Firstly, a few bits of local news worth noting.
Fires are already appearing around the south coast, so please make sure you check conditions and restrictions before you light up. Fierce winds and warm weather will continue for the next few days, reminding us all of the precariousness of our local environment. Now is a great time to prepare your property for the bush fire season, by taking advantage of free garden waste disposal all September, at Shoalhaven Council recycling and waste depots.
We note that Vincentia Golf Club has been closed, both the course and the club house, including the bar and restaurant. We will keep an eye on any announcements and let you know of any changes.
Some good news about our local water supplies. Recent testing results announced by Shoalhaven Council confirm the safety of our drinking water, in response to “forever chemicals” being detected in some of Australia’s drinking water supplies.
Sunday is the first day of Spring and Fathers Day. There are so many wonderful whales out there right now, on their way back to southern waters, it’s the perfect way to treat dad. Check out the videos at Jervis Bay Wild to see some mugging, fluke-slapping and other curious whale behaviour this week.
Friday 30 August is Wear It Purple Day, a day for the whole LGBTQIA+ community. Schools and work places can find out more about this day of visibility and how to participate on their website.
Vineyard Vibes
The Shoalhaven Art Society is celebrating great local art alongside live music and fine wine at six venues this weekend, Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September. Enjoy the displays of diverse art and meet some of the artists themselves who will be welcoming visitors to Cambewarra Estate, Coolangatta Estate, Cupitt’s Estate, Mountain Ridge Wines, Silo’s Estate and the Dunn Lewis Centre in Ulladulla. The full program including live music, is on the event’s Facebook page.
Cinema Specials
See the film adaptation of a Tim Winton book this Friday 30 August thanks to Movies at Midday at Nowra Library, their once-a-month screening of a classic or new release film. Save your free seat by registering online.
See this important koala doco on Saturday 31 August, 1pm at Husky Pictures, $12. It’s a shocking prediction that in just 25 years, our iconic koala could be extinct in the wild. Stay after the film for a Q&A with two preeminent speakers, Dr John Benson, ecologist and conservation biologist, and Tony Carter, a local Eora Yuin man with 25 years experience as a research officer in Booderee National Park. Buy a ticket at the box office or call to reserve a spot.
Also at Husky Pictures, a Clint Eastwood double feature plus lunch for $25 is showing at 10am Tuesday 3 and 10.30am Wednesday 4 September. The two classic Clints, Gran Torino and Million Dollar Baby. Call to reserve a seat or pop into the box office in the cinema foyer.
Buy your tickets for the upcoming inaugural Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival, on 20-22 September and tickets are still available including for an opening night special event at the Huskisson Community Centre.
Markets This Week
This Sunday 1 September is the Culburra Beach Markets from 8-1pm, located on Fred Evans Lane.
Thursdays are farmers market days, a great time for a stock-up of fresh produce, delicious relish, flowers and plants, and other special treats.
Head to Harry Sawkins Park for the Nowra Fresh Food Market and the Berry Bowlo for the Berry Farmers Market, both run from 2-5pm.
Clean Up!
Join a special beach clean-up at Steamers, one of the most remote beaches in Jervis Bay, on Sunday 8 September. Organised by the passionate folks at Woebegone Freedive tours, teaming up with ACT Police and Booderee National Park. Meet at the Steamers Beach carpark at 10am and please bring gloves and a rubbish bag. This is a sensational way to help keep our beaches and bay in top condition. Check the Woebegone Facebook page for updates, and follow them to stay informed about their regular monthly clean-up sessions.
Plan Ahead
Local government elections on Saturday 14 September, pop it in your diary and check your closest polling location via this link. Organise your pre-polling day vote now if you can’t make it to a booth on election day.
Early bird tickets for the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival are on sale till Saturday 31 August for $30 off the gate price. Pay $130+bf for a weekend pass for 18-20 October and enjoy a huge lineup of music.
The lineup at the Berry Writers Festival, 25-27 October is now online with some big names including Nobel Prize winner J.M. Coetzee, human rights barrister Jennifer Robinson, journalist and political commentator David Marr, novelist Michael Robotham, journalist and broadcaster Tracey Spicer, activist Grace Tame, and Alone Australia winner Gina Chick. Book a session or buy a general admission ticket.
