FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER | WHAT’S ON IN JERVIS BAY: Head north to Berry on Saturday afternoon for the official opening of the new Rotary Dog Park, pack a hamper for a community gathering at Moona Moona Creek or stream Tomerong Hall’s centenary short films from home. During the week, come along to a fascinating talk by a man who built a boat from rubbish.
Things To Do Right Now
Pop up to Berry with your Pup, to check out the new Rotary Dog Park, fully fenced, purpose-built park giving dogs a safe place to run, play and socialise off-leash, with separate areas for large and small dogs, water, seating and tree-lined spaces, on North Street. To celebrate, the Rotary Club of Berry is hosting an official opening on Saturday from 2 pm–4pm including a free sausage sizzle, lucky gate prizes, complimentary professional pet portraits for the first 20 visitors, plus ice-creams and dog gelato for sale.
Picnic with the Locals at Moona Moona Creek: Several local community groups have banded together for a friendly picnic to celebrate Moona Moona Creek, share stories as well as photos and memorabilia of this beautiful natural asset. From 10am–1pm, join the picnic (BYO everything) and meet up with friends, make some new ones, and find out information about development proposals in the area.
Watch the Tomerong Legends short films made by Julie Cunningham for the 100 Year Celebration of Tomerong Hall on 17 October 17. All the films are now online, featuring a fascinating cast of characters. Also online now are the sound sculptures made by Dr Nigel Helyer for the occasion.
What Else is On Around the Bay & Basin
Sunday 15 November, Town Band Celebrates Aussie Music: Nowra Town Band is showcasing music from Australian composers and arrangers in a special concert, at 2pm in the Wesley Centre, Berry Street Nowra. Tickets are 20/10 at the door and under-12s are free. Support local musicians who practice countless hours to bring our communities some fantastic live music events.
Sunday 15 November, Irish Session at Huskisson: Head to the Sandbar Restaurant on Hawke Street Huskisson to play traditional Irish music for the afternoon. From 3pm-5pm, all instruments and all skill levels are welcome to join the Jervis Bay Slow Sessions. Sheet music is available on the day.
Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 November, More Than A Boat Made of Rubbish: The extraordinary tale of a vessel made entirely from discarded marine materials is at the centre of Project Interrupt. Hear founder Samuel McLennan talk about his journey, from experiencing homelessness to spending two years building a boat from rubbish and sailing it along Australia’s coastline. Choose Tuesday at 1pm or Wednesday at 5pm for $17, and head to Classroom One in the grounds of the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum in Huskisson.
Thursday 19 November, Landcare Guest Speaker in Huskisson: Dr Sonia Graham, researcher into invasive species management and author of the new book, In the Weeds will be the guest speaker at the Shoalhaven Landcare AGM. Register your attendance online and learn about her new Fellowship project about sea level rise, which will continue on till 2033. At Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.
Friday 20 November, Free Art Workshop in Huskisson: Teens 12+ and adults are invited to a drop-in free art workshop, Ways of Seeing, that will use photography, drawing and found imagery to explore identity, culture and community, and how we communicate who we are—through clothing, music, food, family and cultural references, significant places and environment. Led by Tiger and Annette Tesoriero and produced by Beyond Empathy, the workshop will run between 10am and 12.30pm at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. Email enquiries to annette@be.org.au.
Saturday 21 November, FOMA in Vincentia: The Festival of Music & Art is on for the third year at the Vincentia Shopping Village on Burton Street, celebrating local culture through music, art (including an art playground for kids) and dance. From 11am till 7pm, the “centre stage” in the village square will be abuzz with performances such as the Dhaawarri Dancers, hip hop, grunge and post punk bands, jazz from local favourite Kim Hair and the Hoppers, plus art on show.
Saturday 21 November–28 February, Pop-up Wine Bar in Berry: Usually nestled on the shores of Lake George, Lerida Estate is taking its celebrated Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other cool-climate wines on the road to a 14-week pop-up wine bar in Berry’s Worklife space. On Friday evenings and weekends, visitors can drop in for an afternoon glass of wine, book a guided tasting ($15.75) or take home a bottle at cellar door prices. 68 Albert Street Berry.
Sunday 22 November, MUSO Reflections in Concert: The Ulladulla Civic Centre will be ringing with uplifting orchestral music in a concert by the Milton Ulladulla Symphony Orchestra, aka MUSO, featuring familiar classics, musical medleys and a few Aussie carols. Make a donation at the door and be seated by 3pm for the performance of “Reflections” by this multi-generational community orchestra, led by Fiona Thompson.
Sunday 22 November, Flea Market in Woollamia: The Suitcase Flea Market is a great chance to give a new life to old belongings, keep them out of landfill and help to raise money for BCF Smart Start Styling, a Bay & Basin organisation helping community members who are facing hardships. Register via email to secure a spot for your suitcase (it’s optional to donate the proceeds to BCF) or just come along to browse and shop on the day—think clothes, toys, bric-a-brac, homewares—from midday to 4pm at Jervis Bay Brewing Co.
Saturday 28 November, Brewers Turn 7 in Woollamia: The Jervis Bay Brewing Co celebrates seven years with a party including a DJ and prizes including a case of beer an hour, from midday till 10pm. Read about their Gold win at the recent NSW Tourism Awards.
Tuesday 24–Saturday 28 November, Creative Moments Exhibition in Nowra: Our region’s finest craftspeople in woodworking, ceramics and textiles will hold their annual showcase, Creative Moments for five days only at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery. Most of the artisanal products on display will be for sale and there will be demonstrations and “market day” events on the final day.
Sunday 29 November, Christmas Market in Huskisson: Tick off your entire Christmas gift list at this special edition of the Huskisson Artisans Market, featuring original, handmade items from around 60 makers. Find gifts for everyone, from the finest hand-made glass, ceramics, textiles and original art to children’s toys and books plus a delicious range of food and beverages from the dedicated providores’ section. At the Huskisson Community Centre 10am-3pm.
Sunday 29 November, Mosaic Open Day in West Nowra: The Madcowstudio invites the community to an open day to marvel at the variety of works produced by students including mosaics and sculpture. From 10am till 5pm, enjoy new works and learn about the classes on offer at 53 Albatross Road West Nowra. Beginner’s project by Hellen Harrington
Friday 4 December, Woollamia Art Troupe: Woollamia is a regional town with perhaps the highest concentration of practising artists, and you can see their collective output at a new show, opening at 6pm at Jervis Bay Brewing Co. Curated by Randall Sinnamon, the “Very (Very) Local Exhibition” will feature works by a dozen artists plus live music and great food.
SATURDAY 05 December, Shop Artfulmind Popup Gallery in Erowal Bay: Shop for unique, thoughtful gifts at Artfulmind Gallery popping-up in Erowal Bay, 11am-4pm. Curated by Dr Natalie McDonagh and representing 20+ makers and artists, you will find unique pieces of hand-crafts and visual art. Prices range from $10 to investment pieces. Natalie has chosen striking ceramics, textiles, jewellery, glass, art to wear and wall-hanging pieces plus kits for you to get hands on, creating and constructing things yourself. Email Natalie to let her know you are coming and she will send you address details. Also open on Saturdays 12 December and 19 December.
Saturday 5 December, Rock Out for a Cause in Tomerong: All-female rock band Which Witch plays their Friendsmas Party at Tomerong School of Arts from 6.30pm to 10pm in memory of late singer Deb, raising funds for breast cancer research. Tickets are $10.
Plan Ahead—For those who like to really plan ahead, we have some ideas for celebrating the Christmas spirit and ringing in the New Year.
Saturday 5 December, Santa Parade in Berry: From 11am, Queen Street will come alive with colourful floats, decorated vehicles, local community groups and a special appearance by Santa in Berry’s Grand Christmas Street Parade. Line the streets to cheer on the floats, the marching bands, and spot the special guests.
Saturday 12 December, Ride for Santa in Huskisson: Sign up now and spruce up your best season’s costume for the annual Santa Ride in support of the RFS. For $20 per adult (kids & family tickets available), you can join the ride from White Sands Park to Jervis Bay Brewing Co in Woollamia. It’s the 21st ride, to be celebrated with prizes for best dressed in many seasonal categories plus an after party at the Brewery. The ride takes off at 3pm and the official photo will be taken at 4pm—be there.
Saturday 12 December, Santa Paddle in Sussex: The annual Santa event in Sussex Inlet will be bigger and better than ever this year, as the Santas will paddle, cycle and walk their way around the hamlet to raise funds for Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet. Register to participate on the day at Lakehaven Reserve from 10am, for $15 (kids and family tickets available), spruce up your Santa suit and be part of Santa’s Big Day Out. There are prizes for best dressed, Santa paddleboard jousting, sausage sizzle and live music at Swordfish Brewing from 1.30pm.
Saturday 26 December–Saturday 9 January, Bands on the Bay in Vincentia: The summer days on the lawn at the Vincentia Sailing Club will be longer and more leisurely this year as the collab with Jervis Bay Brewing Co is extended to two whole weeks. Week two of Bands on the Bay will include the Hobie Cat National Sailing Championships, alongside live music, food trucks and of course, excellent beverages. Stay tuned for more details.
Thursday 31 December, New Year’s Eve at Sandbar Huskisson: Bookings are now open for a special feast to finish out the year at Sandbar Restaurant. For $120 per head, the spread includes starters, mains, sides and a sweet, from 6pm. You will be finished in perfect time to wander down to the foreshore for the 9pm fireworks.
Saturday 2 January, Music Fest in Milton: The Barn on the Ridge is hosting its 6th annual Summer South Music Festival to start the new year on the right note. Headlining this year will be Rogue Traders, promising “nostalgic naughties house vibes” plus support acts including Hein Cooper, Luen and more. Tickets are under $90 right now for early birds and will increase to $113 as the day nears. Doors open at 1pm for an epic day on the Ridge.
