Friday fast five: Keep busy this King’s birthday weekend

It’s the long weekend for many of us, and that extra day to the weekend is cause for celebration. If you’re looking for some diverse suggestions on how to make the most of the three-day break, check out the ideas below.

1. Head to the hills, Cringila Hills

Have you visited the city’s award-winning Cringila Hills Recreation Park? Just last month the recreation park took out the prestigious park of the Year Award at the Parks and Leisure Australia NSW Conference Awards dinner. It’s an exciting coup for the city as the award recognises vibrant, successful and well-designed parks and open spaces. And if you think Cringila Hills is all about mountain bikes, think again. While there are loads to keep bikers of all ages happy, in addition to the trails, pump track and skills park, there’s also a fantastic playground, picnic areas and walking trails. Just the ticket for a day out.

2. How does your garden grow?

Did you know that you can replace grass with plants on the Council strip between private property and the road? This is called a Verge Garden and we’ve guidelines to help you create a safe and successful verge garden. The guidelines cover access to the letterboxes, how much room you should leave for car doors and the maximum height of plans (700mm if you’re wondering). If you’re interested in digging into verge gardening, now is the time to start planning so you’re ready to spring into action once winter is done. Read more about verge gardens.

3. Get your head around Culture Mix

We’re excited to present Wollongong’s new contemporary multicultural festival, Culture Mix, that will be held on Saturday 21 October from 12 noon to 8pm. It’s a one-day outdoor event that celebrates Wollongong’s diverse community with vibrant music, dance, workshops, installations and food from around the world. There are a range of ways to get involved so read on and see if any of these suit you…

• Show your culture: We’re inviting Aboriginal and culturally diverse individuals, groups, community organisations and businesses to take part by holding their own stalls, food stalls, cultural displays and mobile food vendors. Applications close 30 June. Find out more.
• Lead a performance: We’re seeking an artist and performance facilitator to lead an Intercultural Performance Project. Submissions close Tuesday 13 June. Find out more.
• Perform or teach: We'll also be looking for workshops and performers, so if this is something you might be interested in participating in, now is the time to email (mailto:culturaldevelopment@wollongong.nsw.gov.au) Council to let us know you’re keen to be a part of Culture Mix.

If none of these are for you, then save the date, follow us on socials and get ready to join in the fun on the day.

4. Catch an exhibition at Wollongong Art Gallery

While the weekend of June 17 and 18 is all about Wander Wollongong and checking out the city’s vibrant arts scene, that doesn’t mean there’s no artistic action this weekend. Head along to check out Coomaditchie the Art of Place curated by Tess Allas before it closes on June 18, or have a look at some recently acquired works which reflect past and present encounters of the Illawarra and the coast at Reflection, Works from the Collection. The Gallery is open both Saturday and Sunday from 12-4pm.

Image: Coomaditichie Public Art Photography talk with local photographers Anthony Smith and Nina Kourea who discussed their practices and the documenting of Coomaditiche public artworks with curator Tess Allas

5. Bulli Showground and share your feedback draft plans for the site.

Our Community Engagement team will be at Bulli Showground during the Bulli Village Markets between 10am-2pm this Sunday 11 June 2023 gathering feedback on the draft Master Plan for the site. It’s your chance to have your say on proposed improvements and changes to Bulli Showground that would see activity at the site diversified. Some of the potential uses we’re considering are concerts and festivals, markets, retail shows, family entertainment, indoor and outdoor sports training and a community space for activities and events. If you’re not able to make it to the markets, you can read the draft Plan and provide feedback through Council’s website. Just be sure to get your feedback in before 12 June 2023.