudie has many. This special event marks the closing weeks of Are You There? – an exhibition at Wollongong Art Gallery curated by James Gatt. Daniel will shine some light on the role of pop culture fandom in his practice. Refreshments will be provided and all are welcome.
Wednesday
Aunty Shas will shed some light on the Voice Referendum. Photo: eventbrite.
Guest Speaker: Aunty Shas and the Voice Referendum
When: Wednesday 6 September, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Where: Corrimal Library, 15 Short Street, Corrimal
Cost: Free (suitable for ages 18 and over), book here.
The date has been set for The Voice Referendum – 14 October. Are you up to speed? If you’re looking to know more about what you are voting for, join Aunty Shas at Corrimal Library where she will share her perspectives about how Indigenous Australians see the Voice to Parliament benefiting the local community. There will be time to ask questions at the end of the session.
Aunty Shas is a local elder and the Illawarra Aboriginal Land Council chairperson. She is a proud Koori woman and was born and raised on Dharawal Country. She has worked for her community, as well as local and State Governments to protect the wellbeing and quality of life of her people.
Thursday
Fun and educational – don’t miss this community event in celebration of Child Protection Week. Image: South Coast Child Wellbeing Network.
Family Fun Day
When: Thursday 7 September, 9:30 to 11:30 am
Where: Dapto Mall, corner Princes Highway and Moombara Street, Dapto and Warrawong Plaza, corner King and Cowper Streets, Warrawong
Cost: Free.
In celebration of Child Protection Week, the South Coast Child Wellbeing Network is hosting a family fun day. It will be a great opportunity for kids to play, learn and read and for families to get more information on local agencies and the services they provide. There will be fun activities, entertainment, lucky door prizes and visits from some special guests.
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