IPAC serves up Ratburger
A play by Maryam Master based on the bestselling book
From the creative mind of bestselling children’s author David Walliams (The World’s Worst Children, Gangsta Granny), don’t miss the screamingly funny Ratburger live on stage!
Zoe lives with her dad and a stepmother who ignores her, the school bully makes her life a misery, and now, her pet hamster has died!
When she befriends a loveable dancing rat named Dapper, things start looking up – but the evil Burt from Burt’s Burgers is cooking up an awful plan…
David Walliams’ number one bestselling book comes to life with visually stunning sets and charming puppetry at IPAC on April 23 & 24
Buddha’s Birthday Festival
A blend of art, mindfulness and community spirit
Nan Tien Temple invites everyone to enjoy a spectacular four-day celebration of Buddha’s Birthday – a vibrant, multicultural festival blending art, mindfulness, and community spirit. From April 18 to 21, the temple will share inspiring program that brings ancient wisdom to life through immersive experiences in light, film and culture.
This year’s highlight is the inaugural ENLIGHTEN Buddhist Film Festival, curated by acclaimed artist Sandra Pires. Dive into stories of inner awakening, mindfulness, and spiritual journey through a curated selection of thought-provoking films. From 9am-5pm, April 18-21 at Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple, Berkeley, www.nantien.org.au
‘Party tunes for party people’ at free Port music festival
By Tyneesha Williams
The“all day, all night gig-crawl” that is Port Kembla Festival returns tomorrow for its fourth year, with more than 40 artists performing across 10 iconic local venues from 2pm.
Melbourne-based punk-rock band Pres s Club is headlining the festival, alongside Annie Hamilton, Harvey M of Client Liaison and DJ Milo Eastwood.
“We’re massive fans of Wollongong, we’re really looking forward to playing Port Kembla Festival,” Press Club drummer Frank Lees says.
“We’re very much a live band,” Frank says. “Check out our new album To All The Ones That I Love, and come see us play live. Press Club is a band that you need to see live to really appreciate the music, and we want to see you!”
Press Club will host a show at Music Farmers in Wollongong from 3pm to celebrate the release of their fourth album (available from May 2), then they will perform at The Iron Yampi from 7.30pm as part of the Port Kembla Festival.
The festival kicks off at 2pm this Saturday
Press Club have frequently performed in Wollongong since they started out in 2016, playing at the Yours & Owls Festival and local venues, such as UOW UniBar, La La La’s and Waves. This will be the band’s first time in Port Kembla.
“Compared to our earlier stuff, I’d say this album’s probably more polished,” Frank says. “It’s a bit different in style. So, hopefully it still resonates with people. We’re super proud of it. It’s probably our biggest achievement yet – until the next
“We’re super proud of it. It’s probably our biggest achievement yet – until the next album”
– Press Club drummer Frank Lees on the band’s new album
album. So, we’re super excited.”
Organised by South Coast-based event production and booking agency Holy Pavlova, 2025’s Port Kembla Festival is set to host a huge variety of acts from all around Australia.
Local DJ collective Sultans of Spin are excited to represent homegrown talent.
“Port locals are really supportive. There’s always a really cool local feel from Port – it’s got such a cool South Coast local town sort of feel, that real sense of community,” says Sultans of Spin co-coordinator, Jimmy Murada, who performs under the pseudonym ‘Jimmy BYO’.
Festival goers will also have a chance to sample food, art exhibitions, twilight markets, guided yoga, and gigs across 10 local venues.
Iconic pubs and bars like The Servo and The Wentworth offer the same quirky, cultured atmosphere as less typical gig venues like The Shave Cave (a barber shop with a pool table) or Black Metal Motor Co. 2025’s festival will feature 14 diverse stages including a closed laneway dance stage and a low sensory stage for neurodivergent punters to relax.
“If you play at venues like The Servo, there’s this real sense that everyone knows each other. It’s that really great sense of belonging,” Jimmy says.
Sultans of Spin are a collective of local vinyl enthusiasts who regularly DJ in the area using their curated vinyl collections. The group plays every Saturday night at
Howling Wolf (from 8pm) and The Heritage Hotel Bulli (from 7pm) and La La La’s every Friday afternoon at 4-8pm.
“We spin party tunes for party people,” Jimmy says.
“We pride ourselves on being diverse and we try to be as inclusive as we can.”
The collective regularly runs workshops to encourage women and gender diverse people to get behind the decks in what Jimmy calls “a pretty bloke-heavy industry”. Currently, Sultans of Spin are working to organise more ‘Women on Wax’ programs with all-female line-ups.
“We’re also diverse in our music tastes. I personally love indie music, we have a bunch of disco heads, and we have some very dedicated hip-hop fans who love to get up and do full scratching sets,” Jimmy says.
“We try to read the room, see who’s there and play exactly what the people want. It’s less about what we want to do and more about what the crowd in front of us wants to hear. That’s really the aim – audience first.”
At Port Kembla Festival, Jimmy BYO will kick off the Sultans of Spin program section with his own set at 4pm at The Future Artifact. Another group member, Anna B, will play at 5pm, followed by Moody Gurlz at 6pm. The three of them will perform as Sultans of Spin from 7-8pm.
“We’ll be spinning four hours of tunes, and there’s something for everyone, so come along and see us,” Jimmy says.
‘Every stall can teach you something’
By Tyneesha Williams
Organised by Corrimal Rotary, the GreenFest sustainability expo is back this Sunday.
The free family fun day at Corrimal High School will feature more than 30 stalls, Landcare lessons, Bush Magic Therapy, ABC radio stars, raffles and a Rotary sausage sizzle.
Corrimal Rotary’s website
“This year we’ve got a food truck, a coffee van, activities for kids and families… we’re going to have our sausage sizzle and a bit of an op shop. We’ve got stall holders giving talks and demonstrations,” says the president of Corrimal Rotary, Linda Bunclark.
“It’s a fun day, and an interactive event. We’re going to have a passport
activity for kids, so they can go around and get stamps for interacting with different things.”
Held from 10am-2pm on April 13, 2025’s GreenFest will feature environmental leaders in Landcare, permaculture, recycling and renewable energy. Bike and Blend – where guests can blitz a smoothie through pedal power – will be back and there’ll be a raffle and prizes on offer.
“We’ve got some really great people coming – Bush Magic Therapy, for example. She does some nature exploration that’s actually therapeutic for kids,” Linda says.
“And Mark Matthews, who’s an ABC
celebrity. He hosts The Compost Heap with gardener and naturalist John Gabriel on ABC Radio. They’re both coming.
“We’ve also got an organisation called Green Gravity coming back this year. They’re based at UOW and they’re looking at creating energy from unused mine shafts, which is really interesting. We’ve also got some people bringing some electric cars to have a look at.”
As president of Corrimal Rotary, Linda works to support local organisations such as Escabags, Women Illawarra, The Imagination Library program, and various youth programs.
“We’re doing GreenFest as a community service – it’s not a fundraising activity, as we would normally do when we raise money for other things. But we are giving back to the community for a purpose – the environment is one and community education is another area of focus that Rotary has,” Linda says.
GreenFest is the brainchild of Corrimal Rotary Environmental Group (CREG), whose president, Dilys Hoser, was recently awarded a Rise & Shine award from Wollongong Council.
“CREG formed about three or four years ago with the primary aim of doing beach plastics clean-ups,” Linda says.
“We were combining the clean-ups with Bushcare and Landcare people, and thought – wouldn’t it be great if we actually had all of these different people come together for something? Because
sometimes they work in isolation and they don’t see each other, sometimes they’re overlapping with the work they do,
“So we said, let’s get everyone together and have a bit of an expo, and talk about who’s doing what.”
Linda says GreenFest is a great opportunity for the local eco-conscious community to share knowledge and work together.
“It’s all about awareness and education, really,” Linda says.
“Stall holders have the chance to meet with others in the space, but also those organisations promote themselves and especially if they’re looking for volunteers – then here’s an opportunity to find volunteers and for people to be informed.
“If you’re passionate about something, you can find out more about it and maybe join or volunteer there. So our community is more aware of what’s going on and how they can actually be involved, maybe even through their own home garden.
“Every stall can teach you something, whether it’s bigger or smaller scale.”
Entry to GreenFest 2025 is free and it will be at Corrimal High School from 10am-2pm on Sunday, 13 April.
“This year we’ve got a food truck, a coffee van, activities for kids and families… we’re going to have our sausage sizzle and a bit of an op shop” – president of Corrimal Rotary, Linda Bunclark
Q&A with Isobelle Carmody
By Elizabeth Heffernan
“The book that made me understand what I was trying to do was Enid Blyton’s The Land of Far-Beyond.” – Isobelle Carmody
TheSouth Coast Readers & Writers Festival returns to Thirroul over the weekend of 5-6 July with a vibrant lineup of literary talent, from rising stars to international bestsellers. With a program ranging from soul-stirring poetry readings, captivating literary fiction, historical recreation, and young adult adventures to thought-provoking non-fiction, intimate memoirs, gripping biographies, and cutting-edge politics, this year’s South Coast Readers & Writers Festival has something for everyone.
We sat down with one of the festival’s headlining authors, Isobelle Carmody (Comes the Night), to talk all things writing and reading.
What is your latest writing project?
I have been working on Darkbane, most recently, but while I have been touring around with Comes the Night, I have been thinking about it a great deal and I have been making some notes for a companion novel. I have also for a couple of years been working on a graphic novel about Little Fur.
What are you reading right now?
I started to read the exquisite The Little White Horse, by Elizabeth Goudge.
Always meant to read it because so often on panels when authors are asked what they loved when they were young people would mention this book, which I had never encountered. I am only one chapter in because it was so incredibly beautifully written that I can’t bear to consume it as fast as I would if I just went through it so I left it at my friend’s house with the intention of reading a little every time I visit her. I am really this restrained.
I’m also reading some books I got after meeting the authors in New Zealand during the tour I have just returned from, one is by Rachael King called The Grimmelings. Another is a gorgeous book by Catherine Chidgey called The Axeman’s Carnival, which is frightening me a little bit.
On the to-read pile is Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout and a novel by Heather McQuillan called Truth Needs No Colour. I bought these either because a bookseller I was signing stock for had raved about it or because I met the author and wanted to know more about them and there is no better way to know a person than to read the book they wrote.
What is the book that made you want to be a writer?
I wouldn’t say any book made me want to be a writer, although I did love stories. I loved the way talking and wrote about nature in Lord of the Rings, I loved the idea of a wardrobe door leading to another world where animals talked. I loved The Mouse and His Child by Russell Hoban because the meaning felt so deep and mysterious and beautiful. I understood from this book that meaning could hide in the words so you could feel it but not actually pin it down.
The book that made me understand what I was trying to do was Enid Blyton’s The Land of Far-Beyond, which is a sort of retelling of A Pilgrim’s Progress. I absolutely love this book and I would borrow it continuously from the library.
I don’t know why but I felt I needed it so perhaps that’s the book that made me write.
What does your writing space look like?
Mostly I work at the kitchen table wherever I am. I love the size of it which allows me to spread out and I love getting up and washing dishes or cooking a bit, as I think in between paragraphs. It is a pragmatic space where nourishing things are created, I feel always very grounded and ordinary as I write in that space in between cooking and living. I also work in cafes, which is just like a public
kitchen table and you don’t have to cook and clean.
What is your writing routine?
My writing routine is if possible to get up and get a cup of tea in my pyjamas and go back to bed and write till after midday. On the best days I will stop at 3 o’clock then I will go for a walk and do something physical to stretch the kinks out and to let the work drop from my conscious mind into my unconscious so that it can do deeper work.
I like to swim if I can during the afternoon and if not, I sometimes take a long bath and read a book. I would eat something and do all the stuff I have to do and then come back at night and work some more, until I’m falling asleep. I like working in the very early morning and also in the late evening if I can be wide awake enough. Sometimes I’m just too tired and I have to sleep but when I can hold myself away from sleep, I grow more awake and often I can work for a few good hours in the evening as well.
Super early bird tickets are on sale now for the South Coast Readers & Writers Festival at southcoastwriters.org/festival The full festival program will be announced on 5 May.
The festival returns in July with authors Charlotte McConaghy (Wild Dark Shore), Isobelle Carmody (Comes the Night), Pip Williams (The Bookbinder of Jericho), Kate Forsyth (Psykhe), Nikki Gemmell (Wing), Nardi Simpson (the belburd), Omar Sakr (The Nightmare Sequence), Jessie Tu (The Honeyeater), and Amy Remeikis (What’s the Big Idea?) & more.
Helensburgh and District Historical Society will hold an open day on Saturday, 12 April from 10.30am-2pm at the Old Mine Surgery, 78 Parkes St, Helensburgh.
The theme is ‘Genealogy in the Helensburgh District’.
We extend our invitation to all who may be interested in the historical genealogical theme of the pioneering families who lived and worked in the district.
Raffle tickets will be available for the Tunnel watercolour painting by artist Edith McNally, with 2nd prize $50 worth of historical products. The raffle will be drawn at 1.30pm.
Win a watercolour painting
To pre-purchase tickets, email us at info@historichelensburgh.org.au
Are we on the verge of a grassy revolution?
By Emma Rooksby of Growing Illawarra Natives
Above: Another classic local native of verges and gardens is Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens), seen here taking over a Woonona garden. Image by Emma Rooksby
One of my quiet pleasures in life is walking or cycling around the Illawarra, and checking out what plants are growing where. Local verges are a real revelation, as a wealth of local native species call them home. Local grasses, in particular, are able to withstand the difficult conditions of full sun, heavy foot traffic and regular mowing.
Red-leg Grass (Bothriochloa macra) grows on a verge in Mount Pleasant. This super-tough grass has been growing on verges around the region for decades, and looks its absolute best where its tall seed heads are waving gently in the afternoon sunlight. April, right now, is about the best time to see Red-leg Grass in full flower.
There are just so many of these little local grassy gems, which have somehow managed to evade the mower, the Roundup and other activities. Another grass that does a similar ‘runner’ is naive Plume Grass. Three different species of Plume Grass call the Illawarra home, and all three can be sen on verges around the place.
Longhair Plume Grass (Dichelachne crinita) is another beautiful local grass that holds its own on verges around the region. Unless it’s in flower, it’s hardly visible; but when in flower it’s just gorgeous. (Image above: Harry Rose.)
It’s not just grasses that can contribute to a gorgeous verge.
A range of other local ground covers are suitable for verges, including Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens) and many other low-growing cuties. If you’re in Wollongong, do check out the Council’s Verge Garden Guidelines.
Pretty well all of these hardy grasses that tough it out on local verges are components of an endangered ecological community, the Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodland. Less than 20% of this ecological community still remains, much of it on private land where it depends on private citizens to protect and conserve it. It’s just amazing to think that residential verges are hosting elements of this endangered vegetation.
There are also opportunities to collaborate to help protect and restore the Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodland. For example, the NSW Government’s Saving Our Species team is holding a special community day on Monday, 14th April to connect the local community with grassy woodlands. All are welcome at the event. It’s being held at Integral Energy Park, Stream Hill, from 10am-1pm.
There will be tree planting, activities about native bees, seed bomb making, roving performers and more. Book here.
How Bushcare led to a career in regeneration
By Tareyn Varley
“The difference it makes is insane. The transformations I’ve seen are incredible”
“We track the number of plants we put in the ground, but I think the social value is just as important.”
– Greg Fikkers, WCC
Spending time in the bush has given Daniel Pritchard more than just a way to help the environment – it’s given him a real sense of purpose. Whether he’s pulling weeds or planting trees, the work is hands-on and deeply satisfying.
“The world can be a really shitty place sometimes, but Bushcare gives you something tangible to feel good about,” he says.
“You can see the impact of your work as the bush regenerates. It’s surreal in the
best way – you get to grab onto that one good thing.”
And that one good thing has led to more. In December, the 25-year-old received the Anders Bofeldt Award at Wollongong’s Environment Volunteer Awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions to the city’s natural areas programs. Named after the late self-trained botanist, the award recognises emerging conservationists making a difference.
Daniel Pritchard is the winner of the Anders Bofeldt Award
“It’s an absolute honour,” Daniel says. “Anders had such a deep understanding of native plants. I can only attempt to absorb a fraction of what he knew and apply it in my own way.”
Bushcare wasn’t always the plan. In April 2021, Daniel joined the Upper Brooks Reach volunteer group on a whim, not realising it would set the course for his future. During his first visit, he met Marcus Burgess, a conservation teacher at TAFE NSW Yallah, who introduced him to the beauty of native ecosystems.
“Marcus would be rattling off facts about everything – trees, birds, insects – and I’d be doing my best to take it all in. That’s what got me hooked,” Daniel says.
A month later, he landed a job with the bush regeneration company Good Bush, and his passion became his career. But he still makes time for Brooks Creek, returning at least once a month to the place where it all started, where the trees he planted in those first sessions now tower above him.
“We’ve got a lovely canopy coming in now,” he says. “The trees are getting bigger, shading out the weeds, creating shelter – it’s really rewarding to see.”
Rewards of Bushcare
Bushcare is more than just planting trees – it’s a full-body workout, a way to clear your head and a chance to connect with others.
“I hike one-and-a-half kilometres into the bush, work all day, then hike back out. No need for a gym membership,” Daniel says.
“The physical side just comes with the job – kneeling, bending, cutting, moving around constantly.”
It’s also about community. Through volunteering, he’s built friendships with people of all ages – young adults, retirees and everyone in between. Conversations flow as they swap stories, share stories of past projects and catch up on life.
Greg Fikkers, Natural Areas Coordinator at Wollongong City Council, says the social benefits of Bushcare are often overlooked.
“We track the number of plants we put in the ground, but I think the social value is just as important – probably even more so,” he says. “Being part of these groups gives people a real sense of belonging, and that’s invaluable.”
Greg’s seen firsthand how volunteering in nature supports mental wellbeing.
“There’s something about immersing yourself in the bush – stepping away from the rat race, finding a sense of purpose. You start to feel like you’re leaving a bit of a legacy.”
For Daniel, that’s exactly what keeps him coming back.
“The difference it makes is insane. The transformations I’ve seen are incredible, and the fact that volunteers, not just professionals, can achieve that is something special. People should realise they can have their own little piece of the bush – something they can look at and say, ‘I did that’.”
‘Genuine impact’
The Upper Brooks Creek Bushcare group has been working to restore the riparian corridor since the 1990s, focusing on reducing weeds, replanting native vegetation and improving the health of the creek. Greg says their work is making a genuine impact.
“They’ve seen great results over the years,” he says. “If you look at older satellite images from the late-90s, you can see just how much has changed – the tree lines are being restored, and the creek is looking healthier.”
But there’s always more to do. “Weeds don’t just go away, so managing them is a constant challenge,” Greg says. “Council supports these volunteer groups because they play such a vital role in conservation. It’s also a great way to get more people involved and educate the community about why so many are passionate about protecting our bushland.”
For details on how to become a volunteer, click here or call Wollongong City Council on (02) 4227 7111.
All-conquering Hawks to receive the Keys to the City
By Jeremy Lasek
“Their success has rightly made the community very proud, boosted economic activity in the city and promoted Wollongong to a large national audience.”
–
Lord Mayor Tania Brown
It’s official: the Illawarra Hawks will be given the Keys to the City of Wollongong after Council this week voted unanimously to bestow the honour.
In her Lord Mayoral Minute, Cr Tania Brown, one of the Hawks’ biggest supporters, described the huge impact the championship has had on the city at the end of a season never to forget.
“Their success has rightly made the community very proud, boosted economic activity in the city and promoted Wollongong to a large national audience,” Cr Brown said.
“Thousands of people attended the community event to celebrate the Hawks in Crown Street Mall on 27 March 2025.
“It is appropriate that the Keys of the City are bestowed to the successful Illawarra Hawks to recognise their achievements and contribution to Wollongong in 2025.”
Other councillors spoke glowingly of the Hawks’ efforts and how they’d generated increased civic pride amongst people of all ages.
Cr Kit Docker said the Hawks’ title win was the icing on the cake for a club that has demonstrated leadership both on and off the court.
He said that, in 2020, the Hawks organisation cut ties with gambling and
entered into a partnership with the NSW Government through their ‘Reclaim The Game’ campaign. As such, the often cash-strapped Hawks refused to display gambling advertising on their playing strip and at the WEC.
“The Hawks also established the first Indigenous round after the NBL expressed no interest,” Cr Docker said.
“This initiative has since been adopted by the league nationally and is an annual fixture celebrating First Nations history and culture.”
Cr Docker also praised the Hawks for implementing a “We Rise Together” mental fitness program in schools across the Illawarra focusing on resilience and techniques to overcome challenges with the support of Hawks players.
“They deserve much credit too for supporting the Wollongong Roller Hawks through a formal memorandum of understanding which reflects their deep and ongoing commitment to inclusivity, accessibility and the broader sporting community,” Cr Docker added. In unanimously supporting the Lord Mayor’s motion, there was praise for her efforts over many years in rallying the support of the community and business leaders to help keep the Hawks alive during difficult times, to the point they are now the undisputed NBL champions.
Cr Kit Docker (left) and Cr Andrew Anthony supporting the Hawks in the nailbiting playoff series
Newer, safer tools than nets
By Tareyn Varley
A dolphin was found dead in the meshing off Thirroul Beach last year. Photo: Peter Armstrong
TheNSW Government may have removed its shark nets early this year, but it’s still refusing to commit to scrapping them permanently – even after its own expert panel found no solid evidence they actually work.
A new report from the state’s Threatened Species Scientific Committee backs what ocean advocates have been saying for years: shark nets offer no real protection to people and come at a serious cost to marine life.
Of the 255 animals caught in shark nets last season, 94 per cent were non-target species – including dolphins, turtles, rays and critically endangered grey nurse sharks. Just 36 per cent were released alive, but what happened to them afterwards is unknown.
Environmentalists welcomed a significant, hard-fought win last week when the 51 beach nets between Newcastle and Wollongong were removed a month early on March 31, 2025 – a move aimed at protecting migrating turtles. The government says it will review the results of this season’s shark mitigation strategies before deciding what comes next.
“Politicians tend to stick with shark nets not because they work, but because they’re visible,” Laura says. “It’s more about peace of mind – something they can point to and say, ‘No one was hurt on my watch’.
“It comes down to wanting to cover their bums. If something happens, they don’t want to be blamed for taking the nets out.”
Laura says shark nets, which have been around since the 1930s, were never meant to be a barrier. They’re short, shallow and only cover part of the beach, meaning sharks can easily swim over, under or around them.
“These are outdated methods and they don’t belong in a modern world,” she says.
“We know at least 40 per cent of animals are caught on the beach side – the side swimmers are on. They’re not offering real protection. It’s just the illusion of safety.
“Something I like to ask people is: ‘What beaches actually have shark nets?’ Most can’t answer.
Find the full story on our website
But Laura Wells, a Woonona-based science communicator and board member of Surfrider Foundation Australia, isn’t convinced a major shake-up is on the way.
“In the Illawarra, for example, we have seven shark nets, but hardly anyone could tell you where they are – they swim at beaches and feel completely safe, not realising there’s no net at all.”
The nets are off Coledale, Austinmer, Thirroul, North Wollongong, City Beach,
Garie and Wattamolla – all popular tourist beaches, but not necessarily where shark activity is highest. They are, however, where people like to fly their drones.
Aerial footage posted to Facebook last year by Austinmer local Peter Armstrong, showing a dead dolphin tangled in a net off Thirroul, drew hundreds of angry comments and reignited calls to scrap the program.
“I think social media had a big part to do with it,” Laura says of the decision to bring the nets down early.
“There are so many people with drones now – and you can actually see what’s getting caught. Some of the footage is really upsetting, but it’s helping shift public perception.”
Newer, safer tools are already in use across the region. Since 2021, Surf Life Saving NSW has run a state-funded drone surveillance program.
Drones patrol beaches from Stanwell Park to Gerringong for up to seven hours a day, sounding sirens and loudspeaker warnings when sharks are spotted. Alerts go out through the SharkSmart app and social media.
There are also listening stations at Stanwell Park, Shellharbour and Kiama. When a tagged shark is detected within 500 metres of the coast, users are notified in real time via the app.
“These are modern tools that work – and don’t kill marine life,” Laura says. “They help keep beaches safe, and they’re improving all the time.”
She says the answer also lies in
education, not just technology.
“Knowing not to swim at dawn or dusk, and choosing beaches with lifeguards – that makes a real difference.”
But even with better tools and more awareness, change is slow.
“It’s been a hard battle for environmentalists, conservationists and scientists – and one they won’t give up on,” she says.
“We know these shark nets are harming endangered species. And realistically, when it comes to protecting people, they’re not doing much at all.”
How the drone patrols work
Surf Life Saving NSW runs drone patrols at five locations across the Illawarra, scanning the water for sharks and helping lifeguards act quickly when needed. Drones fly up to seven hours a day – usually 9am to 4pm – depending on conditions, with pilots conducting two 20-minute missions every hour.
When a shark is spotted heading toward swimmers, the pilot sounds a siren and issues a loudspeaker warning from the drone, then alerts lifeguards on the beach, who can also sound the surf club alarm. Lifesavers may use jet-skis or IRBs to help clear the water and steer the shark away. An alert is also sent to users through the SharkSmart app and X, and another notification goes out when the beach is reopened.
There are 55 trained drone pilots operating across the Illawarra based at surf clubs in Stanwell Park, Coledale, Shellharbour, Kiama and Gerringong.
“It comes down to wanting to cover their bums. If something happens, they don’t want to be blamed for taking the nets out.”
–
Laura Wells, a Woonona-based science communicator
Sabre Jet on show at HARS
By Ian Badham of HARS Aviation Museum
“Tarmac Days allow our museum visitors to get a feeling of what aviation was like decades ago.”
– HARS president and chief pilot Bob De La Hunty
VISIT
Australia’s first operational Sabre jet fighter from the 1950s joins with the unique sight and sound of three former submarine-hunting and marine patrol Lockheed Neptunes from the 1960s to highlight the April monthly Tarmac Days display at HARS Aviation Museum on Friday, April 11, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th.
Adding to the interest, work will continue over the weekend on engines of Connie, which is not only the official mascot aircraft at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) but also the world’s only remaining airworthy Lockheed Super Constellation airliner from the 1950s.
Developed from the American F86 Sabre, Australia’s locally built CA-27 fighter was not only faster but also better armed than its USA predecessor.
Due to its post-retirement “gate duty” at Williamston air base, Sabre 01 no longer flies but is beautifully restored and will be presented on the tarmac for the weekend.
In addition, engineers are aiming to do engine runs on their former RAAF de Havilland Caribou and possibly Grumman Tracker aircraft.
“It’s the skill and dedication of our volunteers – engineers, pilots and our many support crew – which keeps the Neptunes and so many other aircraft
operational,” HARS president and chief pilot Bob De La Hunty said.
“Tarmac Days allow our museum visitors to get a feeling of what aviation was like decades ago.”
Almost 60 aircraft form the Australian aviation heritage on show at the largely undercover HARS Aviation Museum.
Volunteers needed
HARS is seeking additional volunteers to serve as tour guides and to help out in the operation of its popular Café Connie.
To register then come to an information session, would-be volunteers are asked to send a quick email to harsinfo@hars.org.au
Closed Christmas Day and open every other day
Closed only on Christmas Day, HARS Aviation Museum offers a largely undercover and hands-on experience for visitors at its Shellharbour Airport hangars.
HARS Aviation Museum is open from 9.30 to 3.30 daily for tours hosted by informative volunteer guides (last tour 2 pm). It is located at Shellharbour Airport, off the old Princes Highway at Albion Park Rail and just a short walk from the railway station.
Café Connie is open 9.30am to 2pm.
Screening Moana 2
Sat 19 April at Rex Jackson Oval, Helensburgh
5pm Egg Hunt, 5.30pm Movie
Proudly hosted by Mattias Samuelsson
Ryan Morris is now the sole Liberal voice on council
By Genevieve Swart
Theunfortunate tale of the NSW Liberals’ nominations bungle – when forms were not submitted on time, leaving about 150 members unable to stand in last year’s council elections – has had a happy ending for the party in Ward 1 of Wollongong.
Austinmer dad Ryan Morris – who had recently retired from the Australian Defence Force after serving primarily in the Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment – ran as an independent and on October 2 was elected as one of four councillors for Ward 1.
Then, about four months ago, Cr Morris joined the Liberal Party.
“I just realised running as an independent was a difficult circumstance and to get somewhere in politics – if you
choose to go that way – you need a party or some heavy backing behind you as a general rule,” he said.
“And the Liberal Party is the one that’s closest to my values. So I decided to join the Liberal Party … either the end of last year or beginning of this year.”
Cr Morris said he’s not making decisions according to a party line. “I’ve had zero input from the Liberal Party, directing me whatsoever on how I make decisions. I make decisions based on the people that I talk to in the community –they talk to me about what their problems are and I try to make a value judgment based on that.”
He was inspired to run for council after seeing flood damage in his community and last year listed
remediating the stormwater and flood management plan as one of his top priorities.
Ward 1 is home to more than 72,000 people and covers about 485 sq km of the northern and north-western parts of the Wollongong local government area. Cr Morris is now its sole Liberal representative, working alongside three other Ward 1 councillors: Richard Martin (Labor), Dan Hayes (Labor) and Jess Whittaker (Greens).
Cr Morris said his council role remains as an Independent as he has not made a formal change to be recognised as a Liberal Party councillor. “I think it’s just an on-the-floor requirement, if I choose to change it.”
Members of some grassroots community groups, including the Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG), which also acts as Neighbourhood Forum 3 for residents of Woonona, Bulli, Thirroul and Austinmer), learned of Cr Morris’s news this week.
Like many local parents, the Austinmer father also shoulders family commitments – including as an Ethics teacher and surf club volunteer – and finds it difficult to attend evening events, although he did go to the northernmost community meeting, Neighbourhood Forum 1 in Otford, last year.
“I’ve been to a couple of the Neighbourhood Forum 5s. I do try to speak to the forums and NIRAG and Thirroul Village community as well as
through emails. I don’t get to attend as many of the forums that I would like to go to because my wife works really hard and long hours, and I have to look after the kids. So, unfortunately, they all have their meetings usually on an evening and I’m looking after the kids at that stage.”
On polling day in September 2024, local Liberals whose political dreams had been dashed – including would-be Wollongong mayoral candidate John Dorahy – helped hand out flyers for the Independent candidate. Cr Morris is not a member of any of the local ‘no-offshore wind’ groups, but also had their support during his campaign. “I still don’t think that the wind farms are a good idea economically for Australia,” he said.
Cr Morris said he has not spoken much to NSW HQ, which is still dealing with the 2024 council elections fall-out. Two state members recently launched a class action after the party’s paperwork blunder crushed the hopes of several local politicians, including Helensburgh councillor Cameron Walters, who told the Flame at the time that the party’s failure was a setback for democracy: “It’s going to make people, once again, not trust the system.”
Ultimately, state party members are always happy to hear that Cr Morris is representing Liberal voters in the Gong. “When I do speak to people in the Liberal Party hierarchy, they are like, ‘Oh, that’s fantastic, good to know’.
“I do try to do my best for Wollongong at the end of the day.”
“I just realised running as an independent was a difficult circumstance and to get somewhere in politics – if you choose to go that way – you need a party or some heavy backing behind you as a general rule.”
– Ryan Morris
On namus, solorep tatatemodi ullabor rorempo ssecus et
