FRIDAY 8 May: Things to do Right Now—share a celebratory beverage, show your support for artisans and marvel at a seaweed/seahorse sculpture, plus what else is happening around Jervis Bay and the South Coast.
Today & tomorrow, treat Mum to a G&T on the house at Old Salt Distillery today till 9pm and tomorrow, Saturday 9 May from 12pm-3pm and start Mother’s Day early. The distillery’s kitchen, with an open fire presided over by chef Terry Robinson, is the perfect casual yet delicious venue for a family gathering. You can request a table via email or DM, or just walk in. Remember to check their trading hours page for future weekends and special events.
Tomorrow, show mum some joyous art and handmade objects at the Artfulmind Gallery/Shop in Erowal Bay, featuring 20+ artists and makers curated by Dr Natalie McDonagh in her studio. RSVP to Natalie via email or DM to receive the address to visit between 11am and 4pm this Saturday 9 May. Some of the makers will be there after 2pm, and the gallery will open for one last time (until August) next Saturday, 16 May.
This Sunday, treat her to a $10 Bubbles at Jervis Bay Brewing Co on Sunday, from midday in the Woollamia industrial precinct, a perfect beverage when paired with the sweet sounds of our favourite musical duo, The Castaways from 3pm-6pm. For more incredible ideas for Mother’s Day, including coastal style gifts and a special bird watching event, read our story by Narrell Tabone.
Also on Sunday, visit the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay gazebo this Sunday at the Huskisson Markets for your last chance to buy raffle tickets to contribute much needed funds for our essential local volunteers. The Marine Rescue family are in our hearts after the recent tragedy on the north coast, so let’s show our support to the organisation. Funds raised help to maintain their fleet so they are at the ready to attend anyone in distress out on the waters. The prizes include a 2-night stay at the Plantation Retreat at Nelson Beach, two $50 vouchers to La Vespa Italian Restaurant in Vincentia and two luxury beach towels from Jervis Bay Weekend.
Artists and Makers, encourage the First Nations artists in your circle to check out this exciting development from Blak Cede Café & Gunyah in Nowra, which is opening a retail & art hub. Blak Cede is inviting community artists and micro‑businesses to showcase their work in‑store, via this application form.
In Sydney, Huskisson’s very own seaweed science derived “Phyaluronic” molecule has been fashioned into skin for a sculpture of a delicate White’s Seahorse, an endangered species in Sydney Harbour, on display as part of a show at the Australian Museum, Sea Kin Connections – A Marine Creature Portrait Gallery. PhycoHealth chief scientist Dr Pia Winberg says this is a “rare and powerful blend of art x science x education x conservation”, and brings together artists like Jennifer Turpin and Sophie Raymond, scientific organisations including the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, environmental initiatives like Project Restore and young students, engaging with marine life through creation. Read more of Pia’s thoughts on the exhibition, which is open now until November.
What Else is On in Jervis Bay
Saturday 9 May, Local Markets: If you love browsing a local market with a coffee in hand, there are two this Saturday that fit the bill, the Callala Community Markets at the community centre on Emmett Street from 8am-1pm, and the Sussex Inlet Market in the Lions Club Park from 9am-12pm.
Saturday 9 May, Post-punk in Sussex: Jervis Bay’s own post-punk band, Living With Ghosts will be the support act for high-energy rock-n-roll band C.O.F.F.I.N (which stands for Children of Finland Fighting in Norway) at the Sussex Inlet Tavern, kicking off at 8pm. Tickets for this event, which promises to send you into a joyful, hip-shaking groove, are $35.
Sunday 10 May, Mother’s Day Classic: One for your diary: the annual Mother’s Day Classic, the nationwide event that raises funds for breast and ovarian cancer research, is turning 10 in Huskisson this year. There will be 3km, 5km or 10km walks/ runs as well as family-friendly events in and around White Sands Park. Get in early, register your participation and start hitting up your family and friends for support.
Sunday 10 May, Street Festival in Kangaroo Valley: It’s an all-day affair for the Kangaroo Valley Street Beats and Eats,part of this year’s Autumn Celebration of Food across the Shoalhaven. From 9am till 4pm, local food vendors will offer specially created delights such as Mexican fare from The Valley Table, canapes and sparkly from Caterina, and authentic hand-made Nepalese momo (dumplings) from the team at Valley Bliss café. Plus music and entertainment, a bake sale at the preschool, and more.
Sunday 10 May, Mums’ Yoga Special: A special 2-hour yin yoga class is the perfect way to commemorate the mother figures in our lives. Guided by Mary Basler, slow down and work with your heart meridian, which governs love, joy and connection, and the lung meridian which handles grief, letting go and self-protection. Held in the Melaleuca venue at Worrowing Farm, the session starts at 3pm and is $45.
Sunday 10 May, Mum’s Day Markets: Head to the sports fields on the outskirts of Huskisson for one of the region’s biggest community markets with around 100 stalls offering everything from homewares and fashion to fresh food and great snacks, 8am-2pm. For produce, the best offer is from the Kangaroo Valley Farmers Market, behind The Friendly Inn from 9am-1pm with stacks of low-mileage fresh and prepared food, bring your basket. Head south to the picturesque Ulladulla Wharf Markets along the waterfront of a working harbour, it’s a perfect way to spend a slow Sunday morning, from 8am-1pm.
Wednesday 13 May, Author Talk at Boobook: Witness the sparks in conversation between authors Ali Lowe, a former journalist and now bestselling author of domestic thrillers packed with secrets, scandals and twists, and Kate Horan, who writes twisty, suspenseful stories about people with dark secrets. Thanks to indie bookseller, Boobook on Owen, these two acclaimed Australian authors will be joined by moderator and author, Maxine Fawcett. For $15, this promises to be an intriguing evening, at Darling House Deli from 5.30pm, on Owen Street Huskisson.
Thursday 14 May, Geology of Jervis Bay: Join the Vincentia Connections team and Vicki McKenzie for a discovery walk across the rock platforms at the northern end of Huskisson Beach. Meet at The Hub, Shop 14 at Vincentia Village shops on Burton Street, at 9.45am and make sure you are wearing safe and appropriate footwear. Vicki will talk about the impact of the last Ice Age and show you what to look for, including fossils, on this fun and informative free walk.
Thursday 14 May, Let’s Laugh Again: The Melbourne International Comedy Festival on tour is coming to the Country Club at St Georges Basin, bringing epic comedy vibes to the auditorium from 7.30pm. With five comics over two hours, you will surely get the good laugh we all need right now. Tickets are from $49 and there’s individual seating or table bookings available.
Saturday 16 May, Reggae Fest is Back: The annual rasta groove and bonfire is on again at The Friendly Inn in Kangaroo Valley. Gates open at 2pm for the Kangaroo Valley Reggae Festival, with music running through to midnight. Festival-goers can enjoy Jamaican street eats, smoked BBQ, market stalls, workshops and kids’ activitiesm making it a genuine all-ages event. Tickets are $55 for adults, $35 for teenagers and free for children under 12. Book online and see the full lineup of musicians including The Strides, Sub-Tribe and Michael St George.
Plan Ahead—Get Out Your Diary
Saturday 23 May, Dust off your Tartans: There’s no better time of year than almost-winter to dress in Highland finery to attend the Berry Celtic Festival. The highlight is undoubtedly the street parade which steps off at 9.30am in the main street, with pipe bands, community groups, entertainers and jousting horses making their way to the showground, followed by a massed band performance of 12 pipe bands and the “Call to Pipers” contingent. Pipers will be gathering from across the district, to add to the spectacle. Tickets are $20+bf for general admission and kids under 15 are free.
Sunday 24 May, Spectacular Native Gardens: One of the best-kept secrets of our region is the Shoalhaven Heads Native Botanic Garden, which is holding its annual Open Day, bbq and plant sale, in conjunction with Botanic Gardens Week. Spend some time meandering through the green space, learn about the plants from the labels and meet some of the volunteers who keep this treasure thriving for our community.
Sunday 24 May, Morning Tea Ceremony in the Forest: Experiencea nourishing Sunday morning of tea, live improvised music, and nature on a beautiful private property just 10 minutes from Huskisson. This intimate experience brings together a Zen style tea ceremony served by Jax Wechsler, alongside live improvised soundscapes by Scott Gillespie, starting at 10.30am. Spend two hours sipping delicious oolong tea, served in exquisite ceramic ware, and steeping in the sounds. Tickets are $40+bf.
Tuesday 26 May, National Sorry Day: First Nations people and their allies will be in Nowra’s Harry Sawkins Park from 11am- 2pm for a day of torytelling, dance, song & reflection. For safety reasons, the event will not include a walk over the bridge this year. Find out more about this day of reconciliation on the event page.
Thursday 28 May, Meet Your Peers: Bubbles Beers & Business is on at the Greenhouse co-working space from 5.30pm where you can meet and mingle with your fellow business owner from the Bay & Basin while enjoying the sunset over Huskisson. Reserve your free ticket and come up the stairs (between 5 Little Pigs and Weekend boutique on Owen Street) to enjoy the friendly and inspiring catch-up. This month’s gathering is brought to you by the Mothers’ Day Classic and Husky Bakery, raising vital funds for cancer research.
Saturday 30 May, Make Pasta – Kids and Adults Options: The pasta experts in the heart of Huskisson, Pasta Buoy are inviting you behind the scenes to help make fresh pasta, with a kids’ event starting at 10.30am, $45 and adults’ session at 2pm, $89. Roll up your sleeves and roll out the pasta sheets in this hands-on event that includes some delicious pasta and sauce to take home.
Saturday 30 May, Dolphin Count: Coastal communities along the NSW coast will take part in the first NSW Dolphin Census, a statewide citizen science event to help map where dolphins are found across our coastline, bays and estuaries. Register with Marine Mammal Research Jervis Bay to find out more about getting involved in this vital research for our coastal ecology.
Friday 5 June, Shoreline Exhibition: The portrait prize is a hard act to follow but the new show going up at Jervis Bay Brewing Co is going to measure up. Shoreline, curated by Randall Sinnamon and also featuring Alison Mackay and Richard Morecroft, will celebrate its opening night in conjunction with World Ocean Day, as it explores the textures, stories and remnants of our coastline. See the new works and meet the artists from 6pm in the Woollamia industrial precinct.
Saturday 6 June, Nuclear Story: A reading of Alana Valentine’s play Nucleus,
with Peter Barley & Jane Gallenca, is on for one night only at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. Inspired by the planned nuclear reactor at Murrays Beach, the play was highly commended in this year’s NSW State Premier’s Awards. Tickets are $25 until 12 May, then $30.
