In their inaugural Wollongong performance, award-winning indigenous dance sensations DJUKI MALA literally blew the top off the Spiegeltent!
Surpassing all expectations, these instantly likeable boys hailing from Elcho Island in North East Arnhem Land were simply charisma on legs… and boy could they dance.
With their cheeky, high-energy personalities, they each have a powerful and undeniable presence on the stage. You simply can’t peel your eyes from the stage.
Welcoming you into their world with open arms, DJUKI MALA thoughtfully express their traditions and values through the art of storytelling and dance with an enormous pinch of humour (ladies wear waterproof mascara!).
It’s a fast-paced journey from traditional Yolngu dance through to modern day hits and there is more than one surprise moment!
Expect the unexpected and you will leave wanting more. Watch out for those electric hips!
Would we see it again? Hell yes!
You can literally feel the happiness and joy in their performance and it’s infectious.
DJUKI MALA is hilarious, uplifting and full of soul!
It’s time to inspire, create and get active these April school holidays with our Top 12 School Holiday Picks!
Whether the kids love sports or aspire to the creative, you are going to love what’s on offer from our Top 12.
Get organised and start booking today. These offers won’t last!
Exclusive Offer Alert
Receive an additional $20 OFF already discounted prices these school holidays when you book with locally owned famly.
Simply use promo code FAMLYLOVESWOIW on already discounted prices for exciting and unique school holiday fun across Sydney, Wollongong and the South Coast. Check out some of the great deals on offer:
3D Printing Workshop – Wollongong Explore the 3D world and save up to $150 with famly.
Inside Matisse’s Garden Art Workshop – Wollongong An inspirational journey into the life of Matisse, one of the most loved artists of all time.Normally $100, only $70 when you book with famly.
Family Friendly Glass Bottom Kayak Tour – Batemans Bay A fun 2.5 hour family friendly tour in stable double kayaks, with photos and snacks included. Book with famly for a 10% discount.
Lollie Claire Photography – Wollongong Capture that special moment in time with savings on newborn and baby photography sessions.
The creative space at Da Vinci Art Studio caters to primary aged children and high school students from beginners through to advance.
Pet Portrait in Oil Pastels
Create a Sculptural Jelly Fish Lantern
Paint a tiger with Rainbow Eyes
Autumn Scene in soft pastel
Beach scene in impressionism
Beach Landscape painting in oils
Watercolour Birds
Mermaid in Watercolour
Create a unique bag
Workshops start from just $25. Bookings are essential. Call 42951042 or 0414 829 548 Email info@davinciartstudio.com.au Book and pay online.
Active FUN with Fun-Damentals
Fun-damentals School Holiday Program 16 – 30 April Lindsay Park Primary School Open 8am – 6pm Cost: 1st child $50 – discounts apply for siblings.
Fun-damentals proudly provide the most affordable FUN childcare for primary school aged children in Wollongong including the Pupil Free Day! Approved for the Child Care Benefit and Rebate.
Each day your child will participate in several sports plus lots of fun activities including laser tag*, orienteering, arts and crafts, board and table games, plays, dancing, lego, dominoes, reading, drawing, upcycling, gardening plus much more. VIEW THE FULL PROGRAM HERE
Barrel of Monkeys The Spiegletent (Arts Precinct) 17 – 22 April Tickets: $28 Recommended for ages 5+
Watch cheeky monkeys trick, toss and tumble in the riotous physical comedy Barrel of Monkeys in the magical Spiegeltent. This high-energy circus extravaganza will bring joy to all ages. BOOK NOW
Kids will love expressing their imagination at an interactive 5-day theatre-craft & performance workshop with the guidance of professional artists and educators. As part of the Creativity Camp your child will also experience the magic of The Spiegeltent when they see Barrel of Monkeys. BOOK NOW
Marvellous Masks Workshop Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Mon, 23 April 10am Price: $50 Age: 8 -12 years
Developed for primary school students who love to create things, children will explore the world of theatre design with professional Set and Costume Designer, Imogen Ross. BOOK NOW
Adapted from the much-loved book by Roald Dahl, George’s Marvellous Medicine is a spectacular live show for the whole family packed to the rafters with mischief, music, magic and mammoth laughs. BOOK NOW
Have yourself a ‘hopping‘ good time this Easter with our guide to all the fun things happening in and around Wollongong.
Find out where to take the kids for Easter egg hunts, Easter crafts and activities, and where to find the Easter Bunny! Plus we have you covered with markets, fun things for the adults plus what’s on Easter Sunday.
Top Picks for Kids
Easter Family Fun Day Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden When: Saturday, 31 March 2018 Time: 10am – 1pm Cost: Free
We are so excited to see the return of the Easter Family Fun Day in 2018. This is a free community event proudly presented by the Rotary Club of Wollongong and Wollongong Botanic Garden.
What’s On
10am – 11am Easter Egg Hunt*
10.30am – 12.30pm Symbio Mobile Wildlife Zoo
11.30am Discovery Centre theatre show
Jazz tunes from local students of the Conservatorium of Music
Children’s fun entertainment & activities brought to you by the Garden’s Ranger party experts & Wollongong Botanic Garden’s Discovery Centre.
A BBQ by Rotary, refreshments and coffee will also be available for purchase on the day.*Note: During this time age groups will run in order from 10am, starting with 0-5 years, 6-8 years and 9-12 years. Children will hunt for a token in exchange for an easter egg.
TBH Annual Easter Show Where: Towradgi Beach Hotel (carpark) When: Saturday, 31 March 2018 Time: 10am – 5pm Entry: Free Entry
There is no need to travel up to Sydney when we have our very own amazingly fun Easter Show right here in Wollongong!
What’s On
Carnival rides*
Show bags
Reptile show
Farmyard animals
Magicians
Free face-painting
Sideshow games + more!
*Wristbands are $25 per person per session. session times are 10am to 2pm and 1pm to 5pm.
Easter Central at Wollongong Central When: 26 to 31 March 2018 Activities include Easter colouring in, Easter Sand Sculpture Building, Sand Sculpture Workshops, Butterfly House Feeding Experience, Easter craft activities, chocolate fountain experience and a visit from the Easter Bunny (31 March 11am – 2pm). More info.
Easter Fun Day at Dapto Mall When: Saturday, 31 March 2018 Time: 11am – 2pm Annual Easter Egg Hunt through-out the centre, create an Easter tote bag to collect yummy Easter eggs, face painting and the Easter Bunny will be roaming the centre. More info.
Easter Bunny Visits Warilla Grove Shopping Centre Join in the Easter Fun at Warilla Grove Shopping Centre with a visit from the Easter Bunny on Thursday 29th March and Saturday 31st March between 10:30am to 2:30pm each day.
Easter Bunny’s Breakfast + Live Show at Warrawong Plaza When: Saturday, 31 March 2018 Time: 8.30am – 9.30am Join The Cadbury Easter Bunny for a special Easter Breakfast in the Warrawong Plaza Food Court. Breakfast which will include fruitless hot cross buns, a piece of fruit and a bottle of apple juice or water. Following the Breakfast there will be a live Cadbury Easter Bunny show at Centre Court commencing at 10am.Bookings are essential. $5 deposit per child, refundable upon attendance at the event. Tickets are on sale now at the Customer Service Desk.
Easter Fun at Stockland Shellharbour When: Saturday 31 March 2018 Time: 10am – 3pm Meet the roaming Easter Bunny and have fun with Easter craft activities.
What’s On Easter Sunday
Annual Burgh Easter Egg Hunt Where: Burgh Healthy Hub, 338 Cemetery Rd, Helensburgh Time: from 8am Cost: FREE Whilst your searching for your eggs keep your eyes peeled for an appearance from a very cheeky rascally rabbit PLUS enjoy Hot Cross Buns, Coffee, BBQ Breakfast and of course CHOCOLATE!!! Everyone is invited so come have some fun at this FREE event.
Easter Sunday at Windjammers Where: 2-14 Cliff Rd, Wollongong Time: 12.30-2.30pm Easter Sunday lunch at Windjammers includes: – Deluxe BBQ & seafood buffet – EGG-stravagant chocolate themed dessert buffet – 3 hour beverage package – Live entertainment – Kid’s face painting Bookings Essential – more info.
Giant Easter Egg Hunt Where: Jamberoo Action Park When: Sunday, 1 April Time: 9.30am (don’t be late!) Hunt for 1000’s of yummy chocolate Easter Eggs at the GIANT Easter Egg Hunt at Jamberoo Action Park. It is FREE to participate, must be either a paying guest or a Season Pass Holder. Easter Egg hunt starts at 9.30am SHARP. ONLY for children aged between 4-12 years. More info.
Easter Sunday Eggstravaganza Where: Red Dog on the Green, Figtree Time: from 12noon Easter Egg Hunt, have some fun on the Slip n Slide, Run n Splash Water Slide, fun with Dragonfly Parties plus kids crafts, games & face painting activities throughout the day.
Easter Egg Hunt & Live Music Where: Mountain Ridge Wines Cellar Doors & Restaurant, Berry Easter Egg hunt: 9:30am (regular breakfast menu will be available) and the second hunt of the day will be on at 12:30pm (set menu and kids menu available only). Kate Young will also be playing from 12pm till 3pm. Booking are essential: (02) 4448 5825. Visit Mountain Ridge Wines for more information.
Easter Sunday Session Where: PEPE’S on the beach, Wollongong When: Sunday, 1 April 2018 Time: 2pm – midnight Entry: Free DJ’s on the Deck from 3pm Feat. DJ KEYES & DJ Ace VIP Cabana Bookings & Bottle Service Packages Dance Floor Dessert Cocktails
The Villains – CD Launch Where: Towradgi Beach Hotel When: Sunday 1st April at 7.30pm Cost: $13.94
Award-winning Australian electric house duo The Ironing Maidens will hit Wollongong with their unique sound as part of their regional Strike While the Iron is Hot Laundromat Tour on Saturday 27 January at City Central Laundry Services.
Yes that’s right folks, this performance will take place in a laundromat and will have you second guessing not only the role of the traditional housewife, but you’ll also never look at your iron the same way again!
Following their stand-out performances at Germany’s famous Fusion Festival and Byron Bay’s Falls Festival, expect an ‘iron sharp‘ performance as The Iron Maidens showcase their breakthrough music and unusual sound by adapting real irons and ironing boards into electronic instruments.
Celebrating the release of their new single Electro Housewifeusing samples from real life 1950s ads encouraging a life of domestic duties for the female population at the time, explore whether the notion of the ‘female domestic goddess‘ has changed over the decades.
An electronic arts projects that begun 5 years ago, The Ironing Maidens, Patty Preece and Melania Jack are also lifting the lid on female electronic music pioneers that have remained largely under acknowledged.
Encouraging new dynamic expression into the electronic music genre via their own music technology school, Mesh – Music Electronic Sound House, The Ironing Maidens will also be offering public workshops with each performance.
Participants will gain an introduction into the topics of EMP, basic Ableton Live software skills, electronic instrument creation and the history of women in electronic music.
One half of The Ironing Maidens, Melania Jack, took some time out for a chat about their sound and how they are changing the perception of both female pioneers of electronic music and the role of the traditional domestic worker.
A natural evolution into electronic music
I had originally studied guitar and had been writing songs for sometime when I met Patty who produced an earlier EP of mine (In the birds Belly – Melania Jack). Patty’s production on the tracks included some electronic elements which really gave a new edge to the arrangements. From there we started working on more electronic based tracks in a band called Shiny Shiny with Bec Newman – a really fun, crazy and politically charged band with hilarious stage antics.
It has been a natural evolution but what I really love about it is the fluid nature of working in Ableton Live. We can sketch down idea’s, add our own parts, it’s so easy to collaborate. We like to use a lot of samples we collect ourselves which is a really engaging part of the process. It allows us to continually create and develop our ideas, and allows us to stay in the playful part of the track construction until it all settles into itself and feels like it is finished.
The Ironing Maidens journey begins
We had both [Patty Preece and Melania Jack] been studying and working in the Electronic Music Production (EMP) industry for some time before we discovered the work of Daphne Oram – a pioneer in Electronic Music from the 1950’s.
We were surprised at the lack of acknowledgement she received in her time and that she was not included in current EMP history curriculum. We wanted to create a show as a homage to the influence Daphne, and many other females in the industry have had on the development of the industry.
From there we started exploring the parallel topics of the time and what stood out to us was that household technology and the role of the housewife was being heavily marketed towards women. Through this process of research, we felt that not enough has changed for women in our society. Whether they are in the studio, laboratory or kitchen, in our opinion, women’s work and worth is not valued or promoted enough.
The process of adapting the domestic iron to electronic music
The first step is finding an iron that can be pulled apart. This is not easy with modern irons being designed with planned obsolescence and very few spare parts. Then we look at what we can do with them.
One iron – “the ironiser”, has a synth built inside it that I play like any other synth instrument, with pitch and volume control. The ironing boards have sensors to trigger sounds.
Patty has an iron that has been modified with buttons she can press to trigger the samples we use – of 1950’s advertising of household goods. It’s been fun learning how to make our own instruments and really gives you an appreciation for the work of instrument designers – like Daphne.
The ‘irony’ of performing in regional laudromats
The laundromat has been the perfect venue for our show, for the aesthetic, but also because it gives the audience a really unique experience; with the smell of laundry soap, the humming of the dryers and the social nature of the space. I also think using the laundromat as a venue really speaks to the washing and ironing as being work, outside of the home (which seems to be more valued by our society) as opposed to chores.
Female pioneers of electronic music
We hope through the songs and conversations we have after the show with the audience, we can spark people’s interest in the work of these women.
Certainly, in the workshops we’re running during the tour, we’ve found participants are surprised and sometimes blown away when they look at the work, for example the Oramics Machine – an early synthesiser invented by Daphne. Just having her name mentioned and her work discussed I feel changes the way we think about women in the industry.
1950s ads and the role of domestic females – has anything changed?
Listening to the language of the ads makes people laugh, and comment about how it ‘used to be’, but we don’t feel like that much has changed.
One of our strong themes is the gendered allocation of household work, and why it is we are still seeing this extra work being laundry piled onto women.
The 2016 census showed that women are still doing up to 5 to 14 hours of unpaid domestic work, compared to less than 5 hours for the average Australian Man. When we saw those stats, we were even shocked. This needs to shift, and soon; there is nothing about ironing that makes it particularly a woman’s job. We don’t iron with our genitals – that would be dangerous!
Public Workshops
Our workshop had been developed with young people (16-30) in mind, but we are open to anyone who is interested in learning the basics of Ableton Live, electronic music production, song-writing and particularly the history of women in electronic music.
We hope people get a taste for the software and the process as well as an opportunity to experience a gender inclusive EMP education space.
Sometimes people can feel a bit excluded by the language and the male dominated nature of tech spaces – we hope we provide a totally different vibe that is female, trans and gender queer friendly. It means that everyone in the room gets to contribute and feel part of something.
The Ironing Maidens Live Wollongong Performance
The Ironing Maidens will perform live at City Central Laundry Services (82 Kembla St, Wollongong) on Saturday, 27 January 2018 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.
Wollongong Public Workshop
The public workshop will take place at Anchors Aweigh Art Studio (104 Church St, Wollongong) on Saturday, 27 January 2018 from 10.00am to 1.00pm.
It’s the Summer school holidays and the kids energy levels are through the roof!
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the most exciting water play fun happening right here in the beautiful Illawarra!
Don’t forget that events can be subject to weather conditions, age restrictions, conditions or incur an entry fee. Be sure to check with individual event holders prior to attendance (relevant links below).
Happy Splashing!
Screamer Water Slide
Where: Wollongong Youth Centre, 85 Burelli Street, Wollongong When: Friday, 12 January 2018 Time: 11am – 2pm Ages: 12 – 18 years
Get the adrenaline pumping as you scream down the 9m high & 20m long water slide. Bring your towel! 12-18 year olds only.
Albion Park Pool Where: Russell St, Albion Park When: 3 January & 24 January 2018 Time: 1pm – 3pm Cost: Pool entry fees apply For more information visit shellharbour.nsw.gov.au
Berkeley Swimming Pool Where: 5 Winnima Way, Berkeley When: 2 & 16 January 2018 Time: 9am – 11am For more information visit wollongongong.nsw.gov.au
Corrimal Pool (heated) Where: Short St, Corrimal When: 11 & 25 January 2018 Time: 10am – 12noon Cost: $4.70 per child For more information visit wollongongong.nsw.gov.au
Dapto Pool (heated) Where: 28 Bangaroo Ave, Dapto When: 4 & 18 January 2018 Time: 10am – 12noon Cost: $4.70 per child For more information visit wollongongong.nsw.gov.au
Oak Flats Pool Where: Kingston Street, Oak Flats When: 10 & 12 January 2018 Time: 1pm – 3pm Cost: Pool entry fees apply For more information visit shellharbour.nsw.gov.au
(Giant inflatable is available at Oak Flats Pool Open Day – 12 January 2018)
Warilla Pool Where: Benaud Crescent, Warilla When: 17 January & 19 January 2018 Time: 1pm – 3pm Cost: Pool entry fees apply For more information visit shellharbour.nsw.gov.au
Western Suburbs Pool Where: Princes Hwy & Chapman St, Unanderra When: 9 & 23 January 2018 Time: 9am – 11am For more information visit wollongongong.nsw.gov.au
Inflatable Pool Toy When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during school holidays (Not available between Christmas & New Year or Public Holidays) Time: 12pm – 3.00pm Ages: 5+ Cost: Fees apply
Sport and Swim Four hours of sport and swimming with the pool toy When: Wednesday 3 & 17 and Monday 8 January 2018 Time: 11am-3pm Ages: 5 – 12 years Cost: $20 | 1st child/$18 | 2nd & 3rd child
Gym Fun and Swim Four hours of gym and swimming with the pool toy. When: Friday 5 &12 and Monday 15 & 22 January 2018 Time: 11am-3pm Ages: 5-12 years Cost: $20 | 1st child/$18 | 2nd & 3rd child
Important Information All children must be over five years of age and be able to swim. Minimum 12 participants required.
Full payment required on booking. Call (02) 4232 1877
Where: Dapto Showground, Princes Hwy, Dapto Enter via southern end of Mulda Street (free parking) When: 20 December ’17 to 25 February ’18.
Only 700m from Dapto Train Station you will find Waliscags Water Worx.
With 5 themed pools with integrated slides, plus an 11m high slide for the daredevils rightfully named the Epic Racer.
The slides cater for all ages and includes special toddler only zones. Spectators are free.
When you book your tickets you have up to 4 hours of slipping, sliding and splashing fun.
Prices
Babies 0 – 3 years: FREE Children & Adults: $23.80 – $24.50 Group Pass (4 participants): $84.15 – $95.00 Party Pass (minimum 12 participants): $19.95 per person
Children aged 1-5 years must be supervised in the water by a parent or guardian.
Tickets can be bought online or at the kiosk. Gift vouchers available. Book online and save at www.waterworx.fun
Jamberoo Action Park
Where: 1215 Jamberoo Road, Jamberoo Open: 10am – 5pm daily (during the school holidays)
It’s where YOU control the action! Open EVERY Day this summer holiday season from 26th December 2017 until 31st January 2018.
Jamberoo Action Park is set amongst 40 hectares of amazing aqua play fun, landscaped gardens and parklands and is the perfect place to kick back and relax or join the kids on a vast range of water rides, slides and attractions.
Buy a Season Pass and get unlimited access to water thrills and spills this season.
Hope to see you sometime this upcoming holiday season … time to Experience The Perfect Storm only at NSW's favourite water theme park Jamberoo Action Park… OPEN *Daily until 28 February 2017 … Sammy 😉
With 9 lanes of heated outdoor pool plus splash pad and waterslides, the kids and ‘big kids‘ are guaranteed to have an absolute ball. Don’t forget to visit the Splash Cafe to refuel your energy!
Waterslides are OPEN DAILY 11am – 4pm until the end of January.
Entry Fees
Adult: $5.60 Child: $4.20 Family Swim – 2 Adults & 3 Children: $19.60 Children 2 years & under free with paying adult
Water Slide Fees
5 ride pass (waterslide only, excludes pool enry): $3.80 10 ride pass (waterslide only, excludes pool entry): $6.70 Unlimited water slide (includes pool entry): $13.50
Waterslide operation is subject to weather conditions.
***NYE 2017 POOL PARTY & OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT ***
WHEN: Sunday 31st December 2017, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Event Schedule: 5.30pm: Gates open, party starts 5.30pm-6.30pm: Waterslides/Pool/Splashpad open 6.30pm-7.30pm: Pool Dance Party of grassed area 7.30pm: Outdoor Movie
Cost: Adults $10 Children $5 Family $30 (2 adult/3children)
T&C’s – Ticket entry only – Children 10yrs and under must be accompanied by an adult – No food or beverages (including alcohol) to be brought into the centre during the party
Splash into the School Holidays this weekend at Nowra Aquatic Park. The waterslides will be open from 11am – 3pm Saturday/Sunday throughout the school holidays
Where: Stockland Nowra, 32-60 East St, Nowra When: 13 January – 28 January 2018 Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm daily
Waterworld Central is Australia’s first portable water theme park and it will be sliding into the Nowra Stockland Shopping Centre these school holidays.