Come along to the Shellharbour City Library on Thursday  August 30 from 5.30–6.30pm and hear about amazing birds that break the records for speed, power, endurance, size and weight with Martin Potter from Illawarra Birders.  Children aged over 8 years are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Places are limited and bookings are essential. Book on-line now, or call Council on 4221 6111. This free event is part of our new Nature Talks program, and is a partnership activity between Shellharbour City Council’s Environment team, Shellharbour City Libraries and Illawarra Birders.  

Southern Stars ‘ICONIC’

The NSW Department of Education is proud to present Southern Stars 2018 "Iconic" at the WIN Entertainment Centfre.

Now in its 18th year, Southern Stars is one of the Department of Education's premier creative events, showcasing the abilities of more than 3000 students from across NSW.  This arena spectacular held annually at the WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong with audiences of 12,000 each year, is a powerful, inspiring and energetic show featuring vocalists, dancers, circus performers, drama students, a 700 voice choir and live orchestra.

Outstanding performers from NSW Public Schools will surprise and delight with their enthusiasm, skill and talent you as they lead you through the unusual journeys which develop the show. We invite you to join us to the iconic music, times and places.

Shows will be held on Friday August 31 from 7.30pm amd Saturday  September  1 at 2 pm and 7.30pm

Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.au

24^th Korimul Gang Show

Korimul Gang Show is produced by Scouts and Guides from the Illawarra region. It is variety theatre at its' best with song and dance routines, comedy sketches and other performance pieces. All performers are members of the Scouting and Guides movements, be they leaders or youth members, as are the majority of the organisers and stage crew.

Like all amateur theatre groups the Gang Show runs on a shoe-string budget while still producing theatre of very high quality. This is due to the dedication, hard work and, most especially, teamwork of the participants. This illustrates the purpose of Gang Show, which is to allow the Guides and Scouts to work together while having fun. At Gang Show a good time is always had by all be they in the audience, the cast or the crew.

Adult tickets are on sale for $30, Students and Pensioners $25, Child Under 13 $23 and Groups of 5 or more are $23. Tickets are available through www.merrigong.com.au or by ringing the Box Office on 4224 5999.

Performances are Friday August 31 at 7pm and Saturday September 1 at  2pm and 7pm

Village Medical Spring Festival, Woonona

You are invited to join the village for our first ever Spring Festival at 24 Park Rd, Woonona East. A celebration of spring, connectedness and life. There will be  water colour workshops with Kiara Mucci 1-2pm,  Popes Produce workshop 2-3pm,  Illawarra Woodwork School spoon carving demo,  vietnamese food, food trucks, cakes stalls and activities for the kids.

The festival runs between midday to 4 pm.

All Star Comedy Comp Launch

Ryan's Hotel Thirroul is proud to be the launch pad for the All Star Comedy Comp! On Friday  August 31. The first heat in this year long comedy competition will kick off. Make sure you get your tickets early so you don't miss out on all of the laughs. Our Headline performer will be Peter Berner with your MC for the night David Smiedt. From 8pm.

READ MORE: Competition on the hunt for our funniest comedians

​Watoto Children’s Choir

The Watoto Children’s Choir members will share their stories of transformation and hope when they perform in Wollongong. The choir, whose members are all orphans from Uganda, are in the midst of a tour of Australia which includes three performances in the Illawarra.  On Saturday, September 1 the choir will perform hit songs from their Signs & Wonders Production at Cedars Christian College in Farmborough Heights from 5.30pm. The following day the choir, which raises awareness and presents opportunities to make a difference through sponsorship programs offered or donations to help fund projects in Uganda, will play a concert at Austinmer Anglican College from 6pm.

1927 with Pseudo Echo

Two of Australia’s most iconic bands are back again for one last time with their double barrelled catalogue of hits and classic songs! After two years of National touring as one of the best double bills 1927 and Pseudo Echo are teaming up for one final series of shows.

1927 formed in 1987 and went on dominate charts with songs such as 'That's When I Think Of You', 'If I Could', 'Compulsory Hero' and 'Tell Me A Story'—all of which were on the multi-platinum selling debut album 'Ish'. 'Ish' went on to become the highest-selling debut release by an Australian artist and won two ARIA Awards—Best Breakthrough Artist, Album and Best Breakthrough Artist for single 'That's When I Think of You'. The video for Compulsory Hero took the Aria for Best Video at the 1990 awards. 

Gerringong Music Club

The Club is delighted to welcome international performers from the UK, pianist and composer Wendy Hiscocks and violinist Philippa Mo on Sunday 2 September at Gerringong Town Hall at 2pm. They will be playing a mixture of  melodic music by various composers including Elgar, Debussy, Delius, Hiscocks and Benjamin.

Doors open at 1.30pm.  Tickets for visitors are $25 at the door. Free for members, children and students. Afternoon tea available.

GerringongMusicClub.blogspot.com.

Father’s Day in the Illawarra

There will be host of options to treat your dad to a fine Father’s Day lunch or dinner at the many fine restaurants or eateries across the region.

However, if you wish to get dad a bit more active for Father’s Day get out and take in the many free bushwalks to be enjoyed in the region. The Illawarra is home to numerous free bushwalks ranging from short and easy to long and adventurous.