FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER: Fire stations open their doors, local filmmakers take the spotlight, and makers gather in Erowal Bay. There’s a packed schedule of community events, market stalls, and live performances on offer around the Bay and Basin.
Things To Do Right Now
It’s Get Bush Fire Ready Weekend, time to brush up on your plans, skills and preparations needed around your home and neighbourhood. All of our local Rural Fire Brigades—including Huskisson, Vincentia, Basin View, Currarong, Callala Bay and Wandandian—will be open for demonstrations and family-friendly activities, advice from volunteers and resources to help you create a bush fire survival plan. This is a great opportunity to support our local brigades and show them we are serious about the risks ahead.
At Huskisson Fire Station on Sunday from 10am-3pm the Brigade will be cooking up a free sausage sizzle while they share information about how to use technology to stay informed, what the fire danger ratings mean, and Static Water Source awareness. There will also be some free goodies for children. Find the station behind Huskisson Pictures and don’t forget to congratulate the team on their fantastic performance at the NSWE RFS State Championships in Dubbo last weekend where they picked up two third-place awards while learning new skills to help our community.
The Vincentia Brigade, located next to the Bay & Basin Leisure Centre, is also having a free sausage sizzle, kids’ activities and a chance to see their equipment up close from 10am-2pm on Sunday.
Check your local brigade for exactly what’s on.
What Else is On Around the Bay & Basin
Saturday 19 September, Indigenous Film Festival in Huskisson: Celebrate First Nations stories at the third annual Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival, with the theme Caring For Country. Caring For People. A mix of shorts and features will screen at Huskisson Pictures, after a welcome ceremony at 2pm. If you missed the previous screenings of The Rock, made possible by the SFNFF filmmaking workshops, it’s on the program due to popular demand. Made by Luke McLeod Ebsworth based on a story his pop told him, the short film was made right here on the South Coast. See the full program, and book your ticket, $20.
Saturday 19 September, Pop-up Gallery in Erowal Bay: Artfulmind Gallery/Shop is open for the last time in the current series of pop-ups. In Erowal Bay, from 11am-4pm presenting the work of 20+ makers and artists, curated by Dr Natalie McDonagh. As well as investment pieces, you will find beautiful, hand-made works priced under $100 in the enticing collection of ceramics, textiles, wearables, toys, jewellery, homewares, wall-hung work, and one-off cards that Natalie has curated for this iteration. Email Natalie to let her know you are coming and she will send you the address. Meet the Makers 2-4pm.
Saturday 19 September, Tomerong Food Hall: As the community building approaches its centenary, the monthly Tomerong Food Hall is enjoying improved amenities such as an outdoor stage that will, at 10am this Saturday market day, feature the voices of Nowra’s Food of Love Choir. From 8am-1pm local vendors will be offering their sourdough, eggs, honey, baked goods, seeds and more for sale. Bring your basket.
Saturday 19 September, Community Garden Fundraiser in Sanctuary Point: The Clifton Community Food Garden is bursting with new growth along with morning tea and things to buy including lime marmalade and corn relish made and bottled by the volunteers who keep this community asset flourishing. Show your support by stopping in from 10am till midday.
Saturday 19 September, Art On Show: It’s the 59th Annual Art Exhibition of the Shoalhaven Art Society, with members young and old hanging their latest masterpieces for a friendly competition and, mostly, for sale. The opening ceremony at starts at midday at the Berry School of Arts and the show runs until 8 October. To see the full details and opening hours, check the Society’s website.
Saturday 19 September, Snugglepouch Author Shows Art: The fine drawings and illustrations, by Ingrid Kangas will be at the Basin Breeze Pavilion Café from this Saturday, where you can meet the artist and enjoy some live music from 10am-12pm. Ingrid, who authored and illustrated a children’s book about rescue joeys, will also be giving away some gifts to café patrons over the two hours.
Saturday 19 September, Heaven for Bird Enthusiasts: The Bird Haven Festival is coming to Shoalhaven Heads for a full day of talks, walks, raffles, refreshments and more. Tickets are $50/$25 for a day of celebration, community and learning about birds. Start off with a Bird Walk on the amazing “International Bird Airport” on the estuary, from 8.30am. Read our story about the festival to find out more.
On Now–Saturday 10 October, New Exhibition at Melaleuca: Artist Taz Witkamp is showing her latest serious of Australian landscape paintings at Melaleuca at Worrowing, which she describes as a love letter to the South Coast and a witness statement to a world changing beneath her brush. The series, Incomplete Diorama, is inspired by often-unnoticed pockets of bushland, and feature raw and incomplete elements that emphasise something authentically human. View the exhibition Wednesday-Friday 10am-2pm and Saturday 9am-12pm. Check the website before you visit for up-to-date opening hours.
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, Chamber Music in KV: The intimate drawing room of Barrengarry House is the setting for two performances of chamber music by a trio of acclaimed performers on violin, piano and soprano. “Spring with Brahms & Strauss” is presented with Music in the Valley for $70/$30 including refreshments.
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, KV Beer Fest: It’s the annual Craft Beer & BBQ Festival behind the Friendly Inn in the heart of Kangaroo Valley, with cooking demonstrations, mower races, kids games, line dancing and of course, loads of tasty food and drinks. Single day tickets are $30 and a weekend pass is $50 (concession tickets also available).
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, Bonsai Immersive Weekend: Our local bonsai master, Mason Keene is offering a weekend of trimming, wiring, potting and talking about these artful miniature trees at his nursery in Woollamia. The tickets are $455 for one or $820 for two people and include all the supplies you need plus lunch and refreshments.
Sunday 20 September, Order Old Salt at Home: Today is the cut-off date to order your catering from Old Salt Distillery for pick-up on 24 and 25 September. The chefs behind Old Salt Distillery are taking a break from opening their premises for dining to welcome a new baby, but their dedication to their diners is unwavering. The take-home menu includes many of their fan-favourites like the slow-braised lamb and the chimichurri sauce along with a 10% discount on bottles and cans when you pick up your dishes. There will also be a chance to order before 27 September for pickup on 1 and 2 October. Email info@oldsaltdistillery.com for the full menu and to place your orders.
Wednesday 23 September, Bird Flu Talk: A free information session about the H5 bird flu is on at Husky Sports, providing the community with accurate, timely information about the disease, the response underway and how individuals can help reduce the risk of spread. Reserve your seat to the talk, starting at 6pm, to hear from NSW Dept of Primary Industry & Rural Development, NSW Health, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Local Land Services (LLS).
Friday 25–Sunday 27 September, Run to Burradise: The Culburra Beach Festival is shaping up to be an absolute cracker this year, with Crookhaven Park Oval the location of three days of live music, arts and coastal culture. Sing, dance, eat and immerse yourself in everything Culburra. There’s also a musical café trail and a kids’ art playground. Dozens of musical acts from local talent to headliners, make this program one of the best in the Festival’s history. Tickets $75 for the weekend or $40 for Friday or Saturday night.
Saturday 26 September, Pop-up Pub Choir at Culburra Festival: As part of this year’s Culburra Beach Festival, you can experience the pure joy of community singing, led by the inimitable Tina Broad. The festival organisers say, “Get out of the shower and come down to the community hall for a big group sing”. You will be amazed at how quickly the room full of people will sing an Aussie pub classic in harmony, and with a live band. No experience necessary and all ages are welcome. Jervis Bay Brewery will be in attendance and tickets are now available for $25. Then all you need to do it turn up at the Waratah Hall for a 3pm start. Listen to Tina talk about community choirs to inspire you to get involved.
Sunday 27 September, Tea and Tones: Steep in the sounds of live improvised music while partaking in a Chinese tea ceremony on a beautiful rural property in Falls Creek (10min drive from Huskisson), $40. Tea and Tones hosts Jax Wechsler and Scott Gillespie invite you to gather among the trees and birdsong from 10.15am for a couple of hours of slow, meditative spaciousness and shared silence.
Sunday 27 September, Adventure Book Launch: Author Ruth Boydell is launchingRocking the Boat: a life in three voyages, her debut book with an author talk followed by drinks and nibbles at the Classroom in the grounds of the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum at 4pm. Learn about her adventures chronicled in this true story of adventure, courage and discovery. Signed copies will be available to purchase. Rsvp on 0412 886 382.
Plan Ahead—Get out your diary
Friday 2-Monday 5 October, Arts in the Valley: Kangaroo Valley is preparing exhibitions, installations, workshops, talks, walks and more in this year’s Visual Arts in the Valley. Check out the program of what’s on to make sure you add some culture to your long weekend.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October: Echo Mapping at Bundanon: A unique performance billed as a thrilling, joyful sound and movement duet performed by longtime collaborators, is on at the Bundanon Art Museum with two afternoon performances $18/$12. Echo Mapping features Azzam Mohamed, dancer, performer, and educator and Jack Prest, composer, mix/master/recording engineer and interdisciplinary artist in a conversation of body, voice and live music in a mesmerising, pared-back duet.
Sunday 4 October, Sashimi Knife Demo: If you have never seen a master Japanese sashimi chef in action, this is the afternoon for you! The Tuna King of Australia, Narito Ishii will be at Loni’s on Currambene Street, Husksisson to demonstrate preparing a spectacular Southern Blue Fin Tuna. Joining him is Toshi, sushi master from two-hatted Sushi Oe. Naturally, there will be exceptional fish to eat, too. Tickets are $100 to attend this celebration of world class Japanese technique meeting some of the finest seafood our South Coast has to offer, bringing together fishermen, produce and craftsmanship for a truly unique experience.
Sunday 4 October, Pizza on the Farm: Fresh from a 3-week epic trip around the Simpson Desert, chef/farmer Ian Martin is ready to launch the new season of pizza nights at the Martins Ridge property where he raises heritage pigs and cattle. Starting on Sunday 4 October, for $70 you can enjoy the sunset over the paddocks while you start with a charcuterie board before free-flowing pizzas. The venue is fully licensed and serves a range of delicious beverages. Check their site for more dates, and beware, these events sell out very quickly.
