ISSUE NO.11 : SUMMER 2021 - Coal Coast Magazine by Coal Coast Magazine

INSIDE THE I L L AWA R R A

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Coledale Coworking Space Opening Soon LIVE LOCAL. WORK LOCAL. REGISTER YOUR INTEREST > > > or call Kate 0413 202 425 MEMBERSHIPS FROM $55 per week 2

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gentlemen only port kembla life at sea marine conservation idea to institution business bros sweet & spicy summer salad hello harmony tinker town au naturel day drinking with a hat on collaborate & celebrate finds for you art trail

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gone country design dream finding magic on your doorstep plant, love, grow! high school to hireable learning the way the hard yards the great outdoors at home coal coast faves hey brew coal coast pops meet a neighbour what's on calendar the quiz

There is a QUIZ on page 98 and here are the answers: 1. Natalie Portman; 2. Tennis; 3. Emu and Kangaroo; 4. Ottawa; 5. Banksy; 6. Central Perk; 7. Grey; 8. Charles Dickens; 9. Try + Save Me; 10. 360 degrees; 11. Springfield; 12. The Himalayas; 13. Julie Andrews; 14. R.E.M; 15. Lake Illawarra; 16. Vodka; 17. Andy Warhol; 18. Red; 19. Ear; 20. Six.

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We acknowledge the Dharawal People as the Traditional Custodians of the Illawarra region. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. Ah, summer… we’ve missed you. As the weather warms, we feel luckier than ever to live in this water wonderland we call home. But while we all love a summer beside the seaside, there’s no sugar-coating the fact that, due to plastic pollution and human impact, our oceans are under threat, and it’s a topic we’re pretty passionate about here at Coal Coast Mag. We need to protect the things we love. Simple. So in this issue, the wonderful folk from Take 3 for the Sea, a charity conservation initiative, offer up some straightforward solutions, so we can all do our bit to help (p22-23).

editor Dani Sherring

Local photographer, Warren Keelan, who shot our magic cover – isn’t she a beauty – is a long-time ambassador for Take 3 for the Sea, and his admiration for the ocean is evident in all he does. What a pleasure it was to chat to Warren about creation and conservation, plus showcase more of his wonderful work (p18-20).

sales & admin coordinator Hadassa Rorke

Coming into the festive season, we’ve also got all your day drinking dreams covered with a rundown of some beer gardens around town (p52-53), an update on the cool stuff happening at The Jetty in Bulli (p54-55), and a catch-up with the boys from Benson & The Mooch, who are making natural, low-intervention wines right here in the Illawarra (p48-50). So hit the beach with our bumper summer issue under arm! And when it’s time to head home and wash the sand and salt away, make sure to leave no trace and ‘TAKE 3 FOR THE SEA’. From our families to yours, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Here’s to a big, bright 2021!

Cheers

Dani, Kate, Tara & Tess x

www.coalcoastmagazine.com @coalcoastmag

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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. Coal Coast Magazine PTY LTD. ABN 49 621 097 461

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deputy editor Kate O'Mealley

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creative director Tess McIntosh

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head of sales & marketing Tara Connor sales@coalcoastmagazine.com

admin@coalcoastmagazine.com

advertising designer Elyshia McKirdy interns Taylah Cutting Matilda Jesiolowski Alex Knight cover image Warren Keelan www.warrenkeelan.com our contributors Amy Morrison Styling Joanna Singletary Wollongong Heritage and Stories Lost Wollongong Wollongong City Libraries Illawarra Historical Society Stefan Posthuma Sarah Tedder Madeleine Bell Warren Keelan Erin Huckle Rebekah Lambert Matt Castell Mem Davis Birdblack Design Penny Keogh Nikki To Kath Gadd Jesse Tyssen @tastingwithtom Chris Frape Tom Coburn Duncan Rintoul Roger Fitzhardinge Billi Aye Buzzer’s Photography Dead Horse Branding LA Early Emma Smith In Motion Sports Photography Powderpuff Photography

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

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THE WAY WE WERE

gentlemen only NOW A THRIVING ESPLANADE FOR ALL TO ENJOY, THE BLUE MILE WAS ONCE KNOWN FOR THE GENTLEMAN'S BATH AND THE MOUNT PLEASANT TRAMWAY Words Joanna Singletary Sources Lost Wollongong, Wollongong Heritage and Stories, and Inside Industry Tour Image From the collections of the Wollongong City Libraries and the Illawarra Historical Society

We are spoilt for choice these days with oodles of beaches and ocean pools to cool down in all along the Coal Coast, but did you know that in the late 1800s in North Wollongong there were 'pools with rules'? Mixed bathing was a complete no-no, with separate pools for women and men. Women swam at the Nuns' Pool/Chain Baths and the ‘secret’ Ladies' Baths at Flagstaff Hill (protected by a guard from prying eyes), whilst the men bathed at the Gentleman's Baths, originally known as Clarkes Hole.

The Gentleman's Baths had restricted swimming hours (before 8am and after sunset only) and at the turn of the century men were banned from bathing on Sunday afternoons to accommodate women who would take their Sunday stroll along the hilltop. The Gentleman's Baths are still a popular bathing location today, open for all genders, and is a famous feature of the picturesque Blue Mile, which runs from Stuart Park in the north to Wollongong Golf Club in the south. It’s a haven for history lovers, with the timber footings of the original bath house still visible on the rock shelf at the baths. The Mount Pleasant tramway ran along behind the baths, transporting coal from the Mount Pleasant coal mine to the coal loader jetty at

THE WAY WE WERE Belmore Basin, firstly via horse-drawn wagons on a narrow line, which was then widened to accommodate steam trains. As swimmers bathed in the ocean, the tramway was in operation and the water was often black with coal. It was at the end of coal production in the late 1930s that the Blue Mile got its name – the coal dust was gone and the water then returned to a magnificent shade of blue! As locals and visitors to the region walk, run, cycle and rollerskate along the Blue Mile, perhaps as they head to the Gentleman's Baths for a dip, they can still see the original tramway route which is highlighted by paving. Today, as you stand on Cliff Road at sunrise and cast your eyes over the glorious setting of the baths, you can imagine the shunting of the coal carts along the tramway behind the swimmers; two significant heritage listings together in a mix of industry and leisure. ¡ Tours are now running along the scenic Blue Mile every Friday and Saturday mornings. To book, go to www.insideindustry.org.au/blue-mile-tours

memories of these days Col Bruton – president of Wollongong Swim Club recollects a conversation around 1945 at North Beach with an old bloke who told him that very famous people swam in the Gentleman's Baths, including Australian swimming champion, stuntwoman and silent movie star Annette Kellerman. “She swam there in 1902 at a swimming carnival and challenged the men," Col recalls. "And there was often seaweed in the baths and coal dust everywhere!" Local swimmer Sarah – a regular at the Continental Baths remembers stories told by her great grandmother. "They had big bathing machines for everyone to pile into that were pulled along from the hotel at Brighton Beach to roll into the shallow waters. Not many people could swim in those days."

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port kembla PORT KEMBLA IS A FASCINATING LAYER OF WOLLONGONGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WORKING AND LIFESTYLE HISTORY. WHAT IS IT ABOUT PORT KEMBLA THAT DRAWS THE EYE AND IMAGINATION IN EQUAL MEASURE? WE TAKE A WALK ALONG THE STREETS TO FIND OUT Words Rebekah Lambert @unashamedlycreative Images Sarah Tedder @bear_hunt_er

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No matter if you gaze up the coast from Kiama in the south or down from the lofty heights of Scarborough and Austinmer in the north, Port Kembla’s distinctive stacks cut a contrast on the skyline. But it’s not only her place in industry and history that garners local love. Port Kembla has a special affection in the Illawarra’s heart and that place is protected by some of the fiercest, most creative locals around.

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married and even buried with the comforting, perfectly sugared and creamed goodness that tempts you through the door.

Port Kembla has always been a beating heart of community. Steel and coal workers chose Port Kembla to be close to work. In those days, the place was almost sepia with dust and thousands of people pouring into Port by car, bus and train daily. As industry shut down, so too did Port. She spent a few years with boarded streets, waiting for another crack at the title. In 2018, a revitalisation program called PK2505 began to bring the area back to life. But it’s also the belief of local businesses and the residents that make Port something special. Tonitto Cakes is an institution. A shop brimming with birthday and celebratory delight, Tonitto’s has been serving quality cakes in Port Kembla since 1974. The following is loyal. Here in the windows and the counters are the best of Port Kembla’s cultural heritage in cannoli, croquembouche and cakes of all kinds. Generations of the Illawarra have been birthed,

Port Kembla Pool is another institution many locals have visited for generations. Opening in 1937, Port Kembla Pool has probably seen more swimming lessons, teen romances and sunburn than the most seasoned lifeguard. Perched overlooking the water, the pool is a 50 metre multi-lane complex with a separate toddler pool built to meet Olympic requirements for the handsome sum of 16,590 pounds. To this day, it’s a great place to go to recover from injury, considering the main pool has a beach-style incline that allows for gentle dipping and entry. It’s not only history that flourishes in Port. Ash and the team from the Arthouse Cafe have been thriving under COVID. Is it any wonder? You can float up Wentworth Street from either direction on the scent of wonderful coffee and woodfire pizza. Live music happens on a regular basis and the vibe is always welcoming and family friendly. The seating in the courtyard leaves ample options to sit with privacy and safety and the yarn-bombed trees create something lovely to look at.

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While in the courtyard, check out Smart Arts and Crafts, who are happy to keep you or the kids in creative endeavours with supplies. Redpoint Art Gallery brings a wide variety of art happenings to the area and are also often putting on a show. Or get more of your crafty fix at the Bead Shoppe on Wentworth where crafts, kits and classes combine. Performance is also a part of the Port Kembla adventure. The Vault is a fan favourite for live music and the Servo Food Truck Bar has an everchanging array of musical and live performancebased events. Currently making use of their ample outdoor seating and a shipping container stage, Servo is probably one of the most switched on venues in the Illawarra. Feeling peckish? Pop across from Servo to Ambrosia Eatery and grab the deliciousness of burek just like Baba used to make. Another petrol station taking on a new lease of life, this family-owned business works hard to produce burek with a smile seven days a week. When it comes time to do the grocery shop, Port Grocer is a fantastic local addition. With a local grocer and wholefoods store, Port Grocer

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uses its power as a store to end packaging waste by making environmentally sound choices. The aim is to use the buying power to give Port locals yummy, healthy and sustainable food and other products while aiming for a low to nowaste ethos.

affection for the different side of life. That’s why she’s such a wonderful port in an Illawarra storm. No wonder the locals love her so. ¡

If you’re still hankering for tasty treats, Amos Adams General Store is for you. With a wonderous array of meat, cheese, bread, spices, honey and more, this providore puts Australian made and artisan goods at the forefront. There’s something deliciously hipster here. Food is well made and shopping for a dinner party or filler for your next gift basket are both incredibly simple.

Port Kembla has changed dramatically in the time I’ve been here. At one point, it was known as the bridal street and there were about 10 bridal businesses – the concept was really good but the timing wasn’t right.

Want to stay abreast of amazing new Port Kembla additions as they happen? Stick close to Our Community Project, the group that has brought the likes of musical culture exploration Jam and Bread, not-for-profit funerals via Tender Funerals, Port Grocer, Men’s Shed, and creative micro-funders project Culturebank Wollongong to fruition. Their commitment to community sees ever-evolving ideas flourish.

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I live here as well as owning a business and it’s great to see businesses diversify and change with the times. The Arthouse Cafe and the Servo are both great for live music and there’s a real community feel. And it’s all walking distance from home and family friendly – you can wander up after work, have a glass of wine, bring your kids or your dog. Port Kembla has that ability to live, work and play.

Renay Horton

ALL OCCASION FLOWERS

”

Port Kembla is a vital and beautiful place that is proud of its heritage, multicultural roots and

LOCAL PEOPLE

life at sea THE OCEAN IS EVERYTHING TO SEASCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER WARREN KEELAN – THE MAN BEHIND THE LENS THAT CAPTURED OUR MAGICAL COVER SHOT

A fascination with nature, especially the ocean and its ever-changing forms, has always been a driving force for celebrated Wollongong-based photographer, Warren Keelan. His compulsion to capture the raw power and motion of water and the way sunlight brings it all to life, from both above and below the surface, has led this talented creative to take out top gongs in the International Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards and the International Photo Awards, and successfully open a gallery in Kembla Street selling his sought-after prints. “For me, the challenge is creating an image that hopefully tells a story or leaves an impression,” Warren says. Warren first delved into photography with an old 35mm film camera he’d picked up at a second-hand store almost 20 years ago, when he began dabbling in some short-lived amateur landscape and portrait photography. Being a touring musician at that time, he says his true focus was on the sonic arts and so photography took a very distant back seat. When he eventually hung up his guitar, he taught himself web design and development. Although this was a completely different medium, it provided an outlet for his creativity, which eventually led him into the world of digital photography. “I purchased my first DSLR camera in 2010 and worked as a photojournalist, contributing to a number of publications,” says Warren. “Soon after, I bought my first water-housing to

keep my camera safe, and discovered a love for ocean photography. I'd spent most of my life in and around the ocean and felt it was a natural transition going from land-based photos to images of and within the sea.” After many years of capturing breaking waves, he found he was more interested in the moments between – the interaction of water and light, the unpredictable nature of moving water and the many ways in which he could translate these visions. “Much of my focus is now on the vast array of tones and textures within the water, while using different photographic techniques to create abstract interpretations, which aren't as apparent,” he says. “It also helps to be peering through quality glass in order to capture the smaller and often overlooked details.” Warren’s love for the ocean also extends to its many inhabitants, one of the reasons he feels so passionately about protecting it. Having swum with and photographed turtles, seals, manta rays, and sharks, he says his most memorable moment was having the chance to share the ocean with the incredibly majestic humpback whales while visiting the islands of Vava'u in Tonga in 2018. “Nothing prepares you for the overwhelming emotions you experience while peering into the eyes of 30-tonne creatures and observing them in their own environment,” he says. “It's a real privilege to be able to make and share images of such beautiful animals. It's something I'll remember and take with me for the rest of my life.” But working in the big blue doesn’t come without its challenges – nature certainly knows how to throw curveballs, and Warren admits there’s been many an unnerving moment he wasn't prepared for.

LOCAL PEOPLE

“Putting thousands of dollars’ worth of camera gear into a water-housing and intentionally swimming into powerful waves is risky, but it's really when you push your own personal limits do you find yourself in situations that refresh your respect for the natural world,” he says. “I've been injured on shallow reefs, held down below storms of whitewash and have lost and damaged camera gear from the result of edging closer to impact zones. But the scarier moments can also provide the most rewarding images.” Warren’s remarkable pictures freeze moments that are so fleeting they’re missed by many – and therein lies the magic. The ebb and flow and change and turn of one of the world’s

The ocean is one of our “ most precious elements. And it needs our help now more now than ever.” most precious and vast wonders captured. And not only does Warren’s love of his ocean home translate so masterfully through his lens, but his passion to advocate for it trickles through all he does, which is why he’s been a long-time ambassador for marine conservation organsiation, Take 3 for the Sea (page 22-23 to find out more). “When I first heard of Take 3 for the Sea, I knew this would be an incredibly important platform for education and awareness from the ground up (or sand, so to speak). Single-use plastic is one of the ocean's (and world's) biggest threats, so backing this organisation was a no-brainer. It's important to me to invest time in initiatives which positively change human behaviour in order to sustain the health of our environment,” he says. “The ocean is one of our most precious elements. And it needs our help now more now than ever.” ¡

WILDLIFE

marine conservation TAKE 3 FOR THE SEA IS MOBILISING COMMUNITIES TO SPARK A GLOBAL MOVEMENT AND PROTECT OUR OCEANS AND ITS INHABITANTS Words Madeleine Bell Image Warren Keelan

People of the Illawarra have a deep connection to the ocean â&#x20AC;&#x201C; homes and lives are built beside it, days are spent swimming, surfing, playing, marvelling at its natural beauty. But our oceans and local marine life are under threat. Despite the critical dependence humans have on the world's oceans, they are being destroyed at an alarming rate. Only five to six percent of oceans are protected, while the remainder is left to be overfished, polluted and consumed to support global trade and development. And something has to be done. We must look after the things we love. So where do we start?

WILDLIFE and providing us with the oxygen for two out of every three breaths we take, oceans actually produce more oxygen than every tree on Earth combined! Oceans are the primary food source for 3.5 billion people, drive weather systems and maintain a stable climate – humankind has an innate connection to the ocean, and for humans to thrive, so too must our seas. Take 3 for the Sea – an Australian charity organisation – asks everyone to simply, Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or… anywhere. This straightforward, yet powerful, call to action has removed over 30 million pieces of rubbish from the environment in 129 countries. Take 3’s school programs have educated over half a million Australian kids and have engaged more than 100,000 people at their clean-up events. Global campaigns and education programs delivered to schools, universities, public and private sectors about waste reduction and sustainability are among the many ways in which this organisation is changing the world. In addition to waste reduction education, Take 3 has a long-running partnership with Australian Seabird Rescue (ASR) which sees turtles, seabirds and other marine creatures rescued from plastic entanglements and other causes of harm. Most recently, Take 3 and ASR ran an emergency beach clean-up to collect the thousands of surgical face masks that had washed up along the NSW eastern coastline. During this event, the team received a call that a baby sea turtle with a missing flipper had washed up at a nearby beach. Rough ocean conditions that had strewn shipping container rubbish and marine debris along beaches had also carried the injured baby turtle, who was named Neve, into colder southern waters. After a thorough assessment, a likely cause of Neve’s missing flipper would be plastic engagement. 100,000 marine animals die every year as a result of plastic ingestion and entanglement. For seabirds, it’s one million. Thankfully, after months of specialist care and close monitoring by the ASR team, Neve, the rescued baby turtle, was released back into the ocean. Not only do our oceans home wildlife but they play a vital role in sustaining human life as well. Covering 71 per cent of the earth’s surface

Scientists estimate that eight million tonnes of plastic enters the ocean every year. Humans are the only species that produce a material that doesn’t break down and go back into the Earth. Plastic is now everywhere; it’s in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. But it doesn’t have to be like this. Wherever we are in the world, be it hundreds of kilometres inland, high up in mountain ranges or nestled right along the shoreline like the Illawarra community, we are connected to and dependent on the ocean. We know that plastic pollution is a threat to this healthy connection, and to the health of our planet and wildlife, but the good thing is that the solutions already exist. Solutions exist at individual, local, national and international levels and are accessible and achievable. ¡

Here are simple actions everyone can take to protect our marine life and ocean: N ext time you’re at the beach #TAKE3FORTHESEA Pick up rubbish when you’re outside wherever you see it. R efuse single-use plastics. There are so many sustainable alternatives, reusable coffee cups, water bottles and shopping bags are the best place to start. D onate to support clean oceans. You can donate to Take 3 via www.take3.org/donate. $10 can help remove 150 pieces of rubbish from the environment, or educate a student through school programs. C ampaign for governments to support and introduce legislation that protects our oceans. Action needs to come from the bottom up (community) and top down (law makers!) to create lasting change.

LOCAL FOOD

idea to institution HOW DIGGIES BECAME WOLLONGONG’S MOST ICONIC CAFE Words Stefan Posthuma Images Nikki To Illustrations Stan Crinis; Kraken Kreative 1 Cliff Rd, Wollongong / Blowhole Point Road, Kiama / 89 Hoddle St, Robertson

Growing up in a family of grocers, Stan Crinis knew good food from an early age. A Wollongong local, he and his brother Aaron spent sundrenched summers at North Beach feasting on hot chip rolls from the old kiosk. As a young adult, Stan worked as a graphic designer in Sydney – learning how to build brands and developing an understanding of cosmopolitan cafe culture. When the iconic art deco building at North Wollongong Beach came up for tender in 2004, Stan jumped at the opportunity and teamed up with Aaron to open Diggies – a relaxed cafe and kiosk offering tasty and nutritious food to Wollongong beachgoers. Sixteen years later, and with two new venues in his portfolio – Stan’s focus on quality food hasn’t wavered, and Diggies has become an ever-present fixture of Wollongong’s beach lifestyle. We caught up with Stan to find out what’s contributed to Diggies success and longevity…

You’ve got a strong connection to Wollongong, and to North Beach. Is that what attracted you to this spot? This is where my brother Aaron and I grew up, so the place holds a lot of great memories. It’s such an iconic location – the beautiful art deco kiosk. We loved the idea of having a venue in the heart of Wollongong that we could turn into something special. Did you have an idea of what would make Diggies special before you opened? Back in 2004, cafe culture in Wollongong was very different. Beach kiosks just had your standard fish and chips, chicko rolls, burgers and stuff. We’d lived in Sydney and saw the development of a healthy beach culture – people enjoying an active lifestyle, eating well-prepared nutritious food. We just wanted to bring that quality food and coffee to Wollongong and offer something new. What was the reaction from the public like when you first opened? The kiosk opened first and the response was pretty overwhelming. People loved the fresh juices, smoothies…

LOCAL FOOD healthier options. We spent the money on a nice fit-out and really promoted the active beach lifestyle. We were flat-out from the first day. Three months later we opened the cafe, which was a big challenge for us. But seeing people sitting right by the ocean having a nice meal, good coffee and enjoying the location was really satisfying. How have things changed at Diggies in the last 16 years? There is definitely more competition in Wollongong now. People know what good food and coffee are, and there’s lots of great cafes so we’ve had to stay relevant. When we first opened, our customers were mostly locals. Over the last decade we’ve started to see a lot more visitors to the area. There’s plenty of other things that have changed. Sixteen years doesn’t sound like long, but it’s an eternity for a hospitality venue.

I love this area, and “ I want to be proud of my home, so having this venue is a huge responsibility for me”

Being around for this long, how do you see your position in Wollongong’s hospitality community? From early on, we attracted a lot of good staff. We set a high standard and we were busy so we try to invest in our employees; we want to look after them, pay them properly and build them into professionals. You look around at some of the best restaurants in Wollongong and many of the chefs and floor staff have worked at Diggies at one point or another. This is such a unique location. Does it come with a responsibility that goes beyond just running a business? For sure. I love this area, and I want to be proud of my home, so having this venue is a huge responsibility for me. We have a role to play for both the locals and the broader public. Having a quality venue in a location like this is really important for a city, and we really do our best to keep that going. After 16 years at North Beach, you opened Diggies in Kiama. What made you try Diggies in a new location? It was the site that really attracted us. As soon as we saw it was up for tender we knew it would be perfect for a Diggies venue. If there was ever going to be another Diggies location, it was at the Blowhole. I think if we had have expanded earlier it wouldn’t have been so busy so quickly. Having the established Diggies name really helped us hit the ground running.

LOCAL FOOD

Not long after opening Kiama we were hit by bushfires, then COVID. A pretty rocky start… Yeah, we started with a bang in the middle of summer and it was really busy from the start. The bushfires then hit and it really affected the business. We were in close proximity to the fires and it was all pretty chaotic. Then in March, COVID hit and we had to make the decision to close. Luckily, we had the support of the Kiama Council and our suppliers really trust us too, so they’ve been really helpful. What’s been brought to Kiama that’s different to North Beach? They’re both quite similar and patrons have the same expectations. We have a liquor licence in Kiama so it’s great to be able to offer people a cocktail or a mimosa with their brunch, or a beer or a wine with lunch. It gives it a different feel. Since we’ve reopened things are just continuing to get stronger, which is a great feeling. Two years ago you also took over the Robertson pub. A different type of venture for you – what drew you in? I’d been speaking with a few other business owners in Wollongong about getting into pubs. Robertson came on the market and it was too good an opportunity to

miss. I love the history up there. It’s such an old pub, it’s been there since 1887. It’s on a big block; there were all these small and underutilised rooms… there’s five fireplaces in the building, only one of which was being used when we bought it! There’s also accommodation, so there was just so much scope to improve the place. I also saw an amazing local food culture developing in Robertson. There’s some of the best producers in Australia in that area – and the opportunity to make use of that produce in the kitchen was a huge drawcard. What are you offering at Robertson these days? We’re definitely focusing on the food, making it really high quality and using as much local produce as we can. Local booze also – there’s some great wineries in the Highlands so most of our list is local. Beer also, we’ve got three Highlander Brewing beers on tap, which sell better now than any other beers. People can come for the weekend and stay in the rooms and really make the most of it. All these businesses sounds like so much work. What makes it worth it? The creative side has always been huge for me. Envisaging something, working at it, putting the pieces

LOCAL FOOD

You’ve mentioned your staff a lot – it seems like it's something you pay a lot of attention to. We have over 100 staff across all our venues. Being able to give them a positive environment to work in where there are opportunities to improve and develop is really satisfying. Especially the few who go on to own their own businesses and be successful after working with us. My mentors are two creatives I worked for in Sydney, who had great success in the advertising industry. They really looked after their staff and taught me how to manage people properly. Hospo can be tough, and there’s lots of work out there, so if you don’t look after your staff you won’t keep them for long. together then seeing it come to fruition and be successful is really rewarding. That’s what has kept me going all these years. I also get to work with amazing people, like my wife Morgan – she does our marketing and events. Being able to work on these projects together is pretty special.

“VERY PROFESSIONAL TEAM. VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE SERVICE.”

What’s next? There’s a lot going on in Wollongong nowadays, but I don’t think we’re oversaturated, so there’s still a lot of opportunity out there. I’m always keeping my eye out for new, interesting spaces. Diggies has worked in a second location now, and I’d love to go again – we’ll keep you posted. ¡

CAFE BULLI

BAR ON THE O Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; BOWLING GREENS

L O C A L F O O D , E N T E R TA I N M E N T, E V E N T S , F U L LY L I C E N S E D F R I D AY S A T U R D AY S U N D AY

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I N D I E & T H E B E E C O F F E E C A R T M O N - S AT F R O M 6 A M

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218 PRINCES HWY BULLI (OLD BULLI BOWLING GREENS) F O R B O O K I N G S & I N Q U I R I E S C O N TA C T:

I N F O @ T H E J E T T YG R O U P. C O M . A U

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WILDE SUMMER THIRROUL’S MUCH-LOVED WILDE CAFE IS SERVING UP CREATIVE BLENDS AND A FRESH MENU, WITH A NEW HEAD CHEF AT THE HELM Since its inception onto Thirroul’s Lawrence Hargrave strip, Wilde Cafe hit the ground running. The constant flow of locals, cupping warm brews and paper bags filled with delicious homemade treats like vegan coconut slice or gluten-free Persian Love Cake, or gathering over detox juices and three-cheese toasties (seriously good!), has everything to do with the welcoming and energetic vibe created here… and, of course, the great coffee and great food! Owned by Jonathan Leggett and Andrea Prieto, the cafe is set to soar to delicious heights this summer under the guidance of new head chef, Jordan Brogan, who most recently worked at Alibi in the Ovolo hotel, Wooloomooloo.

368-370 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Thirroul Open Mon - Fri 6am - 4pm / Sat & Sun 7am - 4pm. Visit wildecafe.com.au and follow @wildethirroul 30

“Wilde is known for our premium specialty coffee so my main focus was to design a menu that complements that quality, and uses fresh, seasonal ingredients,” says Jordan. “I’m really proud of what we’ve created so far – lifting the taste of our dishes to a whole new level. The new menu is simple but delicious.” As well as the addition of some fresh and flavourful dishes, which include Purple Pea Toast, with beetroot hummus, mushy peas and fetta; Greens & Grains citrus and pomegranate salad and Marmalade French Toast, Wilde is also introducing a vegan soft-serve machine over summer to satisfy those ice-cream cravings. Not to be outdone by the menu revamp, Wilde’s coffee offerings are also constantly changing. Renowned for their delicious beans, brewed by Black Market Roasters, Wilde is always experimenting with new blends and bold brews to keep their loyal clientele’s cups filled. “For Christmas, we will have our signature Sparkle Blend,” says head barista, Daniel Mojica. “The blend includes a natural bean from Ethiopia and a washed bean from Papua New Guinea. It will be a sweet and fruity mix that will bring Christmas to the cup, and will be served black or with your favourite milk-based coffee.” So stop in and stay a while…

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LOCAL PRODUCE

business bros WITH A LOVE OF FRUIT AND VEG IN THE BLOOD, THIS QUIRKY NEW DELIVERY SERVICE HAS IN FACT BEEN YEARS IN THE MAKING Images Jesse Tyssen

LOCAL PRODUCE

Kardashian-style with orange juice. Their relaxed and irreverent approach to business is what customers have come to love.

When Bulli brothers Alex and Jared Pescud decided to launch their new business Two Brothers Produce during a pandemic, it may have appeared a risky decision. But with a range of complementary skills, a love of fresh local produce and a laugh, all the ingredients came together at the right time. Providing home-delivered fruit and vegetables with a smile is at the core of their business – it’s an old-school fruit shop with all the mod cons. Selecting the freshest seasonal produce first-hand from markets and direct from local growers, the brothers have made the process easy for customers with online ordering, value boxes and gift hampers, plus the option to add organic grocery items, coffee, nuts and alternative milks. It’s a simple process and it works, with many customers preferring the ease of deliveries over in-store shopping during the lockdown restrictions and beyond. But it's not all serious business. Jared and Alex are particularly close – best mates and business partners – it's part business, part an excuse to hang out with each other. The endless banter is a constant in the warehouse (plus a solid supply of fruit snacks!), with regular drop-ins from local business owners, delivery drivers and their mates at Passion in Fruit – conveniently located next door – whom the brothers supported during COVID by developing an online store. The team are never short of a laugh, with the boys regularly hamming it up on social media – they even attempted to the ‘break the internet’

For the brothers, an interest in produce started from an early age, growing their own veggies in the garden before both working at the local fruit shop after school for nearly eight years. “Our parents taught us how to cook and explained where food came from, and every school holidays we each had to cook dinner once a week. Kel, our mum, is a great gardener and we would grow beans and corn and then we would harvest it each night for dinner,” explains Alex. “We weren’t good cooks, but we were excited to cook the fresh stuff from the garden!” “We were excited to eat the potatoes even though it tasted pretty awful – it was just a boiled potato – but it was the best part of the meal because it was our hard work now on the dinner table,” adds Jared. “We would enter our beetroots in the Bulli Show for a bit of fun and a laugh. Our dad would also enter his scones year after year – it took him a while to win, it was very competitive!” With a long-held passion for quality and locally grown food, the path to Two Brothers Produce has been far from direct. With degrees in science and teaching, plus years of combined experience in hospitality, data and technology, geographical mapping and mathematics, it’s an eclectic set of skills gained over time that blend nicely together. “We started in hospitality and worked with coffee roasters Delano,” Alex says. “The technology background, plus science and teaching, it’s now come full circle. We always had the concept of a fruit shop but never had the right avenue to do it – and now we do.” Their experience in science and geography has certainly helped to make a connection with Two Brothers Produce’s suppliers. “It has helped to build a rapport with growers. On a local level, there’s environmental factors that change

LOCAL PRODUCE

we've learned “overWe'thereyeartakings andeverything trying our best to do something that we love” a lot of things. There are a lot of hothouses in the local area and coming into summer growing cucumbers and tomatoes, those things can definitely play a factor,” says Jared. “That’s something we’ve learned over time through our geography courses – different atmospheric pressures and environmental factors, for example – which helps us understand what issues they could be having and the impact on the quality of the produce. All that kind of stuff.” But it is the simple things that are at the heart of Two Brothers Produce – sharing their love of quality food and sustainable practices, and creating connections with their customers and community. “We are lucky to have great relationships with our customers. Even though it's a short interaction when we deliver the boxes, I get to have a chat and it’s the best part of my day,” says Jared. “For some customers, we might be the only person

they chat to that day. Because of the time that we’re in, it is important to take a moment to try and make sure people feel safe and secure. And if having a chat makes someone feel more taken care of, then that is something we can do.” It seems that for Jared and Alex, their approach to Two Brothers Produce is also their approach to life. “We’re just giving it a red-hot crack and putting all our energy into it,” Jared says. “We're taking everything we've learned over the years and trying our best to do something that we love. We feel so supported by our community – the Illawarra is the best place in the world. It's given us so much and we now have the opportunity to give back.” ¡

Check out Two Brothers Produce @twobrothersproduce or order online at www.twobrothersproduce.com

SLUG

RECIPE

summer salad

SWEET & SPICY @tastingwithtom

INGREDIENTS For the salad Leafy greens Lettuce, shredded 1 red onion, finely sliced 1 cucumber, finely sliced 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, halved 1 mango, cut into chunks 1 avocado, cut into chunks Fresh coriander leaves Your choice of nuts – we love pepitas or pine nuts Chilli flakes, to taste (optional)

For the dressing ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup apple cider vinegar ½ teaspoon mustard ½ orange, juiced 1 lime, juiced 1 teaspoon maple syrup Good crunch of salt and pepper

METHOD 1. Start with your leafy greens and lettuce. Place them in a bowl to make a lettuce bed. 2. Scatter red onion, cucumber and cherry tomatoes over lettuce bed. 3. Add the mango and avocado chunks over the salad.

4. Now for the dressing. Put all the ingredients into a jar and mix thoroughly. Pour over the salad and toss gently. 5. For the final touches, sprinkle the coriander and nuts over the salad (TIP – lightly pan fry the nuts for flavour). 6. Spice time – for an extra kick, sprinkle over some chilli flakes. It really bring out the flavour of all the ingredients. ¡

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LOCAL MUSIC

hello harmony IT’S BEEN A YEAR OF NEW CREATIONS FOR ARIA AWARD-WINNING SINGER ELANA STONE – A NEW ALBUM AND THEATRE PRODUCTION IN THE WORKS, PLUS A BABY ON THE WAY Words Kate O’Mealley Images Chris Frape @chris_frape_photo

LOCAL MUSIC

There’s something special about “ singing in a community and the hive of voices together”

Singer Elana Stone has travelled far and wide throughout her career – as a solo performer, band member, music teacher and choir master – but it’s the Illawarra where she’s settled, a quiet haven from her busy touring schedule. Despite the impact on the music industry this year, things certainly haven’t slowed down for Elana. This year alone, she has performed with Missy Higgins and Josh Pyke while her band, ARIA award-winning All Our Exes Live in Texas, is on hiatus. In addition, the launch of a new single Permanent Limbo, finalising her new album and directing local choir, Earth Wind and Choir, has kept the talented singer at the forefront. Her professionalism and ability to play multiple instruments – piano, piano accordion, guitar and ukulele – has helped secure Elana as an indemand performer and session singer. A firm lover of jazz and blues, her ability to work across all genres is a credit to her talent. “I don't play any of them particularly well, I'm a singer really,“ she says candidly. “I am functional on all those instruments and I play enough to support myself or other people but I wouldn't take a solo. I never would have thought ‘multi-instrumentalist’ would have been a tag that would be applied to me!” From Canadian folk singer Brian Campeau to John Butler Trio, musical comedy group Tripod and her brother Jake’s hip hop band, Bluejuice, Elana has collaborated with some of music’s best. “I used to do a bit of back-up singing for Bluejuice and it was always quite eye-opening being at those concerts. They were proper rock and roll afterwards, there was a lot of stuff going on,” she laughs. “It was a lot of fun!”

“I toured with Tripod for two and a half years and that was awesome. I got to act – even though my acting's quite bad – and work with them on a musical which was fun, which spurred me on to do more of that stuff for myself. And now, I'm touring with Missy Higgins who's a dream, she's really that authentic thing that you perceive her to be.” Elana’s involvement in directing choirs and teaching students is something that makes her heart sing. Earth Wind and Choir, based at Thirroul’s Railway Institute Hall has been gathering under her guidance for the last two years. “There’s something special about singing in a community and the hive of voices together. Unified voices sound amazing and everyone has a part to play,” she says. “It’s about connection too – it’s so important to our lives. It right up there on the list with food, water and shelter.” She also shares her decades of experience with music students at her former high school, Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. “It's really fun and I see them right through from year seven to year 12 and get to be on their team – they are really talented,” says Elana. “It’s a very healthy balance from solo performing or performing in general, to coaching people through their own musical process and feeling like a supporter more than the focus.” “They also have that energy and curiosity about what is musically exciting to them. You get to show them things like Joni Mitchell or things that you have loved at their age. And then they might show you a Hiatus Kaiyote song that they love.” A new collaboration with writer Tom Hogan, in conjunction with Merrigong Theatre, is her first foray into the world of musical theatre producing a new work Mount Hopeless based on the story of explorers Burke and Wills. “It's a musical about colonisation. It's funny but also tragic,” says Elana.

LOCAL MUSIC

– but Merrigong have been letting us develop it and paying us to make a podcast. They've been so supportive and a total lifeline.” Many of these experiences have come together in the creation of her solo album, due for independent release next year, which in part was recorded in Sydney with Josh Pyke and Los Angeles with legendary producers Tony Buchen (The Preatures, Montaigne, Courtney Barnett) and Justin Stanley (Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crowe, Nikka Costa). "Tony and Justin have worked with such huge artists. I had the opportunity to do a writing session with Justin and Tony when I was in LA last year. I didn't know Justin from a bar of soap. The three of us started writing the song together, which is going to be my next single, Oregon,” says Elana. “We wrote and recorded it all in one day. I later googled Justin… it's really good that I didn't know who he was because I would have been completely star struck!”

“We wrote the dialogue and music together but Tom is more involved in the theatre world and I'm more from the music world. It’s been a fantastic experience.” “We couldn't put it on because of COVID – it was supposed to be on midway through the year

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It’s set to be another big year for Elana, with the arrival of her first baby in December, an album launch and touring with John Butler in Europe – travel restrictions permitting. And perhaps more choir lessons, songwriting classes and the opening night of her first musical – there’s certainly no slowing down for Elana Stone. Follow Elana @elanastoneworld on Instagram or buy her latest single Permanent Limbo at elanastone.bandcamp.com

COMMUNITY

tinker town THE TINKERAGE, AT DUNMORE’S RESOURCE RECOVERY CENTRE, IS A PLACE FOR CREATIVITY, BREATHING LIFE INTO OLD ITEMS AND BUILDING CONNECTIONS IN THE COMMUNITY Words Mem Davis

men and women could come and learn the skills to fix and revamp items. This place would be a community space for teaching and learning repair. Council teamed up with Resource Recovery Australia (part of the national not-for-profit Community Resources which also runs Green Connect and Soft Landing), and The Tinkerage was born, opening in May 2017. When Anita Johnson Larkin was a child, she’d come to the Dunmore tip with her father. There was no shop, no space. No concept of recycling. Instead, there was a giant pile of everything imaginable. It was the era of DIY, and everyone in the 1970s was using stuff from the tip. People would climb over the pile, sort through it, and head home with whatever treasures they could salvage. Fast forward to 2016, and Anita was running a sculpture workshop adjacent to a Men’s Shed in Tuncurry. There were several women attending the workshop, all crammed into a small garden plot while attempting to create artworks. But despite the large shed and tools available only steps away, the group was denied access because women were not allowed to enter the men’sonly space. It took a lot of discussion before the group could access the space, and it became clear that there was a need in the community for an ‘everyone’s’ shed, and for women to have access to maker spaces. A conversation began with Shellharbour City Council about how great it would be to have a centre for repair and reuse. A place where both

Subsidised by council, The Tinkerage is now in its fourth year of operation. Each Friday at 10am, a group of enthusiastic tinkerers trickle in. COVID-19 restrictions mean the group is half its original size, divided into two fortnightly visits of 10 people to keep the group safe. Their personal projects vary from mosaic decorations for a bird feeder or plant hanger, to painting up an old rocking horse, to refurbishing tables. A couple of native bee hotels hang on the wall, and someone opens up a giant bag of grouting mix. “There’s a waiting list to get in, it’s in such demand,” says Anita, whose main role is to help with the power tools. “There’s a sense of community, and a real openness with sharing skills. People are comfortable asking for help.” In fact, great friendships have been formed here, and teachers have been born from a communal desire to learn how to fix clothes, upholster furniture, build bee hotels, or repair jewellery. The focus is on recycling and repurposing – rather convenient for a space that adjoins Revolve, the reuse shop just next door. If they find they’re missing a table leg or spare part, the shop is brimming with useful replacements.

COMMUNITY

can be broken and “things transf ormed. It’s okay to be broken - sometimes brokenness leads to something new and better.” we also get men coming along who don’t necessarily want to go to a Men’s Shed. We all share ideas, skills, and there is lots of laughter. There’s no other space like this.” In fact, it’s the only space of its kind in the Illawarra. People travel all the way down from Wombarra to make use of the friendly and environmentally-conscious workshop. With a dedication to recycling and reusing, The Tinkerage has saved many tonnes of usable items from ending up as landfill. Everything that’s saved is weighed and this year, despite being closed for three months due to COVID, the Tinkerage has saved 750.5kg from landfill.

Many workshops have evolved from items at the Revolve shop, such as an influx of old electrical cord that led to a basket weaving course. It’s no coincidence that most of the attendees are women. Some began coming from sheer necessity; their partners had passed on and left them with a shed full of tools they didn’t know how to use. Others grew tired of nagging their other halves to fix the door handle and decided to learn for themselves. Some lack access to the tools but have skills to share, others have never picked up a tool in their life. After the prohibitive experience at her sculpture workshop, Anita has made a point of welcoming all ages, genders, and levels of ability at The Tinkerage. She explains, “Many of the women who come possibly feel more comfortable learning tool skills from another woman. But

But the impact of The Tinkerage can’t be reduced to mere numbers. This is a place that’s changing lives. Many of the Friday tinkers have become firm friends, and the skills being shared are creating confidence and independence. Anita also notes the increasing popularity of the repair-and-reuse mentality. “The Revolve shop has had its best ever selling period; they normally have three times the amount of stuff.” The bright and welcoming space is packed with personal projects and communal resources; a testament to the evolution of repurposing the old and the broken. Perhaps the most insightful part of this community space is just this: that items bound for landfill are rescued and transformed. Anita says, “From my point of view as an artist, there’s something quite comforting about the fact that things can be broken and transformed. It’s okay to be broken – sometimes brokenness leads to something new and better.” In the midst of a pandemic, it’s apt that so many people are suddenly learning to make and fix. ¡

Book in for a workshop or drop in between 10am-3pm on Fridays (limited spots available). www.resourcerecovery.org.au/tinkerage or @the_tinkerage

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LOCAL DROP

au naturel BENSON BROWN AND JOEL MUCCI HAVE EMBRACED A SLOW, SUSTAINABLE WINEMAKING PROCESS TO CREATE TOP TIPPLES RIGHT HERE IN THE ILLAWARRA Words Matilda Jesiolowski Images Tom Coburn

LOCAL DROP which he learnt from his father who applied old wine-making methods from his hometown in Greece. This support and knowledge from Tony helped us to build our own product and winemaking ethos. We try to make wines that are delicate but without all the additives.

After developing an interest in winemaking during travels throughout Europe, Benson Brown, 26, and Joel Mucci, 25, from Stanwell Park, knew they wanted to make their own wine, but without access to a vineyard, it didn’t seem possible if they hoped to stay close to home. It wasn’t until meeting another independent winemaker that specialised in natural, minimalist wines that a world of opportunity opened up to them. Since then, they have started their own label, Benson & The Mooch, which takes a slow, all-natural approach to wine-making. Sourcing their grapes from around NSW and doing everything by hand, the pair, who are renowned for their debut Chardonnay pét-nat, dubbed ‘Disco Juice’, are working towards a 100 per cent organic and sustainable product in 2021. We had a chat to the boys about their minimalintervention winemaking ethos and some top drop recommendations… How did you get involved in winemaking? We met Tony Zafirakos of Ari’s Natural Wine, a boutique winery in the Southern Highlands, when Joel was working at The Throsby in Wollongong. We jumped at the offer to help Tony out for a day picking grapes in the Southern Highlands. Tony then took us on for the 2019 and 2020 harvest, and we saw that it was actually possible to make wine close to home, without inheriting a vineyard or living in a wine region. We found that there were growers who were willing to sell their grapes to small batch winemakers like ourselves that didn't have the means or space to grow grapes. Tony gave us the opportunity from the get-go to produce our own wine in his winery and taught us the ropes of minimal intervention and natural winemaking,

Can you tell us a bit more about your process of slow winemaking? It's all done by hand, from picking, pressing, bottling and even labelling (so please excuse an askew label!). Other than lights and a high-pressure hose, we use minimal electricity which gives us the time to focus on producing the best possible wine for our style of choice. We pick all our grapes by hand to ensure a healthy ferment, as we rely on wild yeast amongst the vines, not packet yeasts. We strongly believe that patience and biodiversity within the vineyard is the key to producing quality wines. The embrace of slow winemaking is essential for us, as winemaking without preservatives is risky business, so we need to care for each and every barrel to create a tasty product. What sets your wines apart? We keep with a ‘minimal intervention’ winemaking philosophy. In our case, this means we don’t add anything to our wines – no sulphur, no egg whites, no packets of tannins or flavouring, no preservatives, no packets of yeast, no acidity adjustments – just grapes and a whole lot of time and care. Our goal is to be completely organic by 2021 (we are currently 80 per cent organic due to a scarcity of organic fruit) and are moving in the direction of running our shed on solar power and filtered rainwater for cleaning. We aim to provide a high-quality product that aligns with our values towards sustainability. Can you tell us what it’s like making wine in the Illawarra – what is the local wine scene like? It's lovely to be able to make natural wine close to home! We are so grateful to be able to live on the coast and bring good quality organic grapes in from around NSW. It would be great if one day there were some local organic vineyards but for now there aren’t many to our knowledge. On the wine front in the Illawarra, places like Babyface Kitchen have offered an all-natural wine list long before it was common to do so, and stuck by it. Night Parrot also plays a big role in offering some great natural and unconventional wines.

LOCAL DROP

From last summer’s bushfires to the coronavirus pandemic, how have you felt the impact of these events across your business in 2020? The wine industry was hit big time by the fires. Many were worried about the issue of smoke taint, and we didn’t really know what to expect. Thankfully, it didn’t affect our wine, and we are super happy with our 2020 products. The vineyards we work with were readily testing grapes and giving us honest reports on what was still good to use, and how to adjust our winemaking techniques to minimise the risk of smoke taint showing up in a wine. This definitely changed some of our decision making as we had to opt for shorter ferments and quicker pressing off of grapes. Luckily for us, wine retail has been going great as people look to support local during COVID… and also look to warm up with a bottle or two at home.

salty tropical vibe – a fun, refreshing summer drop. Benson: Our 2020 Orange wine is the first of this style.The wine gets its colour and complexity from an extended skin contact, five months fermenting inside a barrel with grape skins. It is a delicious wine with a big fruity start continuing on to a mouth licking acidity, leaving you wanting more.

Where can people find Benson and the Mooch wines? For retail, you can find us on our website, along with DRNKS and PNV Wine + Liquor – they are both great places to not only get our wine but also try a plethora of other great Aussie and international wines.

For more info or to get your hands on some Benson & The Mooch wines: bensonandthemooch.com and @benson_and_the_mooch_wines

If you’re looking to try our wines with some dinner in ther Illawarra then Night Parrot, Babyface Kitchen and Black Cockatoo are the best bet. If you’re heading to the big smoke, we are in Sydney at Dimitri’s, Love Tilly Devine, Ms. G’s, Coogee Pavilion, as well as a number of Merivale venues. Do you have any favourites or top recommendations from your selection? Joel: I think the Disco Juice (Chardonnay Pét Nat) is always smashable and is probably our most recognisable. It’s lightly sparkling with a somewhat

What can we expect to see next from you guys? We have some exciting plans for the coming year, as we look to work with new regions. We are keen to experiment with some different varietals of grapes and make some new styles of Benson & The Mooch, and more of it! We will be fully organic, and will be joined by a team of keen young winemakers – we are giving them the opportunity to follow the same path towards independent winemaking that we took, and we’re really excited about it! ¡

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REVIEWS

day drinking with a hat on A NON-SCIENTIFIC REVIEW OF (NOT EVEN HALF) THE BEER GARDENS UP AND DOWN THE COAST Words Duncan Rintoul and Roger Fitzhardinge

The Jetty, Bulli

For the avoidance of doubt, this is not at an actual jetty: there ain't a pelican in sight! This is a hip and happening pop-up bar on the greens of the old Bulli Bowlo, run out of a converted shipping container by the clever cats at Coal Coast Brewing Co. The beer is tasty, the grub is quality and the pace is easy. Food trucks a-go-go (mmmmmâ&#x20AC;Ś brisket burger.)Â DR

Towradgi Beach Hotel

If you were wondering why Bellambi Bunnings has sold out of astroturf, look no further. This newly renovated old favourite has all the water features, palm trees and ocean breezes you know and love, now with a spanking new kitchen, day beds and a bit of a cruise ship vibe. More than enough to warrant settling in and singing the songs of your youth until the wee smalls. DR

REVIEWS

Reub Goldberg Brewing Machine, Tarrawanna

Synergy. Symbiosis. Call it what you will: a suburban microbrewery that serves no food finds itself surrounded by a cracking Thai restaurant, an old-school fish-and-chippery and a very wellstocked deli.You’re welcome to BYO food to Reub Goldberg, where you can match it with their regular crafty brews or a variety of seasonals, with everything from a Gose to a Milk Stout. RF

Illawarra Brewing Company Brewhouse, North Wollongong

Nestled in behind a coffee roastery and a hiphop dance studio, you can’t get fresher than drinking beer in the shadow of the tanks where it’s brewed. It’s not strictly a garden (there’s half a wine barrel outside with some flowers and lush carpark views), but there’s plenty of seating, a cheery warehouse atmosphere, and regular live tunes and food trucks. RF

Figtree Hotel

If you include the covered balcony areas, there’s arguably more outdoor space at the Figgy Hotel than indoor space. The garden is in a sunny spot between the hotel and the main road, making it the perfect place to play spotto with the kids. A caravan-style bar will feed you tasty treats and can fill your glass with a selection of crafties from the Australian Brewery (Rouse Hill). These guys know how to look after your designated driver too, with free schooners of soda water to keep your best buddy well hydrated and effervescent all day long. DR

Mount Kembla Hotel

Perched in the foothills of the escarpment, this charming old-school country pub has lots of indoor space to gather the fam for a feed, and a few interesting options on the taps to boot. The garden is tucked around the back, sporting a cosy courtyard and dappled shade from a big ol’ tree that was planted back when 20c could buy you a solid bag of mixed lollies. Free table tennis for the kids and the young at heart, ramp access for everyone else. DR

Club Windang

A stone’s throw from Windang bridge, this is a perfect spot to get your Otis Redding on and literally watch the tide roll in and watch it roll away again. Admittedly, that’s a fair time commitment, so thank your lucky stars the bar is well-priced. It's also the home of live music in the 'Dang, so grab a spot in the sunshine and enjoy the tunes. DR

LOCAL BUSINESS

collaborate & celebrate THE JETTY IN BULLI MAKING THE COMMUNITY STRONGER Words Penny Keogh Images Billi Aye @billilikes

In the year that’s been, we’ve witnessed the profound resilience and impressive industry of many business owners here in the Illawarra. Kelly Murphy, founder of craft beer brand Coal Coast Brewing Co. and owner of Bulli’s hospitality venue, The Jetty, is no exception. What makes Kelly’s story unique is what has evolved from this fight for business survival.

The Jetty, which has reinvigorated the old Bulli Bowling Greens into a modern meeting place for locals to enjoy their weekends, is set to build a new venue on the site, which includes space for small and emerging business. Housed under a unique dome, linking it to the cafe bar, The Boatsheds completes The Jetty’s offering as a destination for eating, drinking, retail and events. The concept of The Boatsheds form part of the plans, recently approved by Wollongong Council, that liken The Jetty to other innovative precincts such as Box Park in London, which bring people and small businesses together to collaborate and thrive. Here Kelly shares her vision for The Jetty and what we can expect in 2021.

LOCAL BUSINESS

planning “familWe’yrefriendl y events

such as outdoor cinema nights, food trucks and comedy gigs” What was the inspiration for The Jetty? I was raised in country Victoria, in a smalltown community much like the Illawarra. My grandfathers owned a local pub together and it’s where my parents' relationship blossomed. My parents then bought the local milk bar and I saw how hard they all worked. Small businesses contribute to the absolute livelihoods of towns and in turn foster a culture of community. Like the coal jetties of our Illawarra past that took the area’s black gold to the world, the name The Jetty is symbolic of my purpose to help local people showcase their talents and wares to the world. What of that spirit have you experienced over the past year? The Jetty stands for characteristics shared by most small business owners… tough and fragile.This year has thrown us to the wall so many times. We opened The Jetty to huge support but had to close after just eight days due to COVID-19 and lack of council vision. We then endured a lengthy Council DA approval process, all while adapting to lockdown restrictions by operating a food truck drive-thru, which fortunately garnered huge local support. I’ll always reflect on that time with gratitude to all those around us in this town who have pushed us along, yet hope we never have to do it again. What are your plans for The Jetty in 2021? For the first time in a while, I am excited about 2021. It feels like a turning point. We are ready

to have some fun! This summer we’re now opening The Jetty Cafe and Bar every Friday and Saturday from 12-8pm and 12-6pm on Sunday. We’ve also welcomed a local coffee cart business to the greens six mornings a week from 6am. We’re planning family-friendly events such as outdoor cinema nights, food trucks and comedy gigs, as well as ‘farm to plate’ long table dining, showcasing our incredible local producers. I’m so proud to be launching The Boatsheds, as I know we’ve come to a point where other businesses can benefit from it. The Jetty Boatsheds are a purpose-fit shipping container designed for startups and small businesses of boutique services and wares to hire for a day, a weekend or a week to showcase their craft, without the pressure of long-term leases. I’m going to get a real kick out of watching other small operators succeed alongside us. There is no shortage of talented, skilled and determined people here in the Illawarra. All they need is a collaborative commercial space to be able to give it a go without fear of failure. Whenever I experience uncertainty in my decision making, I reflect on a favourite quote from Mark Twain, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sailsˮ. My hope is The Jetty Boatsheds are the push some people need. ¡

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FINDS FOR YOU

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ADVERTORIAL

ADVENTURE AT HOME

Clifton School of Arts Thirroul Gallery

The Egg & Dart

Timbermill Studios

55 Parrots

Seascape & Ocean Art Gallery

Art Arena Gallery Inc.

Wollongong Art Gallery

Project Contemporary Artspace Art Bar Kiama 62

Kiama Art Gallery

ADVENTURE AT HOME

art trail A VISIT TO THE LOUVRE MAY BE OFF THE CARDS FOR A WHILE, BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL FAR FOR A DOSE OF CREATIVITY AND CULTURE Words Alex Knight

Art galleries are sanctuaries – a place to take a breath and marvel at the grand and skilful handiwork of others. And after a turbulent year, who isn’t seeking the kind of peaceful reflection a slow stroll through a gallery can offer? The Illawarra proudly boasts a bunch of beautiful art spaces, with each location showcasing a variety of genres reflective of the region’s history, culture and creativity, all while supporting established and emerging local talent. From Kiama to the northern suburbs, there is an array of gorgeous galleries to explore…

Wollongong Art Gallery

Art Bar Kiama 6/4 Tingira Crescent Kiama. artbarkiama.com For those seeking a contemporary way to view art, the Art Bar Kiama is the place to be! Managed by ABJ Creative, this modern gallery serves up delicious tapas, local and international wines and craft beers, allowing patrons to dine, drink and peruse the changing art exhibitions at their pleasure. They also do a Sunday session with live music and cocktails.

Kiama Art Gallery kiamaartgallery.com.au Owned and managed by Andrea Hope, this gallery offers a more personal approach. Opened by appointment only, the gallery houses a collection of Australian and European paintings and prints that have been acquired over a number of years, including works by the famous Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Jacques Villon.

Project Contemporary Artspace 255 Keira St Wollongong. projectgallery.com.au Project Contemporary Artspace is a not-for-profit organisation that is run by artists for artists. It highlights the works of Illawarra creatives and provides a space for artists to collaborate, gain recognition and sell their work. The space began as a vision of three graduates from the University of Wollongong Fine Arts course – Lisa Havilah, Glen Barkley and Nathan Clarke – as they recognised that there was no suitable location for local artists to exhibit and perform their work. Now the unique volunteer-run gallery, which has been open since 1996, attracts events from many different artforms, including poetry, theatre, music and dance, as well as visual arts exhibitions.

Corner Kembla & Burelli Streets Wollongong. wollongongartgallery.com Wollongong Art Gallery is one of the largest regional galleries in Australia. Their collection includes Australian, Aboriginal and Asian artworks, and also houses a permanent collection which documents Illawarra regional histories and art practices. Run by Wollongong City Council, the gallery is recognised as an important space for local, emerging and international artists.

Art Arena Gallery Inc. Suite 1a, 39 Market Street Wollongong. mgnsw.org.au A volunteer-based art gallery in Wollongong, ART Arena Gallery Inc. hosts exhibitions, workshops and events and is one of the longest artist-run-initiatives in the Illawarra. Conveniently located in the centre of town, it continues to support emerging artists’ careers.

ADVENTURE AT HOME

Thirroul Gallery 228 Lawrence Hargrave Drive Thirroul. thirroulgallery.com

Seascape & Ocean Art Gallery 84C Kembla St, Wollongong. warrenkeelan.com Run by highly regarded photographer, Warren Keelan – the incredible talent who shot this issue’s cover! – this gallery exhibits and sells prints of his stunning photography. The multi-international awardwinning seascape and ocean photographer exhibits his very own limited-edition print collections to peruse or purchase.

Timbermill Studios 2-6 Molloy Street, Bulli. timbermillstudios.com.au A hub for creatives in the middle of Bulli, Timbermill Studios, showcases artists’ works for sale on their gallery walls while also offering space for artists to make and create, plus houses retail stores and a great cafe. This inspiring space which has been thoughtfully converted from the original sawmill, first established in the 1900s, has a rotating roster of exhibitions for visitors to enjoy. From painters, and potters to photographers and podcasters, the studios are well used and much-loved.

55 Parrots 237 Princes Highway Bulli. 55parrots.com The recently opened 55 Parrots concept store in Bulli not only sells homewares but is also home to a large gallery space supporting and promoting local artists. With artists lined up to exhibit here for months to come, with three of those coming months dedicated to First Nations’ artists, this brand-new spot is a must-visit for art-lovers.

The Egg & Dart Shop 2, 1-3 Raymond Road, Thirroul. egganddart.com.au It may be small, but The Egg & Dart sure is mighty. Recent presentations at the esteemed international art fair, Sydney Contemporary, prove the Egg & Dart stands tall against big-city art institutions. Boasting an incredibly talented stable of artists including Christopher Zanko and India Marks, this gallery hosts exhibitions that are as unique as they are impressive.

A few more to check out…

The great little shed at the back of Wombats Collectibles in Thirroul is an art space like no other. The gallery came about when Jason Rogers recognised the potential for the shed, cluttered with closets and doors, which has now evolved to exhibit artists new and old in an urban rustic environment.

Clifton School of Arts 338 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Clifton. artsclifton.org Although not solely used as a gallery, it would be remiss not to mention the historical community building, just south of the Sea Cliff Bridge, which has been part of the Illawarra for more than a century. Over the years, the building deteriorated to the point where demolition was likely, but in 1996, lobbying for the restoration began. Grants were received from Wollongong City Council, NSW Heritage Commission and private donors but the efforts of the local community brought the building back to life and continue to support it today as an arts hub, which provides space for established and emerging artists to show their works. ¡

Articles Fine Art Gallery 111 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Stanwell Park johnvander.com.au King & Ayres Interiors 3A Victoria St, Wollongong urbantimber.com.au Duckprint Fine Art Limited Editions 39-41 Wentworth St, Port Kembla duckprintfineart.com.au Velozo Studio and Gallery 6 Kelly St, Berkeley Sketch Coffee and Art 121 Towradgi Rd, Towradgi sketchcoffeeandart.com Laird’s Custom Framing & Fine Art 5/29-31 Durgadin Dr, Albion Park Rail lairds.com.au

ceremonies that reflect your personality //

@jacquacelebrant 0411 015 434

TRAVEL

gone country THE AUSSIE SILO ART TRAIL MAKES FOR THE PERFECT ROAD TRIP THROUGH COUNTRY NSW Words Matt Castell curatedtravel.com.au Images Buzzer’s Photography @_b_u_z_z_e_r_

The Australian Silo Art Trail movement started in Northam, WA, in 2015 and now includes more than 36 silos, 60 water towers and a burgeoning display of regional street art locations around the nation.

Weethalle

Barraba

If you’re keen for a spot of lunch, stop at the Road Kill Grillz for a feed on your way in. Don’t be put off by the name – it’s known for serving delicious meals – and don’t forget to grab a bumper sticker before leaving. It’s no surprise that the silo art is dedicated to agriculture, portraying a sheep shearer in action, a grain farmer and a flock of sheep perched on a balcony.

Tucked into a bend on the Manilla River, Barraba is surrounded by a natural paradise known by birdwatchers, anglers and 4WD enthusiasts. Explore a mixture of colonial and art-deco architecture on Queen Street, then pack your esky for an adventure to Horton Falls (if there has been rain recently), then stop at the Barraba silos, just west of town and sporting images of a farmer “water divining”. Check out the 2014 film The Water Diviner starring Russell Crowe to learn more about the practice.

TRAVEL

Whilst our international borders remain closed and domestic travel is still limited, now is the perfect time to load up a new playlist, grab a few mates and jump in the car to visit some quirky NSW towns that you might not have heard of… but will be telling all your friends about when you arrive home!

The NSW portion of the Australian Silo Art Trail boasts more than 2100km of outback roads and over 13 Insta-worthy rural locations that are as unique as they are charming. Illawarra photographer Brian Castle of Buzzer’s Photography visited a handful of the silos recently to snap these incredible images. Plus, there’s plenty more to do in these regional towns once you’ve seen the silos, so get the map ready and get on the road…

Dunedoo

Grenfell

If you love a punt, then you might guess that the recently painted silo in the tiny hamlet of Dunedoo depicts famous Australian jockey Hugh Bowman atop unbeaten thoroughbred Winx with her trainer, Chris Waller, standing next to her. Pull up a stool at the Dunedoo Hotel for a cool beverage and spark up a chat with a local about the town’s history, then stop by the museum to see Indigenous artefacts and learn more about the mining and military history of the area.

Home to famous writer and bush poet, Henry Lawson, this gold rush town now attracts visitors for its welcoming pubs, art galleries and historic architecture. If you’re a lover of Australian ‘big things’, tick of the Big Gold Pick and Pan on the way to the silos, painted by Heesco Khosnaran in 2017 (who also painted the Weethalle silos). His artwork depicts a contemporary landscape of the Weddin Shire. ¡

LOCAL CREATIVE

design dream LIASING WITH ROCKSTARS AND CELEBRITIES IS ALL IN A DAY’S WORK FOR AWARD-WINNING WOLLONGONG-BORN ARTIST RICK CABALLO Images Dead Horse Branding, Melissa Core-Caballo

“I am very lucky I can shift gears in many creative directions from building websites, to designing and building motorcycles from designing fashion to playing music,” Rick says. “I just follow the direction I’m being pulled toward.”

Wollongong expat Rick Caballo is a man of many talents… singer/songwriter/ artist/photographer/designer! Equally at home singing on stage before thousands, or working up designs for brands, Rick is creative in every sense of the word. Currently located in Music City, Nashville, Tennessee, where he co-founded and is the Art Director of Dead Horse Branding, this accomplished and award-winning artist is constantly in demand, and now currently in the midst of setting up an office back home in Wollongong!

Working with his wife Melissa Core-Caballo, who started out at i98FM in Wollongong, this dynamic duo has established numerous successful enterprises together. After launching their rockfashion label CORELLO in 2012, the pair quickly attracted interest, with the designs being worn by the likes of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and rockstar Alice Cooper. In 2015, Dead Horse Branding was born, and the creative company now provides brand management to a plethora of big-names and businesses. “Dead Horse Branding is a one-stop shop – having all services from graphic design, publicity, marketing to overall brand management all

LOCAL CREATIVE under one roof. We work with musicians, TV hosts, chefs, fashion brands, designers and builders,” says Rick. “My wife is really the brains behind it all – she incorporated my talents as a visual creative with her talents in the music/ fashion business world. She is an amazing businesswoman and it was inevitable we would be okay with her steering the ship.” It was Rick’s love of art that kicked off what is now an enviable career: “As a kid I would race home from school and paint graphics on motocross helmets for me and my buddies. I left school at 16, started an apprenticeship in Wollongong as a signwriter, and ended up working for Burling Signs for years. During that time, I got into writing songs and playing music too, and would follow bands, study them and then steal their tricks,” he laughs. Rick also started designing merch for Aussie bands John Butler Trio, Grinspoon and the Screaming Jets. He became good friends with members of the Jets, and eventually a few of them started playing in Rick’s band when they were off the road. “It was such a fun time in my life. Dapto Pub hasn’t been the same since!” Rick laughs. “But it was always art that got my foot in the door, especially when I would design fake backstage passes to sneak into a Rolling Stones concert or private celebrity events – these days we just get invited (not as much fun).” The move to the US 14 years ago came about after Rick toured extensively as a musician through the States, and received some interest from a music producer in Nashville. “It was pretty frightening jumping straight into the studio with all these famous and talented musicians, but super fun at the same time,” Rick says. “I always knew I wanted more and to be working amongst the best of the best. I felt I still had room to grow in Oz, but I wanted to bypass the remaining climb and start climbing again on a bigger and taller US ladder.” And climb the US ladder he did, recently winning a Graphic Design USA Award for his work on the Baha Men’s revamped website. “It was great, so much fun,” says Rick. “I don’t get starstruck these days, but every now and then I’ll look back and just smile from the people we’ve hung out with, and the close relationships we have formed with them.”

Be honest, work hard, “ be persistent, then follow up with great work. Very simple!” Working in the US has proven lucrative for this homegrown talent, who credits that famous “Aussie heads down, bums up work ethic”, for making him and other expats like him a hot commodity in the Land of Opportunity. But despite building a career that has seen such dizzying heights, this multi-faceted creative is refreshingly humble, and down-to-earth in his approach to business: “Be honest, work hard, be persistent, then follow up with great work. Very simple!” says Rick, who’s affection for his hometown has also never waivered. “We miss family, friends, walking around Belmore Basin, and the laid-back lifestyle. I love Wollongong and once we set up an office there, Melissa and I plan on spending half our time in the US and the other half in Australia.” ¡

COAL COAST KIDS BON E YA R D BON E YA R D MINNAMURRA K IAMA RAI N FOR EST H ARBOUR BL ACK HEAD SE ASONA L RESE RVE SIGHTI NGS

MINNAMURRA K IAMA E ASTS RAI NBONAIRA FOR EST NATIVE H ARBOUR GARDE NS BEACH

BONAIRA N GARDEL

finding magic on your doorstep JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER HOLIDAY ADVENTURES, THE KIAMA PASSPORT FOR KIDS IS THE PERFECT WAY TO DISCOVER OUR BEAUTIFUL BUSH, BEACHES AND BEYOND Words Erin Huckle @chucklecommunications

“After years of stressful work at high-profile magazines, I was burnt out. I was used to a city pace of life, rushing all the time. Moving to Kiama has helped me learn to live at a slower pace, and I’ve discovered the health and wellbeing benefits of being in nature,” says Melissa.

When’s the last time you went for a walk, and stopped to examine the colours of the pebbles on a beach, or the residents of a rockpool at low tide? We’re often too busy with the day-to-day of our lives, to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of the region where we live. But for Kiama local Melissa Mylchreest, the treasures in the beauty spots of Kiama and its surrounding areas proved too good to ignore. Moving to the area from Sydney in 2019, Melissa started exploring the beaches, bushland and nature trails of Kiama, and was blown away by the natural beauty, wildlife and coastline around the town.

“It was in slowing down, that I started to really appreciate the amazing experiences on our doorstep, and the way we can have such enriching sensory experiences in nature – taking in the sights, the sounds, the smells. It’s transformational.” Melissa used her background in publishing to start her own business, Rewilding Life, and her first publication, The Kiama Passport for Kids, was published in October 2020. The Kiama Passport for Kids is a hands-on way for kids and their grown-ups to make the most of their time in nature together, with seven adventures for the Kiama area: Boneyard, Minnamurra Rainforest, Kiama Harbour, Bonaira Native Gardens, Easts Beach, Loves Bay and Black Head Reserve.

COAL COAST KIDS

Each adventure includes a map, local wildlife from that location to look out for, and activities to do along the way – from leaf rubbings and spaces for drawing and stories, to treasure hunt ideas and bird-watching tips. The Passport also includes a guide to wildlife for the area, and colourful stickers of the local plants and animals. “Ever since moving here, I’ve felt like I’m on holiday when I explore the area – from the Kiama Coast Walk to exploring the escarpment and the local beaches. I started researching holiday guides for the area, and I saw a need for something which was nature-focused, and truly engaging for kids,” says Melissa. Although created with kids in mind, Melissa says the Kiama Passport for Kids is a way to connect with the child inside us all. “It’s about having fun and capturing joyful moments. Being present in nature, and being mindful of our surroundings.” The Kiama Passport for Kids, which can also be ordered with a matching bright yellow backpack including coloured pencils to get you started, has already received lots of positive feedback, and its appeal has been recognised by Destination Kiama, who helped fund the project. Sally Bursell from Destination Kiama, said: “We’ve found that people are itching to get out and about – that taste of COVID isolation seems to have momentarily created a sense of disconnect from the natural world that people are craving to get back. Our national parks and outdoor facilities are facing marked increases of visitation with the recent winter and spring school holidays looking more like the occupancy of Christmas!

“Kiama Passport for Kids provides parents and grandparents an easy way to explore our beautiful area at the ground roots level. Instead of buying a trinket or souvenir, parents can invest in something that will not only occupy the kids for longer than a couple of minutes but also assist them in reconnecting and resetting their growing brains.” Melissa consulted with kids, parents and teachers when creating the passport, to make sure it was age-appropriate, and something which kids will actually want to use. The journal aspect of the book mean it can become a keepsake, a record of adventures and experiences shared. The Kiama Passport for Kids is ideal for kids aged 6-13 years old, but it’s also a great tool for anyone who wants to slow down, and be more mindful and present in the time they’re spending exploring nature. “My favourite local wildlife are the bright blue fairy wrens. I see them almost daily when I’m out walking, and they never fail to put a smile on my face,” says Melissa. “Kiama really is such a special place. Beaches, rainforest and rural idyll, plus a thriving town centre. We used to holiday down at Greenwell Point when I was growing up, and we’d always stop at Kiama along the way. I love that I now call this place my home.” ¡

The Kiama Passport for Kids and backpack are available online, or from stockists in Kiama including the Kiama Visitor Information Centre, Bouqiniste and The Bookshop Kiama. Further editions for other local areas are being planned. Find out more at www.rewildinglife.com.au

GARDENING

plant, love, grow! TOP 5 NATIVE PLANTS FOR FLOWERS, FOLIAGE AND FORM Words Kath Gadd, Mallee Design malleedesign.com.au

Native plants possess such a variety of colour and shape and make great additions to any garden. Each season plant breeders release new cultivars with bigger, more brightly coloured flowers and more compact and interesting forms. So, if you’re looking to flex that green thumb this summer, these native plants are reliable, adaptable and will bring something special to your outdoor space.

Banksia spinulosa ‘bush candles’

Bracteantha bracteata

There are many forms of dwarf banksia spinulosa but ‘bush candles’ is a favourite for its golden flower spikes with contrasting black styles. It makes a wonderful feature shrub, flowering from autumn through to spring, but in summer the only maintenance it needs is to remove the spent flowers. Banksia ‘bush candles’ grows to 0.5m high x 0.7m wide and enjoy full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. A large range of birds feed from the prolific nectar from these flowers.

The paper daisy is a shortlived shrub which flowers profusely during spring and summer, attracting bees and other pollinating insects. The flowers are long-lasting and can be cut and then dried – they come in yellows, orange, red and pink, and the plant can be propagated easily from cuttings. Use them as a feature plant in the front of other shrubs or as a container plant for balconies and courtyards. They require a light prune after flowering to keep them from becoming leggy. They enjoy full sun to part shade in well-drained soil.

Banksia Dwarf

Paper Daisy

GARDENING

Eucalyptus ficifolia Grafted

Dwarf Flowering Eucalyptus

Gum trees have some of the most beautiful and iconic flowers, and the breeding of dwarf forms of eucalyptus has been a welcome development for many gardeners and designers. Now you can have a wonderful small feature eucalypt without having your garden taken over. A large range of dwarf grafted eucalyptus ficifolia is now available and they are all striking small trees with large glossy leaves and showy red new growth. They flower from spring into autumn with many colours available, from pink, orange, red and whites, and they grow anywhere from three to seven metres high.

Xanthorrhoea johnsonii

Grass Tree

Grass trees are one of the most iconic of Australian plants, with their black trunk, soft weeping grass head and stately flower spike – they are a living sculpture. Xanthorrhoea grow extremely slowly, which is why they are so expensive – only registered growers are allowed to harvest and sell grass trees in Australia. Grass trees grow well in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. They look great planted in groups or in the foreground of a garden bed. They respond well to having an annual haircut and burn if you have a blow torch handy – sounds strange, but this will encourage flowering and fresh new growth while also making sure the plant doesn’t suffer from pests and diseases.

Themeda triandra ‘mingo’

Prostrate Kangaroo Grass A very useful ground cover form of kangaroo grass, with blue grey foliage and showy seed heads, it creates a soft weeping mat and is a great weed suppressant. It makes an excellent border plant and looks great contrasting with the greens of other native grasses. Themeda ‘mingo’ will grow to 0.2m high x 1m wide and tolerates full sun but thrives in part shade. Seed-eating birds are attracted to the seed heads in summer and an annual prune will keep the plant dense. ¡

SLUG

Mallee Design

A Specialised Landscape Design Practice - Australian Native Landscape Design - Spun Copper Bird Baths, Water Bowls & Water Features - Sustainable Landscapes - Wildlife Habitat Gardens - Knowledge of Illawarra Local Species malleedesign.com.au birdbaths.malleedesign.com.au

LIFE SKILLS

high school to hireable A PROGRAM HELPING SCHOOL LEAVERS PREPARE FOR SECURING JOBS DURING THE PANDEMIC Images LA Early @la_early

Gap Years are cancelled, work experience placements are hard to find, and out-of-work professionals are taking the jobs at Bunnings and Woollies that students would often be applying for.

Not every school leaver will go on to further education and for those who do, many will need part-time or casual work to sustain themselves as they study. Traditionally students have wanted or needed part-time work from Year 10 onwards. Others crave work experience so they can get some idea of what they want to do in the future. The options for both during this pandemic are limited. Australia is currently in recession for the first time since 1991, meaning school leavers are facing a jobs market that is anything but certain. Students are behind the eight ball from the start and that makes preparation to be competitive at job interviews a skill set that should, or must, be available and affordable to every school leaver. Heading into an interview with little or no work experience has students feeling at a disadvantage from the outset – what do you say? How do you answer questions? What shouldn’t you say? How do they prove their ability and potential? It’s hard enough for experienced job seekers, let alone high school students. While adults are head down trying to save businesses, reinvent careers and manage unplanned redundancies, the next generation are thinking: ‘What about us?’

Along comes a timely COVID initiative from global interview coach and Thirroul local, Kirsty Anne Ferguson, and executive TVC producer Tanja Perl. When their aviation coaching business took a giant hit as that industry went into a spin, they turned their 20 years of experience to mobilising a long-held passion project. What resulted was a user-friendly interview skills video program aimed at high school students. The High School to Hireable programs’ guiding value is – it must be affordable for all schools and students across the country irrespective of socio-economic standing. There’s been a lot said about the struggle of teachers and students to manage remote learning and the impact on both parents and family life in recent times. But looking beyond that, history shows that if the next generation goes into freefall, everyone will suffer the economic fallout. “Our Interview Skills Video Program provides students with the language to communicate their aptitude and illustrate their attitude, the resilience to fail, recover and persist through the challenges we know they will face,” says Kirsty. The program is a set of bite-sized videos and workbooks, making it affordable, flexible and accessible across the country. In addition to the video course, Kirsty and Tanja offer tailored live workshops at schools. Think the Hamish and Andy of interviews – entertaining, educational and inspiring.

LIFE SKILLS

top mistakes made at interviews

After speaking with recruiters, HR and CEOs, Kirsty recognised some things that were clear deal breakers, and has a few tips on how to succeed… 1. Not researching the company thoroughly. Google is your best friend. Google everything always and often. If a candidate attends an interview with me and they don’t know about my business in detail… see ya later. 2. It’s like getting blood out of a stone. Nobody likes interviews, but every question is an opportunity for you to shine. Being easy to deal with builds rapport. Dragging information out of a candidate is exhausting. It’s often obvious they have potential and ability but unless you tell the employer, they cannot assess you. 3. They brought no ideas to the table. Whatever the role, employers hire people who deliver. Deliver solutions and ideas as well as outcomes. They hire how you think and act, making ideas, lateral thinking and problem resolution some of the top skills and attributes they seek. Think of specific examples in advance. 4. Sharing opinions instead of facts. Evidence, baby, evidence! Employers want evidence of your ability and what you can achieve for them. Not opinions, as they say… everyone has one. Stick to the facts and evidence rather than fluffy general answers. 5. Being forgettable. I may have spoken to two Sues and three Johns today, it becomes a bit of a blur. Don’t be a blur. Take the time to think about what makes you memorable in an entire line up of Sues and Johns. I used to say 'Karens', but that's been taken! Think of something unique about you nobody else could say – not earth-shattering just particular to you. 6. Swearing. Even if the ‘F’ word is part of the vernacular nowadays, you don't actually know each other, so the ‘F’ word is way too familiar and is therefore… out. Most roles require professional communication ability and you can guarantee that you will be assessed on that. 7. You lost me right after “hello”. Pretty close to question number one is “Tell me about yourself – or career?” Presenting a diatribe of irrelevant information is snoozeville. Keep it succinct and relevant. So no, we probably don’t need to know that you race trail bikes in your spare time and had two broken legs in 12 months. I had that answer recently and all I could think was, ‘Wow, he probably has quite a bit of down time.’ 8. Not understanding the question. If you don’t understand the question, please, please, please do not ask for the question to be repeated. Why? Because you will just get the same information. Get the right information before you kick off your answer. Give yourself the best chance of success with research, facts that illustrate your value and potential, and decide on that one sentence they will remember you for. ¡ The program is available for students, and for schools in a classroom format. Get in touch at info@highschooltohireable.com.au and visit www.highschooltohireable.com for more information.

EDUCATION

It’s been a turbulent year for school students, with many feeling the stress of lost structure and no face-to-face learning during the lockdown period, but Geneva Clayton, Head of The Illawarra Grammar Junior School, admits there has been blessings to come from this new normal, too. “Schools across Australia have worked to produce outstanding offerings with the resources available to them,” she says. “Students have lost some time in the classroom and perhaps missed content, however, I feel confident that the learning beyond this has been far greater. Students have a larger awareness of themselves as people and learners. Many wonderful learnings have resulted from the challenges of 2020 for both staff and students.”

learning the way DESPITE THE DISRUPTION 2020 BROUGHT TO CLASSROOMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA, THE HEAD OF TIGS JUNIOR SCHOOL, GENEVA CLAYTON, HAS SEEN PLENTY OF POSITIVES

A dynamic addition to the TIGS staff, Geneva’s joy and passion for learning is evident in her meaningful, inquiry-based, and fun approach to teaching. “I love making a difference to the lives of young people,” she says. “Teachers have the capacity to change people’s lives; this is a huge honour and one that I am thrilled to be a part of.” With 20 years teaching experience, the highly regarded educator led the charge during 2020 to ensure disruptions to education were minimal and manageable. She and her team implemented new programs and strategies that ensured students felt supported through the online learning and back-to-classroom transitions, including sophisticated assessment tools and high levels of pastoral care for the school community. When statewide NAPLAN testing was cancelled, Geneva drove the introduction of a redesigned approach to personalised learning and assessment, with a suite of assessments and tools to accurately identify areas of opportunity and growth for students' academic development. "With the absence of NAPLAN this year, our innovative MAP assessment tool lets us see how students have grown and map out their next steps. It allows teachers to continually monitor

EDUCATION each student's learning needs and progress,” she says. “Targeted instruction, for all learners, is provided to address skill gaps and we have students who have mastered concepts working up to two-years above their grade level. Regular implementation of the assessment provides current data about student progress that feeds directly into our teaching and learning programs. This has led to greater growth for all students across the school.” When TIGS students returned to school earlier this year, they completed the MAP assessment and the results indicated excellent levels of progress for the majority of learners. The off-campus offerings were highly successful, with the majority of students thriving in this environment – self paced, independent and highly personalised. And due to the success of this hybrid model, plans are in place to continue to use part of this platform moving forward. While COVID-19 is something the community has to learn to live with for the moment, the success of these programs allowed parents

Teachers have the capacit“y to change people’s lives, this is a huge honour and one that I am thrilled to be a part of” and students to rest easier knowing plans are in place in the event of further obstructions to schooltime. “While we hope that this will not be the case, we are prepared and will transition to this with ease and high levels of confidence if needed,” Geneva says. Despite the difficulty faced by schools this year, this passionate leader and teacher says students have handled the change brilliantly. “They have shown that they have capacity to adapt to changes,” Geneva says. “Children are resilient.” ¡

LOCAL SPORT

the hard yards THE ILLAWARRA’S ONLY GRIDIRON CLUB ARE CHARGING FORWARD Words Emma Smith Image In Motion Sports Photography @inmotionsportsphotography

Though gridiron may be considered a predominantly American sport, buzz is building in Australia as more athletes sign up in the hope of scoring a touchdown! Right here in the Illawarra, the Wollongong Mustangs – the only gridiron club on the south coast – kicked off their 2020 season in October to a promising start. First established in 1991, the club now has a senior team boasting 50 players and a junior team, the Colts, made up of around 25. Heading up the coaching staff is former NFL player, Jordan Stalker from Bulli, who after making the switch from rugby league to gridiron in his late teens went on to captain the Australian gridiron team, travel to Texas for an International Federation of American Football World Training Camp, and earn a scholarship to Gardner-Webb University in America to play for the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

LOCAL SPORT

After a few successful years in the US, Jordan is back home and taking his role as head coach of the Mustangs in his stride – we caught up with the 27-year-old talent to talk pre-game superstitions and the growing interest in the American-born sport… How was the club first established in Wollongong? In July 1991, an exhibition game of American College Football between Arizona and Idaho was played at Brandon Park Wollongong, and drew a crowd of 8000 people. Seizing upon the interest generated by that game and the popularity of sport on TV, several Illawarra-based players who had been playing with the Sutherland Seahawks decided to start a gridiron club in Wollongong. Recruiting began in September that year, and about 80 players attended an information meeting. Over the coming weeks this was soon whittled down to around 30. Those initially impressed by the uniform and the glamour of the game were soon awakened by the costs, commitment and energy needed to play gridiron. Those veterans from the Seahawks – Hugh V'Cortez, John Boss, Zoran Janevski and Ben and Paul Curcio – became the clubs first coaching staff. Sponsorship was secured by the local McDonald's franchise and the North Wollongong Hotel, and with the US dollar in our favour, the team purchased equipment. The players were then given a vote on the team name and the Mustangs were born. How did you first get involved in the club? I was added to a Facebook group in 2011 by a friend from school. I didn’t actually know that we played gridiron here in Australia. After being added to the group I went along to a session and loved it, so just kept going.

You’ve had an impressive career, captaining the Australian team, playing for the Runnin’ Bulldogs in the US, and now head coach of the Wollongong Mustangs. Has there been an ultimate highlight? There are lots! But I think one that really stands out was having my parents there for homecoming when I was playing in America. Homecoming is basically the biggest game of the season. In 2014, we played against UFC Charlotte and my parents flew over to watch that game. We knocked them off – we were the big underdogs. Being part of that and having my parents there, and turning 21 the following weekend, would definitely be the highlight. Did you ever have a special routine or superstition you had to do before playing a big game? Oh, there are so many! I’m weird like that. I’ll always put my right sock on, left sock on, right boot, left boot. Stuff like that. I don’t think it brings me any extra luck or anything but, it’s a bit of an OCD thing. I am really particular. If I find something that works, I'll stick with it. What has it been like transitioning from being a player to a coach? I was given opportunities to do a bit of both in Europe last year. And off the back off that I had the opportunity to coach the Wollongong junior team, the Colts. Then this year, working with the seniors has been a little different to coaching juniors. You’ve got guys who have families to worry about, outside of sport. So, it’s been different in terms of where their heads are at and what their priorities are in life. My philosophy is to be the coach I wish I had growing up. Ultimately, coaching is about finding the balance between having fun – because you should enjoy playing sport; it shouldn’t feel like a chore – and also getting the team to improve with each session. So as long as I can do that as a coach, I’m happy. When scouting players, what are some of the key things you look out for? I’ve talked to coaches overseas about this and basically you can’t teach aggression. People either have it or they don’t. Same with size. But what you really look for is people who put in aggression. They don’t always have to be the most skilful. Good coaches can coach good skill into guys, but having that natural inner tiger is what stands out the most.

LOCAL SPORT

Is there a lot of local interest in the sport? It’s definitely picking up. In terms of participation this year, even with COVID and all the restrictions, we’ve doubled our seniors’ team. We’ve gone from mid-20s to about 50 players this year. And the Colts (junior age group) are similar with around 25-30 players. For a primarily American sport, do you think interest is growing here in Australia? I feel like the sport is picking up interest in Australia. With social media constantly growing, people are gaining more access to American sports, which definitely helps with exposure. In general, too, Australians just love sport. It’s celebrated a bit differently here. It’s more theatrical in the States as the gridiron players are considered celebrities. Whereas in Australia we bring them back down to earth. What age groups can get involved with the Wollongong Mustangs? Our juniors are turning or have already turned 16-19 in 2020, and we are always looking for players there. And our seniors age group is 18-plus. We combine

practise with seniors and juniors so it’s really good to get amongst it. It’s a really supportive environment and our goal this year is to build that connection with seniors and juniors and really drive that club culture. How do you expect the team will go in the 2020 competition? I’m feeling good. My measure of success is not necessarily wins or losses. It’s more about meeting the expectations we put on ourselves at training and on game days, in terms of holding ourselves accountable to high standards as a club. It’s looking really promising across both teams. The preparation has been good. It’s just about whether it shows up on game day. Regardless, we are taking big steps forward in a good direction. How would you describe the club’s overall morale? Really positive! I've told the guys at each session to keep playing like we’re the underdogs and good things will happen! ¡ Find the Wollongong Mustangs on Facebook and Instagram for more.

fast five favourites

Favourite coffee shop… Buck Hamblin in Thirroul Favourite beach… McCauley’s Favourite restaurant… Coastal Thai in Thirroul Favourite way to spend the weekend… Playing golf with my mates Favourite NFL team… Carolina Panthers

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the great outdoors at home CREATE THE PERFECT OPEN-AIR SPACE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD – YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE! Words Birdblack Design

Aussies are known for their laidback attitude and mateship, and while 2020 has been absolutely bananas, as a nation, we are making choices to try to live our best lives. People from all over the country are capitalising on a new kind of ‘home life’ – one where we are taking advantage of the great outdoors right in our own backyard. There has been a huge surge in outdoor kitchens and alfresco dining areas, as well as home bars! Ground floors, backyards, front lawns, rooftops, balconies and patios are all perfect locations to enjoy outdoor living.

LOCAL STYLE

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Traditionally, outdoor cooking areas are a rusty barbecue or small grill. It is time to upgrade! Outdoor kitchens can now include beautiful benchtops, bar fridges, a sink to wash up – even a full-blown oven, if you prefer. Your alfresco dining area doesn’t have to be rickety furniture either, but can include partial roofing, celing fans and heaters, and perhaps a lovely fireplace for the cooler months of the year. This space can become the best room of the house and allow you to host guests all year round. This summer, enjoy home-grown memories, surrounded by family and friends. The people of the Illawarra love entertaining and by installing an outdoor kitchen, alfresco dining area or home bar, living at home just gets so much better!

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COAL COAST FAVES

things we love around town...

XO prawn toast Bush walk to Kellys Falls Purple daze cocktail Smokey pork slaw Almond milk cappuccino

Resin Brewing, Bulli Helensburgh

Humber Bar, Wollongong

Quay Canteen, Wollongong Leaf Cafe & Co, Shell Cove

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COAL COAST FAVES

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@kai_photography1 One of my favourites so far at the Seacliff Bridge, Coalcliff, NSW

TAG US IN YOUR PICS ON INSTAGRAM & WE WILL PRINT OUR FAVES EACH ISSUE. GET SNAPPING!

@jenny.guerrera My ocean love forever....

@elisemareephotography Wednesday shredder!

@saltcalls Relive the last Qantas 747 flight as it flew over Wollongong whilst soaking up the sun on a vibrant super soft and cosy all-over sublimation towel.

@art_by_marc_poisson Country View Near Kiama NSW oil on stretched canvas

COFFEE CHAT

so every ee loverserhereor ,bari We’re we’a llbunchacht ofto coff e own cup. sta issue what makes athecafperf ect about

hey brew MEET ELISE FROM KISS & DROP 6/31 Thames St, West Wollongong Images Cortney Apro, Powderpuff Photography

You've recently taken over Kiss & Drop – how did that happen? It was definitely a case of the universe speaking loudly to me. I mentioned to a friend that having a cafe of my own was on my bucket list and later that day Kiss & Drop popped up for sale. I knew it was meant to be. Kiss & Drop is my local and I’ve always adored the space.

What’s the inspiration behind your menu – how do you create it? We love food at Kiss & Drop, so creating the menu was so easy and fun! Collaborating with our talented chef Jodie, we focused on good quality, locally sourced ingredients and created menu items both visually pleasing and delicious.

What changes did you make when you took over the cafe? I took over the cafe during lockdown, so the main focus was creating a positive, safe and welcoming environment. We were a social outlet for our community when everyone was worried and unsure about what the future held. I inherited a wonderful team of beautiful people who made it easy to remain upbeat and happy. The previous owners were also an amazing support and so encouraging. Before opening up for sit-down dining, the beautiful Nadine from Wild Flora Studio in Thirlmere filled our space with the most incredible greenery. The plants have given life to Kiss & Drop.

What brand of coffee do you serve and why? We serve Single O coffee. It’s delicious and they are the absolute best people to deal with – so much energy, support and coffee knowledge coming our way from Single O. What’s the secret to a perfect brew? A good quality and sustainable bean, the perfect recipe, consistency, lots of love and never settling for anything other than perfection. If you buy coffee from another spot in the Illawarra, where do you go? I love Stokes Lane in Bulli, and, of course, my home-away-fromhome, Diggies in North Wollongong. ¡

COAL COAST POPS

fave beer garden? Interviews Alex Knight

Taylah

Keneti

Towradgi Beach Hotel

Dicey Rileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hotel

Martin

Chelsea

The Cabbage Tree Hotel (The Patch), Fairy Meadow

North Gong Hotel

Georgia

Holly

Scarborough Hotel

Penny Whistlers, Kiama

FROM MOUNT OUSLEY

FROM WOLLONGONG

FROM KIAMA DOWNS

FROM MOUNT KEIRA

FROM SHELL COVE

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MEET A NEIGHBOUR

meet a neighbour How long have you lived in the Illawarra? About 31 years What brought you to the area? I was born here. We spent a few years in Newcastle when I was a child, however returned to Wollongong as it was an easier commute to Sydney and our extended family were here.

Br ee Ferns Blackbutt

What do you love about living in the area? Of course there is the landscape. I love the escarpment and beaches that surround us. But it’s the proximity to the south coast – it’s only a short drive and we can be lunching in a winery or sitting on a world-class beach. Ideal start to the day? A long beach walk from Barrack Point to Windang Island, followed by coffee at Bayside Pantry in Shellharbour Village. A play at Little Park is a mandatory stop for my kids. ¡

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WHAT'S ON

what's on calendar

email us at info@coalcoastmagazine.com to include any future events

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WHILE WE’VE DONE OUR BEST TO ENSURE ALL TIMES AND EVENTS WERE CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING, DUE TO THE EVER-CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES BROUGHT ABOUT BY COVID-19, SOME OF THESE EVENTS MAY CHANGE. CHECK WITH VENUES.

09 12

Monthly Meditation w/ Maiya, Healing Steps Wellness Centre, Kiama, 7pm

December

01 02

Callout for performers; Say It, Sing It, Coledale Community Hall

Ash Grunwald performance, Centro CBD, Wollongong • John Floreani, UOW UniBar, 7:30pm • Wednesday Trivia with Yorkie, The Little Prince Wollongong, 7pm (Every Wednesday) • Wednesday Trivia, Club Thirroul, 7pm

Bucket Hat Tie Dye, University of Wollongong, 11am • Eat Street Wollongong, Crown Street CBD (Every Thursday)

Nat’s What I Reckon: On Purpose Tour, UOW UniBar, 7pm • Surf Trash x Debbies, La La La’s Wollongong, 9:30pm • CBD Sounds: Live Nights at The Swallowed Anchor, 5:30pm • Samaras Food Truck Pop Up, Bing Lee Carpark, Warilla, 4:30pm • Friday Foragers Markets, Wollongong, 9am (Every Friday) • Music for the Soul, Heritage Hotel Bulli, 5:30pm

South Coast Writers Centre Gala Launch, Coledale 6:30pm • Coastal Classic, Station Road, Otford (8:30am – 3:30pm) • Fisher Australian Beach Party Tour, North Beach Wollongong • Gardening Basics with Jacqui Besgrove, Green Connect Farm • Tipsy Tapas, Moominn Wollongong • Nan Tien Temple Health and Wellbeing Markets, Berkeley, 9:30am • Night Lights Event: North Beach Wollongong, 7pm • Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 8pm • Pinot & Picasso High Tea, Novotel Wollongong, 1pm • The Rock Addicts, Kiama Bowling Club, 7:30pm • Youth Market, Shellharbour Civic Centre, 11am

Coalchella, Scarborough-Wombarra Bowling Club, 1pm – 8pm • Fruit Trees and Food Forests, Green Connect Farm, 9am • Native Plant Nourishment with Clarence Slockee & Matt McKay, Green Connect Farm, 1:30pm • Sandy Feet Sunday Sesh, The Illawarra Brewery, 1pm • Three Course Vegan Cooking Class, Balinese Spice Magic Restaurant, Wollongong, 10am • The Rose Eilert Trio, Art Bar Kiama, 2:30pm

Never Ending 80s – The Greatest Hits Tour, Towradgi Beach Hotel • Santa Fest Pub Crawl for Charity 2020 • Illawarra Landscape Painting Workshop, Wollongong Art Gallery • Stevan ‘No Time’ Seated Shows, UOW Unibar, 8pm • Sweet Home Chicago +40th Anniversary Screening of Blues Brothers, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 6:30pm • Roxee Horror’s Miracle on Crown Street, Wollongong Town Hall, 8pm • Coal Coast Pregnancy & Baby Expo, University of Wollongong, 9:30am • Planning a Series Workshop, South Coast Writers Centre, 10am - 1pm

Catch the Christmas Train, Illawarra Light Railway Museum Albion Park, 10am • Tipsy Tapas – Xmas Vodka Cooler, Moominn Wollongong • Free BBQ Wollongong Hosted by Mr. Perfect, Stuart Park Wollongong, 10:30am • Maguire & McInerney Savvy Survivor 24, Savvy Fitness Wollongong • Refugee Protest for Human Rights Day, Wollongong Town Hall, 1pm • Home Truths Album Preview Tour, Heritage Hotel Bulli, 2pm • Kiama Special Christmas Market, Kiama, 9am

16 17

Tiarnie ‘Don’t Ask Me’, La La La’s Wollongong, 9:30pm

Sunset Cinema Wollongong opening night, Fig Lawn, Wollongong Botanic Garden, runs Wednesday to Saturday, 6.30pm, through to February 27

Great Australian Rock n Roll Stories, 28 Stewart Street, Wollongong • BOYSCLUB ‘Villians’ Launch Wollongong w/ Sloshpit & Grenade Jumper, La La La’s Wollongong, 6pm • Dr Farquhar and the Jethros, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 7pm • Mark Gable ‘Great Australian Rock n Roll’, Wollongong Centro, 6:30pm • ‘Dirty Deeds’ AC/DC Show, Dicey Riley’s Hotel Wollongong, 8:30pm • Christmas Grazing Platter Workshop, Parfait Patisserie Kiama, 6pm

Avalanche ‘Get Back (To F/Wit City)’ Single Launch with Thrash Bandicoot & Pestilent Doom, Servo Food Truck Bar Port Kembla, 5pm • Tipsy Tapas – Santa’s Christmas Punch, Moominn Wollongong

Travis Collins, The Oaks, Albion Park Rail, 4pm • Coledale Markets, Coledale, 9am • Ross Noble: Humournoid, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 8pm

CHRISTMAS EVE

WHAT'S ON

CHRISTMAS DAY Christmas Lunch at Steamers Bar & Grill, Wollongong • Christmas Lunch at the Daring Squire, North Wollongong • Christmas Lunch at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach • Christmas Lunch at Headlands Austinmer Beach • Nan Tien Cultural Festival, 180 Berkeley Rd, Berkeley (10am – 4pm until 3rd January)

BOXING DAY Boxing Day Market, Kiama Makers & Growers Market, 9am • Camel Races at Bulli Showgrounds, Grevillea Park Road, Bulli

27 31

Tipsy Tapas – Santa’s Reward Margarita, Moominn Wollongong

NEW YEAR’S EVE Foragers Twilight Christmas Festival, Grevillea Park Road, Bulli • North Gong New Year’s Eve, North Gong Hotel • Original Tribute Night Wollongong, Diamond Dogs Music Lounge & Bar Dapto, 6:30pm

January 2021

NEW YEAR’S DAY New Year’s Eve, Steamers Bar and Grill • North Gong Hotel New Year’s Eve • New Year’s Eve Party, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach • Motif Open Air NYD Beach Party, Port Kembla Beach (Until January 3rd)

07 09

Daniel Champagne The Music Lounge, Wollongong Town Hall, 8pm

Honk! Oz Street Music Festival, Wollongong (Until 11th January) • Intro to Beekeeping, Green Connect Farm, 9am

Special Event Market, Kiama Makers & Growers Market, 10am • Callum Burns Jazz Trio, Art Bar Kiama, 2:30pm

Kath & Kim Moot, Mt Keira Scout Camp, 5pm • ‘Still Got the Blues’ The Gary Moore Experience, Dicey Riley’s Hotel, 8pm

Our Wedding Expo, University of Wollongong, 10am • Claire Hollander Jazz Trio, Art Bar Kiama, 2:30pm

IKONZ Rock, Dicey Riley’s Hotel, Wollongong, 9pm • Kiama Annual Show with Walter Whip and The Flames, Kiama Showground

Yours & Owls Festival, Stuart Park North Wollongong (Until 24th January) • Chinese Landscape Painting Workshop, Wollongong Art Gallery, 12pm • In depth Beekeeping, Green Connect Farm, 9am

AUSTRALIA DAY

Wollongong Where work-life balance is real

28 29 30

Sacre (Sacred), Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (Until 30th January)

Crazy Rich Ethnics Stand Up Comedy Tour, The Fraternity Club Fairy Meadow, 5pm

Royale with Cheese 90s Unplugged, Heritage Hotel Bulli, 8:30pm

February

The Wharf Revue: Good Night and Good Luck, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (Until 6th February)

John Lennon Songbook in Concert, Centro CBD Wollongong, 6:30pm • Choosing my Religion: R.E.M Tribute, Dicey Riley’s Hotel, 8pm

06 07

Nan Tien Temple Health & Wellbeing Market, 9:30am

In conversations with Sarah Wilson – The Wild & Precious Tour, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 7.30pm • Crystal Awakening Foundation Workshop, Teal Flame Healing Centre Keiraville, 10am • Warrawong Markets (every Sunday), 7am-1pm

09 11 12 13

Bluey’s Big Play, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (Until 11th February)

Crafters Fair, Win Entertainment Centre, Wollongong (Until 13th February) Harts Plays Hendrix, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 8pm

Baby & Child First Aid, Fairy Meadow Anglican Church, 1pm • Compost with Confidence, Green Connect Farm

14 19 20 25

VALENTINE'S DAY Downthunder, Dicey Riley’s Hotel, Wollongong, 8pm Hamed Sadeghi and Eishan Ensemble, The Music Lounge, 8pm

Wendy Matthews and Grace Knight – Going to Graceland, Centro CBD • NESA Approved Trauma Conference, Sage Hotel Wollongong

26 27

Under the Southern Stars, Stuart Park, Wollongong

The Wollongong Ripper, CluedUpp Games Wollongong, 9am

visit investwollongong.com.au

FINAL FUN

the quiz 01 Who won a Best Actress Oscar for her role as Nina Sayers in Black Swan? 02 Flushing Meadows is associated with which sport? 03 Which animals appear on the Australian Coat of Arms? 04 What’s the capital of Canada? 05 Which famous graffiti artist comes from Bristol? 06 What is the name of the coffee shop in the sitcom Friends? 07 What colour are flamingos when they hatch out of the egg? 08 Who wrote A Tale of Two Cities? 09 What’s the name of Bec Sandridge’s debut album? 10 How many degrees are there in a circle? 11 Which fictional town is home to cartoon family, the Simpsons? 12 Mount Everest is part of which mountainous range? 13 Which actress played Mary Poppins in the 1964 film Mary Poppins? 14 Losing my Religion was a hit for which band in 1991? 15 Explorers George Bass and Matthew Flinders landed in which body of water in the Illawarra in 1796? 16 A screwdriver cocktail is orange juice, ice and which spirit? 17 Which artist created ‘Campbell’s Soup Cans’ in 1962? 18 What colour are most buses in London? 19 Where is the smallest bone in the human body located? 20 How many shipwrecks can be found off the waters at Bass Point Reserve, Shellharbour?

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