ISSUE NO.18 - SUMMER 2023 - Coal Coast Magazine

With a combined experience of over 30 years, Laurie Johnston and Vanessa Denison-Pender have a proven track record and strong market knowledge with exceptional marketing and negotiating skills. Contact Laurie and Vanessa for your updated market appraisal so you’re ready to take the next step of

Eastscape Studio offers a full landscape design service.

We create spaces that will inspire and provide a place that will grow with you over the years.

We believe in great design. landscape |design studio 02 4229 6501 @ eastscape.studio info@eastscape.com.au

C a r d R a f f l e

T H U R S D A Y

M e m b e r s $ 9 c h i c k e n p a r m i - a l l d a y $ 1 2 l u n c h s p e c i a l s T h u r s d a y T r i v i a w i t h B o u l t e e - 6 p m r e g o B i n g o f r o m 1 0 a m

I

A Y $ 1 2 l u n c h s p e c i a l s F r i d a y M e a t & G i f t C a r d R a f f l e M e m b e r s T G I F h a p p y h o u r M e m b e r s B a d g e D r a w B i n g o f r o m 1 0 a m

S A T U R D A Y

M e m b e r s P u n t e r ' s R u n h a p p y h o u r $ 1 3 r o a s t o f t h e d a yl u n c h S U N D A Y

S u n d a y M e a t & G i f t C a r d R a f f l e

$ 1 3 r o a s t o f t h e d a y M e m b e r s B a d g e D r a w

C e l e b r a t i n g 1 0 y e a r s a t C o r r i m a l R S L !

By Elly x

Share the best of the South Coast's food and wine for your next celebration, event, party or simply end the week sipping vino and grazing the night away with your nearest and dearest. BOOKINGS: 0434 205 277 Hosted at Brown Sugar: 2/103 St Johns Ave, Mount St Thomas

ILLAWARRA'S FOREMOST ARCHITECTURAL BUILDER

TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP. EXCLUSIVE MATERIALS. ARTISTICALLY IMPRESSIVE.

These are all phrases that have been used to describe our work at Simpson and Co Projects (formerly Shane Simpson Construction).

But to us, they aren’t enough. We like to think that over the years, we’ve built more than just a reputation for crafting bespoke homes with an unwavering dedication to the details.

Locally renowned as the ideal building partner for forward-thinking architects and clients alike, we specialise in crafting sophisticated projects that require refined skill and creative solutions.

If you are about to begin the journey of crafting a quality home that will stand the test of time, we would love to hear from you.

We acknowledge the Dharawal People as the Traditional Custodians of the Illawarra region. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

editor

Welcome to the last issue of 2022… And the first in a fresh start for this little magazine. Thank you so much for the thoughtful and supportive responses to the news that Coal Coast Magazine is now under new ownership. We look forward to continuing the wonderful work this publication is known for, highlighting the best, the brave and the beautiful of our idyllic coastal pocket. Kicking off with a bang for our summer edition, we have a stunning image of Port Kembla Pool on the cover, captured at dawn by local photographer Peter Masters. We’re so grateful to Peter for allowing us to use this shot. It’s how we hope to spend the rest of the season – in the water, chasing that glistening sunshine. To learn more about the Port Kembla ocean pool, and some of the historic pool pavilions dotted along our coastline, turn to page 10.

As always, this issue we spoke to locals doing inspiring stuff in the community – Stacy Jane from not-for-profit Escabags, who has turned her traumatic story into one of hope for other domestic violence survivors (p12); Bush Magic Adventures who are keeping kids active and intrigued in the great outdoors (p54), and The Finz band, who prove it’s never too late to have a crack at something new (p60)!

We know you love when each new issue starts circulating, but if grabbing your quarterly copy of the mag isn’t quite enough Coal Coast content, we’re now sending out a monthly newsletter so it’s not so long between drinks. If you haven’t already, head to the website to sign up and have a peek at our new-look digital space.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and merry festive season. We hope the next few months provide the time for both rest and celebration in equal measure.

Kate and the CCM team x

Coal Coast Magazine is published four times a year and has taken the utmost care to ensure content is accurate on the date of publication. Coal Coast Magazine does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information, product or service represented within our magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.

Southerly Media Pty Ltd ABN 70 661 659 132

Kate O'Mealley editor@coalcoastmagazine.com

graphic design Ren Howard sales & marketing

Tara Connor sales@coalcoastmagazine.com sales & admin coordinator

Hadassa (haddy) Rorke admin@coalcoastmagazine.com

advertising designer

Elyshia (leash) McKirdy studio@coalcoastmagazine.com

social media coordinator Taylah Cutting interns Emily Perkins cover image Peter Masters our contributors

Dani Sherring Tess McIntosh

Cathy O’Brien Erin Huckle

Penny Keogh Chris Frape Kath Gadd Hannah Preston Aaron Christie-David Lauren Pomphrey Diana Ioppolo Hayley Griffiths Polly Jane Photography Judith Russo

John Buchelin Helen James Carmen Angerer Kelly White Matt Castell

Kirsty Megas Yanni Kronenberg Lachy Starling Ben Spinelli Nurture The Seed Simon Nutt Roger Fitzhardinge

Coal Coast is a term which recognises a prominent rock found beneath our area's surface, while celebrating our glittering coastline.

pools and pavilions

QUIETLY FRAMING THE SALTWATER LAP POOLS OF OUR COASTLINE, THESE HISTORIC PAVILIONS MARK THE MEMORIES AND PUNCTUATE THE RHYTHM OF OUR DAILY LIVES

PORT KEMBLA OLYMPIC POOL – 1937

Reflecting the popularity of the ‘lido’ in England in the 1930s and the growing beach culture in the Illawarra, the Port Kembla Olympic Pool was opened to great fanfare in 1937 and celebrated for its interwar art deco design. Despite requiring major structural renovations over the years, the fiercely loyal local spirit has made sure that the pool remains a hub of Port daily life.

The modern Port Kembla Pool building now offers a ‘Changing Places’ Adult Accessible Change Facility (AACF) for high support needs community members and their carers.

THE CONTINENTAL BATHS – 1926

Growing public demand for unisex swimming facilities led to the construction of these Wollongong baths in 1926. It gave the progressive types a respectable alternative to the segregated Clarke’s Hole for men and the Chain Baths for women that was in line with the English standard that had gone before.

The pool was upgraded in 1962 and the original pavilion stood for another 20 years until structural deterioration was declared a danger to the public. The community outcry opposing demolition was immediate. Wollongong Council agreed to rebuild, and the new pavilion opened in 1986 with both amenities and club rooms.

Words Helen James @blackhorsecommunications Sources Wollongong City Libraries, Illawarra Historical Society, All Into Ocean Pools Inc., Seasidehistory.co.uk Images From the collections of the Wollongong City Libraries and the Illawarra Historical Society P14865

Woonona Baths

WOONONA BATHS - 1928

The Woonona Rock Pool and pavilion set on Collins Point has been a community labour of love since 1894. A meeting at what was known to some as Dickson's Hotel (now The Heritage Hotel) Dickson’s Hotel agreed to seek funds to build public baths, and the owner of the privately held location promised it to the community. This hotel meeting group became The Woonona Bathing Club which, funded partly by government grant and partly by private contribution from members, cut into the rock to construct the original baths.

By 1924 the baths were no longer viable and a crew of volunteers, led by lifesavers, began excavation on new and bigger baths. Progress was slow and contract labour was eventually engaged to complete excavation and build the distinctive pavilion.

Hundreds celebrated the official opening on 26 January 1929 with crowds atop the pavilion’s viewing platform, to this day a favoured vantage point for locals and tourists alike. ¡

The Continental Baths

Port Kembla Olympic Pool

bags full of hope

Local charity Escabags supports domestic violence survivors take their first steps to freedom, providing practical help and hope

Words Erin Huckle @chucklecommunications Images Judith Russo @creativeeventsphotography

What if the first step you took to freedom was the hardest? If leaving a dangerous situation was the thing that put you most at risk?

Unfortunately, for victims of domestic and family abuse, the decision to leave is often the thing that makes them the most vulnerable. It’s a risk that many are too terrified to even consider taking.

For Stacy Jane, founder of Escabags, it’s a risk she sadly knows all too well.

Originally from Birmingham in the UK, Stacy spent several years trapped in an abusive relationship. It wasn’t until she was on a cruise in 2019, when she was attacked by her abuser on board, that she felt leaving might actually be possible. An Australian family on the cruise took her under their wing, including Maussie who she calls her “Aussie mum”, and promised to help Stacy start a new life in Australia.

After moving to Australia, Stacy felt her mental health start to unravel. Panic attacks set-in and she was diagnosed with complex PTSD.

“I think for so long I was in survival mode and couldn’t really let myself think about what was happening. When I was diagnosed with PTSD, I needed something to focus on, to calm my nerves. I started sewing these tote bags, but at first, I didn’t know what I was going to do with them,” says Stacy.

“But then I started thinking about people who were in an abusive situation. What essentials would they need? How could I create something that stopped them from having to return to their house, and put themselves in immense danger? So basic things like shampoo, soap, tampons. The idea started from there.”

Escabags is now a national charity creating thousands of escape bags for domestic and family abuse survivors in Australia, designed to provide them with the essentials for when they’ve first escaped a dangerous situation.

“We have bags for single adults, and also parent and child bags. Fortunately, when I escaped I didn’t have to think about a child being with me too, but many people are in that situation. So, we provide children’s books and teddy bears. Small items to hopefully help them take their mind off things.”

Stacy says the idea for Escabags started small. It wasn’t an overnight decision to create something with such a broad reach, but as Stacy started to share her story and spread the word about the escape bags and their purpose, more and more doors have been opening.

Based in Unanderra, the charity has now secured major support from organisations such as doTERRA and Think Global Logistics, and has introduced a corporate partnership program, to

provide training and support for organisations around how to support domestic violence victims, and how to appropriately respond to someone who might be in need of an Escabag escape bag.

“It’s about sharing stories of hope, but also empowering people to understand the language and put a name to what they might be experiencing. Terms like gaslighting, narcissist, triangulation. People aren’t always aware that what’s happened to them has happened to other people too, and it isn’t at all their fault,” says Stacy.

Stacy’s work as founder and CEO of Escabags has also attracted high-profile attention in recent months, including her being named the 2022 Aware Super NSW Community Hero of the Year award at the NSW Women of the Year Awards.

While the escape bags are still the main focus for Escabags, Stacy also has plans to grow the educational aspect of the charity, and to start to provide freedom houses for domestic abuse survivors who need somewhere they can feel safe, looked after, and be given hope about starting a new chapter in their lives. Stacy’s ambition is to be able to offer a full-service for people escaping a dangerous relationship.

“During my own escape I spent some time in a women’s shelter, and unfortunately they aren’t always the most welcoming places. There are people struggling with addiction, or who’ve been relying on prostitution. They don’t really give you hope about life, or about the decision you’ve made to escape your situation. I’d like to start creating partnerships with other organisations so that we can provide that full range of support.

From escape bag to freedom house, to legal advice, to health and wellbeing, to financial advice and emotional support.”

For now, there are plenty of ways Illawarra residents can support Escabags, including donating items for bags, donating money, sewing tote bags or taking part in the monthly bagpacking sessions at their Unanderra warehouse.

Escabags also holds a number of fundraising events each year, and plans are already underway for a black-tie fundraising event in 2023 – The Labyrinth Masquerade Ball – which will take place on Saturday 15th April at The Cube in Campbelltown.

The charity has opportunities for corporate partnerships and sponsorship, or for businesses who are interested in stocking escape bags from Escabags, so that domestic violence victims can access them easily. And Stacy says there’s no ‘right’ kind of business when it comes to being a stockist.

“Any kind of business can be an Escabags stockist – and it doesn’t cost you anything to take part. We have more than 1100 stockists now nationally, and we’re growing that number all the time. Our hope is that there will be an Escabags stockist in every suburb in Australia one day.”

Ambitious plans, but if anyone can make it happen it’s Stacy Jane and her hardworking team of volunteers. ¡

If you, or someone you know, is a victim of abuse, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800respect.org.au

local Escabags stockists

All organisations that have chosen to stock Escape Bags are caring and empathetic people – please do not feel afraid when asking any one of them for a bag:

• Carter Ferguson Solicitors

• Just Lashes Wollongong

• Boston Espresso

• The Illawarra Hotel

• Barnardos

• Webb Financial

• BaiMed

• Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation

• Bendigo Community Bank

• Hope Street

• Ratha’s Place

For a complete list of Escabags stockists and Stacy’s story visit: escabags.org

where creativity meets community

FOR AUTHOR AND MUSICIAN HOLLY THROSBY, A SEA CHANGE TO THE SOUTH COAST HAS SPARKED CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY, INCLUDING HER LATEST NOVEL CLARKE

Words Penny Keogh @oursliceofpie Image Yanni Kronenberg

On welcoming her first child, author and fivetime ARIA award nominated musician Holly Throsby, realised that city life held less of the pull it once did. The inner-city Marrickville bustle was replaced with days seeking out bushwalks, beaches and playgrounds. A change was needed, but where to go?

Holly and her partner Zoe chose the Illawarra for their young family in 2019. It was a natural next step that rekindled an earlier affair with the region which inspired Holly’s first two albums recorded at Kiama’s Saddleback Mountain.

On the release of her third crime novel, Clarke, Holly attributes its interweaving of themes of community, family, identity, and longing, to a newfound sense of home and place.

“I was a city kid and never expected I’d move,” Holly said. “I had located a lot of my creative energies in the south coast and have enjoyed falling in love with the area again.

“City life is different,” continued Holly. “You’re always looking to see someone three weeks in

advance. Now we just run into people up at the shops or on the beach. We’re connected to people and place down here.

“It’s the best thing we’ve ever done as a family. Our daughter, June, was born down here. Our other daughter Alvy started kindy here and has made great friends,” Holly said.

Others among Holly’s creative community have also been drawn here, which Holly reveals was an added motivation for the move.

“Aaron Curnow, owner of Spunk Records, has released all my albums and he lives in Stanwell Park,” she said. “Our good friend and painter Mignon Steele lives in the Illawarra too.” Mignon exhibits a lot of her work at Wollongong's Egg & Dart gallery.

Holly’s creative life has continued to thrive with this kind of inspiration around her. Holly says Clarke, set in a fictional regional town of the same name, derives much from her interests and the people she knows.

“You create characters from anyone you’ve met or stories you’ve heard,” said Holly. “Characters might be a blend of three or four people and then they become themselves.

“One of the characters, Deb, is a really passionate gardener,” Holly said. “Gardening is my hobby and my partner Zoe’s work.

“We love the escarpment and the bush around here and that feeds into the rural setting of Clarke.

“Writing a novel is a bit like having a dream, where there’s a little bit of this thing that you saw, or this thing that happened,” continued Holly. “It all blends together.”

This blending of inspiration is not constrained by format. On the eve of releasing Clarke, Holly’s collaboration with fellow musicians Sarah Blasko and Sally Seltmann, with their band Seeker Lover Keeper, was revived with three recent concerts played in November.

“It’s good to get on stage again,” said Holly.

The latest sold-out Seeker Lover Keeper gigs reflect how desperately Australian fans have been hanging out to hear the trio’s melodic, folkpop music again.

With a pandemic, other projects, and growing families in the mix, it’s been two years between gigs, which saw Seeker Lover Keeper perform their two critically and commercially acclaimed albums.

As for those other projects, Holly says that despite her natural creative bent, writing her three novels hasn’t necessarily been easy, but well worth it.

“It was a huge challenge and not a natural progression, but one I was ready for,” said Holly. “The idea of writing fiction was confronting and exciting.

“I like the process of getting completely lost for long stretches of time. Revolving around my brain. It really suits my sensibilities.

“I have small children and a busy home life, so it’s quite a nice contrast.

“I hope I am discovering my own style. I think of the books less as crime novels and more as books about people and relationships. And they are kind of low-key comedies too. Their tone is

“Writing a novel is a bit like having a dream, where there’s a little bit of this thing that you saw, or this thing that happened”

never too heavy or serious. I like to use humour as a counterpoint to the subject matter, which, in Clarke, is a lot of grief and sadness.

“The plot is like a puzzle I work out as I go,” continued Holly. “The first draft is satisfying but hard. Some days I might work just three hours and be completely exhausted and I have nothing left in me.

“The second and third draft is about making things better and adding colour and that is genuinely a pleasure."

In that process Holly’s appreciation for neighbourhood and friends, which is mirrored in Clarke, seems to be just the right fit for the community Holly’s now found around her. As they say, like attracts like.

“We’ve landed next to fantastic neighbours here and that is certainly reflected in Clarke. There is a great affection in the book for great neighbours. If you're lucky, there can be a lovely ease with which neighbours relate to each other.” ¡

To purchase Clarke, visit www.hollythrosby.com or head to Collins Booksellers Thirroul.

a taste of japan

THIRROUL IS NOW HOME TO A BUZZING IZAKAYA-STYLE RESTAURANT AND BAR, CHIBA NIGHTS

Wed-Sat, 5-10.30pm, Shop 1/269 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul finbox.com.au/chiba-nights

Many would have stopped for a coffee, croissant and a chat at Thirroul institution Finbox over the years, but have you wandered past the much-loved cafe lately as the sun goes down? From Wednesday to Saturday, the coffee/surf shop now has a new after-dark incarnation as a Japanese Izakaya-style bar, Chiba Nights. And what a triumph it is! The service is friendly, the space is cosy and cool, and the food is spot-on! A fresh and versatile dining spot, where you can go with a group and sample the whole menu, or fly solo and enjoy a bowl of ramen and a natural pinot at the bar, Chiba Nights has fast become a must-visit.

The idea to utilise the cafe space and convert it into a night-time dining destination started brewing for Finbox owner Chris Kelly after his first trip to Japan in 2015. He’d travelled to Yokohama with local artist Simon Perini to attend the Greenroom Art Festival and immediately fell in love with the country.

“I’ve been back to Japan many times since and I’m always blown away by the food and hospitality,” says Chris. “The concept for Chiba Nights, other than the obvious inclusion of Japanese bar food, was to try and channel a bit of the fun and quirkiness that you would experience on a night out in Tokyo or in some little 10-seater restaurant in a Japanese snow town – good food, good music, great aesthetics and friendly service. It’s also been a great way to maximise the venue and add another layer to the Finbox brand.”

Coming from a surf industry background, Chris admits he had very little hospitality experience other than running the existing cafe. Having never set up a restaurant or commercial kitchen before, he leaned on friends in the industry for advice and direction. “The planning, construction and liquor compliance process took a while to work through as these things do. I learnt a bunch of stuff that will make it easier if I ever have to do it again,” he says. “Finding staff that have the experience and the required skill sets has also been key to setting up a successful venture.”

The most integral staff hiring, the role of head chef, has been expertly filled by local hospo icon, Yon Miller. Yon’s long resume lists some of the most celebrated eateries to have graced the Illawarra. Along with his equally-impressive

Words Dani Sherring Images Chris Frape and Lachy Starling

partner, Emma (of Miller’s Local Bakehouse), Yon owned and operated the beloved Sandygoodwich in Wollongong for years (there was public outcry when the doors closed), before opening its offshoot Eat at Sandy’s in Bulli, and then moving onto sous and head chef roles at Robertson Pub, The Deck at Ryan’s Hotel and Resin Brewing, to name a few. Now at Chiba Nights, Yon’s impressive expertise are really on show. Having served up countless cuisines in his 30-year career, Japanese was one he hadn’t had much experience with, in a professional setting, at least. And yet, the food at Chiba Nights is remarkable… truly something special!

“I’ve cooked in many different restaurants and many different styles of food within those establishments. But Japanese has been one of those things that slowly worked its way into my head,” says Yon. “I've been to Japan twice now, and the food has been of great interest since that first trip, roughly 13 years ago, so I've been dabbling for a while.”

When Yon first had a proper go at Japanese cuisine, he owned Sandygoodwich, so he had the time, access to ingredients and equipment that he needed to try to make ramen. And that’s what he did. “I was also lucky enough to be in the company of an absolute ramen fanatic, my partner Emma,” he laughs. “Together, we worked on the bits and pieces for a while until we thought we had a pretty good product. Then we put it on the menu in the cafe.”

In 2019, the pair hosted a ramen pop-up bar in Wollongong’s Globe Lane, during which time they also trialled a few other dishes like charcoal grilled fish collars, “one of my favourite dishes on the Chiba Nights menu,” says Yon.

And now a fan favourite among Chiba Nights customers, too. “The ramen is an obvious crowdpleaser,” adds Chris. “But the hibachi grilled fish collars get a lot of comments as does Yon’s take on an Izakaya classic – the katsu sando.”

The menu which boasts other star dishes like Nasu Dengaku (miso glazed eggplant), yakitori and deep-fried lotus root crisps – so simple yet so moreish – was created by Yon as a modern take on traditional Japanese dishes, featuring bold Asian flavours and showcasing the beauty of fresh produce, sourced locally wherever possible.

“We absolutely do our best to support local businesses,” says Yon. “All of our meat comes from Hasties Toptaste Meats in Wollongong. The seafood comes from Harley & John in Fairy Meadow – they supply us with sustainable seafood, and I have been working with them for 10 years. Vegies are supplied by Leisure Coast Fruit & Deli, who stock local growers.

“The ramen is an obvious crowdpleaser, but the hibachi grilled fish collars get a lot of comments as does Yon’s take on an Izakaya classic – the katsu sando.”

And we also get a variety of goods from Wan Long in Wollongong.”

When designing the small but impactful menu, Chris and Yon drew on their experiences travelling through beautiful Japan to create a culinary exploration for customers that is unpretentious and quirky, yet affecting.

“In Japan, an Izakaya is like an informal bar that serves drinks and snacks similar to tapas,” says Chris. “Our menu is a riff on these traditional Izakaya dishes, and we delve into the world of ramen and yakitori, too. Our drinks menu is also heavily influenced by Japanese flavours and ingredients.”

The wine list was developed with help from Chris and Yon’s friend, local winemaker and sourdough star Joel Mucci, of Benson & the Mooch and Pane Paradiso, as well as Ray De Souza from Wet Dreams wine wholesale. “The criteria was natural, juicy and delicious,” says Chris.

Spend some time sipping on a chilled carbonic shiraz, pet nat rose or a Yuzushu spritz and it’s clear that they nailed the brief!

Chiba Nights has filled a void in the area, with the snack-style bar food a real point of difference on the Wollongong food scene – and, in good news for everyone, there’s plenty to more to come from the fledgling eatery, who also offer takeaway.

“There’s lots of stuff in the works,” Chris says, “We’ve increased our outdoor seating capacity to 16, which is great for the warmer months and the menu will also change and evolve. We are also looking at teaming up with some of our suppliers to host some specific pairing nights with wine and sake.”

After only a few months of operation, Chiba Nights has cemented its spot as a go-to – and then go back and back again – eatery. And the excited community response is a reflection of Chris and Yon’s passion to deliver something new and delicious, which respects the traditional, while adding their personal twist.

“We wanted the experience to be casual and fun, but with a level of service leaning towards what you would expect from a fine dining venue," says Chris. "It's been a success so far and I’m excited to see where things go this summer.”¡

soba noodle salad

A FRESH, FAST AND FLAVOURFUL DISH FOR SUMMER

Recipe & image Nurture The Seed, @nurturetheseed, nurturetheseed.com.au

Serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main

Ingredients

180g of soba noodles

1 cup frozen shelled edamame beans

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 tablespoon pumpkin or sunflower seeds

1 carrot, julienned

½ cup red cabbage, finely shredded Large handful coriander, leaves and stems roughly chopped

Dressing

2 tablespoons sesame oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2cm knob ginger, finely grated Zest and juice of 1 lime

1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

Method

1. Cook soba noodles in boiling water for 4 minutes (or as per packet instructions), adding the edamame for the last 2 minutes. Drain in a colander, rinse with cold water and then drain again. Place the noodles and edamame in a salad bowl and drizzle with some sesame oil to prevent the noodles from sticking.

2. Meanwhile, toast the sesame and pumpkin/sunflower seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 5 minutes or until golden. Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake to combine.

3. Add the vegetables and herbs to the noodles. Pour over the dressing and mix to combine. Sprinkle the seeds on top and serve.¡

This recipe is taken from Nurture the Seed – an ultimate nutrition guide for expecting mums. The book aims to equip women with the knowledge to navigate the often-confusing prenatal nutrition guidelines, and utilises evidence-based research. Produced by two mums, Wollongong local Renee Jennings, an accredited practising dietitian, and Georgia Gregory, a high school English teacher, Nurture the Seed is filled with 35 nutrient-dense recipes that are fuss-free, delicious and suitable for the whole family.

indian twist

SPICY INDIAN FOOD PAIRED WITH A COOL COCKTAIL –ILU ILU BAR HAS A WINNING COMBINATION

Words Cathy O’Brien Images Ben Spinelli

Retail 5, Signature Building

10-18 Regent Street, Wollongong (enter via Rawson Street)

For a luxurious taste of India, Ilu Ilu is a hidden gem, tucked away in the Signature Building in Wollongong’s CBD.

Owners Ruchi Chhikara and Jason Chin spent their time during lockdowns planning down to the last detail for Ilu Ilu’s opening, serving up a modern twist on many traditional Indian flavours.

“I have always worked in project management as an engineer,” said Ruchi. “So, when all my work was put on hold during Covid, I started to really investigate my dream of combining my love of cooking and sharing parts of my culture through food and drink,” she said.

Just before Covid, Ruchi’s husband Jason called her from a bar in India excited that he was eating Indian food in the bar. Ruchi explains “I laughed –I am not sure what he expected, he was in India after all!” The inspiration for Ilu Ilu was to share Ruchi’s culture with the local community and create a unique, relaxed cafe vibe in the heart of Wollongong.

The luxurious regal blue and gold finishings transport you to another world, with comfy lounges, indoor and outdoor seating options. “I wanted to break the mould of the ‘traditional’ Indian restaurant decor and was determined there would not be an elephant in sight!”

As you sink comfortably into your seats, your most difficult decision is what to start with – cocktail or delicious Indian tapas? With an extensive Indian-inspired cocktail menu, you are sure to find something you’ll love, and if you are unsure the welcoming staff will help you choose.

“Our most popular cocktail is the Hibiscus Sour, closely followed by the Indian Mule,” a delicious twist on the classic cocktail with a hint of turmeric. “And I’m surprised the Chilli Margarita has been so popular,” she says.

It’s easy to work your way through the cocktail menu, not only delicious tasting but looking almost too good to drink, like the Fireball Sour, a spicy twist on a Whiskey Sour.

It is refreshing to be in a cocktail bar that caters to non-drinkers too, with the alcohol-free version of the Batida de Coco mocktail an absolute favourite.

There are so many delicious options on the tapas menu to pair with your cocktails. Ruchi has perfectly balanced the menu with a variety

of tapas items with traditional Indian options including Chicken Tikka or Lamb Meatballs, alongside Paid Chaat, Aloo Chaat and Dahi Puri, delicate crispy shells filled with potatoes, yoghurt and chutney.

“These are the flavours that I grew up with” says Ruchi. “Dahi Puri is probably the most popular dish on the menu with the regulars.”

Ilu Ilu has just celebrated their first birthday, with Ruchi reflecting “while the past year has been the entire range of emotions including exhausting

and exciting, the best part has been taking a step back and looking at everything Jason and I created and being able to say, ‘we did that’.”

Ruchi and Jason as still working on the right mix for their perfect work/life balance. For now, they are enjoying being at the bar and sharing Ruchi’s culture through food and drink.

With the weather warming up and regular jazz on a Thursday evening, you simply can’t go wrong with a night out at Ilu Ilu. Ruchi and Jason have created a fabulously unique, warm and inviting cocktail bar right in the heart of the Wollongong CBD. ¡

Bookings are essential. Book online at ilubar.com.au Open Wed – Sun, 4pm til late

best face forward

FOUR TRIED-AND-TESTED LUXE FACIALS FROM AROUND TOWN... GO ON, PAMPER YOURSELF!

Signature facial, The Salon Collab, Coledale

These guys know their stuff! Skin looking like you need a weeks’ sleep and a tropical holiday? Not a problem – after your appointment, you’ll leave looking (and feeling) glowy, radiant and well-rested. That’s my kind of magic. Holistic in their approach, The Salon Collab’s facialists firmly believe that skin health is affected by both internal and external wellbeing, and to that end, not only does the delicious pampering include massage, luxe lotions, serums and oils, but also suggestions as to what outside triggers could be causing complexion concerns and tips on how to rectify it. Walk in drained, leave replenished. Sign me up!

Bespoke facial (BF), The Facialist, Keiraville

From the second you step foot into The Facialist, the day’s stresses seem to slowly slip away. Ah… and relax. The atmosphere is calm, the therapists are knowledgeable and the dim-lit therapy rooms, where the pampering takes place, are equipped with the comfiest beds.The facials here are personalised to your skin type, taking into consideration any areas of concern and health issues. The therapist talks you through what techniques and products will be used and then the glow-up begins… and you’ll never want it to end. Alas it does, but as final gift, while you try to acclimatise to the outside world, a herbal tea and a little treat await. Now, all that’s left to do is work out when you can swing it to come back… stat!

Signature facial, Allure Beauty, Fairy Meadow

Do you want to have the best skin you’ve ever had? Treat yourself to a signature facial and transform your skin in 60 minutes or less! With a massage and mask therapy included in a relaxing atmosphere, you are guaranteed to reach maximum skincare relaxation. The gentle application and attention to detail makes the customised facial treatment, the ultimate rejuvenating yet calming experience. Self-care has never felt better!

Cutera Genesis facial, Skin Revival, Woonona

If you’re keen to address those stubborn skin concerns, the team at Skin Revival have got you covered. The perfect mix of skincare and science, the Cutera Genesis facial uses laser treatment to boost collagen and leave your skin feeling refreshed, glowy and ready for summer. Lasers you say? Sure, it all sounds a bit sci-fi, but it’s thoroughly relaxing – a warm weighted blanket, calming music and a customised combo of cleansers, serums and a cooling algae mask, there’s every chance you’ll nod off (like I did – oops!) ¡

sustainability at home

WE ALL WANT TO HELP CREATE A SUSTAINABLE, POSITIVE FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY, BUT HOW CAN YOU GET STARTED?

Words John Buchelin

The good news is we can all do our bit, and in the Illawarra, we have created some of the best sustainability programs in the country. There has never been a better time to make a difference – here are some of the ways you can get involved, starting today.

Hi Neighbour

With plans to “electrify everything", we are going to need more renewable energy and tradies to help us. Hi Neighbour gives everyone a chance to help by contributing to communityfunded solar projects, which will then finance scholarships for locals to train for low carbon jobs.

The Hi Neighbour’s scholarship applications are open to any local person over 18 who has a vision to work in the low carbon industry. The first round of scholarships will support jobs in home electrification, offering education support for electrical apprenticeships and upskilling for solar, batteries, heat pump, induction stove, and electrical hot water installation. For applicants, Hi Neighbour will work with you to design the right training pathway to suit your low carbon job vision.

To register your interest www.hineighbour.com.au/ renewable-training-scholarships

Electrify 2515

There is a unique opportunity for households to take part in a proposed (world-first!) pilot project to electrify a whole community. The Electrify 2515 initiative is 100% volunteer driven and has teamed up with Rewiring Australia to support communities to go fully electric using rooftop solar, home battery, induction cooking, reverse cycle air-conditioning, heat pump hot water and electric vehicles.

The program will demonstrate how households can save money, save the planet, improve your home, and provide work for local installers.

Register your interest at www.electrify2515.org

Make-Do Library of Things

Before you go out and buy something brand new, see if you can grab it at The Make-Do Library of Things. They have a huge range of the 'things' you only need once or a few times a year like: power and garden tools, car pods, gazebos, cooking appliances, party equipment and even a jumping castle. Memberships are $80 per year or $22 per quarter, with fees going towards maintaining the library, tools and building the collection of 'things'. Volunteer-run, the team are always looking for more people to get involved – doing a monthly or occasional library shift, helping with social media, writing grant applications, repairing tools or running a workshop.

Coledale Community Hall, open Saturdays from 9am -11am www.make-do.com.au

Fair Food program

Food Fairness Illawarra is a local community coalition that has been working together since 2005 to make healthy and sustainable food affordable and accessible for all. Recognising that we all have a role to play when it comes to our food, they have developed resources that enable the community to participate in unlocking fairer food solutions including:

• The Fair Food Field Guide, provides an overview of digestible steps we can each take to participate.

• Fair Food Directory highlights the great variety of fair food educators, advocates, producers and assets we are blessed with in the Illawarra – from school and community gardens, to organisations who accept food donations and providers of fair food volunteer opportunities.

• Events Calendar – the awesome fair food events that are hosted in and by our community.

Find all these resources on https://foodfairnessillawarra.org.au

Green Connect

When it comes to producing fair food and strengthening our community, Green Connect has got you covered. Green Connect is a notfor-profit organisation that creates jobs for youth and former refugees in roles that help the planet and the community by growing fair food and reducing waste. Last year Green Connect helped to keep 160 tonnes of waste out of landfill, grew 55,000kg of food and provided jobs for 130 former refugees and young people. If you would like to see what they do, visit the farm in Warrawong or the Op Shop in Unanderra.

For workshops and volunteering, check out www.green-connect.com.au

Together We Can

Author and journalist Claire O’Rourke has been leading the charge on taking action for almost 20 years. Her book Together We Can tells the stories of people across Australia who are making a difference and provides inspiration and ideas for making the switch at home.

Claire has seen a big shift in the conversation in recent times, "Climate action is flourishing across the Illawarra, cultivated by everyday people, who love this community and understand that what’s required at this critical moment for our planet are simple acts that can transform our region. It's amazing!"

claireorourke.com/new-book-together-we-can

Wollongong, Let's Get Salty

If you are looking for more inspiration, check out a new podcast 'Wollongong, Let’s Get Salty’. Hosted by Industry and Sustainability advocate Robyn Johnson, the podcast highlights stories of Wollongong based change-makers who are having a local, national and global impact. Robyn has done some great interviews with locals who share their stories about contributing to a sustainable future. Listen to Wollongong, Let’s Get Salty on your favourite podcast app.

blendesq.com.au/podcast-wollongong-lets-get-salty

Don't let sustainability be an afterthought, make it a part of every decision you make. Check out climateactionstartshere.com for a comprehensive list of organisations and initiatives from across Australia that you can support today

Words Carmen Angerer Images Polly Jane Photography

In 2012, when Joe McGuinness saw the ‘for sale’ sign on the old Bulli Timbermill, he knew exactly what to do with the space. Joe had recently relocated to the Illawarra and was commuting to Paddington where he owned a gallery and studio space. Running Global Gallery out of a warehouse had given him unique insight into regenerating an old building into a creative hub. With his move to the South Coast, he decided it was time to take his experience and put it to use in his new community. He immediately recognised the potential of the industrial mill building. “Because of the type of building it is, it opens up the kind of creatives that can work there. We’ve had people work in more industrial ways from welding to surfboard shaping” he said.

Located on the corner of Molloy Street and the Princes Highway, the Timbermill is a familiar landmark for locals. When Joe purchased the Timbermill in 2012 it had been a working timber yard for years. According to Mick Roberts, a Sydney journalist and historian; “Austrian-born cabinetmaker Gunter Grafenauer operated Molloy Timber with his wife, Pamela, for 38 years. Mr Grafenauer bought the timber business in 1975 from the Molloy family, who had opened a steam-driven sawmill called Molloy Brothers on the opposite side of the road in 1906. They later moved into the large, corrugated iron shed that became the Bulli landmark as it is today.”

Unable to compete with the influx of chain hardware stores, Gunter decided to shut up shop and sell the property. Now “the Mill” as it is affectionately known by its creative residents has gone from a timber yard to creative hub. The site houses a dozen residents, from emerging

artists to internationally renowned and includes some small businesses. The top floor has open studios while downstairs visitors are welcomed into the building by a community space that doubles as a gallery. The back of the building has more industrial residents: to; photographers, a ceramicist, screen printer and a framing business. The site includes a vintage store, a cactus nursery and a cafe in the landscaped courtyard.

Paul Baker is a visual artist and the longest creative resident at the Mill. He took the plunge nine years ago after working out of a studio in his garden.

“Rebecca Brennan (an artist) was working here at the time and asked if I wanted to get involved. It’s a space where other artists are working and collaborating and after being in my own space for so long, I wanted to be part of that,” he said.

Paul works out of one of the upstairs studios and his practice examines industrial landscapes

and how they coexist with natural shapes and forms. His love of bold colour brings vibrancy to his studio, which visitors can see when they walk into the upstairs space at the Timbermill.

“I like that because of the space I can see my work from a distance and get some perspective on it. It’s also a great way to get exposure. People come into the Mill and see my studio (and artwork), it's a great way to meet people too,” he said.

It’s been a challenging two years for the residents. With minimal visitors during lockdowns and a long, wet summer last year, they’re finally looking forward to welcoming the wider creative community and more visitors again. Upstairs now includes an open space called ‘The Molloy’ which is available for artists to hire for classes, and visitors are welcome to visit the surrounding studios to watch artists at work or browse artworks on display. There’s also the 29 square metres of gallery space downstairs, with spots available in 2023 for creatives looking to exhibit.

In spring, the cafe reopened its doors, this iteration is run by Phoebe and Lachlan Brooks, the sister-brother duo behind ‘Hello Darling’.

Their focus is on serving delicious, affordable food and drinks that are perfect for a casual family outing or a coffee with a friend in the courtyard. “We’re bringing the energy from our Towradgi business to Bulli and are looking forward to sharing the love with a new community. We love serving coffee and food, but we’re most excited by cultivating new relationships – so come visit and say hi.”

The collaborative aspect of the Timbermill is what sets it apart from other creative spaces. The artisans and small businesses there form a genuine artistic community and make a habit of working together and supporting each other,

whether by getting their frames made at the in-house framing business or promoting each other's businesses and shows. Alison Mullholland and her partner Richard Ainsworth run ‘Dreams and Memories’ – the Mill’s own vintage store. “We’ve been spending 12 hour days hunting down the best vintage finds from regional NSW and Victoria for our customers.” said Alison. They too felt the lockdowns and are looking forward to the coming holiday season. “We’ve missed our day-trippers. Here there’s no charge to walk into the building and browse the art, and our prices –they’re much better than up in Sydney” she said.

After 10 years, Joe’s vision of turning the old industrial building into a creative hub has been realised and continues to grow. ¡

“The residents are doing some great stuff. We’re hoping that as the year continues that there will be more events and opportunities to host the community with record fairs, art shows and the like.”

surfing is my coffee

Local grommet Cooper Palmer has proven that you’re never too young to start a business. In 2021, the then 13-year-old, launched his clothing brand – Surfing Is My Coffee. The name came about a year before, when Cooper was doing a surf check with his mates while his parents were getting coffee. As they stood on the grainy sand with the waves rolling in, Cooper said to his mates, “Surfing is my coffee”. With his supportive parents’ help, it was later decided that they would trademark the name and turn it into a business. Since then, Cooper’s brand has gained some traction and he has learnt a barrel of knowledge along the way!

How did you feel when your parents suggested turning your design into a business? I was a bit nervous at the start. I knew that starting a business would take a lot of time and effort and the thought of juggling this with starting Year 8, which has an increased school workload, was a bit daunting. After this initial thought settled down, I knew that there would be a great reward at the end and so I started to look forward to the possibility.

What’s your favourite part about Surfing Is My Coffee? My favourite part has been the ability to share with people the love of surfing and the joy that the sport can bring to anyone's life.

What do your friends think about you starting your own business? My friends think that it’s pretty cool that they know someone who started their own business at the age of just 13. They have been really supportive and most of them wear my merch. My Woonona Boardriders community, especially President Jeremy Barnett, has also backed me all the way and gotten behind my brand, allowing me to set up my stall at Boardriders events.

What lessons have you learnt so far from running your business? I have learnt that the community values face-to-face buying more than just online. In the beginning, we had been told by so many people that we could start and build a business predominantly online and via social media. So, we decided to set up the Instagram page and website, planning that the business would mostly get sales and exposure through these platforms. But it wasn't until we went to

Words Emily Perkins

TEEN SURFER COOPER PALMER FROM EAST CORRIMAL HAS TURNED HIS LOVE OF THE WATER INTO A BOOMING SURFWEAR LABEL

our first market stalls that we quickly discovered that customers want to come down and actually meet me, have a chat, and to touch, feel and see the product. We have now done three market stalls and each time our sales and customer interaction have been huge, much bigger than online! I am also learning how to best engage with customers and the community – as my mum calls it, networking. I have discovered that talking matters! I have learnt about the costs of running a business, and how profit and loss works. As well as about product placement at stalls and how to market my brand.

What do you get up to when you’re not creating clothing? Surfing, of course… and schoolwork. Aside from that, I enjoy skating, mountain bike riding and hanging out with my mates.

How do you balance running your own business with school? Well, it is a hard thing to do as I don’t get home from school until 4:20pm and then I want to fit in a surf before homework and dinner. My parents are really supportive and help me find the balance. They help me prioritise schoolwork and the business’s needs. If business things need doing while I am at school, my mum or dad will help out.

Have you felt supported by the community? Totally! I have been blown away by the incredible amount of support and engagement that the entire community has given me; from mums and dads, the local surfing community, other local business owners, and local media. I could never have imagined this level of support and interest.

You have a good following on social media! What do you think has made your business popular so far? My story! I didn't realise how much people would be interested in a young teenager starting up his own business, I thought that they would just seriously love the brand. I

know we have a great product range, so that helps, but also the phrase ‘Surfing Is My Coffee’ fully resonates with our surf-cultured community.

What are your goals for Surfing Is My Coffee? One of my long-term goals is to grow the business to be as big and recognisable as Billabong and Rip Curl. My short-term goals are to keep learning and educating myself on business smarts. I am going to do commerce in Year 10 at school and then probably business studies after that. We have also recently achieved the goal of bringing on a brand ambassador, Skye Burgess. Skye is a local female surfer who has competed in WQS events, and won her first event back in 2016. We are also growing the product range, and branching out to beach towels and socks.

Do you have any advice for other people your age who want to create their own business? Honestly, go for it, it's worth the experience! You learn so many things and meet great people. You will have such a great time as you do all of this, and possibly surprise yourself along the way. ¡

For more, check out surfingismycoffee.com.au

FIKA SOUTH

Handmade textured bespoke prints inspired by the love of the south coast. Fika South offers quality crafted prints to brighten your day or complete your neutral aesthetic. fikasouth_

ZIMMER PARFUMS

ZIMMER is a small batch perfume house, located in Wollongong. Carefully curated unisex luxury perfume, allowing its wearer to evoke a memory in a moment. ZIMMER is cruelty free, clean and only uses ethical sourced ingredients.

@zimmerparfums Zimmerparfums.com

PONY & WOLF BESPOKE PICNICS

Beautiful bespoke picnic set-ups in your backyard, your favourite park or beach. Available for couples and groups up to 35, a picnic is a perfect way to celebrate. Low tables, abundant cushions and rugs, vintage crystal glassware and pretty tableware, florals and foliage and cute picnic games like pétanque, croquet and cute bohemian badminton! With everything set up and styled for you, and then cleaned and packed up at the end all you need to do is decide what to wear.

@ponywolfpicnics

ponywolfpicnics.com

Email: helloponywolf@gmail.com

COAST KIDS

Quality children’s products are what we do. Inspired by Australian beaches and designed for those young and young at heart, we want to encourage others to have as much fun as possible whether it be at the beach, park or backyard.

Designed and tested to ensure products do what they're supposed to – they are safe and provide endless enjoyment.

@coastkids.aus www.coastkids.shop

GRAND PACIFIC CUSTOMS

Established in 2020 with a neighbourhood collective of creatives, surfers and bikers. The brand has a heavy homegrown influence, taking inspiration from local heritage graphics and celebrates the distinctive coastal culture of our edge of the world. Community based with microbatch drops, this street wear label custom designs and hand prints everything in the Illawarra.

@grandpacificcustoms

grandpacificcustoms.com

For people of a certain age, memories of childhood consist of sunny days playing outside in the street, local park or, if you were lucky, in our wild bushland. Summers seemed long and filled with walking to the corner shop for ice cream, exploring the local creek, building cubby houses where you could make a secret world just for your gang of friends and playing at the beach.

We all had yellow raincoats and gumboots so we could walk to school in the rain and jump in puddles along the way. Being inside was reserved for sick days, nighttime and very bad weather. Maybe our memories are selectively ideal and maybe it wasn’t always perfect, but more than the hard or difficult times, these are the times that stick in our memories and make us smile.

Founded by Two local mums, Simone Potter, a qualified teacher and school counsellor and Katrina Venables, an experienced outdoor educator, they are using their combined 40 plus years’ experience to bring an exciting program called Bush Magic Adventures to Wollongong.

Being in nature for unstructured play, child-led enquiry and learning survival skills helps children make sense of their world without the need for lectures or even detailed instruction. Instead, facilitators provide opportunities for children to explore the world around them in a safe way.

Taking risks is okay and a lot of emphasis goes into personal responsibility, recognising and assessing risk, feeling the sensations of emotions including fear in your body and making informed decisions about whether they pursue that risk or not.

A great benefit of this approach is that when children learn to manage risk taking at a young age, and in a relatively safe environment, they can make mistakes and find their limits.They learn to listen to their bodies and their ‘gut’ before making decisions and before the risks have major consequences such as when they are older and driving in a car with their friends.

Free play also acts as a kind of informal ’therapy’ where children can act out scenarios and relationships in make believe games to find out how different ways of interacting feel and practice social skills.

Learning survival skills such as fire lighting, cooking, shelter building and animal tracking helps children to feel mastery over their world which adds to their confidence. Working together in community teaches them that everyone is valuable and has something to contribute and how the group is impacted if someone doesn’t pull their weight.

The feedback received from children and parents has been overwhelmingly positive and often focuses on how even over a short involvement in the program, children are more resilient, less anxious, more confident and happier.

“After a day at Bush Magic, children often don’t want to go home and they are always excited to come back. Children who start the program feeling timid and anxious develop confidence, even learning to like previously feared creepy crawlies once they learn more about them and come across them in their natural habitat,” says Simone.

“We aim to meet children where they are and to work with their interests. Our day program consists of a mix of homeschooled children and children from mainstream schools and runs on a Wednesday and Friday. We also have an afterschool program and a school holiday program, both of which are very popular and book out quickly.”¡

The program accepts Active Kids vouchers. For more information go to www.bushmagicadventures.com.au or follow @bushmagicadventures

“After a day at Bush Magic, children often don’t want to go home and they are always excited to come back.”

music with mates

THE FINZ: A BAND, A BROTHERHOOD AND LOTS OF BANTER

Five years ago, The Finz didn’t exist, and its foundation members weren’t even musicians. Now, they are selling out venues and breaking pub records for beer sales.

A six-piece covers band from the Illawarra made up of Tony Pattman on drums, Rob Reynolds strumming the rhythm guitar, Chris Bate on vocals, Clinton Venaglia playing the keyboard, Glenn Corby plucking the bass guitar, Stu McKechnie driving the lead guitar, and Daniel Gonzalo as the sound

engineer, The Finz is, at its core, a bunch of friends who have tried their hand at something new later in life to great applause.

Tony, Rob, Chris, and Clinton grew up together, surfing Towradgi Beach, witnessing the early days of bands like Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, and Australian Crawl at local clubs, and sharing a love of music.

“The four of us went through everything together,” Tony says. “We’ve been to each other’s 21sts, weddings, marriages, divorces.”

Words Emily Perkins Images Chris Frape

However, the boys didn’t realise that one another dabbled in music until later in life. It was 2017 and Tony was organising his 60th birthday party. He thought it’d be funny if he, Rob, and Chris learnt some songs and performed at the party.

After roping muso Glenn in too, 200 people showed up. “After a few beers, and a bit of Dutch courage, we belted out six songs and everyone was pretty stoked! ‘Can you play anymore?’ people asked. But we had to say, ‘No, we can play those six again if you like? That’s all we know,” Tony laughs.

“We just put the guitars down, picked up our beer and kept drinking,” Rob adds.

The moment was surreal and all four of them succumbed to the crowd’s reaction, “We had such a good response – it was intoxicating,” Rob admits.

That performance was the catalyst for their new project, proving that it’s never too late to follow a dream. With the inclusion of two more members, The Finz band was formed – named after one band member’s obsession with surfboard fins.

“The music of our teen years is the backbone of what we play now,” Rob says.

Since the decision was made to become a performing band, the guys have collected countless instruments from Facebook Marketplace, learnt 80 plus songs, played 45 gigs, including the Noosa Surf Festival, which they’ll be returning to next year, as well as fundraisers, weddings, and birthday parties.

“A highlight is when someone asks, ‘When are guys playing because I only ever go out to see you’,” Rob says. “And nothing beats pulling off a song you love on stage.”

For Chris, his favourite part about being involved in The Finz, apart from the camaraderie, is learning a song that he thought was too difficult.

“We unleashed our first Midnight Oil song, Beds Are Burning, a few months ago and the reaction was the best we’ve ever seen from a song. It was a milestone as far as crowd reaction goes,” he says. “Our next benchmark is to build our own song –that’s the bucket list tick for me.”

The band members all agree that they still look at each other in disbelief when they are up on stage experiencing the magic moments of when a song comes together, and all individual parts fall into place.

“People dancing is our thing, if they aren’t dancing, we are doing something wrong,” Tony laughs. “We do it for the love and fun of it – it’s still a novelty to us.”

To perfect their self-taught skills, The Finz meet for a weekly jam to practise for gigs that occur regularly these days – the guys have played lots of local haunts, including Balgownie Hotel, Figtree Sports, The Vault in Port Kembla and The Shellharbour Club. “It’s very good for your mental health,” Chris says. “There’s a lot of brain power in learning and remembering a song, and the attention to detail. All that is good for your mind.”

When they aren’t grooving on stage, the group are either working or enjoying retirement, surfing, travelling, appreciating family time, or being coffee nerds.

“The band has a real family feel,” Robs says. “It’s a whole new family group that we didn’t have.”

Built on a strong friendship and a love for music, The Finz operate as one in all in, and are grabbing this opportunity to be musos and mates with both hands. As Tony says, “You’re never too old to have a crack at something.” ¡

Catch The Finz at Figtree Sports Club on December 17.

a declutter that lasts all season

Have you spent winter hibernating with Netflix shows about colour-coded wardrobes and perfectly organised pantries? Does an avalanche of kids’ snacks rain down upon you every time you reach for a bag of chips?

If you’re ready for a fresh start, then we’re here to put a spring in your step with Edel Beattie from The Happy Organiser – the Illawarra’s very own professional organiser and Instagram sensation!

Tell us about your business. How did you get into professional organising? The pandemic lockdown gave me time to reflect on what I was passionate about – helping people to live more, stress less, love their homes and have more time for the things that matter. So I started The Happy Organiser to help clients declutter and set up organising systems, allowing them to enjoy their space to its full potential. After all, what better time than when everyone’s home more than ever?!

You must meet a lot of people! Do you have any favourite projects you’ve worked on? I love seeing how simplifying and organising can impact people's lives. Recently, I worked with a young family who were preparing to move home - their daughters fully embraced the process, sorting and choosing items to donate. It was such a heartwarming experience.

What’s your favourite kind of space to work on? I especially love organising wardrobes. It's a very personal space, but most of us hold onto things that don't make us feel good. When we eliminate “space stealers”, we can create a functional wardrobe that's easy to maintain. It's very liberating – like an instant feeling of freedom.

How do we start getting ourselves organised? The first step is committing to the process. Communicate your plans to the household and schedule time to focus on a particular area. Make a day of it – prepare a good playlist and stay focused on your goals.

Words Lauren Pomphrey Images The Hype Girl Project

EDEL BEATTIE FROM THE HAPPY ORGANISER IS HERE TO HELP SIMPLIFY YOUR HOME

As you sort through things, place them into categories to get a better idea of what can be discarded. I promise you don't need six pairs of scissors! Oh, and if you follow my Instagram, you’ll know I love a label. Get a cheap label maker to use everywhere from pantries to digital filing systems – it really solidifies your system.

What if I have kids around? It feels like there’s almost no point. Decluttering is a challenge with kids around (I have two of my own), but I think it’s important for them to understand the value of their space and how organisation plays a role in our lives. Speak to them about tidy spaces, involve them in the process and try to make it a positive experience. And when it inevitably gets messy again, it's much easier to tidy up if everything has a place!

On that note, how do we stay on top of our newly organised space? Be intentional. Before you buy anything, ask yourself if you have space for it in your home (and your mind) – I use the “one in, one out” rule. Communicate the system and lead by example by putting things back where they belong. Every time you’re about to set something down, remind yourself that it will save you time in the long run by putting it back in its correct home.

And finally – have you ever met a mess you couldn’t crack!? My dad’s shed back in Ireland. But I’m ready to give it another go the next time I visit! ¡

Need a hand getting your space refreshed? Contact Edel at www.thehappyorganiser.com or DM @the_happy_organiser on Instagram or Facebook.

dream staycations

Words Hayley Griffiths @hayleyg.creative Images Barton Taylor, The Palm Co, Kathryn Durham, Marnie Hawson, Tom Blachford and Kate Ballis

Quirky or cool, everything you could possibly want in accommodation to relax and recharge is right at your doorstep. Whether it be a celebration for two, a solo retreat or a family getaway, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve rounded up the ultimate staycations from around the neighbourhood to put on your list – from bush surrounds in the foothills of the escarpment, to a beachside paradise and coastal gems.

Pepper Tree Passive House, Unanderra

4 guests / 1 bedroom (3 beds) / 1 bath

Note: No children or pets allowed

A secluded luxury hideaway awaits at Pepper Tree Passive House. A state-of-the-art eco retreat is set amongst the trees, designed to reconnect guests back to nature while inspiring with sustainable design.

A 50-year-old Pepper Tree stands proudly in the centre of this treehouse, a sight to behold at night magically lit against a canopy of trees.

Designed by renowned architect Alexander Symes, interiors selected by Paiano Design and built to the rigorous Passive House standard (the most sustainable building standard in the world) by Souter Built, this home provides an experience like no other.

A soothing palette of natural materials including timber and stone are complemented with rooftop gardens and a tree canopy deck to help you to unwind and feel truly immersed in nature. The attention to detail is evident with little luxuries including Bed Threads linen, Sukin bath and body products and a welcome basket on arrival for guests to enjoy.

The Palm House, Gerroa

9 guests (6 adults & 3 children) 4 bedrooms / 3 baths

It’ll feel like summer every day at this South Coast getaway. Ideal for families or a small group of friends, The Palm House offers relaxed holiday living located in the beautiful coastal town of Gerroa.

The coastal inspired interiors of the home were thoughtfully curated by Simone Matthews from Soul Home. Admire the panoramic ocean and headland views from the deck with coffee in hand (or wine – your choice!) and enjoy the most peaceful surroundings. While the parents are relaxing, the children are well looked after with a kids’ table set up and a console full of board games and puzzles to keep them busy after a big day splashing in the pool.

A note for all guests – bring your swimmers as this modern retreat features a pool and direct access to the stunning Shelly Beach or a short walk to Seven Mile Beach.

Dovecote, Gerringong

THE HEADLAND

6 guests (4 adults & 2 children)

4 bedrooms / 4 baths

THE RANGE

4 guests (2 adults & 3 children)

2 bedrooms / 1 bath

Note: No pets allowed

An acclaimed architectural retreat, Dovecote offers a rare and magical experience set on 150 acres of oceanfront farmland in Gerringong. Breathtaking views of the sea and stretches of

rolling green hills will await you on arrival. And with two unique, award-winning accommodation options on offer (The Headland and The Range), Dovecote is the perfect one-of-a-kind escape for your next holiday.

Designed by architect Atelier Andy Carson to fit the landscape and maximise the experience of its jaw dropping location, The Headland is located only 50 metres from The Range guest house. The smart positioning and direction of the buildings provide guests with a sense of privacy and tranquility.

For those who enjoy life’s luxuries, the concierge at Dovecote can organise in-house spa treatments and a tasting of local wines, ciders and beers with their chosen wine sommelier.

Or perhaps you want a night off cooking –simply book in with one of their partnered chefs to bring you a top culinary experience at Dovecote. The majestic location will also encourage you to connect with the natural surrounds. There is an opportunity to explore the acres of farmland, walk to Werri Beach for a dip in the ocean or hike the 12-kilometre coastal trail to Kiama lighthouse.

The Black Chapel, Austinmer

11 guests / 4 bedroom (5 beds) / 2 bath

Note: No children or pets allowed

The iconic Black Chapel estate is a tranquil retreat in the heart of the Coal Coast and has been designed to seamlessly integrate with its picturesque surrounds. With bushland, lush gardens and only a 500 metre stroll to the beach, you won’t ever want to leave this slice of paradise.

There are also plenty of activities for guests to enjoy without having to set foot outside the estate. On cooler evenings, sit around the open fire with a glass of wine or have a soak in the divine hot or cold Moroccan plunge pool, then unwind in the Finnish sauna. The hosts have also considered every detail to ensure guests feel right at home – with a decadent stocked pantry, beautiful books to read and curated art and décor to admire. It truly is the perfect retreat for a romantic escape or intimate getaway with family and friends. ¡

Heading further afield?

Osborn House, Bundanoon

Steeped in history dating back to the 1890s, Osborn House is a lovingly restored property, impeccably styled in the heart of the Southern Highlands. If you’re looking for tranquillity and country charm, then this is where you’ll find it.

Bangalay, Shoalhaven Heads

Luxury villas to architecturally designed beach houses, Bangalay has all options covered. Inspired by nature and just a stone’s throw from Seven Mile Beach, your next beach vacay will be done in style – and the best news? Award-winning Bangalay Dining is just next door.

Sky Ridge, Kangaroo Valley

For an off-grid, eco-luxury experience, Sky Ridge ticks all the boxes. Uniquely designed to take in the stunning valley views, its industrial styling is nicely paired with high-end finishes, bespoke artwork and a yoga deck to unwind in style.

wild canada

CANADA’S VANCOUVER ISLAND IS A NATURAL PLAYGROUND WORTH EXPLORING

Words Matt Castell

Travellers will find a bounty of trails, beaches, wildlife, and surreal camping spots just a short ferry ride from the buzzing Canadian city of Vancouver. Here’s how to explore British Columbia’s laid-back, supernatural playground.

A trip to British Columbia wouldn’t be complete without visiting Victoria (the provincial capital) and Vancouver Island. Often overlooked because of limited public transport, intrepid adventurers will be rewarded with views of unspoiled scenery, chats with quirky locals, and maybe even a rendezvous with a wild bear.

Highlights of Victoria

Known as the “Garden City”, Victoria is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The best way to explore the quaint CBD and leafy suburbs is by bicycle, stopping at historic landmarks like the Fairmont Empress Hotel (try their high tea), Parliament Buildings and famous Canadian artist/writer Emily Carr House.

You can get up close and personal with wild seals that frequent the docks of Oak Bay Marina, an easy pedal from the city via historic neighbourhoods, then stop for a rest and a wander at Beacon Hill Park on your way back.

Garden lovers can’t leave without visiting Butchart Gardens, the island’s most visited attraction, which is just a short drive from the city.

Camping on Vancouver Island

The Island has a wide range of camping and hiking options, ranging from simple drive-in-style overnight campgrounds with facilities, to multiday hikes. Depending on your experience, what gear you have, and the time of year, you’ll be able to find an option suitable for you.

Beginner campers will love the tidal beaches, day hikes, and wild river swimming options in Parksville, on the east coast near Nanaimo. Provincial campgrounds need to be reserved ahead to guarantee a site.

Mountain biking and hiking trails

Mountain biking trails are literally everywhere, just grab a trail map from a local parks office or bike shop to find the best trail for your level of experience.

The famous West Coast Trail will captivate hardcore hikers and campers. Open from May–September, it takes 5-7 days and passes through rugged, wild terrain including raging rivers, serene lakes, ancient rainforests and deserted, mystical beaches littered with driftwood.

Prepare for the wilderness

Camping in British Columbia is fantastic, but it can also be dangerous for the ill-prepared. Make sure to consult with local outfitters and park rangers regarding safety in regards to weather, wildlife and having the right gear – also remember to leave no trace, bringing out what you take in and respect the natural habitat.

Visit Tofino

If laid-back artsy vibes, ancient rainforests, surfing, and one of Canada’s top restaurants sounds like your kind of thing, then head to Tofino, on the wild west coast of the Island.

Take your pick between camping, motels, and luxury lodges. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in Island culture in this gorgeous little town on the tip of a peninsula marking the entrance to Clayoquot Sound, which teems with marine life, like whales and unbelievably cute sea otters.

If the conditions are right, hire a surfboard and a thick wetsuit to catch a wave or two on Long Beach – Canada’s most famous surf spot.

After a hard day exploring the sea and forest, pop into a tavern for a yarn with local fishermen who’ll be sure to keep the conversation interesting for a pint or two of craft ale. Make sure to reserve a table at Wolf in the Fog, which serves up delicious, locally sourced, rustic plates – with sea views.

Any trip to the Island, whether a few days or a few weeks, will leave you wanting more. Each season brings different landscapes, wildlife and local produce. Visit once, and guaranteed you’ll be back.

See smaller islands by ferry

Consider visiting smaller islands accessed by the BC Ferries network between the Island and the mainland. Salt Spring Island and Bowen Island are popular choices with a range of accommodation and activities like foraging, hiking, whale watching, fishing, and visiting sustainable farms.

Pull up a window seat or space on the top deck if the sun is out and keep a keen eye for pods of orcas as they are often seen in the area. ¡

Getting there

It’s not often that transport can be the star of the journey – getting to “the Island” as BC locals affectionately call it is definitely part of the fun!

Ferry: BC Ferries run multiple daily services from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen, both accessible by bus from downtown Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo on the Island.

Seaplane: Catching a seaplane from downtown Vancouver to Nanaimo or Victoria, you’ll soar past Lion’s Gate Bridge taking in spectacular views of the city and mountains. Whales are even easier to spot from above! Check the Harbor Air website for schedules and fares.

To book your trip to Vancouver Island, go to curatedtravel.com.au

mental health awareness

SPOTTING THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS IS KEY TO SUPPORTING OTHERS

Words Kirsty Megas, Psychological Healthcare Centre

In recent years, mental health difficulties have become more recognised as a common and enduring experience across Australia. Statistics indicate that 1 in 2 adults will experience a mental health difficulty at some point in their life, while 1 in 7 young people aged 4 to 17 experience a mental health condition in any given year.

As individuals we have a responsibility to support the wellbeing of our community. At times we often feel hopeless or unsure how to support someone struggling with a mental health difficulty and once we become aware feelings of guilt tend to arise given our lack of previous insight. Becoming aware of the early warning signs of mental health deterioration is the first step in supporting someone with a mental health difficulty.

Early Warning Signs

Early warning signs are symptoms that indicate the onset of a mental health difficulty. Awareness of these early warning signs can help you recognise, intervene early and reduce or prevent further mental health deterioration.

Although each experience differs, there are several notable behavioural and cognitive symptoms often shared amongst individuals:

For more information, contact Psychological Healthcare Centre at www.psychealthcarecentre.com or

meet jackaranda

FOR LOCAL TEEN JACK KHAN, HIS DRAG PERSONA JACKARANDA HAS ALLOWED HIM TO STRUT THE STAGE AND SING TO HIS HEART’S CONTENT. BUT IT’S HIS STANCE ON ANTI-BULLYING AND HIS ANNUAL ‘JACKARANDA SAYS NO TO BULLYING’ EVENT THAT IS CREATING LONG-LASTING CHANGE

Images JohnnyD Photography

When did your interest in drag and antibullying advocacy first begin? I became interested in drag after attending an all-ages drag show in 2018 that was being held by local drag queen Cherry Ripe. I was amazed at the talent and variety of performers. I thought this would be a great way to perform.

I became interested in advocating for bullying after experiencing a lot of bullying, but also witnessing people of all-ages, in different situations, being bullied. I got bullied a bit by kids but mostly my bullying comes from adults in our community who see what I do as something disgusting and inappropriate. Drag may be one thing for adults but for me I'm just in ageappropriate shows, looking fabulous and singing songs.

How did you start pursuing your passion?

I have always loved to sing. Apparently, I was singing before I could talk. I met famous local drag queen Roxee Horror [at an event], and she asked me to be in her show at IPAC. Roxee and Cherry both took me under their wing and helped me with looks and makeup. I performed Hallelujah in all white and angel wings, and I got a standing ovation. I was hooked from then on.

What/who inspires you? Music inspires me. The way I feel when I sing, the words of an amazing song. Music can make you feel every emotion and it’s deeper when you are making the music yourself.

People who are kind inspire me. I've met many local performers and I've met and become friends with some famous and successful people. They don't inspire me because they are famous, as that doesn't interest me, they inspire me because they are humble and kind. They are the first to pick up the phone and call me if they know I'm going through a rough time.

They don't tolerate bullying and just promote love and peace. They tell me all the time, "if you're not humble and a genuinely nice person no-one will want to work with you." You may have five minutes of success but to last [in the industry] you have to be pleasant to be around. I'm lucky - I have good people who believe in me.

Tell us about your creative process... I don't know if I have a creative process. I tend to find a song I love and then practise it over and over again to get it the best I possibly can. I'm very hard on myself if I don't think something went well. I'm still really finding my style as I start writing songs and discover new music. I do love big band songs and jazz, but it's all exploring at the moment and working on improving my voice.

Any career highlights? I always love performing in Roxee Horror’s shows and an ambassador for Wear it Purple, who strive to foster safe and supportive environments for young rainbow people, and I love doing different things with them yearly. I have done three ‘Jackaranda Says No to Bullying’ shows and hopefully I'll do one each year, this is a big passion for me. Raising awareness, providing information and entertaining while doing so.

Ultimate goals for the future? My ultimate goal is to make music. I want to find my style and work on my voice to bring out my own music. I also would like to bring out Jackaranda on special occasions. Jackaranda is a character, just an extended and sassier version of Jack! ¡

Blackbutt

Housing is becoming ever more expensive, and we are seeing a shift to living in larger houses with smaller gardens or in apartments and townhouses with limited outdoor or balcony space. This means that many people are unable to plant a garden directly into the soil, however all is not lost as many plants can be happily grown in containers or pots. The first thing to consider when selecting your container or pot is the soil and the drainage. It is always best to select as large a container as achievable so the plants can have as much space for their roots as possible. That said, many ferns, climbers and ground cover plants will do fine in pots that are light enough to carry when filled and can fit into those small spaces on ledges, benches and in narrow corners. Use a certified premium grade organic potting mix, which will be designed for holding moisture in the root zone in a pot.

One problem many people seem to have when potting plants is not enough drainage, the soil will become compacted and sit at the bottom of the container. The soil can become too dense for roots to penetrate, and many plants also dislike their roots sitting in water. Filling the pot with 20-25 per cent gravel at the base will ensure appropriate drainage – you can use blue metal, pebbles or crushed bricks or concrete.

A layer of geo textile should go between the soil and the drainage layer to make sure you don’t lose precious potting mix into the gravel and clog up the drainage. Another way to help containers drain freely is to raise them up with pot feet. After you have planted out your container give your soil a layer of mulch. If you are growing vegetables and herbs or fruit trees use something which will break down quickly and add organic matter to the soil like sugar cane mulch or lucerne. If you are growing ornamental species use a bark or wood chip mulch or a decorative gravel. This will stop the soil drying out too quickly and make it harder for the weeds to seed.

Plants in containers can dry out quickly, especially in windy locations and if the pot is unsealed, make sure you water the soil zone two to three times per week until the soil is moist. Remember to be mindful of where you are placing the plant. Fruit trees and flowering plants do best in sunny positions while plants with darker, lusher foliage will cope better with part shade.

On windy balconies you might want to choose something that can handle being buffeted like the screening plants listed. Some favourite natives and fruits for containers are:

Small trees

Dwarf Citrus Dwarf Olive Eucalyptus ‘Mini Red’ – Dwarf flowering gum Banksia marginata – Silver Banksia Backhousia citriodora – Lemon Myrtle Wollemi nobilis – Wollemi Pine

Screening shrubs

Adenanthos sericeus – Albany Woolley Bush Banksia ‘Sentinel’ – Dwarf Coast Banksia Leptospermum ‘Seclusion’ –Pink Flowering Tea Tree Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gem’ Eremophila glabra – Emu Bush

Flowering shrubs

Herbs

Leafy greens Banksia ‘Birthday Candles’ –Dwarf Heath Banksia Callistemon ‘Little John’ – Dwarf Bottlebrush

Anigozanthos ‘Bush Pearl’ –Dwarf Kangaroo Paws Actinotus helianthi – Flannel Flower Bracteantha bracteata – Paper Daisies

Derwentia perfoliata – Diggers Speedwell Epacris longiflora – Fuchsia Heath Leucophyta brownii – Cushion Bush

Goodenia ovata Prostrate –Hop Bush ground cover

Happy pottering in your potted garden!

wave goodbye to LMI

Words Aaron Christie-David, Atelier Wealth Image iStock

Did you know some professions and occupations are exempt from paying LMI?

When buying your own home or an investment property, the two big questions that come up are how much can I borrow and how much deposit do I need?

Saving for a deposit is typically the challenge home buyers face, especially if you’re renting or not able to consistently save while home prices have increased. If you don’t have a 15-20% deposit, then most banks will require you to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)?

When you are purchasing a property and you don’t have a 20% deposit, the bank then charges you a fee known as LMI. This varies from bank to bank and like many insurance products, the fee adjusts based on a few factors:

• How much deposit you currently have

• The postcode you are buying in

• The purchase price

•

Which bank you have applied through

Banks love certain types of professionals as they may be considered 'low-risk’ borrowers, strong incomes and specific qualifications. The general rule of thumb is that you’ll need a 10% deposit, rather than having 20% saved.

How do I qualify for an LMI exemption?

Some lenders have requirements such as being a member of your professional industry body and holding a current membership.

There may also be an income threshold you need to meet to qualify. Also bear in mind that some lenders may have a maximum loan amount or purchase price limit.

Your Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) is usually set to a maximum of 90%, which is where you’ll need to have the 10% deposit saved.

What options do I have if I don’t qualify as an industry professional?

You could explore options such as a Guarantor Loan, which can avoid paying LMI. There are select lenders who are offering a 15% deposit, without paying LMI too which is a helpful option.

Remember that each bank’s LMI calculator is different, so it always pays to shop around or engage your mortgage broker to compare and evaluate your options.

Meeting the requirements for an LMI waiver could save you thousands, if not more. If you don’t see your profession on this list, contact your mortgage broker to see if there are any lenders who may consider your occupation. ¡

The information provided in this article is for general education purposes only and is not intended to constitute specialist or personal advice. For more information contact Atelier Wealth hello@atelierwealth.com.au

Industries and professionals who are eligible for no LMI:

• Doctor

• Dentist

• Optometrist

• Veterinarian

• Chiropractor

• Physiotherapist

• Nurse

• Midwife

• Lawyers and Legal Professionals

• Pharmacist

• Accountants and Finance Professionals

• Occupational Therapist

• Osteopath

• Podiatrist

• Psychologist

• Radiographer

• Sonographer

• Professional athlete

• Entertainment industry professional

@jason_bowen

hey brew

MEET KAZ FROM LONGBOARD CAFE

How did Longboard Cafe come about? Longboard opened in 2019, we recognised the spot as a stunning beach location and wanted to offer locals and tourists alike a café which offered traditional beach food, but with a focus on plant-based and healthy alternatives.

What is the best thing about your location? We sit just on the end of the “Blue Mile” so we’re a great place to start or finish your scenic exploration of Wollongong Harbour, lighthouse and beaches. We provide a great outdoor dining space, or you can pick up a bite and head straight to the beach.

Tell us about your delicious menu –how do you create it? Our menu is crafted based on what we can source seasonally. Our ethos is “from the earth for the soul” and many of our dishes are designed to cater to healthy lifestyles.

The majority of our cakes are baked daily by our chef Ana and we also have stacks of sugar-free, raw treats available. Our chefs are always getting creative with daily specials – homemade soups in winter and funky salads in summer.

What brand of coffee do you serve, and why? We use an exclusive blend from Delano which is made just for us, it is medium dark with moderate acidity. Sweet and fruity, you’ll find it well balanced with chocolate and vanilla notes.

What's the secret to a perfect brew? Coffee is a love language. All baristas know the process, but making a superior coffee is more complex than that, but also more simple – it’s the meaningfully applied intent behind every cup. From the sunny ‘Brew Crew’ at Longboard to our carefully selected bean, the considered grind and pack, admiring the perfectly timed pour, feeling the milk froth and kind words written on the lid. When something is made with love, it just tastes better.

If you buy coffee from another spot in the Illawarra, where do you go? We love Stokes Lane in Bulli, consistently good coffee made by a cracking team. They’re brekkie wraps are pretty good too. ¡

2/1 Marine Dr, Wollongong

“We're a bunch of coffee lovers here, so every issue we chat to a cafe owner or barista about what makes the perfect cup”

Cody Munro Moore Wombarra meet a neighbour

How long have you lived in the Illawarra?

I’ve been living in the area coming on three years now, however I grew up in the Far South Coast at Bermagui so Wollongong always felt in the area.

What brought you to the area?

I had been living in Sydney for over 10 years, when I realised I was coming down every weekend to watch and play shows at places like Frank's Wild Years or the Scarborough-Wombarra Bowlo. I thought why don’t I just stay after the weekend.

What do you love about living in the area?

It’s a place where your part-time interests can lead to full-time activities. Surfing goes from just a sometimes thing to always, gardening and writing music are the same.

Ideal start to the day?

Finding a pocket of sun, drinking a tea and looking ahead while having a moment to yourself. It’s a good way to start your working day, especially if I’ve got a session in Bellambi at Stranded Recording Studios.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

I’m looking forward to the Illawarra Folk Festival, of which I’ve come on as Festival Director. It’s going to be three days of beautiful music nestled under the escarpment at Bulli over the third weekend of January. If you haven’t considered buying a ticket, then you definitely should! I’ll also be playing with my new band who’ll have an album out next year – The Morning Star. ¡

what's on calendar

Bikers Toy Run, Crown St Mall, 11am

War on 2022, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 7.30pm 03

Cosplay Workshop, Wollongong Library, 11am-4pm

Kate Ceberano, Anita's Theatre, 7.30pm

Local Makers Market, Worklife Coledale (until 4 Dec)

Xmas Twilight Market, Stanwell Park Corner, 3pm-8pm 04

Thinking Through Pink, Wollongong Art Gallery (until 5 March) 08

Keith Urban 'Speed of Now' Tour, WEC, 8pm

Carols by Candlelight, Albion Park Showground, 6pm

The Offspring and Sum 41, WEC, 7pm 15

Love Actually In Concert, WEC, 7.30pm

Sunset Cinema, Wollongong Botanic Gardens (until 11 March)

16

Illawarra Hawks v Sydney Kings, WEC, 7.30pm

Vera Blue, Anita's Theatre, 8pm 17

All I Want For Christmas Festival, Kembla Grange Racecourse, 3pm-9pm (until 18 Dec)

Gerringong Christmas Parade, 9am

The Finz, Figtree Sports, 8pm 18

Foragers Twilight Market, Bulli Showground, 5pm - 10pm 24

Christmas Eve Outdoor Carols Fest, Helensburgh Anglican, 5.30pm 31

Illawarra Hawks v Perth Wildcats, WEC, 7.30pm

Kiama NYE Sky Show, Kiama Foreshore

Yours and Owls NYE, North Gong Hotel

January

02

05

20

Illawarra Hawks v Cairns Taipans, WEC, 7.30pm

Crown St Mall Night Markets, from 5pm

Illawarra Folk Festival, Bulli Showgrounds (until 22 Jan)

Pinocchio, Roo Theatre Shellharbour, 7pm (until 28 Jan)

21

Sunnyboys, Anita's Theatre, 7pm

Illawarra Hawks v Brisbane Bullets, WEC, 7.30pm

Gumaraa Aboriginal Cultural Day, Killalea Reserve, 10am-2pm 26 MMJ Aquathon, Belmore Basin, 8am 27

Kiama Show, Kiama Showground (until 28 Jan) 28

February

03

Fabulous Caprettos - Daryl Braithwaite and more, Anita's Theatre, 8pm

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, UOW UniBar, 8pm 04

Australian Beach Boys Show, Centro CBD, 8pm

Waterfront Market, Shell Cove (first Saturday of the month) 06

Jimmy Carr 'Terribly Funny', WEC, 8pm 11

Stomping of the Grapes, Crooked River Wines (until 12 Feb)

Eric Bibb, Heritage Hotel Bulli, 6.30pm

SummerSalt Festival, Dalton Park Towradgi 29

By The C, Dalton Park Towradgi

Shop 1, 407 Princes Highway, Woonona, (02) 4283 5511 www.woononaflorist.net.au

Chocolate Starfish, Anita's Theatre, 8pm

Shellharbour Rocks The Flats, Oak Flats, 12pm-6pm 25

Mahalia Barnes and the Soul Mates, Centro CBD, 8pm 26 Coledale Markets, Coledale Public School (last Sunday of the month)

1. What was Elvis Presley’s middle name?

2. What is more commonly known as NaHSO4?

3. The 2021 UCI Road World Championships was held where?

4. The Illawarra Hawks finished in what position at the end of the 2021/2022 NBL regular season?

5. What is the most western point of mainland Australia?

6. Who is the current British Prime Minister?

7. Name the park south of the Windang Bridge.

8. To the nearest degree, Wollongong is approximately how many degrees south of the equator?

9. In what sport do Australia and NZ compete for the Constellation Cup?

10. In which state is the federal seat of Batman?

11. Year 12 students receive a final entrance mark called what? 12. Who is the youngest Kardashian sister? 13. Name Branjolina’s (Jolie-Pitt) kids. 14. Name the capital of Kazakhstan. 15. Which film won Best Picture at the Oscars in 2022?

16. Which Australian TV show was set in Erinsborough?

17. Which Balgownie Rangers soccer player captained the Australian team in 1923-24? 18. Name a country whose name and capital city both have 4 letters. 19. Name the five train stations on the South Coast Line that start with the letter ‘B’. 20. What year was the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow opened?