ISSUE NO.13 : WINTER 2021 - Coal Coast Magazine by Coal Coast Magazine

INSIDE THE I L L AWA R R A

Pepper Tree Passive House

Souter Built is completing the Illawarra’s first certified ‘Passiv Haus’ this winter, arguably one of the most sustainable buildings in the Gong! 2020 Master Builders Association of NSW Finalist “Young Builder Of The Year” 2020 Master Builders Association of NSW Award Winner “Best Granny Flat $200,001 & OVER” GET IN TOUCH WITH US TODAY! 0491 261 332 hello@souterbuilt.com.au WWW.SOUTERBUILT.COM.AU Souter.Built

PepperTreePassiveHouse

Souter Built PTY LTD

SOUTER BUILT. 2

SLUG

Exceeding expectations

15 Station Street, Thirroul

Sold $2.39m

1/20 Ocean Street, Thirroul

Experienced and trusted with a proven track record and a career spanning more than 18 years. Vanessa has set many suburb records through her strong market knowledge and exceptional marketing and negotiation skills.

Sold $2.221m

12 Hillcrest Road, Austinmer

Sold $2m

12 Kennedy Road, Austinmer

Sold $2.5m

489a LHD, Wombarra

Sold $2.1m

Vanessa Denison-Pender vanessadp@mcgrath.com.au 0488 443 147

Ranked No. 1 leading female sales agent in the Northern Suburbs. *source RPData Corelogic

mcgrath.com.au

landscape|design studio @ e a st sc a p e .st ud i o 02 4229 6501

what's inside

10 12 20 26 28 30 36 40 44 50 54 56 60 62

n the ocean floor o fashioning success come to papi's sea urchin recipe more than meats the eye luck of the irish the eve of a new era passion for podcasts daily rhythms finds for you hormonal havoc backyard camping pedalling kindness cool dip

66 68 70 72 74 78 80 82 84 89 90 92 94 96

fresh four-piece mortgage matters across the ditch dads on duty growing habitat designer digs scandi-boho by the beach young talent time coal coast faves hey brew coal coast pops meet a neighbour what's on calendar the quiz

There is a QUIZ on page 96 and here are the answers: 1. Newcastle; 2. 2007; 3. Venus; 4. Alfred; 5. Wellington Phoenix; 6. An army; 7. Rolex; 8. Kylie Jenner; 9. Brazil; 10. Three; 11. HyperText Transfer Protocol; 12. Mr Potato Head; 13. True; 14. Leonardo da Vinci; 15. The Pursuit of Happiness; 16. 1.3 million; 17. Bishop; 18. Donkey Kong; 19. 2518; 20. Seven.

New office location? Consider Wollongong • 70% uplift in A-grade office stock pipeline • Large, skilled, professional talent pool • Lower staff turnover vs national average • Strategic location to Sydney and airports

Hear from businesses already based in Wollongong at www.investwollongong.com.au

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

info@coalcoastmagazine.com

Welcome to lucky number issue 13 – an issue of celebration! We’re celebrating the return of live music, the prospect of travelling again, local creatives who are finding fame and homegrown businesses who have withheld the storm. While we don’t shy away from the fact the current climate remains volatile, we’re choosing to find joy – to toast to kindness and community, and all things good here on the coast. And there’s plenty of it… Which is why the Papi Dulce crew were this issue’s obvious cover choice. The poster boys for good times, this trio’s tale of how their little bar became a star on Thirroul’s southern strip is the kind of feel-good story everyone needs to read right now (p20-24). We also chatted to a bunch of successful fashion brands who call the Illawarra home, local podcasters (p40-42) making important noise, and winter swimmers that swear by the healing powers of the ocean, no matter the weather (p62-64). Winter may be here, but there’s a lot of warmth to be found in these pages. Get in touch and let us know what you think.

Thank you xx www.coalcoastmagazine.com @coalcoastmag

coalcoastmag

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

deputy editor Kate O'Mealley

editor@coalcoastmagazine.com

creative director Therese (tess) McIntosh

design@coalcoastmagazine.com

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

sales & admin coordinator Hadassa (haddy) Rorke

admin@coalcoastmagazine.com

advertising designer Elyshia McKirdy

studio@coalcoastmagazine.com

social media coordinator Taylah Cutting intern Grace Gollasch cover image Stefan Posthuma quicksandfood.com our contributors Emma Smith Stella Evans Stefan Posthuma Erin Huckle Duncan Rintoul Roger Fitzhardinge Simon Nutt Penny Keogh Tom Opie Mark Schodde Matt Castell Diana Ioppolo Kath Gadd Adam Souter Hayley Griffiths Jessi Eve Michelle Bateman Lewis Brooke Isabelle Laurent Ali Millgate Dr Jemima Grant Creative Events Photography Danielle Hulls Chris Frape Aaron Christie-David Peggy Clinton Mark Syke Amani Lindsell Katelyn Slyer

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

BEST WINTER EATS. BEACHSIDE BEATS.

1 MARINE DR, WOLLONGONG - NEXT TO THE LIGHTHOUSE

WARRAGUL 9

THE WAY WE WERE

on the ocean floor UNDERNEATH THE DEEP BLUE LIES A LITTLE-KNOWN PIECE OF ILLAWARRA HISTORY. AN ESTIMATED 105 SHIPWRECKS LIE OFF THE COAL COAST, EACH WITH ITS OWN STORY OF STORMS BATTLED, ATTEMPTED RESCUE AND LIVES LOST Words Diana Ioppolo ignitecontent.com.au Sources Wollongong City Library, Heritage NSW, Shellharbour City Museum, UOW, ABC News Images From the collections of the Wollongong City Libraries and the Illawarra Historical Society

A costly rescue Ship name: Cities Service Boston Date sank: 16 May, 1943 Location: Bass Point The Cities Service was a United States oil tanker that set out on rough seas from Bass Point. The storm quickly escalated, creating nine metre waves and flooding parts of Lake Illawarra and Shellharbour.

If you’re a Coal Coast local, you’ll know that ships dotting the horizon are part of the landscape. From cargo vessels to bulk carriers to the odd cruise ship, our south of Sydney location and deep-water port at Port Kembla attracts ships of all shapes and sizes. Ships that are spotted by kids at the beach, surfers in the water and those fortunate to enjoy an ocean view at home. But do you know the story of the ships that came and never left?

Soldiers from the 6th Australian Machine Gun Battalion that were camped at Kembla Grange were called to help. Thanks to their efforts, all 62 American crew were saved, but not without sacrifice. Four Australian soldiers were swept off the rocks and lost their lives in the rescue. A memorial dedicated to the lives lost was created at Bass Point in 1968, with a memorial now held every year at the site. Did you know? The Shellharbour City Museum houses a double pulley from the ship along with further information and photos.

THE WAY WE WERE

An unsolved mystery

A mistaken discovery

Ship name: The Brig Amy

Ship name: The Queen of Nations

Date sank: 13 February, 1898

Date sank: 31 May, 1881

Location: Thirroul

Location: Towradgi

While on a voyage to transport tonnes of coal from Wollongong to Sydney, the Brig Amy was struck by gale force winds. It made it as far as Thirroul before breaking up just off the beach.

The Queen of Nations was a general cargo ship en route to London from Auckland, only to end its fatal journey just north of Black Rocks at Towradgi. Fortunately for the crew, most made it out alive and only one life was lost. The ship itself couldn’t be salvaged, eventually resting in the shallow waters off Corrimal beach.

Official records show eight lives were lost, though real-life accounts suggest otherwise with several witnesses claiming to have seen a woman and child onboard. The mystery woman and child, however, were never officially registered, so their presence onboard remains unknown. The Brig Amy is the only South Coast 19th century wreck to be formally commemorated, with a monument dedicated to the lives lost located at Thirroul beach car park.

The shipwreck was mistakenly ‘discovered’ by divers on 5 April 1991, according to a front-page story run by the Illawarra Mercury. The Illawarra Historical Society quickly proved otherwise, with evidence that items from the ship were taken over the years. By this time, the ‘discovery’ caught the attention of the National Maritime Museum and the State Government, who subsequently took interest in the site.

Check out Coal Coast Brewing Co.’s ‘Ode to Amy’, a hybrid brew that pays homage to the lives lost and people brave enough to rescue them.

Did you know? Officially declared a historic shipwreck, items can no longer be taken from the Queen of Nations without an official permit. ¡

SPOTLIGHT ON

fashioning success Words Michelle Bateman @michelle_bateman

Inspired by the laidback lifestyle and the beauty of the local environment, an increasing number of fashion businesses are setting up their studios in the Illawarra – and they’re attracting customers both locally and across the globe.

SPOTLIGHT ON

Sarah Hardie

Fabrik Launched in: 2010 Known for: ethical and sustainable fabrics and timeless designs Where to find it: fabrikstore.com Why did you start Fabrik? I started Fabrik after I had my children. Like many women, I needed the flexibility to be able to work around my new family commitments, but I also didn’t want to create a bigger problem for our world that my children would have to deal with. Sustainability is very important to me, so I wouldn’t do it if I wasn’t able to do it in a way that is good for our planet and our people. What’s the best thing about running your own fashion business? Flexibility and creativity. I’m lucky to be able to work my business around my family and design freely without any strict briefs. Designing quality garments that are made with care using environmentally-friendly practices is very rewarding. What are the biggest challenges? Having your own business means you never really switch off. It can be hard to juggle everything at times, and can become overwhelming, but the good things outweigh the challenges I face. What makes the Illawarra a good place to run a creative company? I love the relaxing lifestyle of the South Coast, while still being close to Sydney. The nature of the Illawarra is forever inspiring for us as a brand, and the small community feel sets it apart. What should people look for if they’re interested in making more sustainable choices in fashion? Only buy what you really need and look after the clothes you have. Shop for natural fibres (instead of man-made and blends) and look for transparent supply chains so you know who is making your clothes. A T-shirt shouldn’t cost the same as a coffee. If you’re interested in making sustainable choices, consider how, where and by whom your clothes are made, do your research and don’t be afraid to try new brands that are doing their bit for the environment.

SPOTLIGHT ON

Aaron and Kathleen Johnson

The Local Craftsman Launched in: 2020 Known for: hand-stitched leather goods and handmade jewellery Where to find it: thelocalcraftsman.com.au and at local markets How did The Local Craftsman come to be? We’d been making and selling things under different trade names for years and had wanted to rebrand everything under one name. As Covid got more widespread, we both had more time at home so were able to brainstorm together, bounce names and ideas off each other, and eventually we settled on The Local Craftsman. What makes the Illawarra a good place to run a creative business? The community is very friendly and supportive, which helps a lot. It’s very cool that if you do a good job people will hear about you just by word of mouth. We have gotten quite a few orders through recommendations from friends and people we meet at markets. How do you work together in the business? We make a lot of decisions together but also have different skills so it's easy to divide tasks, too. I’ve got a degree in marketing so doing the website and social media is mostly my job, and the leatherwork is all my area. Kathleen is our photographer and jeweller, and also chases our baby around all day. You’re quite specific about the materials you work with. Why have you chosen them? I only use Australian leather, which includes the strongest leather in the world for its weight: kangaroo leather. Because kangaroo is a thin but strong leather, it’s fantastic for making wallets as you can reduce bulk without having to worry about it not holding up. For the jewellery, we source only solid gold and sterling silver – we don’t use anything that won’t last or will change colour over time. All our metals are recycled, which has a much smaller impact on the environment and doesn’t involve any added mining.

SPOTLIGHT ON

Serene Coleman

Ponyboy Vintage Clothing Launched in: 2015 Known for: figure-flattering fashion inspired by pin-up culture Where to find it: Central Chambers Arcade in Wollongong and ponyboyvintageclothing.com What inspired you to start the business? I’d worked in the music industry but I’d always made my own clothes and bought '50s-inspired pieces. I know there's a strong push towards original vintage clothing, but the sizing of it is tiny and I didn't want that for my brand. I wanted Ponyboy Vintage to be inclusive – our clothes come in sizes six to 26. Your boutique opened in Central Chambers Arcade late last year. How has that impacted on the brand? I love it because I have everyone from 12-year-old girls to 85-year-old women coming in. Young girls come with their Doc Marten boots who want to wear my little orange print dresses with their black leather jackets. That's the beauty of it. Plus, we do cupcakes and champagne here on Saturdays, and I love that experience. What makes the Illawarra a good place to run a creative company? The Illawarra is still a place where possibility happens, it's not saturated with other similar businesses. I've always felt that you can start something in Wollongong, and it can do okay. You also get a very loyal customer base here, because it's still very much a country town, and everybody knows everybody. People here are friendly and open, and they do want something different. Where are you looking for inspiration for your upcoming designs? I'm obsessed with Dolly Parton and always have been. One of the first movies my mum ever took me to was 9 to 5 – it was the '80s! She was always on rotation in our house. I love her ability to laugh at herself but her talent was so serious. What are you most looking forward to for the coming year? I really want to see how we can create a sense of community among women. I want to do different nights and events, including live music and movie nights. I'd like to create more of a vibe in the arcade.

SPOTLIGHT ON

Jessica Kumanovski

Maison de Femmes Launched in: 2018 Known for: delicate handmade jewellery with a celestial influence Where to find it: maisondefemmes.com and at Haiku & Co in Coledale What fashion experience had you had before you went out on your own? I studied fashion design at TAFE a lifetime ago, but more readily accessible is my experience as an assistant buyer and working in the digital space. Designing and curating the right pieces is only one piece of the puzzle; having a good grasp of advertising and branding also plays a huge role. What’s the best thing about running your own fashion business? Honestly, everything. I choose when I want to work (actually, I am constantly working but I don’t care because I love it and can sleep in), and every day is something a bit different – orders, photography, making something new, advertising, website updates. Meeting new people (customers and other business owners, alike), and hearing feedback from people that genuinely love what I’m creating is also great. What are the biggest challenges? Growth has been interesting. There are a lot of voices in this industry and it’s been a long period of trying to cut through and grow. I’m still working on it, but it’s definitely growing. What makes the Illawarra a good place to run a creative company? It’s always nice to live and work where the people you care about are just a short drive away, and you can go for a brisk walk and debrief by the sea any time you need. After returning from many years living in Melbourne, I really appreciate how special Wollongong is. Where are you looking for inspiration for your upcoming designs? I always look to the celestial side of things. I’m working on a zodiac range, as well as a Cosmic Butterfly charm to join my existing Cosmic Bee design. I’m also working on a few romantic pieces that feel like magical heirlooms. ¡

SPOTLIGHT ON

Artists© impression, indicative only.

HARBOURSIDE LUXURY ANCORA APARTMENTS ARE THE LATEST OFFERING AT THE WATERFRONT, SHELL COVE The harbourside location, inspiring architecture, premium quality design and finishes, coupled with easy access to a range of amenities make Ancora apartments a unique south coast luxury lifestyle proposition. Ancora is the latest offering at The Waterfront, Shell Cove, masterplanned community and one of Australia’s premier coastal lifestyle destinations. Spread across three low-rise buildings and offering either stunning harbour views or a tranquil natural corridor outlook, Ancora will feature 64 one, two and three-bedroom apartments in a convenient harbourside location by Shellharbour City Council and Frasers Property Australia.

Whether residents seek the relaxation of natural surrounds or an engaging social experience, Ancora positions you well. With a harbourside position to the north of The Waterfront Town Centre, Harbourside Dining Precinct and The Waterfront Tavern, Ancora will be within easy walking distance to all the amenities the coastal community has to offer. A pedestrian bridge over the beautiful wetlands means residents will be merely steps from the boardwalks leading to the world-class Shellharbour Marina and a calming walk around the foreshore. Within Ancora, beautifully landscaped walkways and seating areas harmonise with the spectacular coastal surrounds while a residents-only infinity pool with picturesque views over the surrounding natural landscape and out to the marina emphasise luxury living. Simone Dyer, Development Director at Frasers Property Australia says Ancora apartments exemplifies the quality lifestyle and exclusivity of The Waterfront, Shell Cove. It is Australia’s newest coastal lifestyle destination, a community which not only celebrates but integrates its stunning natural surrounds, then complements this with all the amenities modern lifestyles demand. The uniqueness of Ancora is expressed through its stunning architectural language. Designed by WMK Architecture, Ancora has been conceptualised as an extension of the landscape, mirroring the natural shapes within the environment from the rugged coastline and ocean beaches to the calm enclosure of the harbour and reinstated wetlands. “The external materials are selected for their natural characteristics, evoking the coastal environment with the organic building form and materiality working together,” says John Andreas, WMK Architecture Director & Principal.

Information sessions for those interested in Ancora will be held from May 17, and due to demand, the apartments will be offered for sale via ballot on June 17. Call 13 38 38 or visit the thewaterfrontshellcove.com.au/ancora 18

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Welcome home to Ancora. Perfectly located on the harbour’s edge nestled between nature at The Waterfront. It’s time to invest in your next chapter with a selection of luxurious 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments. Feel inspired and recharged with sweeping views from every angle. This harbourside luxury residence is the lifestyle change you have been waiting for. Ancora is only moments away from the world-class Shellharbour Marina, vibrant Town Centre, Harbourside Dining Precinct and the white sandy shores of Shellharbour South Beach. Reward yourself with effortless harbourside dining that comes alive under the stars. Or retreat back into your private abode and watch the boats sail past from the comfort of your own home. It really is the best of both worlds. Launching June 2021. Register your interest today. Call 13 38 38 or visit thewaterfrontshellcove.com.au/ancora

LOCAL FOOD

come to papi's PAPI DULCE – THE LITTLE BAR THAT COULD! Words & images Stefan Posthuma 2/372-374 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Thirroul NSW 2515

Opened on a shoestring, the beginnings of Thirroul’s favourite dive bar Papi Dulce were certainly humble. Friends Ashley O’Neill, Barry-Luke Pearson and Andrew Juskiw had always talked about creating something together. After a few false starts, a run-down, and more importantly, cheap space on Thirroul’s southern strip became the setting for a local that’s now beloved for its top-notch burgers, fried chicken, booze, live music and authentic and honest personality. We caught up with the Papi’s crew to take us through how they went from nothing… to something pretty special.

I’m a panel beater and was managing a team at an auto shop. I got the opportunity to jump in with the boys here, so this is my first hospo gig. I haven’t looked back. It’s been a massive learning curve, but an amazing one. You guys all have different experiences in hospitality. Tell us about how you got into the industry. Barry: I’m a chef – I began my apprenticeship at Hotel Illawarra. I cooked at some upmarket places in Canberra and Sydney, then moved back to Wollongong and worked at Harbourfront, before becoming Head Chef at Kneading Ruby. I always enjoyed higher level cooking but now I’m flipping burgers here and loving it just as much. Ash: I was at uni studying engineering… I hated it. My dad encouraged me to follow what I liked doing and that was hospitality. At 22, I decided I wanted to open a bar, so I moved around between different venues learning how different places operated. Andrew: I’ve had no hospo experience [laughs].

Tell us about the decision to open your first bar in Thirroul. Ash: It sounds dumb, but there really wasn’t that much thought behind it. I’d been to Thirroul once to get a tattoo before we took over the space – I knew nothing about the northern suburbs. Barry and I had been putting our heads together for years coming up with ideas. We always thought we’d open in Wollongong, but we came up short a few times. Barry: We’d basically just push our plans and ideas to their furthest extent and see what’d happen. When we walked in here, we saw the venue – it was a shithole, but the price worked so we thought we’d push ahead and it ended up going through.

LOCAL FOOD

Once you found the venue, how’d you go about creating the concept? Ash: We didn’t. We had no money at the beginning. No set-up. Nothing. We opened the place off the back of about two grand for paint and plaster. We were kinda going for a neighbourhood bar, but we had no resources, so we just had to make do with what we had. It was shit. What was the offering at Papi’s when you started? Ash: We always wanted to make sure the product and the service were good. The drinks were always solid. Good cocktails, craft beers, good wine. We also started putting on live music and people would come out to gigs. The response to that was great, and we started getting busier but after a few weeks of it… full lockdown. Barry: We were doing small bar food too… share stuff. It was good food, but we didn’t have the money to buy good plates to serve it on. We were using these shitty Kmart plates that were here already.

LOCAL FOOD

became this “Wedive basically bar that sold burgers, beers and cocktails” Barry, what was it like moving away from your high-end background to burgers and fried chicken? When I was younger, I wanted to chase fine dining – I’m not sure when, but I just stopped loving all that. I realised that you can have more fun and create a positive environment without the chef ’s whites and all the yelling and screaming. When Covid hit, I realised I was a burger chef, which was tough to come to grips with. It’s never been what I wanted to do but people kept coming in saying, “these burgers are the best”. I’ve always made burgers a proper, respectable thing that we take pride in as chefs. What impact did the pandemic have? Barry: It saved us, actually – people weren’t allowed in, but we were still making money selling burgers. When the doors were open, people might walk past, but it could have looked a bit divey and dark for them. When we got on Menulog during lockdown, people would get takeaway and see how good our food was, then when we reopened we had a big customer base who knew our product. Ash: Covid also gave us the ability to work on the business, the structure, the concept and our brand. I can’t cook so I was able to spend that time working on the business itself. What changes were made at the venue once doors opened again? Ash: We followed what people were responding to, so we basically became this dive bar that sold burgers, beers and cocktails. While selling takeaway alcohol during lockdown, we learned there’s a big craft beer crew in the northern suburbs, so we focused on that, too. Andrew: The live music has been huge for us, also. Friday night is called Papi’s knock off. We get a bunch of bands in which draws a big local crowd. All the bands have their own following and they bring their friends and fans, so it keeps growing.

After a rough start, when did you realise you were starting to become a successful venue? Ash: It wasn’t long until we were doing table service, taking bookings and getting a solid flow in place. We knew what we were doing and had some money in the bank that we were putting back into the business. That’s always a good sign. Andrew: When we started having to turn people away because we were full… that was a pretty big moment. It’s a good feeling. It’s busy, people are having fun – that’s what we want. Barry: Over summer it was pumping… we did some really big weeks and I thought, ‘What has happened?’. In January, I actually remember saying, “This is f**king unbelievable… what is going on?” Ash: There is some imposter syndrome attached to it – I’m always thinking that sooner or later the customers will figure out we’ve been making this shit up as we go, and they’ll stop coming… But yeah, it’s working now and it’s fun, so whatever.

LOCAL FOOD

Papi’s is a casual place that seems to be an authentic expression of your personalities. Was that always the intention? Barry: We spoke about having a casual nature from the start. We wanted to build a place where people could come and get on it and feel comfortable. At some bars, people don’t necessarily want to cut loose or be themselves. We’re fun-loving guys so we can help people relax and let their hair down. Andrew: We’re big personalities and we really just want to welcome people from any walk of life. We get older people who came to places like this when they were young. There are uni students who want cheap beers and something simple to eat, and we’ll get families come in with kids to have a burger and we’ll chuck on The Wiggles. The variety of people who enjoy themselves here is great. Have you seen the nightlife in Thirroul change since you’ve been open? Andrew: For a long time, there was really just two pubs and one bar – so you couldn’t say Thirroul had a big scene. But now we’re here, Bar Franco opened two doors up, which is a great spot, and we’ve got a wine bar opening nearby soon, too. Ash: Wollongong has a really successful small bar scene, so Thirroul is the next logical town to have its own nightlife. I’d like to see this become a bit of a strip – we’re encouraging all our neighbours to get liquor licences, too.

You almost had the keys to another venue recently… What happened? Are you still looking for a second place? Andrew: We had secured a spot in town. It was going to be our bigger venue – we were all pretty amped about it. It kinda got snatched from underneath us. It was pretty devastating, but these things happen. We decided to not dwell on it and just keep the ball rolling. Ash: Yeah, sometimes you’ve gotta take the loss. It happens in hospitality. It can be heartbreaking but you need to move on. Barry: We're actually the new owners of a food truck. We saw it advertised, went down to Melbourne and bought it! We'll be getting it on the road around the Illawarra soon to help expand the Papi's brand, which is pretty exciting. But we’re still actively looking for another venue, too – we will be opening up something in Wollongong soon. We want to do something along the same lines as this – live music, slightly divey, focussing on a good product and good service rather than a completely different concept. But the space and the customers will dictate what it ends up being. Good luck with it guys… oh by the way, how do you actually say Papi Dulce? We don’t know. Say it however you want… we don’t care. We just call it Papi’s. ¡

OZ DESIGN FURNITURE WOLLONGONG A U S T R A L I A N O W N E D & O P E R AT E D

RECIPE

Sea urchins are considered a pest, wiping out the seaweed habitat and leaving a barren white rock ‘moonscape’ in their wake, and with their numbers so high they are causing an imbalance in the biodiversity. Rachel Theodore, who runs Sea Urchin Harvest in Tomakin on the south coast, says, “When urchin population numbers get out of control, the results are devastating for the reefs and marine life.” Sea Urchin Harvest’s goal is to restore the local kelp forest and fish habitat (which has been lost to Centrostephanus rodgetsii urchin along the east coast of Australia) via a commercially viable and sustainable sea urchin fishery. When the sea urchins are removed from the barrens, by hand, seaweeds rapidly colonise. In areas that have been commercially harvested for urchin, the kelp forest regenerates in a matter of a year or two. For more, see seaurchinharvest.com.au

RECIPE

sea urchin fettuccine carbonara A DELICIOUS WAY TO INCORPORATE SEA URCHIN INTO YOUR DIET, AND HELP THE PLANET WHILE YOU’RE AT IT

Recipe & images Stefan Posthuma

SERVES 4

Ingredients 300g smoked speck, diced 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 6 egg yolks 100g Sea Urchin Harvest Creamy Pods 200g parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra, to serve 500g fettuccine pasta 100g butter 1 bunch chives, chopped sea salt

Method 1. Place a frypan over a medium heat, add the speck and cook until golden brown.

2. Add the garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until it has cooked through and the fat from the speck has rendered, then remove from the heat.

3. Meanwhile, use a blender to mix the egg yolks, sea urchin and parmesan cheese until well combined.

4. In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente then drain, reserving the pasta cooking liquid.

5. Transfer the pasta into a large cold pan, add the

egg and sea urchin mixture with a ladle of the pasta cooking liquid, the butter, speck, speck fat and garlic.

6. Place over a low flame and toss the pasta until the egg mixture thickens to coat the pasta.

7. Transfer to a serving bowl and finish with the

chopped chives, sea salt and some more parmesan. ¡

REVIEWS

more than meats the eye A STEAK OUT OF OUR LOCAL POSH BUTCHERS Words Duncan Rintoul; Simon Nutt; Roger Fitzhardinge

Christians Premium Meats, Helensburgh

Hawthornes Meats, Woonona

Rosebank Meats, Kiama

Jewel of the North, Christians is flavour central. It’s like an ice-creamery, just without the tasting sticks and the diabetes. The pre-marinated cuts are glorious, plus there’s a huge range of sauces, marinades and rubs for the DIY enthusiast, as well as smoking chips for those with time on their hands. If you don’t walk out of Christians with more than you came for, something’s not right. DR

Nestled within ‘meat alley’ on the high street of Wootown, there’s no better way to get the weekend on track than to get amongst it at Hawthornes. Continuing the legacy of Old Man Hawthorne himself, Dave and the crew literally deliver all the steak, snags and gourmet gear you need to leave your guests raving. They also have a healthy, yet tingling, range of meat rubs and sauces that will make the home barbecuer look like a genius. It’s worth waiting in the line at the door, if nothing else to ponder the age-old question: ‘Should there be an apostrophe?’ SN

This cheery mob has the kind of creative streak that this reviewer could only dream of. Their lamb backstrap and pesto skewers – aka ‘meat pops’ – are a thing of glory, and their chicken thigh mini-roasts will leave your mother questioning everything she’s ever told you about cooking the bird. There’s more than meat at Rosebank – you can pick up your locally farmed dairy and seasonal vegies, keeping your food miles low and bringing your paddock to plate dreams one step closer. Another charming feature is that the butchering and prep all happens along the back wall, in full view. Perfect for those who like to watch. DR

REVIEWS

Cleaver & Co. Quality Meats, Gwynneville Just around the corner from uni, Cleaver & Co is the brainchild of Lachy, who grew up just around the corner from the shop. He and wife Jess have breathed fresh life into this community hub, with a focus on locally sourced meats and training up the next gen of butchery wizards. But it's more than just the meat – they're also sourcing bread, honey, eggs, butter, milk, sauces and condiments directly from independent, Australian, small scale producers. For those who like a bit of adventure in the kitchen, ask for the Spare Parts Mix – a collection of unappreciated cuts of meat that comes with tips for getting the most out of your nose-to-tail experience. RF

Superior Meats on Addison, Shellharbour Village Superior Meats is the temple for the 'low and slow' BBQ scene. If Five Founders or Black Onyx is in your meat vocabulary, get your brisket right here. Tim, Tina and the team have all the hot tips for how to get the right bark, nice pink smoke ring, and get it to probe like butter. Stockists of Lane's BBQ rubs and the hardto-find pink butchers paper for wrapping your pork butt, ribs or brisket (ideal gifts for your BBQ enthusiast, hint, hint!). RF

LOCAL DROP

luck of the irish AS THE ONLY IRISH PUB IN THE GONG, DICEY RILEY’S HAS BECOME AN INSTITUTION AND MUCH-LOVED WATERING HOLE Words Emma Smith Images Tom Opie @t_opie

Dicey Riley’s Hotel is the only traditional Irish pub in the heart of Wollongong. First built in 1890, the hotel has endured four name changes, been burnt down, and undergone multiple facelifts – but 131 years later, the hotel’s unique character and charm has transcended time.

“It has a beautiful old-school character – its brickwork, its woodwork, the style of the pub. It’s kind of a unique character,” says George. “It’s different to other places and people feel very comfortable here for that reason.” Originally known as the Terminus Hotel as it was close to the train station and located in a very busy precinct, the pub then burnt down and was later renamed the Tattersalls Hotel. In 1985, the hotel was finally rebranded as Dicey Riley’s – named after a famous Dublin woman ‘Dicey Riley’, who was a well-known alcoholic and likely an Irish prostitute.

Dicey Riley’s stands on valuable real estate in Wollongong CBD and is located in a prime position to capitalise on the gentrification of the west end of the city. However, when George first took over in 2014, things were quite mean on Crown Street. It was considered the tough end of town. The licensees pride themselves on how hard they’ve worked to re-write that narrative.

Hotel publican, George Poulos, is a part owner with his uncle, Nick Peters, and has been operating Dicey Riley’s since 2014. He says it was always their mission to retain the Irish concept of the pub and respect the hotel’s character without changing it too much.

“We’ve built a special understanding with our wider patronage, where there is a mutual respect, based on empathy,” says George. “I’m quite proud that we have been able to be there for people at times in a broader sense of humanity and care. That has been special.”

LOCAL DROP

Being a public house, there is no such thing as a typical drinker at Dicey’s. Beers are poured for uni students, workers who are in the area cheffing or bartending and older people who have drank at the hotel for years. George says this is a testament to the friendly and welcoming nature of the pub. Live music has always been a big part of Dicey Riley’s, too, with traditional rock on Friday nights, indie bands on Saturday nights and the after-party DJ sessions on Sunday nights. In recent years, management has focused on guiding the hotel further into the live music scene by partnering with Yours & Owls. After hitting it off with the Y&O boys, who were regular patrons of the pub, George asked them to book bands, and says it’s been a huge success. On a busy night, the pub can boast a capacity of up to 500 keen groovers.

like the parliament of Wollongong. So much gets talked “aboutIt’sthere. The people that love sitting there and discussing things, they cherish that small real estate of the pub” “It feels right. It reminds me of a Newtown pub – slightly grungy and homely, not trendy but just a real silent character,” says George. “The young crowd loves the place, because it’s got a good vibe.” Dicey Riley’s offers more than just great live music. There’s karaoke, free pool and $5 schooners of Reschs on Wednesday nights. Thursday nights are for trivia and they have recently introduced a Thursday night ping pong competition where if you beat the publican, you get a free beer. “It’s been wonderful to interact with patrons. I’ve had to really sharpen my ping pong skills up. But it’s all in good humour and it’s going down well,” laughs George. Wollongong locals know what Dicey Riley’s is most famous for, though – their annual St

LOCAL DROP Patrick’s Day event! Dicey Riley’s felt the luck of the Irish on March 17 this year, as the NSW Government eased restrictions the morning of St Patrick’s Day, allowing people to stand and freely mingle inside venues. A fantastic festival of the Irish ensued – featuring a traditional breakfast at 7am, Irish music all day from 11am, and live bands and Irish dancers from 3pm. People dressed up in a sea of green and patrons demolished 25 kegs of Guinness on the day – nearly five times the amount the hotel goes through in one week. “It was a true festival of Irish for St Patrick’s Day, especially when you consider the Northern Hemisphere and Ireland is closed down at the moment. So we were the only ones flying the banner in the Southern Hemisphere, which was quite poignant and didn’t go unnoticed. The people in the hotel really appreciated that,” George says. When asked to reflect on the most memorable St Patrick’s Day performance, George didn’t hesitate and was quick to nominate the Go Set’s gig in 2017. “It was incredible because at the end of the night they brought out the accordion box and played

A Long Way to the Top by AC/DC,” George recalls. “They also had the bagpipes going and the place was just jumping! People got up on stage and started dancing. It was unforgettable!” So what’s the secret to running a successful pub that can stand the test of time? George says it’s recognising what is special about the place and appreciating that. When he first bought the venue, he considered removing the big bulkhead above the bar to open up the space more. He soon realised it was an iconic feature, as one section of that bar is famously known as the ‘beer and bulllshit corner.’

LOCAL DROP “It’s like the parliament of Wollongong. So much gets talked about there. The people that love sitting there and discussing things, they cherish that small real estate of the pub,” George laughs. “It’s a special part of Dicey’s. Some cracking conversations happen there – as the Irish say, ‘take the crack,’ it usually ends up in raucous laughter.” With over 130 years of history and a loyal patronage who appreciate the space as it is – unpretentious, humble and warm – Dicey Riley’s deserves its title as one of Wollongong’s last ‘real pubs’. George says it best: “Dicey’s is a circuit breaker – a place where people can switch off from their problems, come in and have a couple of beers, a nice meal or catch-up and feel better for it. We’ve created a welcoming environment where people want to be. Everyone who drops by always says, ‘Hello George’… and now on top of that they want to challenge me in ping pong!” ¡

COMMUNITY

the eve of a new era THE EVE PROJECT, NEWLY OPENED ON BULLI’S MAIN STREET, IS A PLACE FOR HEALING IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. IT OFFERS A BRIGHT VENUE FOR PRIVATE AND CORPORATE EVENTS, WHILE EMPOWERING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR WOMEN WHO HAVE SURVIVED ABUSE Words Penny Keogh @oursliceofpie Images Lewis Brooke; Isabelle Laurent

COMMUNITY “Another participant completed her Certificate III in Hospitality and a work placement in a local bakery. She is now employed in a traineeship and is completing her Certificate in Baking and Pastry to become a baker. “Even if a participant’s end goal is not achieved, the progress made is still incredible. The change in their socialisation, their confidence and even their appearance is remarkable. It's an honour to walk alongside such brave women.” Social entrepreneurs Lisa Brooke and Helen Dwyer began planning The Eve Project five years ago, with a vision to build a healing and nurturing space which better supports women to rebuild their lives after abuse. Having launched a pilot of their supported work experience and pathways to employment program in July 2019, to date, The Eve Project has connected with 16 local women and supported eight of these women through the program. The opening of the Bulli shopfront represents the dawning of a new stage in the initiative’s evolution, that officially began with the appointment of a board of directors in 2017 and has grown to include practical and therapeutic supports, vocational training, as well as a social enterprise arm, Eve & Co. Eve & Co offers catering services, for corporate functions, private events, even holiday property or retreat catering, and at outdoor events from their vintage-style food van, nicknamed Eve. They not only deliver a nourishing and joyful experience for customers but provide supportive work experience for participants to build their skills and confidence to enter employment again. Co-founder Helen, a trained case manager, proudly reflects on the accomplishments of a couple of participants in the past year. Helen looks forward to what the Bulli opening will bring to a new group who will join the program this July. “One participant has now graduated with a Certificate II in Community Services,” says Helen. “Her end goal is to enter the police as a domestic violence officer supporting other Aboriginal women like her.

Agreeing with those sentiments is a former participant, Mary*, who was referred to The Eve Project after living in a Wollongong refuge with her teenage son. “I have not encountered more empathetic and compassionate women, who really get it. They offered a place where I was learning a new vision of a different life,” says Mary. “They helped me to unpack the shame, the guilt, and the blame. They helped us understand ourselves and what’s healthy.” Mary considers the program’s practical therapeutic interventions as particularly important to her, which are part of the holistic perspective the program takes to support participants. “One day we went to a local property and walked for hours in nature. At that time, I was even too scared to walk down the street, too worried I might see my ex-partner, though here, all my senses came alive. In a few weekends, I didn’t feel afraid to walk down the street anymore. “The cooking class was so much fun,” says Mary. “Back then I was in this headspace where I couldn’t care for myself. The idea of cooking was impossible. Lisa taught our group how to make this broth, full of nutrients and nourishment. It really was food for the soul and helped me to be more mindful of the simple pleasure of self-care.” Board member Naomi Dear, who has a long career as a case manager for women in crisis and post separation, believes The Eve Project’s unique fundraising approach gives important flexibility to deliver support uniquely tailored for each participant. “The establishment of Eve & Co means the program is not solely reliant on external or government funding which is often limited to crisis and short-term support,” says Naomi.

COMMUNITY

s can learn “Healto steadndsurvivor up for themselves and teach their children those same values and life skills” “The Eve Project gives women time to recover in a sustainable way. This program breaks the cycle of trauma because participants are not stuck in survival mode. “Healed survivors can learn to stand up for themselves and teach their children those same values and life skills. This feels quite personal, because in my years of working in the Wollongong area I could have referred hundreds of women to The Eve Project who I felt just weren’t getting the support they needed, and I know thousands could benefit in the future.” The community around The Eve Project has proven they feel that same personal connection, with co-founder, Lisa, deeply appreciative of the warm welcome they have been shown. “We are grateful to the many local businesses that have supported the Bulli fit-out and enabled us to offer women this beautiful and nurturing space,” says Lisa. “One participant expressed she had always wanted a loving family and people around who genuinely cared for her, she just never knew it would look like this. That's how I feel about what this project is for our community and I’m proud to be part of it.” “Our long-term goals are to develop an effective program model that can be replicated, and offers hope for a full and purposeful life,” adds Helen. “One that helps to sever the generational transference of trauma and welfare dependence.” ¡ For more information, visit www.theeveproject.org.au; and follow @theeveprojectau *Name has been changed to protect participant's anonymity.

www.fangerz.com.au Mon | Tues | Wed | Fri 6 - 5:30 Thurs 6-7 Sat | Sun 6-4

LOCAL CREATIVES

passion for podcasts MEET THE LOCAL CREATIVES MAKING PODCASTS FROM, AND ABOUT, THE ILLAWARRA Illustrations Stella Evans @stellaevans_art

The Food Fight HOSTS: STEFAN POSTHUMA AND SIMON EVANS Launched: 2020 (previously The Gong Show since 2018) Tell us about your podcast: The Food Fight is a frank and authentic look at food culture issues around Australia. The world of food and hospitality is rich and complex. Chefs, restaurant owners, primary producers, food journalists, culture leaders, sustainability experts and educators all face big challenges in their respective roles – but also play an equally important role in shaping our wonderful culinary landscape. We record all our podcasts in person, usually it’s in a restaurant, cafe or bar. Recently in Melbourne we had a chat with Pat Nourse, the former editor of Gourmet Traveller and now creative director of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. We were in a high-rise in Docklands overlooking the city, which was cool. We also record at people’s homes or at our home base at Night Parrot in Wollongong. Favourite guest? ‘Country, Culture and Food’ with Dwayne BannonHarrison from Mirritya Mundya in Jervis Bay was a great episode. Dwayne is a Yuin man, an Indigenous cultural leader and educator about Indigenous food and its use in contemporary Australian cuisine.

LOCAL CREATIVES

A to Z of Wollongong HOSTS: RICHARD BERNDT AND REBEKAH LAMBERT

A Lot to Talk About

Launched: 2020

HOST: BRADLEY J DRYBURGH

Tell us about your podcast: We started the podcast in response to Covid, with support from Culturebank Wollongong. We explore the suburbs and scenes within Wollongong – it’s like an audio tour by suburb or by micro-community, exploring everything from Port Kembla to inclusion. A to Z of Wollongong is for anybody who loves the Illawarra and for people who care about the community and creative scene and want to discover new things to see, do and support – there are many hidden gems. It reminds people that they don’t have to go on interstate or overseas holidays to be entertained and have fun! We have converted what used to be a family daycare into a music studio and record there or on location. We love going to see people in their art studios, at their places of work and exploring the suburbs we talk about! Favourite episode? I love our V for Vegan episode because it not only features businesses and individuals living the vegan life in Wollongong, it also busts a lot of the myths about veganism and health, as well as introducing some fun, lovely and intelligent people.

Launched: 2020 (previously The Experience with Bradley J Dryburgh) Tell us about your podcast: In April 2020, I left my career behind to pursue the podcast full-time. I started recording out of my apartment but have now set up above my favourite local cafe, Lee & Me in Wollongong. In previous episodes, I have hosted guests from all over the world and from all walks of life. Each has their own individual journeys yet they share one thing in common – the ability to overcome adversity in life and find themselves on the other side of it, and to prove that our only real obligation in life is to identify our purpose and pursue it relentlessly. I will now be focusing more on the great expectations of life and having it all figured out before 30! Discussing if its possible with my guests, so I guess we've got a lot to talk about. To me, it is a whole lot more than just a podcast. I was born with a life-threatening illness, Cystic Fibrosis. Believe it or not, cystic fibrosis has been my biggest blessing and my greatest teacher. I learnt very early on that nothing in life is promised, it is only earned through hard work and an amazing outlook on all the good that exists in our lives.

LOCAL CREATIVES

Busy Business Women HOST: FAYE HOLLANDS Launched: September 2017 Tell us about your podcast: I’ve been helping time-strapped women in business improve their productivity and profit for nearly 14 years now, and as a business owner I’m the first to admit the path hasn’t always been easy. I started the Busy Business Women podcast to collaborate with fellow businesswomen and share the highs and lows of business building so that our listeners can avoid the mistakes many have made before them, and leverage the lessons we've learned along the way so that they can hopefully build and grow their businesses faster. I record my podcast in my home office with my dog Nelly at my feet and very little fancy tech – but one thing I am a stickler for is standing up when I record. I think it helps bring a much better energy to the show and improves my Pommie dulcet tones! Favourite episode? My most memorable episode was when I got to interview money manifesting expert Denise Duffield-Thomas, who runs an incredibly successful multi-million dollar business. She’s down-to-earth and approachable, so it was like chatting to a friend over coffee. ¡

More local sounds to check out:

In the Making Local education and support agency MakeShift explores the mental health benefits of establishing a creative habit and interviews makers and artists who share how creative practices have helped them through tough times. The Nordic Mum Finnish native Susanna Heiskanen brings all things Scandi lifestyle to the Illawarra – baking, hygge, minimalism and simplicity, home styling and Nordic noir! Life Sentences Love a juicy biography? Caroline Baum interviews writers who share their experience of navigating sensitive territory in the search for the real story behind a person’s life. The Scientist and the… Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute meets local research scientists who are solving our biggest health issues – and find out what they get up to in and outside of the lab. Interview Boss Sisters Emma and Sarah Smith provide advice, inspiration and support for job seekers. From in-between jobs to dream jobs, you’ll get all the tips and tricks to be the boss of your career. This Kid Life A podcast for kids, hosted and produced by local Jennifer Macey for the Sydney Opera House. Little people talk about big issues like diversity, resilience, accessibility and science.

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LOCAL CREATIVE

daily rhythms MEET ANH NGUYEN – UOW GLOBAL ENTERPRISES MANAGER BY DAY, AWARD-WINNING ARTIST BY NIGHT AND MUM-OF-FOUR 24/7 Words Ali Millgate alimillgate.com.au @alimillgatewriter Images Anh Nguyen

If you peruse through artist Anh Nguyen’s website, a bold ‘SOLD’ is peppered throughout her studio catalogue. Perhaps not a huge surprise given the Thirroul local was a finalist in seven art prizes in 2020 and is a Dobell Drawing Prize finalist this year – known in art circles as ‘the Archibald for drawing’. Testament to both the calibre of the Dobell field and Anh’s talent, the winner of the 22nd Dobell Drawing Prize was prominent Kiwi artist Euan Macleod – an Archibald Prize winner himself. Anh’s own entry in the 2021 Archibald Prize depicts internationally renowned Bulli artist, John Bokor, who in 2012, won the illustrious NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting Prize. “I have painted John Bokor for my Archibald Prize entry this year – he's someone who I admire very much, and I am constantly picking his brain about painting (which he always generously shares!),” Anh explains. However, Melbourne-born Anh hasn’t always hob-knobbed with celebrated artists, nor has she had a clear trajectory to the Illawarra and

success as a visual artist. A business analyst, Anh’s career took her to Sydney then Canberra, before love lured her to Scotland, Finland, and, finally, Thirroul, when Anh and her Finnish partner moved to the coast in 2013. One of those fascinating people who seem to work with the left and right sides of the brain with ease, Anh is a creative RMIT business graduate, who quietly wrote poetry and made pictures throughout her 20s. “I’ve been drawing and taking photos since girlhood – that’s never stopped.” However, it wasn’t until life changed pace in 2015, when Anh was on maternity leave with her second child, that she started painting again – getting paint under her nails for the first time since high school. “It was a slowed down time and I felt the creative impulse become very strong,” Anh recalls. She started taking portrait commissions and opened a shop on online maker marketplace, Etsy. “It was just right for what I needed at that point, which was familiarising myself with technical knowledge again and setting up the foundations of having a formal art practice”. For Anh, it took a lot to put herself out there as an artist. “I have no formal fine arts education and, emotionally, it was a large step for me to do this and share my work.”

LOCAL CREATIVE

My paintings are a response to the“ visual excitement found in life; my motifs revolve around daily rhythms, human activity and small moments” With Thirroul’s escarpment as her backdrop, Anh says the Illawarra is a place of ample inspiration which makes subject matter – the world around her – easy to come by. “My works are really inspired by personal visual experiences, noticing things in the observable world that are interesting or beautiful to me. So as long as I am receptive to that and taking note, there is infinite inspiration!” Anh says. “My motivation for painting a Thirroul streetscape

isn't really about Thirroul itself, though – it's more likely to be about colour or shapes that caught my eye, a certain quality of light or maybe something compositionally intriguing.” It was Anh’s interpretation of her children’s walk to school in Thirroul, “School route, against the sun” that impressed the Dobell Drawing Prize judges. “It had percolated in my mind all winter – I was thinking about Chinese scrolls unfolding and how to depict a physical walk”. For Anh, family life and creative life are intertwined. Now a mum of four children under 10, Anh has a knack for making scenes from everyday life – from the breakfast table to swimming lessons – look beautiful. “My paintings are a response to the visual excitement found in life; my motifs revolve around daily rhythms, human activity and small moments.” These days Anh tends to work quickly. Just as well, perhaps, given she works part-time for the

LOCAL CREATIVE

University of Wollongong and her studio time is mostly evenings after the children are in bed, plus the odd window in the afternoon or on weekends.

she juggled work and children at home, including twin girls not yet at school, however, she still created more than 100 pieces – from quick sketches to finished works. “I made a few self-portrait works in my studio at the height of lockdown and also after it, when everything was trying to sort itself out,” Anh recalls.

“My working methods are more inclined towards less time-consuming processes – e.g. alla prima (direct paint wet-on-wet) – rarely will I make an understudy. I just go straight for it! Typically, I use acrylics on paper or canvas, but I also enjoy oil and watercolour; drawing, of course, with oil sticks and soft pastels,” Anh explains.

One of those paintings, Self-portrait in old T-shirt (and scowl), received a Highly Commended at Newcastle Art Gallery’s Kilgour Prize – the other, a drawing titled, Green Coat, would nab Anh the winning spot in last year’s Lyn McCrea Memorial Drawing Prize, which was awarded by the Noosa Regional Gallery.

Surprisingly, Anh was more prolific than ever in 2020, despite Covid. Like many working parents,

“Painting became even more necessary during Covid. I needed that evening time,” Anh says. ¡

See more @msanhpaints.com or catch Anh on June 16 as she talks about Still Life with its author Amber Creswell Bell and artist John Bokor at Ryan’s Hotel, Thirroul (tickets via Collins Booksellers Thirroul).

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Tea Journeys was started by one South Coast local who discovered a passion for the stories that came with the transport of tea along the Ancient Tea Horse Road in South Western China. Tea Journeys provides both rare and popular teas and designer teaware to be enjoyed at your local cafe, work place and, of course, at home. Make the switch! www.teajourneys.com.au use the code CoalCoastTea for 10% discount across the entire range.

Tan by the coast A cosy, private home tanning studio in Woonona, which also offers mobile services from Coalcliff through to Balgownie. Using Naked Tan, which is free of nasties and vegan-friendly, and also a local Wollongong company, you're sure to get a natural looking tan you love every time. Katrina Ward 0410 918 358 @tanbythecoast tan-by-the-coast.square.site

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HEALTH

hormonal havoc HORMONES CAN HAVE SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS FOR SKIN, BUT THERE ARE WAYS TO CARE FOR YOUR COMPLEXION AND ENHANCE OVERALL WELLBEING Words Thrive Skin Clinic, thriveskinclinic.com.au

Acne

The link between hormonal changes, general health and our skin is significant, says Dr Jemima Grant, medical director MBBS (HONS) BSC (MED) BA FRACGP FACAM, whose passion for the topic was the foundation for creating Thrive Skin Clinic in Thirroul. “I suffered from severe acne as a young adult, which caused a lot of social anxiety,” she says. “Unfortunately, the treatment (the pill) caused me to gain weight and exacerbated my anxiety. I then developed rosacea in my late 30s. Luckily, I am a geek, and through a lot of reading, trial and error and simple treatments I have improved my rosacea.” What she discovered while on her own skin journey was that most doctors do not have the time to appreciate the holistic nature of hormonal health; some doctors dismiss the impact that skin issues, or the associated medication side effects, can have on self-esteem; and that hormonal issues are usually difficult to manage – they cannot be fixed with a simple prescription, or algorithm because it is unique to each person. These experiences formulated Dr Grant's perspective when treating skin conditions. Here, she outlines some common hormonal health issues that appear at different stages of life and how to treat them holistically…

The most common skin issue for young adults is acne. Acne is worse in this time as it is driven by a rise of sex hormones (mostly testosterone), which stimulate oil production (sebaceous) glands. Sometimes the acne, especially in boys, can be very severe and cause scarring. Simple home care and lifestyle changes can help, but it’s important to see a doctor with an interest in the evidence-based treatment of acne if it does not settle in three months. If you have acne scarring, see the doctor straightaway, because scarring can be irreversible. TIPS

1. Wash face daily with a bland cleanser, eg. Cetaphil, QV.

2. Start with an over-the-counter treatment

of benzyl peroxide. A lotion is less drying than a gel. If you have very sensitive skin, try azelaic acid instead.

3. If there is a lot of pimples, add in a physohex lotion from the chemist.

4. Wear a non-comedogenic suncream daily and a gentle moisturiser at night if you have dry skin.

5. Do NOT pick the skin or use a granular scrub. 6. If this does not settle, see a doctor to consider a medical grade tretinoin and /or topical antibiotics. Only use oral antibiotics if it is moderate to severe acne. And only for a short period.

7. Take an oral zinc supplement (with food),

especially in young men, with studies suggesting 40 per cent are deficient; eat less trans-fat; reduce dairy consumption; eat organic meat (which has less hormones); low GI diet and oily fish three times a week.

HEALTH

Melasma

Many women in coastal areas suffer from melasma, which is a hyperpigmentation disorder causing patches of pigmentation on the cheeks, and forehead. While the main driving factors of melasma are sun exposure and heat, it is also strongly influenced by hormonal factors, such as the oral contraceptive pill, pregnancy and perimenopause – the theory here is that fluctuating oestrogen levels drive the gene expression involved in the pigmentation pathway. Melasma will often fluctuate throughout a woman’s life and patients need a good team around to them reassess what management options are safe and appropriate.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

There is a special subset of acne in young women that is linked to a hormonal condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The most common age to diagnose this in the mid 20s30s. In general, females with the condition often have higher levels of circulating male hormones, and as such, tend to get more severe acne, suffer from hirsutism (excessive body hair), struggle with their weight and various hormonal issues such as high insulin. If you have severe or difficult to manage acne, it is important to have a hormonal assessment with a doctor and investigate/exclude PCOS, before starting any other treatment. This is because, like all hormonal issues, it can impact your general health. Management of PCOS is team-based, depending on the patient and where they are in life. That team involves a dermal therapist, a naturopath or dietitian, and sometimes an endocrinologist or gynaecologist.

Melasma patients need a lot of education and an individual plan. Lifestyle and medical options are the best way to manage this condition, and an important take home message is – if you are struggling with pigmentation, see a doctor for advice. Moreover, if you have pigmentation or a darker skin type, please avoid any type of heat laser, unless you have been assessed by an expert. Now that laser and IPL machines are on every corner, there has been an increase in pigmentation issues caused by inappropriate treatment.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the period of time before menopause, characterised by fluctuating levels of progesterone and oestrogen. For many, this can wreak havoc on skin – an exacerbation of melasma or rosacea due to fluctuating, and sometimes, very high levels of oestrogen, cyclical breakouts before periods due to low progesterone, and reduction in collagen, such as thin dry skin and laxity, are common. Stress and high levels of cortisol often preclude all of these hormonal issues and must be addressed. The best general advice for women in this time of life is to find a team (often starting with your own girlfriends) to support and guide you. Addressing lifestyle changes, like reduction in alcohol, a low GI diet, exercise, a good sleep pattern and stress reduction are always the first step, and then talking with your health practitioners about your options. ¡

ADVENTURE AT HOME

backyard camping TOP CAMPGROUNDS IN THE ILLAWARRA Words Hadassa Rorke Image Creative Events Photography

With overseas holidays on the backburner, except for NZ, of course (see p70-71 for details on how to take it on like a pro) many wayward travellers are going back to basics. Camping is the perfect way to escape the daily grind and explore this beautiful country, without breaking the bank – it makes us slow down, connect with nature and take time out. And while venturing away from home can be incredible, there are serious advantages to pitching a tent in your own backyard, so to speak. The Illawarra has topnotch campsites all along the coast to fulfil all your holiday desires. You could even do a midweek camp while sending the kids to school if you need a break in the great outdoors. And if you are planning to do a bigger camping trip further from your front door, having a practise run – where you can still duck home to pick up the sleeping bag you forgot, or that torch you swore you wouldn’t need – isn’t such a bad idea either. Plus, there’s no better way to explore the neighbourhood than by setting up camp at one of these sublime sites just ‘up the road’…

Bulli Beach Tourist Park A great location to get away for the weekend or longer. You will marvel at the sights and sounds of the ever-changing sea right at your front door. There are beachside cabins, powered and unpowered sites on offer and coffee shops and bike rental within metres of the park. No pets allowed, but if you want to bring along your beloved pooch, check out the sister site in Corrimal. Carrington Falls Campground Carrington Falls Campground is situated in the Southern Highlands, about a 50-minute drive from Wollongong, via Macquarie Pass. It’s a small bush campsite with very basic amenities, next to the Kangaroo River, and if you’re lucky you might wake up to the sound of the nearby waterfall. There are plenty of activities that can be done while here, including bushwalks, swimming in waterholes and visiting Carrington and Belmore Falls. The Illawarra Fly & Tree Top Walk is just around the corner, as well as the creative town of Robertson. Make sure to check out the Robertson Pub while in the area – perfect for a ploughman’s platter and a pinot by the fire. Coledale Camping Reserve You couldn’t get closer to the ocean at this unique and beautiful beachside campsite, operated by Coledale Surf Lifesaving Club. Wake up to the sound of the waves, head in for a dip or a surf, and then it’s just a quick stroll to the shops for your morning coffee, or a few sundowners in the arvo at the RSL. Make sure you book well in advance for this serene spot as it’s pretty popular. You will need to bring your own accommodation as this site doesn’t offer cabins for rent. Corrimal Beach Tourist Park Similar to Bulli Beach Tourist Park, this site offers prime location and proximity to the beach, with powered and unpowered sites, and deluxe 1,2 or 3-bedroom cabins (some even come with a spa!) to choose from. Pets can also be brought on request.

ADVENTURE AT HOME

Kiama BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park If you’ve ever stayed at a BIG4 park before, you know why they are an absolute favourite for families – pool complex, games room, jumping pillow and kids’ playground all in one location! Not to mention that the Little Kiama Blowhole is just around the corner.

Shellharbour Beachside Tourist Park Choose between cottages, cabins and powered sites – you might even be able to secure a spot with ocean views. This campsite offers pristine beaches and close proximity to the charming Shellharbour Village, as well as a playground for kids and a wading pool.

Kiama Kendall’s on the Beach Holiday Park This is an absolute gem of a camping spot right on the lovely Kendall’s Beach. It’s perfect for families and you can bring your furry friends, too. Head south onto the headland for a leash-free run on the lush grassy area and to take in the pristine views.

Shell Cove Killalea State Park Camping Located in the Killalea State Park between the famous Farm and Mystics Beach, this campground is a great place to unwind. With only basic amenities, all you need to do is pick a grassy spot and enjoy the view of the surrounding rolling hills and rolling waves. This is a surfer’s paradise, but for those who prefer calmer water, the adjacent Minnamurra River provides the perfect spot for a communal dip with the family.

Kiama Surf Beach Holiday Park Situated within walking distance from the Blowhole, shops, bars and cafes, this campsite has ocean views from every angle, even when in the pool. It also sports a games room, which is sure to keep the kids entertained. Make sure you check out Diggies at the Blowhole for great coffee and a bite to eat! And head to the ArtBar for a cocktail and some culture. North Era Campground in the Royal National Park This is a popular hike-in campground for visitors from all around the world with limited camp spots, so make sure you book your overnight stay in early! You will need to be self-sufficient and carry all your gear in and out, but it’s worth the effort for the incredible scenery. The Otford to Bundeena walk is about 28km long, so is best suited to those looking for adventure. If you want to cheat a little, the shortest way to enter the campsite is from Garie Beach. Shellharbour Surfrider Caravan Park Situated at Barrack Point, opposite Shellharbour Beach and within walking distance to shops, restaurants, pubs and clubs, this little slice of paradise is a great spot to relax with family and friends. Plus, only a 15-minute drive away is the famous Bushrangers Bay where you can go diving or snorkelling with grey nurse sharks, as well as try to spot the elusive water dragons. Let us know your favourite spots and tag us in your posts

Warilla Lake Windemere Caravan Park Just a short stroll to Warilla Beach, which is patrolled in summer months, this campsite also boasts the tranquillity of Little Lake and plenty of birdwatching opportunities. Fishing is almost a must here, or why not try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding? Choose from cabins, powered and unpowered sites. Windang Beach Tourist Park This park is a haven for water enthusiasts. Nestled between Lake Illawarra and Windang Beach, it offers the very best in fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and surfing. A great spot to spend a weekend, and don’t forget to pack your bikes so you can ride along the lake. Choose from cabins and powered or unpowered sites, many of which have great views. Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort Stay right on the water’s edge at Towradgi Beach and explore everything Wollongong has to offer. From the restaurants and bars withing walking distance, to the beautiful beaches and the Blue Mile bike track, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The park also has plenty to keep you active at the campground, with on-site bike rental, a 25-metre swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, mini golf, table tennis and a jumping castle for the kids!! ¡

LOCAL PEOPLE

pedalling kindness DAVID AND PETER MCGUINN, WHO RUN SIMPLE CYCLES IN THE ILLAWARRA, ARE DELIVERING HOPE ON WHEELS Words Emma Smith Image Tom Opie @t_opie

Simple Cycles is a community focused, family-owned bike shop going above and beyond to get as many locals as possible pedalling. Father-and-son duo David and Peter McGuinn, who own and run Simple Cycles, opened their first concept store in Wollongong in 2012. “My son Peter started the business here in Wollongong. He was working 363 days a year on his own,” says David, who was living in Tasmania at the time. “He said, ‘Dad, you’ll come up to help when it gets busy, won’t you?’ And it got busy. So I made the big move with my family from Tassie to Balgownie.”

After a successful few years, Simple Cycles expanded, opening a second store in Shellharbour in 2014. Having spent 40 years in the cycling industry, David was well equipped to carry the business with his son. But bikes were not his only passion – David has spent just as much time as a youth worker and is also a foster carer. “I’d either go to work and run a youth cafe for homeless kids at night, or I’d work with homeless kids during the day and do part-time bikes. I’ve always done both,” says David. Equally as compassionate, Peter always played the ‘big brother’ role model for the kids who came into their family’s care while growing up – taking the kids to the park, kicking a footy around, or, of course, getting them on a bike.

LOCAL PEOPLE

e got to make sure that kids “Dad,whowe’vcan’t get a nice bike get one”

“He felt that every kid needed an opportunity to ride a bike,” says David. “When we started the business early on, Peter said, ‘Dad, we’ve got to make sure that kids who can’t get a nice bike get one’.”

And that’s what their mission has been ever since. The business owners began offering a trade-up program, where customers can return any bike that’s been bought from Simple Cycles, in any condition, and they’ll give $100 back. The bikes are then reconditioned and gifted to disadvantaged kids in the community. “My wife has taken on the responsibility of reconditioning the bikes – she’s learnt how to put brake cables and grips in, and fix tubes,” says David. And now every Friday, Simple Cycles donates anywhere from 12-20 bikes to kids and families in need. “It’s our way of giving back to the community, which is how my son sold it to me in the first place – I’m really proud of the values he brings. He has so many great qualities,” says David. The bikes were initially distributed to disadvantaged kids and families via the local Catholic diocese, who ran a refugee program. Due to Covid, the program has since come to an end, so the McGuinn family took it upon themselves to find other organisations to partner with. “Places like the Foster Care Association and single mums’ support networks… My wife has found half a dozen places, so there’s always a constant need for bikes,” David says. “Well over 300 bikes a year are given away.”

“We see the hope that gives to a mother… knowing that there is a way out,” says David. “We try to develop that culture in our shop – it’s about making a difference in our community, to help everybody have a great life. We feel great doing it; it’s very rewarding.” As humble as they come, David is reluctant to accept any praise for the initiative. It’s not something Simple Cycles advertise externally, and seeing the reaction on kids’ faces when they receive their new ride is the only pat on the back this family needs. “We’ve always had this outlook to create great experiences for kids,” says David. “My son and I – we just want kids to have the best life they can. We love when kids visit the store and show off how they've progressed from their training wheels, how they can ride one-handed or stand up off the saddle.” Simple Cycles main goal is to get kids, families and communities on bikes, building relationships, stopping pollution and getting healthy together. In what was a particularly tough time for many last year, Simple Cycles reached out to customers, saying if they knew of a family in their street that needed a bike, to come in and grab one and take it to them. David and Peter’s big hope is that their initiative becomes contagious. “We’re trying to make it inclusive, so that it’s not just us doing it. We want others to be aware of the process and involved in the process,” David says. “We want to model what the community can be.” ¡

This act of kindness is rewarded with many heartwarming stories from the recipients of the gifted bikes. David remembers helping a recently divorced single mum, who was paying off a layby on a bike for her teenage son. When it got to Christmas time, she couldn’t afford it, so Simple Cycles delivered her a reconditioned bike to gift to her son.

LOCAL SPORT

cool dip AS MANY OF US RUG UP FOR THE WINTER, THERE’S A BRAVE BUNCH TAKING TO THE OCEAN Words Erin Huckle @chucklecommunications Images Danielle Hulls @daniellehulls, daniellehullscreative.com

Bronwyn Seiden, from the Kiama Kubes swimming club, said their club takes a relaxed approach to membership, and welcomes people of all ages, shapes, genders and abilities to take part in its meet-ups every Sunday at 10am at the Kiama rockpool.

If you venture down to our local ocean pools on a Sunday morning this winter, you might come across that rare breed in its natural habitat: the winter swimmer.

“We talk to people about winter swimming and encourage them to come along, but there’s also no pressure to attend every week. It’s all about having fun and starting your Sunday right,” says Bronwyn.

While many of us retire our swimming togs with the end of the summer season, for the Illawarra's winter swimmers, the cooler weather and shorter days don’t mean the end of outdoor swimming.

Most of the local clubs also have their own traditions. For the Kiama Kubes, it's the homemade soup swimmers enjoy every week (with the soup of the year being voted on at the end of each season and the winners’ name added to the club’s cherished soup pot) and the ‘AGM’ swim in the Kangaroo River, followed by a trip to the Kangaroo Valley pub. “It’s very social,” says Bronwyn. “And it’s unbelievable how beautiful the weather often is on a winter Sunday morning. It’s just lovely down there at the rockpool. We have a great time.”

Choosing to get up every Sunday morning and swim 50 metres in freezing cold water might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the interest in this winter sport is growing, as word about its health and social benefits gets out.

At the northern end of the Illawarra, the Stanwell Park Sea Eels swim every Sunday at Coalcliff ocean pool, another club where anyone is welcome and new members are encouraged to attend.

The winter swim season starts at the end of April or beginning of May (varying from club to club), and runs until September. With Covid meaning the 2020 season was a non-event, the 2021 season is shaping up to be a very special one for our local clubs, as they get back to the joy of winter swimming and socialising.

Peter McDonald, President of the Stanwell Park Sea Eels, says they’re all about having fun, while also raising money for charities and making a positive impact on their community. “We’re not super competitive, we just love socialising and swimming. We have handicaps, mixed heats, mixed relays, and try to make it fun for everyone.

Gathering in light-hearted groups, to brave fresh water temperatures and share a story and a mug of hot soup, you might wonder what secret they share, and why their grins are so wide.

LOCAL SPORT “We’re part of the Helensburgh Stanwell Park Surf Club, so we all head back there after the swim for a soup and a beverage. We have raffles, joker poker, and we raise money for the surf club, but also for the Cram Foundation, which is the main charity we support. We raise money to help them provide support to people with disabilities, and in our last season we raised around $3000.” For many clubs, winter swimming is a family affair, with kids, parents, grandparents and even great grandparents taking part. Michael Lerch, acting president of the Bulli Sea Lions, said it’s inspiring to see some of their older members, who swim every year without fail. “The younger members certainly look up to them, and they’re a great advert for the health benefits of swimming year round, through every season,” says Michael.

Michael also says the approach at their club is to encourage team participation – it’s not just about individual competition, but being part of a relay team, and being given handicaps so that every swimmer feels they can achieve something each week. “We encourage each other to participate. Sometimes getting in the cold water is a sense of mind over matter. It’s cold, but it’s not like we’re breaking the ice to swim like in Russia. It’s more the windchill factor that can be tough, but we always have a warm soup at the end to take the chill off,” he says. ¡

The benefits of winter swimming:

* * * Interested in having a splash this winter? The Illawarra has a number of winter swimming clubs, including the Kiama Kubes, Bulli Sea Lions, Stanwell Park Sea Eels, Austinmer Otters, Wollongong Whales, Bellambi Blue Bottles, Coledale Oysters and Corrimal Marlins.

H ealth benefits: increased circulation, boosting your immune system, reducing inflammation and aiding metabolism. M ental health benefits: mindfulness, mental clarity and the natural high that comes from cold water immersion. S ocial benefits: sharing an experience with other people, making new friends, and feeling part of a community.

Call James on 0416 228 070 or Dan 0408 203 513 for an obligation-free quote, which we will show up for. Your proposal will be turned-around in 48 hours, that’s our guarantee. 65

LOCAL MUSIC

fresh four-piece WOLLONGONG INDIE ROCKERS SATIN CALI ARE SET TO MAKE SOME NOISE Words Emma Smith Image Chris Frape @chris_frape_photo

Alternative/surf rock band Satin Cali made their debut in 2020 during the thick of the pandemic, after the Wollongong locals met in an unexpected way. The four-piece, made up of Zac Goluch (vocals), Isaac Flaherty (lead guitar), Jake Payne (bass) and Daniel Devlin (drums), linked up after Isaac was on the hunt for a new lounge. Daniel was selling a lounge and when Isaac went to check it out, he spotted a drum kit in the living room. In conversation, he asked Daniel if he played. Daniel said yes and Isaac said he played the guitar. While it might not seem a typical rockstar story, when the two began jamming, they hit it off right away, and after roping in Isaac’s former bandmate Jake to play bass and mutual friend Zac to sing, the guys wrote a few songs together that day… right there, on the spot.

The boys have since upgraded from jamming in Daniel’s living room, and these days they can be found rehearsing in their studio space above the Grand Hotel in Wollongong. Zac says the band’s formula for making music is pretty organic and focuses on simply telling stories based on lived experiences. “The song Orange… I was going through something at the time. I had something sitting on my chest and Isaac just started playing this riff and the chorus literally came straight out of

LOCAL MUSIC that came out was super respectful. There were a lot of people dancing and clapping from their balconies, front gates and driveways. There was a lot of support around it. It was incredible.”

my mouth. There were no takes. I pretty much freestyled the song right there and it hardly changed from the time we recorded it,” says Zac. Satin Cali released that first single Orange on August 28, 2020, which may seem like a strange time to be pushing music into the world, but Zac says in some ways it was ideal – people were at home, looking for things to do, craving new content to consume. The obvious downside was the band couldn’t perform their new music and pick up gigs, and being a fresh band, it was also very difficult to network and meet other people in the industry. The music industry was undoubtedly one of the hardest hit during the pandemic, as live gigs everywhere came to a halt. Navigating this climate as an emerging band was tough. After many setbacks, the boys were itching to play to a crowd, and wondered how they could make an impact and get more eyes on them. In January, with growing Coronavirus cases, restrictions came back into effect. The band took matters into their own hands and organised a Covid-safe live music truck to play to people along Bulli Beach. Putting a call-out to fans on social media, they were inundated with locals requesting they drive by their houses for a live performance. “And that’s pretty much what we did. We started rocking up to random locations and just blasting songs out, shutting the doors and then taking off and doing it again,” laughs Zac. “We thought a few people would kick up a stink, but everyone

Fast forward to now – Satin Cali played at Ryan’s Hotel in Thirroul in April just four days after restrictions eased in NSW, which (thankfully!) saw dancefloors make a comeback! The band also played at the Steel City Surf Classic Afterparty in memory of young Thirroul local Ty Delaney. Their performance was for charity and this was their first night playing a gig to full capacity. “Our guitarist was doing a few stage dives and it was pretty cool,” says Zac. “It was the first time we got to crowd surf. It was pretty unreal.” Satin Cali also recently supported fellow Illawarra band The Terrys during their Our Paradise tour in Cronulla. It was the first time meeting them in the flesh after lots of back and forth banter via social media, and Zac says they were absolute legends. With live music back in business, the boys – who cite Foo Fighters, Royal Blood, Fleetwood Mac, Arctic Monkeys and Red Hot Chili Peppers as influences – are setting their sights on the big time. Playing at Glastonbury Festival in the UK would be their ultimate career goal, while closer to home they’d love to hit the stage again at The Heritage Hotel in Bulli. “I love that pub and loved the room that we played in,” says Zac. “The acoustics are so good in there.” For now, Satin Cali is focusing on their latest single, which will be released soon. Titled Will I Die, “the track has more of a punky vibe,” says Zac. And with new shows in the pipeline too, Satin Cali is ready to make that impact they craved in those fledgling months. If they’re not already on your radar, keep an ear out! ¡

fast five favourites

Favourite coffee shop… Fangerz Surf & Coffee Shop in East Corrimal Favourite beach… Towradgi Beach Favourite place to eat… Kinn Thai in Wollongong Favourite way to spend a weekend… Just with mates. Good times. Beers. Laughs. Favourite local band?… The Terrys

MONEY

mortgage matters SHOULD YOU BE REVIEWING AND REFINANCING YOUR HOME LOAN? Words Aaron Christie-David, Atelier Wealth

Fixed vs variable interest rates

Property prices have become a hot topic on everyone’s lips and with interest rates at all-time historic lows, it’s never been a better time to review your home loan. These are some common topics to consider before moving or refinancing your mortgage…

More than the just the cheapest rate… There’s more to be gained from refinancing simply to get a better rate. If you have plans to renovate your home and want to draw out equity to fund your renovations, it’s now a great time to review your loan. Just remember that by refinancing, you could be pushing your mortgage back out to a 30-year loan term, meaning you’ll pay more interest over the long-term. There’s also an added bonus if you currently have extra cash in your bank account (thanks to no overseas holidays) to make additional repayments or build up savings in your offset account. With rates as low as they are, by making additional repayments into your loan, you can potentially pay off your loan much faster.

With fixed rates under two per cent, it’s very tempting to fix your interest rate, but locking in your rate does come with a few limitations. You can only pay $10,000 in additional repayments on your fixed rate loan annually, and you can’t have an offset account linked to a fixed rate loan, which has the power to bring down your interest repayments even further. Also, if for whatever reason you need to change lenders or sell your home during the fixed rate period, you will incur a ‘break fee’. So what are the options? You could choose to have a split loan, or the ‘best of both worlds’ as brokers call it, which is part fixed and part variable. This allows you to have the security of a low fixed rate on one portion of your loan and the ability to make unlimited repayments on your variable loan.

The pros

Lenders are offering ‘refinance rebates’ up to $4000 to switch your loan across to them. It has never been more competitive, and lenders are paying your costs to refinance your loan.

Consider drawing out equity to do renovation work or possibly purchase an investment property. With property values rising, you could have your equity working for you by adding more value to your home or purchasing an investment property. ¡

If reviewing your current loan is on your to-do list, reach out the team at Atelier Wealth. Have a loan-related question? Send an email to hello@atelierwealth.com.au

W O L L O N G O N G ’ S

B U RGE RS

EAST CORRIMAL

0405 517 583

DAPTO SHOWGROUND

0412 298 701

TRAVEL

across the ditch HOW TO TACKLE NEW ZEALAND’S QUEENSTOWN LIKE AN EXPERT Words Matt Castell curatedtravel.com.au Image Peggy Clinton @peggy.clinton

TRAVEL The travel bubble with New Zealand was officially opened in April, and it couldn’t have come a second sooner for those of us who crave different accents, funny-looking money and getting up to mischief with like-minded strangers whom you’ll probably never see again. Our Kiwi cousins across the ditch are ready with open wings for our tourism dollars, friendly(ish) sporting rivalry and all the fun and banter. Why keep them waiting? Queenstown has one of the coolest vibes for any ski/adventure town in the world, with world-class eateries, spectacular scenery and sweet-as slopes for all levels of skiers/boarders to tackle. Consider Queenstown for a weekender or longer and check out these tips on how to do it like a pro!

D O all the adventurous things E AT all the fantastic food For a small town, Queenstown boasts an impressive list of restaurants, cafes and bars. Most are contained within a small area, so walking around and picking something that takes your fancy is easy, but booking a few weeks ahead for popular haunts like Botswana Butchery, Nest Bar and Eatery and Rata, is recommended. There’s nothing worse than overhearing how great the food is when you can’t get a table. There is heaps of great casual options as well, from woodfire pizza joints to traditional Japanese spots and you can’t visit Queenstown without grabbing something tasty from Fergburger (expect a long wait). If buffets are your thing, catch the gondola up to Stratosfare for a seriously good feed and epic views of Lake Wakatipu for dessert.

D R I N K all the delicious wine You’ll need to wash all of those fantastic meals down with equally fantastic wines and New Zealand does not disappoint when it comes to silky pinot noirs, tangy sauvignon blancs and buttery chardonnays. Sashay your way between a multitude of wine bars, from casual to fancy or take the lazy route and book a tasting at The Winery, with over 80 plonks to taste, it’s NZ’s largest offering. Why not make a day of it and join a wine tour? Operating year-round, Alpine Wine Tours offers half/full-day trips to the famous Otago region where the scenery is just as good as the pinot!

The obvious drawcard to the Queenstown region is snow-covered mountains perfect for sliding down on your choice of skis or snowboards. The Remarkables and Coronet Peak are both perfect for beginners and only minutes from downtown. Venture a little further to find Cardrona for a few more advanced runs and an obligatory stop at the Cardrona Hotel for a pint after a long day of shredding. Queenstown also has some of the most affordable heli-skiing operations in the world. If hurtling down mountains isn’t your thing, try your hand at bungee jumping, jet boating, luging, canyon swinging, mountain biking, horseback riding, skydiving, kayaking… the list goes on! Queenstown really is the adventure capital of the world and has the roots to prove it. AJ Hackett started the first bungee jumping operation on the planet at nearby Kawarau Bridge, which is still in operation, plunging punters 43 metres into the frigid waters below.

T R E AT yourself! After a hard week of adventures, food and wine, why not top off your visit with a bit of pampering? Queenstown does not fall short when it comes to the finer things in life and an indulgent visit to Onsen Hot Pools will reset your chi and balance any chakras that came out of whack on the ski fields. After checking in, you’ll be whisked to your private area (indoor or outdoor) for a few hours of soaking in bubbling, healing waters accompanied by refreshments and wine. Definitely book in advance as this is one of Queenstown’s hottest spots. ¡

For help planning your NZ getaway, head to curatedtravel.com

COAL COAST KIDS

dads on duty NAVIGATING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN IS OFTEN CHALLENGING, PARTICULARLY AS THEY APPROACH THEIR TEENAGE YEARS. BUT FOR THOSE LOOKING TO RECONNECT AND STRENGTHEN FAMILIAL BONDS, A WEEKEND RETREAT MIGHT JUST BE THE ANSWER Words Hayley Griffiths @hayleyg.creative

In a world of non-stop busyness and constant connectivity, Kiama-based social enterprise Habitus presses pause on this lifestyle with their father and son weekend retreats.

At the heart of Habitus is a unique anthropological approach to relationships, education and human experiences. Founded by anthropologist Dr Monty Badami, the creation of the program was driven by his personal childhood experience and background in youth work and academia. Habitus retreats are led by Dr Badami and a team of experienced educators and researchers, who support participants to create connections, build trust and have fun.

Aimed at families with eight to 12-year olds – a key developmental age for building relationships on trust – Habitus facilitates experiential retreats for dads and their sons to connect in meaningful ways and ultimately leave with transformed relationships.

On a deeper level, Dr Badami describes the way in which activities like story sharing and creative games provide a powerful metaphor for dads and sons to reflect on their lives and relationships. “Habitus facilitate these retreats to create a psychologically and emotionally safe space to

COAL COAST KIDS

My son and I had the most open and connected “ conversation we have had in a very long time. By Sunday it was like I came home to a different boy, but what really happened is that my boy came home to a different dad” engage in these activities and reflect inwards. We hold that space so they can articulate that to the people around them,” says Dr Badami. Throughout the weekend retreat, participants are invited to disconnect from the world and take the time to focus on what really matters in life. As one participant aptly said, “we can play and be together without any distractions”. Dads have the opportunity to not only spend time with their sons, but meet other like-minded men to discuss their own journey of parenting, both the joys and challenges. The program is structured around the idea of connecting with stories and learning with play. Dads and their sons work together to complete a set of unique activities that aim to challenge, but ultimately build a stronger bond in their relationships. “We are creating a bond by providing challenging experiences but scaffolding it so that it isn’t unsafe, traumatic or anxiety causing,” explains Dr Badami.

As Habitus is a social enterprise, the weekend retreats are offered at a not-for-profit price to benefit the Illawarra community. The organisation uses the profits generated to help bring Habitus programs to families and communities, who otherwise might not be reachable. A full weekend, including all food, activities and facilitation, is $250 for a pair. Habitus also offer complimentary places for local ‘community hero dads’ such as first responders and Australian Defence Force personnel or those unable to afford it. Habitus has planned its first father and daughter retreat, in addition to a parent and child retreat planned for October. And how do participants feel after the retreat comes to an end? One father Simon put his experience into words, “My son and I had the most open and connected conversation we have had in a very long time. By Sunday it was like I came home to a different boy, but what really happened is that my boy came home to a different dad.” ¡ Interested in finding out more? www.habitus.org

GARDENING

growing habitat TIPS FOR CREATING A WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY SPACE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD Words Kath Gadd, Mallee Design malleedesign.com.au

We live in a unique and beautiful environment here in the Illawarra, nestled between the escarpment and the sea. This means the native wildlife also surrounds us, and in many suburbs, residential gardens can provide important habitat for local critters. Habitat gardening is simply trying to encourage wildlife into your garden by providing food, water, nesting materials, shelter and protection for local native fauna.

GARDENING

You can attract wildlife by re-creating lost habitat in your own garden. It can be as simple as putting in a birdbath, modifying your existing garden or establishing a new native garden. A habitat garden will cater for all native wildlife, from insects, lizards, frogs, birds, possums and even spiders. They all make up an ecosystem and rely on each other to flourish. The most important part of a habitat garden is making sure there is plenty of densely layered plants. Small birds and marsupials require protection from predators and like to hide and nest in thick shrubs and trees.

Layered planting The best way to create dense habitat is to utilise existing canopy trees and plant around them. The more layers you have in your garden, the greater the diversity of fauna you will attract. There are generally five to six layers in a habitat garden: trees, tall shrubs, medium shrubs, small shrubs, tufting plants and ground covers.

nurseries. Local species grow well and need less water than exotic plants, being suited to the local soils and climate. Other ways of providing shelter for wildlife, is to include nesting boxes for birds, possums and bats – if you don’t have hollow bearing trees, this is a great way to help animals find a home. Frogs, reptiles and other ground-dwelling animals require shelter in the form of logs, rocks and leaf litter. You can also make your landscaping wildlifefriendly by utilising drystone or gabion walls, recycled railway sleepers and gravel or mulch pathways. Many of the ground-dwellers love to fossick and feed in the mulch among fallen leaves and bark, so it is important to retain as much of your garden waste as possible – try not to tidy up too much.

Water

Try to use plants which flower and fruit at different times of the year so the food source is spread out, also include as many prickly plants as you can – these give the small birds somewhere safe to hide.

Providing clean safe water for wildlife to drink from is an instant way to encourage animals to your garden. Place birdbaths and water bowls close to their food source in part shade. Make sure the water is raised if you have unwanted cats visiting your garden. Frog ponds are another simple way to encourage action in your garden. A simple plastic liner with some strappy leaf plants and logs for access into the water will cater to frogs, lizards, echidnas and sometimes snakes – everybody needs to drink, right?

When adding plants to your garden, consider using the local native species that can be obtained from council, community or specialist

And last but not least, create a comfortable space for you to sit and observe your new native visitors! ¡

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LOCAL STYLE

designer digs THE MODERN GRANNY FLAT Words Adam Souter @souter.built Images Mark Syke msarchphoto.com

Once considered an afterthought or a simple structure built in the corner of the backyard, the granny flat of old often gets a bad rap. Dated and dull, the humble granny flat was far from the modern architectural designs that we see popping up across the Illawarra today.

There are many factors that come into play when designing your new space. To create the perfect secondary dwelling, there are some key considerations to keep in mind: How do you plan to use it? Will its use change over time? H ow much space do you have available? (secondary dwellings can be 60m2 max.) A re there any building restrictions – existing trees and gardens, fencing or bushfire compliance – that needs to be considered? W hat’s the style of your existing home? D oes the style need to be similar and complementary, or differ completely? What materials do you prefer? Does it need heating and cooling? What is your overall budget?

** * * ** ** *

Considering these factors during the design phase will ensure you make the most of your existing space, utilise your natural surroundings and aspect, and create a design that is perfect for your home and family for many years to come.

But dated no more, a granny flat – or “secondary dwelling” – can be an exciting piece of architecture, designed with its unique surroundings in mind, stylish and fit for purpose. Thoughtful design and a high-quality build can take your granny flat dreams from drab to designer.

Using your existing backyard environment, keeping your mature trees and planning your building to integrate will add a lot more excitement to the dwelling and add value, as mature trees are very expensive to purchase. Decks around the dwelling will also make the space feel a lot bigger, without impacting the maximum floor space ratio. For example, a 60m2 dwelling plus 25m2 deck will give you 85m2 of living space.

A great design will ensure home owners can maximise space and have longevity in its use. From home office, teenage or parent retreat, movie room, pool house, guest room, tiny home or a permanent abode, a secondary dwelling has endless options.

Budget and timeframes are always big considerations, however choosing materials that are sustainable and energy-efficient will ensure that your secondary dwelling is a viable investment over the long-term – regardless of its use over its lifetime! ¡

Cook your meal to your preferred taste on ancient volcanic stones and enjoy our Australiana Outback themed restaurant, complete with roll back roof to soak up that sunshine. Come and meet our mascot "Banjo the Bull".

Located inside The Builders Club, 61 Church St Wollongong. Opening Hours Lunch: Fri - Sun: 11.30am - 2.30pm Dinner: Mon - Thu: 5.30pm - 9pm Fri - Sun: 5.30pm - 9.30pm www.thebuilders.com.au/stonegrill-steakhouse

LOCAL STYLE

scandi-boho by the beach BE INSPIRED BY THIS BEAUTIFUL LOCAL HOME, TO CREATE A SPACE YOU WON’T EVER NEED A HOLIDAY FROM… Styling Jessi Eve Interiors @jessi.eve, jessieve.com.au Words Hayley Griffiths @hayleyg.creative Images Amani Lindsell @amani_lindsell

When a young family of three made the sea change from Sydney to Kiama, they wanted the style of their new home to reflect their coastal surroundings, while remaining contemporary. The brief for this project, completed by local interior stylist Jessi Eve, was Scandi-coastal-boho with hints of blush and ochre on a base of white and grey. Incorporating layers for warmth and rattan elements was also on the wish list. The overall vision was to create a beautiful, yet practical space for considered (and busy!) family living. A welcoming entryway was designed with practicality in mind, and is a simple yet effective way to turn this often overlooked area into a functional space. A bench seat with hooks above, a shoe cabinet and mirror in the entry create useful (and pretty) storage when coming and going from the beach.

In the guest bedroom, a simple timber bedframe was used to create a custom woven macrame bedhead using natural cotton rope tied directly onto the frame. This is a fun DIY project for anyone who likes to get crafty. The result is a one-of-a-kind bed frame that will make a wow statement. A matching macrame door curtain was also installed to conceal storage in the walkin robe. The natural element of woven cotton was carried across into the living area to create a sense of cohesiveness throughout the home. Custom macrame wall art is featured as a hero piece in the lounge room. Extending into other areas of the home, textured handmade wall art is a great way to create a unique, relaxed look. In the dining room, a variety of mismatched dining chairs were selected to reflect the cosy coastal charm. Choosing chairs of a similar scale and palette maintains a feeling of calm and keeps the minimal aesthetic. However, if you’re after a more eclectic feel, mix and match each chair in a different colour and style. The end result – a blend of Scandinavian and bohemian styles to compliment the relaxed coastal lifestyle in Kiama. ¡

LOCAL TALENT

PENELOPE TOWNEY

LOCAL TALENT

ion we’ll bewaves our new sect , and in mer cal talentupcelebratingonloyou We loveg the making are who s ng and-co shinin light

Congratulations on finishing your first independent short film. Can you tell us a bit about it? Mandaang Guwu – that’s "thank you" in Wiradjuri. I worked for about 90 days practising – it was hard. But we filmed around Bellambi Beach, one of my favourite beaches. Bellambi Beach is very special.

young talent time Words Grace Gollasch Image Katelyn Slyer

Like many seven-year-olds, Penelope Towney enjoys playing, making art and swimming. But unlike other kids her age, Penelope has starred in an independent short film, spoken at a Black Lives Matter rally, and performed an Acknowledgement of Country in front of 18 local principals. Now residing in Woonona, Penelope is a Wiradjuri/Palawa kid who wants to share the importance of culture and language with others through her public speaking and art. Along with her various accolades, Penelope has spent a year of her life living with family and community on Palawa Country in Lutruwita (Tasmania), along with the better half of a year living with her family and community in Gilgandra on Wiradjuri Country. She is still deciding whether she wants to be a writer, scientist or ninja when she grows up, but one thing the Year 2 student from Waniora Public School in Bulli is sure of is the importance of paying respect to and loving the land we live on, preserving First Nations language and sharing this message with others.

What was your favourite thing about working on this short film? When I was practising, I got to speak my lines in funny voices. I can’t wait to see myself in it. What do you hope people learn from the film? Just about being respectful. I wanted to share some of my languages as well. How did you feel reading the Acknowledgement of the Dharawal/Yuin nation at your school? It felt good because I got to pay respect to the land I live on and the people whose land it is. You’ve been learning Wiradjuri and Palawa Kani language – why do you think this is important? Knowing how to speak my languages is so important. If I go into a fish and chip shop and their chips are really good, one day I’d love to go in there and say, “I’d like chips” or something like that in Wiradjuri or Palawa Kani, and the shop workers understand me like they do with English. Language is culture, my culture is my life always. What are your favourite things to do when you aren’t at school? Playing Minecraft, eating chicken noodles and watching The Croods. (Penelope’s mum Tara laughs: “Penelope doesn’t often get to do that stuff, which is probably why it’s all so appealing. Outside of school Pen loves reading and creating art, she does drama classes, art classes, and swimming lessons.”) What do you want to be when you grow up? I would love to be a writer, an illustrator, a scientist, a ninja, own an ice-cream truck and a candy store. I’d also like to work at Subway. Lakapawa nina – that is "see you" in Palawa Kani. ¡

If you know a local young star we should feature, please get in touch at info@coalcoastmagazine.com

COAL COAST FAVES

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The Throsby, Wollongong

The Groundz

Dapto Showground

Burrata with charred persimmon, lemon oil & wild fennel The Front Room, Bulli

Pickleball

Shellharbour City Stadium

Il Bene woodfired pizza

The Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow

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COFFEE CHAT

hey brew

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

MEET PRUE AND TEESH FROM LOWER EAST How was Lower East born? The previous owner, Blake and his mum, started Lower East 11 years ago, noticing an increasing desire for great coffee and delicious food in the area. We took over five years ago, after running a motel in New Zealand, looking for something more in line with our passion for good food.

the way we do business. We realise we have a responsibility as small business owners to support others, and help drive initiatives such as reducing single-use plastic in our cafe. We love being a part of the lower Crown Street business community – a group of small business owners with a shared creative energy.

You recently sold Tally Ho! in Wollongong as well – what brought about that decision? We worked hard to build Tally Ho! up over the past three years, but when we found out we were having a baby mid last year, we realised that with three kids, a dog, and two businesses, something had to give.

What brand of coffee do you serve and why? We serve Single O coffee and have done since the beginning. They’re absolute legends to work with. Not only do they source the finest quality beans worldwide from smaller lots and ethically farmed producers, they also put real focus on sustainably grown and innovatively produced coffee in the face of climate change. Check out their “No Death to Coffee” campaign.

What’s the inspiration behind Lower East’s menu? We strive for a balance of bold flavours and healthy options. We make our own pickles, sauces and fermented vegetables. For us, the focus is always on what tastes good. We aim to change up our menu seasonally, even though it’s sometimes hard to say goodbye to dishes that have become favourites. There’s a real sense of community at Lower East. The cafe gets behind many locally-run initiatives and is a champion for Wollongong hospitality. Was this always important to you? Absolutely. One of the main reasons for us returning to Wollongong after years in Sydney and abroad was to return to a smaller community we could establish ourselves in. This is the region we’re raising our kids in, and for us it’s important to set the right example in

What’s the secret to a perfect brew? Consistency and commitment. We measure every shot of coffee for input, yield, and extraction time. Combining the technical components with the best available beans ensures every customer gets a quality brew each time. We also like to showcase limited-edition filters and cold brews to keep ourselves entertained and the coffee geeks satisfied! If you buy coffee from another spot in the Illawarra, where do you go? We’re spoilt for choice really, and on our days off, love supporting other local cafes. Some of our favourites include Wilde in Thirroul, Moore Street General in Austinmer, Brown Sugar Espresso in Mangerton and Opus in town. ¡

70 Crown St, Wollongong

COAL COAST POPS

the best hot chips? Interviews Taylah Cutting

Elle

Bre

Sharky's, Coledale

Resin Brewing, Bulli

Viktor

Katrina

Papi Dulce, Thirroul

Big Birdz, Woonona

Kahlia

Belinda

Chickos, Figtree

Eddy & Sandra’s, Unanderra

FROM STANWELL PARK

FROM BULLI

FROM WOONONA

FROM FIGTREE

FROM BALGOWNIE

Wollongong | Kiama | Coledale www.misszoesschoolofdance.com 0407 921 054 90

2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, NSW 2500 Australia

+61 2 4224 3111

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MEET A NEIGHBOUR

meet a neighbour

Sam Schemiakin Horsley

How long have you lived in the Illawarra? 34 years, my whole life! My husband and I grew up in Koonawarra, lived in Balgownie for over eight years, then moved to Horsley three years ago when we bought our first home. What do you love about living in the area? The walking tracks. I love to hike – when we first moved to Horsley I even took on the Bong Bong Mountain track. Since having my daughter I’ve also come to appreciate the paved walking tracks that are pram and disabled accessible around the Illawarra too. I can walk the lake foreshore from Kanahooka to Tallawarra – or the beach foreshore from Windang to Shellharbour. The back of Horsley also has great walking tracks past farmlands, horse paddocks and duck ponds. If you’re after a hike or a beach stroll, the Illawarra is the picture-perfect place to do it. Ideal start to the day? A super early gym session. I try to sneak out of the house at 5am while my daughter and hubby are asleep. The early mornings are hard especially coming into winter but they make me feel productive, strong and ready to take on the day. My Sunday morning aqua class is my favourite though. I’m usually the youngest in the class but I love it! The women I swim with are amazing and always remind me to “stop focusing on what your body can’t do and have gratitude for what it can do” – shout out to all the lovely ladies at Beaton Park Sunday aqua class! Favourite local cafe? The Woolshed at Yallah – it’s a large open plan stylish space, super family friendly and so easy to pop into if you’re headed down the coast for the day. ¡

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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, SOME OF THESE EVENTS MAY CHANGE. CHECK WITH VENUES.

June

01 02

Trivia Night, The Builders Club Wollongong, 7:30pm (every Tuesday) • Illawarra Hawks vs Wildcats, WIN Entertainment Centre, 7:30pm The Midnight Tides, La La La’s Wollongong, 7pm • Comedy Night, UOW Unibar, 8pm (first Wednesday of the month) • Corrimal Park Farmers and Foodies Market, 204 Princes Hwy Corrimal, 12pm (every Wednesday)

Slumberjack, UOW Unibar, 8pm • Apia Good Times Tour, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 7:30pm • Michael Dunstan 'Porch' Australian Tour, La La La’s, 7:30pm • Illawarra Hawks vs Sydney Kings, WIN Entertainment Centre, 7:30pm

Rock City Saints with Special Guest Tony Currenti, The Fraternity Club, 7:30pm • Death By Denin, La La La’s Wollongong, 7:30pm • Illawarra Folk Club Concert, City Diggers Wollongong, 7pm • Songs from the Barrier Lane, Thirroul Railway Institute Hall, 7pm • Queerstories, Thirroul Library 6pm

Coal Coast Record Fair, Project Gallery Wollongong • Eat Street Markets, Bulli Showground (every Saturday) • Running in the Shadows, Fleetwood Mac Show, The Heritage Hotel Bulli • 19 - Twenty, UOW Unibar, 7:30pm • Stars of Wollongong, WIN Entertainment Centre, 6pm • Learn, Make, Create A pottery workshops, 64 Smith Street • Dominic Breen, The Shy Postie, 7:30pm

06 07 08 09 94

Wollongong Running Festival, Stuart Park North Wollongong, 7am Art Workshops at Art Space 2515, Thirroul Plaza, 10am (every Monday) Drummer Queens, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre 7:30pm (until 11th June) Luke Kidgell, UOW Unibar, 7:30pm

BxNetworking for Business Wollongong, Sage Hotel Wollongong, Every Thursday 8am • Pierce Brothers, La La La’s, 7:30pm • Tyne-James Organ, UOW Unibar, 7:30pm • The Dreggs - Stories from Gracetown, The Pavillion Kiama, 7pm

Backsliders, Wollongong Town Hall, 8pm • SurfLife Music Festival Gerringong, 4pm - Jun 12 11:30pm • Sam Buckingham, Heritage Hotel Bulli, 6:30pm • Odette, UOW Unibar, 6pm

Am I Who I Say I Am? 745 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coledale, 7:30pm • Tommy Little I’ll See Myself Out, Wollongong Town Hall, 7:30pm • World Record Dog Wash, Dapto Showgrounds, 8am • Jack Biilmann, La La La’s, 7:30pm • Bad//Dreems, UOW Unibar, 8pm • Winter Bonanza, Albion Park Showground, 3pm

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY public holiday Queen’s Birthday High Tea, The Fraternity Club, 3pm • Carmen, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 7:30pm (until 15 June)

16 17 18

Bob Evans, Heritage Hotel Bulli, 9pm iDo Expo, The Fraternity Club Fairy Meadow, 11am

S0 toryFest, Ulladulla, 12pm • Paul McDermott, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 8pm • Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, Wollongong Town Hall, 7:30pm (until 19th June)

19 20 22 25

The Veronicas, WIN Enterainment Centre, 7pm • Justice for the Damned, La La La’s, 8pm • Emma Swift, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 8pm Illawarra International Day of Yoga, 51 Lady Carrington Road, 7am • Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 7:30pm Richard Clapton - ‘Music is Love Tour,’ Anita’s Theatre Thirroul

Crazy Rich Ethnics, The Fraternity Club, 5pm • The Zela Margossian Quintet, Wollongong Town Hall, 8pm • Children Collide, La La La’s, 9:30pm • Masha & Sako in Concert, Shellharbour Civic Centre, 7pm

Polaris, UOW Unibar, 7:30pm • Cry Club, La La La’s, 7:30pm • Thelma Plum, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 8pm

WHAT'S ON

July

01 02 03 04 09 10 14 15 16

Camel Races, Bulli Showgrounds, 3pm

Valhalore, La La La’s, 7:30pm • The Vanns, UOW Unibar, 7:30pm • Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo Illawarra, Kembla Grange (until 4th July) Basil’s Kite ‘10 Year Anniversary,’ UOW Unibar, 6pm • Eat Street Markets, Bulli Showground (every Saturday) Sarah Wilson: In Conversation, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 7:30pm Tia Gostelow ‘Chrysalis’ UOW Unibar, 8pm

Last Light: Wollongong Small Bar Festival, Wollongong CBD • The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 8pm Paris Nocturne, Wollongong Town Hall, 8pm

Wendy Matthews & Grace Knight - We're Going to Graceland, Centro CBD, 6:30pm

Iron Lion, Heritage Hotel Bulli, 6:30pm • Grown Ocean ‘Memory Gardens’ Album Launch, Wollongong Town Hall, 8pm • Dragon - It Comes In Threes Tour, Centro CBD Wollongong, 6:30pm

17 23

The Big Swing, The Pavillion Kiama, 7pm

Marina Prior & David Hobson The 2 of Us, The Fraternity Club Fairy Meadow, 8:15pm • Stand Atlantic, UOW Unibar, 8pm • The Robertson Brothers: Variety Show, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 8pm

The Lachy Doley Group, Heritage Hotel Bulli, 6:30pm • Lillian Albazi – ‘After-Image’ Album Tour, Wollongong Town Hall, 8pm • Rodeo 4 Life, WIN Entertainment Centre, 7pm

26 30 31

Consent Labs, 83-85 Keira Street Wollongong, 12pm Frenzal Rhomb, UOW Unibar, 7:30pm • Let It Be Live, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 7:30pm

Comedy Olympics, Wollongong Town Hall, 8pm • Adam Harvey: Highway One Tour, Albion Park Rail, 8pm

August

01 05 07

Deborah Conway & Willy Zygier, Wollongong Town Hall, 3pm • Steve Edmonds Band Presents Hendrix and Heroes, Towradgi Beach Hotel, 4pm Hayley Jensen, Heritage Hotel Bulli, 6:30pm

CBCA 'In Conversation: Josh Pyke, Claire Zorn & Elana Stone', Ryan's Hotel Thirroul, 3pm • Warrawong Markets (every Saturday) • Mark Seymour and The Undertow, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 8pm

08 11 13 14 18 19 21 27 28 29

Dapto Showground Market (every Sunday)

Nebula, La La La’s, 6:30pm Dragon, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 8pm Flaming Wrekage, La La La’s, 7:30pm An Evening with Mitchell Coombes, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 7:30pm

CBCA Primary School Literary Lunch, The Fraternity Club, 11am • The Sunday Estate, La La La’s, 7:30pm Frances Madden ‘Beautiful World’, Wollongong Town Hall, 8pm The Swinging Sixties, Centro CBD, 6:30pm • The Whitlams, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul, 8pm

Objet d'Art Fair, Wollongong Art Gallery • Bulli Antique Bike Weekend, Bulli Showgrounds, 7am (until 29th Aug) Coledale Markets (every fourth Sunday of the month), Coledale Public School 9am-3pm

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FINAL FUN

the quiz 1. Wollongong is the third largest city in NSW. What’s the second?

2. What year was the very first model of the iPhone released?

Which planet is the hottest in the solar system?

4. What is the name of Batman’s butler? 5. Which A-league soccer team has been residing in the Illawarra recently?

6. What name is used to refer to a group of frogs?

7. Which watch company has a pointed crown as its logo?

8. Who did Forbes name the youngest self-made billionaire in 2019?

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9. Which country produces the most coffee in the world?

10. How many hearts does an octopus have? 11. What does "HTTP" stand for? 12. What was the first toy to be advertised

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on television?

13. True or false: Bees have five eyes. 14. Who invented scissors? 15. In which film did father and son actors Will and Jaden Smith first appear together?

16. How many Earths could fit inside the sun: 3, 1300, 1.3 million?

17. Which chess piece can only move diagonally? 18. In which video game did Super Mario first appear?

19. What’s the postcode for Bellambi? 20. How many neck bones does a giraffe have?

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House Median 5 Years

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ISSUE NO.13 : WINTER 2021 - Coal Coast Magazine

Articles inside

scandi-boho by the beach

cool dip

daily rhythms

on the ocean floor

fashioning success

the eve of a new era

sea urchin recipe

luck of the irish

come to papi's