FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER: The leisure calendar is filling up in Jervis Bay. This Saturday it’s a toss-up between the second annual First Nations Film Festival and Comedy Night at the Brewery – plus load up your diary with fresh art, local markets, live music, native plant experiences and community events.
Thanks to our readers who say they like the new format in date order. We are so glad this is helping you improve the quality of your leisure time! If you have something to tell us, please get in touch.
Vinnie Golf Club Future: Firstly, are you up to date with the coastal patch formerly known as the Vincentia Golf Club? The new organisation, Jervis Bay Community and Sport Club, has put up a fundraising page, with clear information about what the money is needed for and how to give some. Every dollar counts, so have a read and see how you feel.
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND: Film festivals, comedy shows, beer+bbq, native gardens and more!
Saturday 13 September, First Nations Film Festival: It’s the 2nd annual Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival at Huskisson Pictures, and the program is out now. SFNFF celebrates the creativity and diversity of First Nations filmmakers from across Australia and within our own community. See the program – including short films made by up-and-coming filmmakers of the South Coast – and buy your tickets for $15 on the SFNFF website.
Funds from the festivals and donors are helping to create filmmaking opportunities for young First Nations storytellers on the South Coast. Some of these works will be screened on Saturday, such as Unexpected Visitor, written and directed by Tolbin Parsons. Tolbin was part of a workshop program established by the SFNFF over the past year to bring experienced filmmakers together with aspiring filmmakers. Plus, a short doco on the workshops will kick off the Festival program, by Julie Cunningham.
Read our story about the workshops and the participants ahead of the festival.
Read our interview with filmmaker/poet/musician Richard Frankland, whose short film “No Way to Forget” will be screened at the festival.
Today, we have a story from two young filmmakers from the Shoalhaven and Illawarra who spoke to JBW about their current projects and their ideas about storytelling in film ahead of this weekend’s festival.
Saturday 13 September, Comedy Night at the Brewery: Laugh out loud as Wollongong Comedy brings the show to Jervis Bay Brewing Co headlined by superstars Tommy Dean and Al Del Bene with Stu MacPherson filling the bill. Al, originally from Boston and now calling Sydney home, claims his hobby is “converting Celsius to Fahrenheit” on his Insta profile. Tommy Dean is a familiar media personality, with astute observations and a soothing voice. This comedy night promises to be the perfect antidote to this week’s wild weather.
Wollongong Comedy tours some of the best stand-up comedy to our regions, including to Jervis Bay Brewing Co in the Huskisson industrial zone, ensuring that we can all experience the magic of live comedy in our own backyards.
Tickets are limited so book soon, $25.
Saturday 13 September, Papua New Guinea Connections: Anyone who has spent time in PNG or is interested in PNG is welcome to attend an evening of celebration to mark 50 years of independence for the nation. Organiser Rosalie Wood says, “Since moving to JB 12 years ago, lots of people I’ve encountered have spent time in PNG, whether in banks, schools, missions, public service, businesses, mines, trades, recreation etc. I’m really looking forward to hearing about the times and places and memories that people have. And finding out who was actually in the same place & time but didn’t realise it!”
From 5pm at the Huskisson Community Centre on Dent Street, come along to meet others with connections to PNG, share stories and learn of others’ experiences. Bring along some photos and memorabilia, BYO food and drinks (tea & coffee provided), and make a gold coin donation at the door to contribute to the hall hire. Enquiries to Rosalie Wood on 0412 297 435.
Saturday 13 September and Sunday 14 September, Beer & BBQ: It’s the Kangaroo Valley Craft Beer & BBQ Festival all weekend from 10am Saturday, behind the Friendly Inn. Weekend ($65) and Day passes ($40/$35) include a festival t-shirt.
Become a judge! For a few extra $, a judges pass gives you access into the “low and slow” cooking tents to add your vote to decide the festival best. This includes a one-hour judging masterclass designed to hone your taste buds plus a souvenir pack. Find all the details on the ticket booking page.
Saturday 13 September, Markets: The weather looks like it will fine up just in time for the weekend’s markets, which have been a bit patchy of late thanks to the flooding rains and muddy fields.
This Saturday head over to the Callala Markets, 8am-1pm, at the Emmett Street Community Centre.
Further south, it’s the Sussex Inlet Community Markets, 8.30am-12.30pm at the Lions Club Peace Park and you will find plants, arts and crafts, fresh locally grown food among the stalls.
Sunday 14 September, Bush Foods Gardening: Do you know your midyim from your muntry? Warrigal greens from native thyme? If you want to grow a native garden that’s good for the land and good for the table, this is for you.
Join First Nations cultural tour operators Gadhungal Marring for a Native Bush Foods Planting Day, 10.30am till 2pm at Wildwood in Kangaroo Valley. This is a hands-on workshop that is perfect for anyone wanting to grow edible native plants, including herbs, vegetables and fruits. Discover how to create a thriving native garden at your place, add to your homegrown produce and deepen your connection to the land.
The group will be planting out Wildwood’s Creek Walk with a collection of edible native trees and plants selected for their suitability to the local sandy soils and their potential to be used in creative food and drink for the venue’s weddings and events. Future guests to Wildwood will be able to forage this walk in the future.
Your $120 ticket includes a picnic lunch.
Sunday 14 September, Markets: Huskisson’s monthly markets are on in the sports fields from 8am-1.30pm, offering around 100 stalls including great coffee and food, homewares, pet gear, clothing, baked goods, local distilleries, art and craft, it’s always a fantastic browse around on a Sunday morning.
Head south to Ulladulla Wharf Market, which sets up around the beautiful harbour-front from 8am-1pm. This is definitely one of the most picturesque of the weekend markets on the South Coast.
Note, the Kangaroo Valley Farmers Market is NOT on this weekend but will be back on 12 October.
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK: The fun doesn’t stop on Monday. Especially in Jervis Bay. Spice up your weekdays with these ideas including some free art classes and great music. Plus what’s on next weekend.
Tuesday 16 September, Free Art Workshop Sketching Wildlife: At 3pm, choose some art materials and start sketching! Join an expert local artist at The Hub to explore and experiment with drawing wildlife, at this free art workshop. Each Tuesday through till October, the Hub at shop 14 Vincentia shopping village will offer a range of art workshops for everyone.
Thanks to a CASP grant, these free workshops include art supplies and the generous sharing of expertise from diverse artists. You will have the opportunity to display your artwork at the upcoming
Register your attendance via email, laomedia@gmail.com and drop-ins are welcome.
Wednesday 17 September, Free Art Workshop to Make an Artist’s Book: At midday, come along to a free art workshop and be expertly guided to make your own artist’s book. All materials and instructions will be provided so that you can make a “Peacock Spider” book from coloured card. Your colourful book can then be used as an album to showcase other artworks or photos.
Arts Muster is offering this workshop to promote its new, annual competition for the best artists’ books, to raise funds that will buy tickets to art workshops for local high school students.
Find out more about how to enter the competition, and the great prizes on offer, via the Arts Muster website or ask your host at The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia shopping village.
You can register to attend by email, hello@artsmuster.com.au. Drop ins are welcome on the day.
Wednesday 17 September and Wednesday 1 October, Women’s Health Talks: Menopause and perimenopause are on the agenda at a free talk at The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia Village by Jervis Bay Health Choices, 7pm. Nurse practitioner Jo Marjoram will present information that will help women to navigate this time of change. Reserve your seat, jbhc_reception@outlook.com or call 0493 262 892
Thursday 18 September to Sunday 22 September, Blues & Brews Festival: Sussex Inlet’s stompin’ Blues & Brews Festival is on again, featuring music from internationally acclaimed artists Shaun Wessel and Jesse Redwing, one of the most soulful and authentic blues players in Australia, plus exceptional food and drinks. Here’s the full program, including ticketed and free events, and how to book.
Friday 19 September, New Art at the Brewery: Bob Dixon’s exhibition “Poets Project” opens at 6.30pm at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co, presenting a series of new works addressing the lives of poets from Coleridge to Kerouac. The works are on high quality watercolour paper 60x80cm created with printers’ inks and watercolours.
Bob Dixon grew up on the south coast of Queensland in the 1950s/60s. In 1975, his young family came to live at Huskisson, his wife Lynne’s home town. After some years there, Sanctuary Point has been the family home for 45 years.
Bob has been involved in the Shoalhaven arts community in staging one man and group exhibitions. He hopes to continue to produce original, interesting work until he shuffles off the Mortal Coil.
New art shows at the Brewery are curated by local artist and Archibald finalist, Randall Sinnamon, who draws on his close connections with outstanding artists from the local area and beyond to bring gallery-worthy works to the brewery on a regular basis.
Saturday 20 September, Creative Watercolour Art Workshop: Learn a variety of watercolour techniques, with artist Anne Fry at this workshop hosted by Shoalhaven Art Society, $120/$80 members. This all-day workshop, from 9.30am-4pm will be held at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.
Saturday 20 September, Blues & Brews in Sussex: Head to Swordfish Brewing Co at 12.30pm for a Blues & Brews Festival you won’t forget, full of live music, expertly brewed craft beer and delicious food along the waterfront. The highlight will be headline act, award-winning blues guitarist, singer/songwriter Ray Beadle. Plus Bryce Cohen performs a Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Tickets are $70/$30 with food and beverages sold separately.
Sunday 21 September, Irish Slow Sessions: Gather at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co beer garden for an afternoon playing Irish music such as jigs, airs and reels. Bring your instrument, your voice or your ears and enjoy the vibe of this casual gathering of people who love Irish music. There will be harps, fiddles, bodhrans, banjos, whistles, harmonicas, mandolins, flutes and more! From midday till 2.30pm, all welcome.
Sunday 21 September, Forest Bathing with the Steel City Strings: Attend a concert that is the classical musical version of the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing”, tapping into the healing power of nature.
Experience the unique vibrations of maple, spruce, ebony and willow in the hands of talented musicians as they play “Singing Trees” by Elena Kats-Chernin, a composition about the timbers that instruments are made from. Hear this and more on a beautiful program from 2pm in the Nowra School of Arts, Berry Street Nowra, tickets $65/$15 or only $40 each for a booking of 6.
PLAN AHEAD: A selection of exciting events to book now for later, including networking and community events, concerts and festivals, and family fun. Get out your diary!
Thursday 25 September, Biz Networking: Come along to the Greenhouse co-working space in Huskisson for a casual evening with Bay & Basin business owners and operators. Enjoy an after-work drink, a nibble and great conversation with your peers from 5.30pm. Register for this free event online.
Friday 26 September, Oyster Time: Jim Wild’s Oysters will be the host for a “More Than Lunch” lunch, organised with the Shoalhaven Food Network. This event will include demonstrations and talks, tastings and a sensational long-table lunch, a cash bar and lucky door prizes. Book your seat for $120 now.
Friday 26 September to Sunday 28 September, Culburra beach Festival: Save the date for this popular community-run local festival of live music, food stalls, cafe trails, art exhibits, kids’ activities, surf competitions and more. Tickets are $40/$80 and available now online.
Saturday 27 September, Discover Gang Gang Cockatoos: Register for a free talk (limited seats) by Dr Holly Parsons on the iconic red-headed Gang Gang cockatoo. Hosted by BirdLife Shoalhaven, Holly will include new information about a breeding trial that aims to help the survival of these threatened native birds. At the St Georges Basin Community Centre from 2.30pm, this is bound to be a popular event so register soon.
Saturday 27 September, Luminescence Chamber Singers: A concert of “The Garden of Earthly Delights”, presented by Music in the Valley and inspired by the famous work by Hieronymus Bosch, starts at 4pm in the Kangaroo Valley Hall. The Luminescence Chamber Singers will unleash an aural tapestry. Tickets are $70/$60/$50 online.
Saturday 27 September, Sculptures Sips & Sounds: Willinga Park in Bawley Point is hosting a free monthly event series, Sculptures, Sips & Sounds from September till December. Enjoy live performances, curated art, and great food from the Bunker Café, catered by Killara Catering, with a bar open throughout the day. Bring a picnic rug, bring your friends, or come solo, but please book a free ticket to help with planning and catering. Choose your dates and book online now.
Wednesday 29 September, A Conversation about Conservation: The Jervis Bay Marine Park is the focus of a special free evening at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co, from 6pm, where anyone who is passionate about our marine environment can learn about the beauty and the challenges of this unique aquatic park.
Friday 3 October, Snugglepot School Holiday Fun: The gumnut babies, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie will be making a special appearance at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum in time for the school holidays. This theatrical experience is a ticketed event, book your places online for $27/$17 to see the gumnut babies and friends.
Saturday 4 October, Makers Market: Bundanon Art Museum is hosting another Makers Market featuring hand made, original works of art, objects, ceramics, textiles and more along the banks of the Shoalhaven River at Illaroo. Starting at 9am, browse among the stalls and enjoy the view, meet the makers and support them by buying direct.
Friday 17 October to Sunday 19 October, Folk Fest: The annual Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, on 17-19 October, promises a weekend of music, poetry and dance, plus kids activities and plenty of festive atmosphere on the streets with buskers and chalkboard performances. The fantastic lineup this year includes foot-stomping folk-string trio Apolline, who were AFMA Youth Artists of the Year in 2024, local favourites Benji & the Saltwater Sound Sytsem who fuse jazz, reggae and African beats into hypnotic soundscapes, a Morris dancing troupe Black Joak Morris plus Bavarian and Irish dancing, sessions hosted by the Butter Trackers that welcome anyone to join in, and so much more.
Sunday 19 October, Still Life Workshop: Learn to paint a still life in oils with Dr Vanessa Barbay at this workshop hosted by the Shoalhaven Art Society. For $170/$130 members, from 9am-4pm at The Hub, Shop 14 Vincentia Shopping Village, participants will gather around a central arrangement to paint. Book online.
Saturday 15 November, Sunday 16 November and 22-23 November, Sculpture in the Valley has rescheduled its event to two weekends in November, to enjoy a selection of indoor and outdoor sculptures. Buy a day pass for $15 (kids under 16 free) and you might even walk away with a new masterpiece for your home or garden.
Saturday 22 November, Acrylic Painting Workshop: Join Wilma Southan to paint in acrylics in this workshop hosted by the Shoalhaven Art Society, $120/$80 members. Learn how to paint a vibrant still life with flowers, from 9.30am-4pm at Vincentia. Book online.
