FRIDAY 4 JULY: It’s NAIDOC Week, the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and Plastic Free July. Here’s what else deserves your attention around Jervis Bay this week, including live music and performances, arts and crafts, and vital coastal clean-ups.
NAIDOC Week 2025
This year’s theme is The Next Generation: strength, vision & legacy for NAIDOC Week, 6-13 July 2025. We pay respects to the emerging leaders of our First Nations communities, and we look forward to the announcement of this year’s recipients honours at the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards annual event celebrating and promoting the achievements of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations based in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas.
The event is organised collaboratively by four Councils: Shellharbour, Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven. Shellharbour City Council is hosting the 2025 Regional NAIDOC Awards at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Saturday 26 July 2025 from 4pm – 9:30pm. Tickets are available to the event, from $80.
Special Zero Birthday
Wish happy 90th birthday to one of the world’s preeminent spiritual leaders, the Dalai Lama right here in the Shoalhaven at a special commemorative gathering of the South Coast Tibetan Community at the Nowra School of Arts this Sunday 6 July from 2pm. There will be cultural performances and traditional foods at this free event. The organisers ask that you rsvp via email, nowrasctc@gmail.com
Plastic Free July
It’s Plastic Free July across the globe this month. The Australian-based registered charity is encouraging everyone worldwide to make a pledge to refuse single-use plastics. Let’s reconsider our dependence on cling wrap, packaged fruit and vegetables, water bottles, and so much more. Check out their website for great ideas about how to minimise (or avoid) single-use plastics every day.
Beach Clean-up at Caves
If you haven’t already seen the plastic detritus clogging our coastline, here is another chance to help out. The dedicated folks from Woebegone Free Dive Tours have organised a beach clean-up this Sunday 6 July from 10am at Caves Beach Rd, all welcome to join the effort, bring gloves and a bag for collecting rubbish (a few spares will be available), remember your sun safety and hydration. Back-to-back storms have wreaked havoc on our coastline, and these clean-up efforts are continuing. Meet at the locked gate along Caves Road, and check Woebegone’s Facebook page for more info.
Golden Lids at Flamin Galah
Famous for their top-quality merch, brew-pub Flamin Galah have launched a Golden Ticket competition to win a t-shirt. Simply crack open a can of their freshly brewed Pacific Ale and if you find one of four golden lids, you win. Show your lid to the staff to claim your prize, or for online purchases, send a photo of your lid to the brew-crew. For die-hard fans of this can, check out the entire brew day on YouTube.
Also at Flamin Galah, the beer garden’s turning up the volume this Saturday 5 July from 1pm plus Happy Hour 3pm- at Flamin Galah Brewing Co in the Huskisson industrial zone. Head on over for an afternoon of live music, great beer, and chilled-out Jervis Bay vibes. Secure a table early so you don’t miss the action.
Glass Slippers at Albatross
The best musical theatre troupe in the South – Albatross Musical Theatre Company presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella these school holidays from 4-13 July at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. This magical production stars Hayley Bannerman as Cinderella and Dan Layson as Lord Pinkelton. Families will love the music, costumes and stunning ballroom scenes.
On Sunday 6 July, young audience members are invited to dress up and meet the cast after the 2pm matinee show. Tickets are on sale now via Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.
Art Trail around Currarong
Wander through the seaside village of Currarong and explore local galleries, studios, and creative spaces on the walkable Currarong Art Trail, Saturday 5 July 10am-2pm. Meet the artists, view unique coastal works, and take home something truly special. See who’s open and locations on their website.
New Exhibition at Cambewarra Estate
A new exhibition of artworks by Shoalhaven artist Jack Ardill, exploring the transience of nature, is on now at Cambewarra Estate Winery in Bangalee. Transience is an exhibition of paintings that use the natural world as metaphor and inspiration. On every weekend till 27 July.
Markets This Weekend
Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Market is on Saturday morning, 5 July from 10am. Held on the first Saturday of each month, this Huskisson favourite offers artisan stalls, produce, plants, and vintage goods in a relaxed bush setting beside the creek.
Milton Village Showground Market is on Saturday 5 July from 9am to 2pm, explore over 100 stalls featuring handmade crafts, fashion, antiques, fresh produce, and food trucks. A lively country market full of charm and colour.
Culburra Beach Markets is on Sunday 6 July from 8am, at the Community Centre on Fred Evans Lane. Find dozens of stalls including handmade and homegrown items including cards and paper craft, tie-dye, crystals and gems, clothing, kids items and toys, plants, soaps and candles, decor and home furnishings, jams and preserves, and woodcraft.
Sunday Sessions
At Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla from 12.30pm this Sunday 6 July, enjoy the smooth sounds of Richard and the Lionhearts while enjoying estate-made wine, craft beer, and fresh local fare with views over the vineyards and Burrill Lake. Terrace bookings recommended. Dogs welcome on the lawn.
At Jervis Bay Brewing Co from 3pm Sunday, Ness Quinn will entertain you with her lyrical songs and acoustic guitar. Spend a sunny afternoon with this exceptionally talented singer/songwriter.
Bannisters roof top pavilion has live music from 5pm Sundays, indulge in a sunset cocktail and the sweet sounds of Gaby Bonello. Another local favourite, Gaby has a soulful voice combined with her poignant lyrics drawing from her rich multi-cultural background.
Comedy Friday
Head to Jervis Bay Brewing Co at 7pm on Friday 11 July to see a free comedy performance by Laura Johnston, who is on her way to perform in Edinburgh. In 2022 Laura Johnston quit her job to pursue stand-up comedy before she ever set foot on a stage to see if it was actually for her. The response from her family and friends at the time was immediate and consistent: “oo Laura, that’s… brave”. Three years later and Laura has taken solo comedy hours to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival and is about to take it to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Laura would love a donation on the night to help fund her forthcoming trip to perform in Edinburgh.
Plan Ahead for arts, crafts and bonsai
Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Huskisson: For a unique experience this spring, join Art Masterclass at 17 Dent St Huskisson on 20–21 September for a vibrant 2.5-hour workshop where you’ll create your very own traditional Turkish mosaic lamp. No experience needed – just bring your creativity. Enjoy a Turkish tea service, sweet treats, and expert guidance as you learn this beautiful 500-year-old craft. BYO welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Multiple sessions available. Limited spots – book early!
Arts Muster Weekend Workshops in Huskisson: There are 10 wonderful arts and crafts workshops in Huskisson over the weekend of 23-24 August, including fabric brooch wearable art, coastal macrame wallhangings, indigo dyeing, pastel drawing and felt sculptures. Some classes are filling up fast so check out the full program on their website and sign up soon. Prices range from $80-$290.
The Shoalhaven Art Society is promoting a great program of classes and events on their website, see the full program and how to book here.
Art Cafe with Jenny McIntosh, artist extraordinaire, is in Ulladulla on Wednesday 30 July at Ivy Café at the Ulladulla Civic Centre, for $45/$50 including morning tea and Jen’s expert guidance to create a pen and watercolour drawing.
If your creativity is rather greener in shade, try a bonsai workshop at Bonsai on the Bay with Mason Keane in Woollamia. See the dates and inclusions here.
