From 5:30pm to 7:30pm join exhibition curator Anne-Louise Rentell on a tour of The Gift, and hear about Bob Sredersas’ vision for Wollongong.

Be part of the discussion and share your artistic and creative ideas for the city.

Get a behind-the-scenes tour by the gallery’s program director John Moneleone.

FREE, but RSVP by emailing culturalservices@wollongong.nsw.gov.au 

Queer Arts Festival Opening

Head to the Project Contemporary Artspace at 255 Keira Street for the Festival Launch from 6pm.

An opportunity for queer artists and our audience to mingle, chat and get a look at the amazing range of works we have this year. 

We will also see a drag performance by Déjà Vu which Project Artspace probably hasn’t seen before.

For the full festival program CLICK HERE.

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Gerringong Pics and Flicks

Director Warwick Thornton's film Sweet Country is a bold new take on the Western – set in 1920’s outback Australia.

Set on the Northern Territory frontier where justice itself is put on trial when an aged Aboriginal farmhand shoots a white man in self-defence and goes on the run as a posse gathers to hunt him down.

Tickets on sale 7:20pm, film begins at 8pm. Tea, coffee and cakes ($3) post movie.

www.facebook.com/picsandflicks 

Skating at the Novotel

This year the Novotel is putting down real ice, so strap on some skates as sessions start from 12 midday, with the last session at 7pm on Sunday – Thursday.

Friday & Saturday evenings will hold 2 additional sessions from 8pm that are strictly over 18 only sessions.

There will be a variety of food and beverage available to purchase on site. Ticket bookings via www.novotelnorthbeach.com.au 

Rock and Roll Wrestling

Former WWE superstar Emma ‘Tenille Dashwood’ is bringing her wrestling prowess to the Wollongong Snakepit from 7pm.

VIP ticket holders and meet and greet the star.

Ticket details at www.rockandrollwrestling.com 

Skate Park Relaunch

Get Stoked for the relaunch of Shellharbour Skate Park on Addison Street – 10am to 4pm.

Shellharbour City Council, King Pin and Totem Skateboarding will have a full day of activities. 

Free lessons with pros, demos by Totem King Pin teams, plus prizes and giveaways.

Registration opens at 8:45am.

The Big Swing

Kiama’s A Capella choir for women, Katanda, presents an evning of swing, followed by The Village Big Band from Avalon Beach.

Guests will be sat at designated tables and are able to purchase food and drinks throughout the night. All proceeds will be donated to a focus charity (yet to be decided).

To purchase your tickets please email - antraynal@bigpond.com

Gerringong Town Hall from 7pm.

HOPE Suicide Prevention Fundraiser

The first time at new venue Servo Food Truck Bar in Port Kembla, from 3pm to 9:30pm.

HOPE 2018 features Babymachine, The Leftards, Jodi Phillis, Naughty Naughty and the Good Boys, Enfant Terrible, the Heathens, Denise Thomas, Patrick Lyons and the American Creek Band, and DJs Nautilus Sounds.

There will also be slam poets and circus performers, and the whole event is a family friendly, safe space where everyone is welcome.

Tickets for the event are available through TryBooking

Grevillea Park Open Day

Winter is a unique time in the garden, while we wait for the massive spring flowering season with anticipation it is a time when many Western Australian and Northern Territory grevilleas flower.

A broad variety of native plants of different colours, textures, habitat and size can be found throughout the showgardens and rainforest area. It is a relaxing time to stroll around the park, have a picnic, watch the birds and you also have the option to buy a few special plants or books.

Adults $5, children free. From 10am to 4pm, Grevillea Park Road, Bulli.

Jewels in the Crown

Wollongong Art Gallery is bringing out the hidden gems of their extensive collection.

This exhibition shows the depth and breadth of the masterpieces in the collection from Eugene von Guerard's detailed views of the Illawarra, Rover Thomas' stunning Ord River, John Brack's delicate peonies and works from the crème de la crème of Australian art including paintings, photography and sculpture by Arthur Boyd, Brett Whiteley, Colin McCahon, Fred Williams, Harold Cazneaux, Margaret Olley, Max Dupain, Bronwyn Oliver, Conrad martens, Garry Shead, Grace Cossington Smith, Tom Roberts, Susan Norrie, tony Tuckson, Rosalie Gascoigne, Lloyd Rees, Elisabeth Cummings, Rosemary Laing, Bert Fugleman and Robert Klippel​.

Running until August 26. www.wollongongartgallery.com 

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