ABOUT TOWN
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A Helensburgh Harley enthusiast is about to be among a million people converging on a small town of 6500 in the US.
Just two years after spending six weeks travelling through the US for just $5000, Helensburgh businessman Steve Melchior is about to do it again.
In 2013 he mixed business with pleasure to promote his Elite Camper trailers in North America, culminating in being one of more than 500,000 bikers to converge on a small town called Sturgis, South Dakota, for its famous bike week.
The Just Cruisin' Harley Tours operator had shipped a bike and a trailer across the Pacific weeks earlier before riding through nine states to try to tap into the US market.
Mr Melchior started the Elite business eight years ago - camper trailers manufactured in China to be towed behind motorbikes.
The demonstration at Sturgis Bike Week went so well he's doing it again.
But this time he is leading a tour group from NSW. And being the 75th anniversary of Sturgis Bike Week more than one million people are expected to transform the small town of 6500 people into a Harley city.
Nat at fundraiser
Natalie Bassingthwaighte is attending the Graham Wilson fundraiser on July 21 at the Lagoon Seafood Restaurant.
Michael Bassingthwaighte said not only did his daughter grow up locally, like the member of the Four Kinsmen, but the Bassingthwaightes were once neighbours of Rikki and Jane Organ - Rikki being one of the emcees on Tuesday night along with Scott Radburn, a member of The Four Kinsmen with Wilson.
Graham's in touch
Graham Wilson has called into the Lagoon Seafood Restaurant a couple of times in recent weeks on brief outings from hospital. He has been on chemotherapy since April.
During his last visit Vania Harrison briefed him on event developments. Her son Andrew Harrison and Lagoon staff such as Sharon Howson and Emma Goldsmith have been busy pulling everything together with the help of volunteers such as Jenny Jones, of the Cancer Council, and Susan Wallis and Leanne Smith who are running the balloon raffle.
Live auction items include a major Natalija Vocanec artwork inspired by and involving Wilson, being unveiled later this week. Other items are a Centro CBD 12-month dinner and show subscription for two valued at more than $5000, a Loewe Media 5.1 channel home theatre system from Sturman Electronics ($4000+), a Fender American Special Telecaster electric guitar from Pipers Music Wollongong ($2199), Don Bradman-signed memorabilia donated by Adam Morgan-Monk, a signed cricket bat by Brett Lee donated by Jenifer and Doug Symes, Radiators memorabilia, and a special didgeridoo from the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant. Melbourne's Crown Promenade Hotel has donated two nights' accommodation.
Star chef night
River Cottage Australia chef and host Paul West features at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach on Thursday night.
West is preparing an exclusive three-course dinner with matching wines.
Celebrity chef evenings are a new offering by the Novotel.
General manager Steve Savic said with his passion for food, farming and sustainable living West would take his diners on an inspiring culinary journey.
Book at novotelnorthbeach.com.au/whats-on.
Toast to Tony
WAVE FM's Tony McAdam was surprised at the Toastmasters International District 70 Changeover Dinner in Bankstown when in front of 300 people he was presented a District Governor's Award. Mr McAdam was acknowledged for working above-and-beyond the call of duty in his role as the district's advertising and PR team's electronic media officer and his role in a recent campaign on radio and television.
Mr McAdam has been a member of Keira Toastmasters for seven years. The d70Toastmasters.org.au website lists all 11 Illawarra clubs.
3D print contest
Illawarra ITeC business development manager Virginia Wren is marketing a new competition to encourage Illawarra students to design and prototype an original product using CAD and 3D printing technology.
Ms Wren said Heike Roberts and Ben Roberts were involved in launching the competition. Both are a part of the iAccelerate program at the University of Wollongong.
MODFAB is a contact point for Illawarra businesses interested in sponsoring the competition.
Further information is at info@modfab.com.au, entries via modfab.com.au when the competition opens on July 20.
On September 1 there is a free 3D printing workshop at the Wollongong Innovation Campus.
Submissions of 3D prints and designs must be in by September 21.
Winners will be announced at Blender Festival, Future Day on October 3.
Need-a-Feed
Shaz Harrison-Shaw, of Need-A-Feed, has more than 100 families registered for her next food distribution on July 22.
Mrs Harrison-Shaw has Bianca Dye helping her pack the 200 food parcels and Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery helping with the distribution.
THE DIARY
July 15 - Rotary Club of Wollongong hosts bricklayer Sam Spong at its CBD Centro meeting as part of Rotary's Adopt a Skillaroo initiative.
July 16 - River Cottage Australia chef and host Paul West is the guest at a celebrity chef dinner at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach.
July 17 - City Beach Function Centre (now known at City Beach Events) is hosting the first in a series of unique corporate lunches featuring some 'local business legends'.
July 18 - Wendi Leigh Designs third birthday in Auburn Street, Wollongong.
Jeff Duff is bringing his critically acclaimed Bowie Unzipped show to Centro CBD. It is his unique interpretation of the music and life and times of David Bowie.
July 21 - Graham Wilson fund-raiser at the Lagoon Seafood Restaurant.
iAccelerate Demo Day in the Ocean Room of iC Central at the Wollongong Innovation Campus.
July 21 and 22 - Seacliff Restaurant is open for dinner to help families celebrate during UOW Graduation Week. Bookings on 4228 5410.
July 22 - Next Need-A-Feed distribution.