FRIDAY 28 AUGUST: Catch a doco screening in Huskisson tonight, book a table for treetop dining in Woollamia, or browse local maker stalls on Sunday. Here is your quick guide to everything happening across our towns this weekend.
Top 3 Things To Do Right Now
See an Aussie Doco at Husky Pictures tonight. Whistle is an off-beat crowd pleaser, following the world’s greatest whistling competition, from the eccentric competitors to passionate devotees, as egos clash and notes soar. Tickets are still available for this film, part of the Travelling Film Festival in Huskisson this weekend, Whistle screens tonight, Friday 28 August at 7pm.
Dine in the treetops on Saturday. Paperbark Camp has reopened this weekend after a short winter hiatus and the Gunyah Restaurant is presenting a new dinner menu prepared by Chef Elliott Platz. Sample some of the intriguing flavours with a $95/ person for 3 course a la carte offer, such as cured duck, soft herbs, strawberry gazpacho, or scorched market fish, confit garlic cream, rocket sauce. You don’t need to be a guest of the Camp to dine, but reservations are highly recommended.
Admire Artists and Makers in Huskisson this Sunday. Dozens of makers will display and sell their fine wares at the Huskisson Artisans Market in the Dent Street Community Centre from 10am-3pm. Make sure to spend some time at the family-friendly activity tables, where you can play with elements of artworks from the Artfulmind Popup Gallery/Shop, arranging them into your own creations.
What Else is Happening Around the Bay and Basin
Saturday 29 August, For Music Lovers: Celebrated young Australian soprano Arianne Ricci is performing an intimate house concert in Kangaroo Valley, including music from Handel, Mozart, Poulac and Britten. Listen to her “crystalline vocals” and engaging performance for two hours from 2.30pm, tickets are $65+bf.
Saturday 29 August, For Piggie Fans: Huskisson favourite, 5 Little Pigs is co-hosting a pop-up dinner with Salted Butter at their Owen Street café, from 6pm, featuring natural wines, inventive cocktails and delicious food. To book for seat for $160 email 5littlepigshuskisson@gmail.com but don’t wait, the Friday night pop-up sold out in a huff and a puff.
Wednesday 2 September–Saturday 10 October, New Exhibition at Melaleuca: Artist Taz Witkamp is showing her latest serious of Australian landscape paintings at Melaleuca at Worrowing, which she describes as a love letter to the South Coast and a witness statement to a world changing beneath her brush. The series, Incomplete Diorama, is inspired by often-unnoticed pockets of bushland, and feature raw and incomplete elements that emphasise something authentically human. View the exhibition Wednesday-Friday 10am-2pm and Saturday 9am-12pm. Check the website before you visit for up-to-date opening hours.
Thursday 3 September, Callala Community Choir: A brand-new community choir is starting from tonight at Club Callala from 5.30pm, and everyone is welcome. The Callala Choir plans to meet regularly on the first and fourth Thursday every month, led by Carla Versitano. This is a great opportunity to make noise together with your friends and neighbours, with familiar songs and likeminded people.
Friday 4 September, Women in Beer & Art: A celebration of women in brewing is the theme of an art exhibition opening at 6pm at Jervis Bay Brewing Co, featuring the work of more than a dozen exceptionally talented local artists, women of course. The Pink exhibition is held in conjunction with NSW/ACT Brew Day, and supporting the Pink Boots Society.
Saturday 5 September, Curated Pop-up Art Shop: In Erowal Bay, Artfulmind Pop-up Gallery/Shop is open from 11am-4pm presenting the work of 20+ makers and artists, curated by Dr Natalie McDonagh. As well as investment pieces, you will find beautiful, hand-made works priced under $100 in the enticing collection of ceramics, textiles, wearables, toys, jewellery, homewares, wall-hung work, and one-off cards that Natalie has curated for this iteration of the Artfulmind Gallery. Email Natalie to let her know you are coming and she will send you the address. Also open on Saturdays 12 + 19 September with an opportunity to Meet the Makers 2-4pm on each of the three Saturday pop-ups.
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, Grevillea Magic: If you fancy a bit of a drive and a wander through a rarely-open garden, this is your chance to head up to Bulli to see the Illawarra Grevillea Park Botanic Garden, which is only open to the public on the occasional weekend (also next weekend, 12/13 September), 10am-4pm. The garden was established in 1987 to house the Grevillea Study Group’s plant collection and to showcase Australian native plants. This time of year, the garden puts on a stunning display worth the 1.5 hour drive from Huskisson. Alongside the beauty of the collection, the park has a scientific mandate as a member of the South East NSW Bioregion Working Group which aims to increase knowledge of rare and significant flora.
Wednesday 9 September & Thursday 10 September, Angelic Voices: Six local public schools are performing each night at this year’s Shoalhaven Choral Music Festival for two nights at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, after much dedicated rehearsing by the students and their choral leaders. Come along to this celebration in song for $23/$17 and free to students who are performing. Both evenings commence at 5.45pm.
Sunday 13 September, Women’s Spring Gathering at Falls Creek: Join a small gathering on a bushland property only minutes from Huskisson or Nowra to find out what might be wanting to bloom in your life. Hosted by Jax Weschler who will perform a mindful tea ceremony alongside practices to help you slow down, listen to yourself and be held by nature. Reserve a place, from $80 for the day which starts at 9am, and accommodation options are also available.
Plan Ahead—Diary-worthy Events Coming Up
Saturday 19 September, Heaven for Bird Enthusiasts: The Bird Haven Festival is coming to Shoalhaven Heads for a full day of talks, walks, raffles, refreshments and more. Tickets are $50/$25 for a day of celebration, community and learning about birds. Start off with a Bird Walk on the amazing “International Bird Airport” on the estuary, from 8.30am. Read our story about the festival to find out more.
Saturday 19 September, Indigenous Films from Across Australia: Celebrate First Nations stories at the third annual Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival, with the theme Caring For Country. Caring For People. A mix of shorts and features will screen at Huskisson Pictures, after a welcome ceremony at 2pm. See the full program, and book your ticket, $20.
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, Chamber Music in KV: The intimate drawing room of Barrengarry House is the setting for two performances of chamber music by a trio of acclaimed performers on violin, piano and soprano. “Spring with Brahms & Strauss” is presented with Music in the Valley for $70/$30 including refreshments.
Saturday 26 September, Pop-up Pub Choir at Culburra: As part of this year’s Culburra Beach Festival, you can experience the pure joy of community singing, led by the inimitable Tina Broad. The festival organisers say, “Get out of the shower and come down to the community hall for a big group sing”. You will be amazed at how quickly the room full of people will sing an Aussie pub classic in harmony, and with a live band. No experience necessary and all ages are welcome. Jervis Bay Brewery will be in attendance and tickets are now available for $25. Then all you need to do it turn up at the Waratah Hall for a 3pm start. Listen to Tina talk about community choirs to inspire you to get involved.
Sunday 27 September, Adventure Book Launch: Author Ruth Boydell is launchingRocking the Boat: a life in three voyages, her debut book with an author talk followed by drinks and nibbles at the Classroom in the grounds of the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum at 4pm. Learn about her adventures chronicled in this true story of adventure, courage and discovery. Signed copies will be available to purchase. Rsvp on 0412 886 382.
