Coal Coast Mag

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Coal Coast Mag

A FREE quarterly lifestyle publication produced in the Illawarra, showcasing the stunning Coal Coast
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05/09/2024

THE MOUSETRAP **
Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’ is the world’s longest running play, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats for over 70 years. Directed by Australian theatre icon Robyn Nevin, the regional tour will close its final curtain at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Wollongong. We caught up with leading actor Alex Rathgeber to find out what keeps people coming back to the genre-defining murder mystery… To read the full article head over to our website via
To grab tickets to see this iconic performance head over to page and visit the
The Mousetrap opens tonight September 5th and runs until September 14 🐭

Photo: Joel Devereux
Words: Skyla Yorke

31/08/2024

SPRING ISSUE ** 🌴
Spring has arrived in the Illawarra, bringing with it a refreshing change from the wind and winter chill. As we embrace longer days and warmer temperatures, our region comes alive with vibrant colours and renewed energy.

This season, we’re especially excited to highlight the cabbage tree palm, a true symbol of our local landscape.

Whether it’s the tall Jerara Palms on our cover, taken by the talented , the ‘valley of the Cabbage Tree Palms’ aka Thirroul, or the controversial palm up a pole in Wollongong Mall – they remind us of the strength and resilience of our natural environment.

In this issue, we meet two gents whose friendship is a century in the making, chat to award-winning chef Mark Olive who splits his time cooking at both the Sydney Opera House and Killalea, and we take a sneak peek at the upcoming Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design.

Here’s to a season of growth and renewal!

Kate and Team CCM

31/08/2024

THAMES ST STUDIO ** 💚
In the midst of all the chaos we thought why not add more chaos & open up our very own x HQ called .studio

We are so very proud & stoked to have a space that’s finally ours! A huge thanks to Casey from for coming along for the ride with team CCM.

We will be offering our space as a venue to host exhibitions in the near future… so watch this space!!

In the meantime, this is where all the magic happens. I hope you’re looking forward to our spring issue hitting the streets as of tomorrow! 🥂

30/08/2024

MERRIGONG THEATRE GIVEAWAY **
We have teamed up with to giveaway a double pass to see the children’s version of Li Cunxin’s iconic autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer next Tuesday September 3rd. The Peasant Prince tells a remarkable true story of courage, resilience and unwavering hope.
To enter all you have to do is be following & and comment below who you’d take with you 👇

Entries close Sunday 1st of September at 5pm.

28/08/2024

NO BRICK WALLS **
Dan McGrath is the uncle you wish you had growing up. Smart, built, focused and playful, he’s landed on his feet as the manager of the PCYC in Bulli. We spoke to Dan about what drives him and the impact he’s been seeing. To read the full article about our for issue 24, head over to our website via
Words: Duncan Rintoul

26/08/2024

STELLAR EXPERIENCES **
This unique business idea has recognised that the coming-of-age story for many people with a disability needs to be re-written, which is leading to stellar experiences for so many here in the Illawarra and beyond.

In issue 24 we chatted with co-owner of .experiences, Luke about how Stellar came to be, what’s involved and much more. To read the full article, head over to our website via

24/08/2024

WARM WINTER DAYS **
How lucky are we to be having winter days that feel like spring?! 😍 We are absolutely loving this warmer weather! ☀️
Thanks for the epic shot of the big blue

23/08/2024

HAPPY SATURDAY **
Can you believe winter is almost over & it’s almost time for our spring issue to come out? 😮
But don’t worry you can still get your hands on a copy of our current magazine and enjoy a coffee whilst you’re there 😉☕️

22/08/2024

THE MOUSETRAP **
Don’t just see it, solve it when Agatha Christie’s The
Mousetrap comes to Wollongong next month September 5th-15th as part of a national tour.
For over 70 years, the unmissable production has kept
audiences around the world on the edge of their seat.
now it’s your turn.

To book your tickets head over to via

18/08/2024

LOCAL MAKER ** 🏺
Lucy Lee and her husband Rod, run LuLu Ceramics from their home studio in Helensburgh. Their distinctive ceramic designs are inspired by the natural beauty of our local bush and beaches.
We chatted all things business with Lucy & she tells us how came to be, where she finds her inspo and much more! To read the full article visit our website via

11/08/2024

THE WONDER OF BIRDSONG **
Nathan Harrison is bringing his show Birdsong of Tomorrow to Merrigong Theatre Company this month, describing the work as a cross between theatre and a nature documentary.

Birdsong will be in theatre this month, 22 to 24 August, 7.30pm at Bruce Gordon Theatre at the IPAC

To read the full article, head over to our website via
Words: Analise Greenhalgh

06/08/2024

JAMBEROO VILLAGE PUB ** 🍻
Over 160 years young, Jamberoo Pub continues to be an iconic part of the historic village and its community.
To read all about the Jamberoo Village Pub, head over to our website via and read the full article.
Words: Kim White
Images: courtesy of Jamberoo Pub and Kiama Council Library Archives.

04/08/2024

QUIETLY MAKING A BIG IMPACT**
An award-winning author, writing mentor and teacher, Helena uses kindness as the compass for her work and life and believes in the power of storytelling to process hard things and find the volume of your voice. latest book The Quiet and The Loud, has been shortlisted for the Young Adult Book of the Year by the Children’s Book Council of Australia, a highly competitive category - which is announced next week!! Goodluck Helena, we have our fingers & toes crossed 🤞

To read the full article, written by head over to our website via and check out ‘local creative’ story.

31/07/2024

FINALISTS **
Tonight business award finalists were announced! We are stoked to say we have been nominated as finalist again this year for ‘Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality’ AND ‘Excellence in Micro-Business’!

A big thankyou to the judges and our category sponsors!
We can’t wait for the awards night 🥂

30/07/2024

THE POWER OF CANCONQUER **
A cancer diagnosis comes with a list of essential treatments. Whilst they are necessary for survival, they can often lead to side effects which can have a long-lasting impact on your life. However can lessen the burden of these treatment impacts through one key factor – early intervention or “prehab” at diagnosis, to prepare for the journey ahead.

To find out more about head over to their Instagram page or check out issue 24 via

27/07/2024

LOCAL OLYMPIANS **
Locals supporting locals is our motto - it’s time to cheer on the local athletes attending Paris Olympics 🥇🥇
Repost:

All the way back in issue 15 we chatted with Ellen Perez… you can still read this article from ALL our issues on our website via .

24/07/2024

Did you all catch this beauty this morning? 🌅
Image:

24/07/2024

SPRING BOOKS CLOSE IN 1 WEEK ** ⏳
The books for our spring issue close in just 1 short week - August 1st.

If you would like to advertise your business with us, be sure to book your ad on our brand new website via within the next 7 days. If you have any questions or have any questions about your ad, contact our sales coordinator Jacquie at [email protected]

21/07/2024

KEY DATES ** 🗓
2024 is flying by so quickly, which means it is almost time for Spring issue #25 and special issue #5 to come out 😍

To advertise your business with us in either of our upcoming issues be sure to mark your calendars with our advertising cut off dates:
Spring issue cut off date is August 1st (just short of 2 weeks away)
cut off date is October 1st.

You can book your ad on our brand new website via or contact our sales coordinator Jacqui at 0401 210 629 or [email protected]

Image:

19/07/2024

WEEKEND ESCAPE ** 🧣
If you’re looking for a little winter escape over the weekend, the journey to Kangaroo Valley requires a drive over a windy mountain pass through lush forests and tunnels of trees, before descending into what’s commonly called ‘Australia’s most beautiful valley’.

If you are planning a weekend getaway or even just a day trip to Kangaroo Valley, be sure to read our travel article in via for the best tips to making the most of your time there ✌️
Words: .coast.edit

17/07/2024

CELEBRATE THE WINS ** 🎉🎂
Important reminder to all businesses - celebrate ALL the wins - both big & small.

And who doesn’t love an excuse to order a cake? 😉
Thankyou for this masterpiece 🙏

14/07/2024

COAST KIDS **
Did you know our magazine is not just reading material for adults? Our local stories across both & are enjoyable stories for children too.

Some enjoyable local stories for the young ones in are
- young talent time
- local changemaker
- local gardening
And enjoyable reads for the young ones in are
- Local activities
- playground love

Read online via
Image:

13/07/2024

LOCALS REP ** 🎨
Local artists spotted repping the Coal Coast at Archibald, Wynne and Suleman prize exhibition and the Young Archie Comp ✌🏻
.zanko & 14 year old Leon Do.
A spectacular exhibition 💫

12/07/2024

GLORY DAYS ** 🥤
Recently we visied the newest business to hit Crown St

You can get your Friday night take away fix exactly how it was back in the glory days with your golden crispy classics & creamy milkshakes.

10/07/2024

THE CIROS SPECIAL ** 🍕
For Joel Mucci, Marko Bozic, Liam Forsythe, and Michael Zubrecky opening their woodfired pizzeria, , in Thirroul, culminates in a sense of satisfaction as warm as the welcome received from locals.

We chatted with Joel in about how the 4 friends knew it was now or never to open a pizzeria on the prominent corner of LHD. To read the full article head over to our website via or find your copy around town.
Words:
Image:

07/07/2024

10K GIVEAWAY ** 🎉🎉

We are *oh so close* to 10k (eeep) and to say thank you to our incredible community, we are giving away an amazing Coal Coast Mag Premium Ad Package worth over $2500 to one fabulous local business! 🎉

So start thinking about who you would love to see promoted in Coal Coast magazine - maybe it’s your favourite coffee shop, your bestie’s new business or even YOUR OWN business - we want to celebrate the amazing people that make the Coal Coast special.

So let’s show our local businesses some love!! 🥰

HOW TO WIN! 👇🏼
* Tag a local business - in either Wollongong, Shellharbour or Kiama LGA - and why you think they are special.
* The tagged business MUST be following to be eligible

Entries close 5pm Friday 12 July.

T&C’s:
- Premium ad package includes 30 min strategy call, Full page ad, graphic design service, online directory listing for 12 months and a 4 week digital campaign
- Redeemable in Spring 2024 or 2024/25 special issue
- High res photos and logo to be supplied by advertiser by 1 August
- Business to be located in either Wollongong, Shellharbour or Kiama LGA.

05/07/2024

COOMADITCHIE NAIDOC CELEBRATIONS ** 🔥
Big things happening down .pk today with the opening of .portkembla NAIDOC exhibition

With celebrations kicking off at 11am, you can experience an array of stunning artworks on display and
enjoy:
- A traditional smoking ceremony
~ Merchandise for sale
- Delicious dishes from Ocean Tastes Food Truck
- Refreshing treats from
- A free BBQ for all attendees

Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration of Indigenous
culture and community!
This exhibition will be on display from 6-14 July 2024

05/07/2024

WE SHOULD BUY A BREWERY ** 🍻
Co-owner of Gerringong’s Stoic Brewing, Andrew Prosser, talks with us about how his father and him combined their passion, hometown and an ancient philosophy to create one of the most successful breweries on the south coast 🙌

To read the full article, check out our local drop story in either around town or via on our BRAND NEW website

03/07/2024

SLC GALA BALL ** 🪩🦩♥️
Last month CCM was honoured to go down the rabbit hole and be the media partner for the .like.charli Gala Ball. 🃏

This is an incredibly magical event that brings people together from near & far to raise funds for childhood cancer. The SLC ball raised a whopping $93,112 - which really just reiterates the mindset of “it’s not if, it’s when” - when it comes to curing childhood cancer.

Thank you to the amazing team of flamingos that made this night happen. We are so pleased to be apart of such a special journey. Bring on an even bigger & better year in 2025!
Images:

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WELCOME TO AUTUMN // 🍂🍁As the crisp breeze of autumn sweeps through the Illawarra, we find ourselves surrounded by the warm hues of amber and gold, signalling the arrival of a new season.In this issue we have been inspired by Sandy Weir and her project, @other_peopleshomes - as we have discovered some of incredible homes in the region. From the historic and quirky cottages, to architectural gems like ‘Cintra’, the fabulous Austinmer art deco delight. We are excited to share stories from incredible locals, such as Lizzie & Caitlin from Makeshift @makeshift_creative.first.aid , artist Luke Cornish @e.l.k and fan-favourite @illawarrahawks coach, Justin Tatum. Finally a huge thankyou to Rosalind and Robert for allowing us to showcase their home on the cover. Happy reading and enjoy embracing the coziness of autumn. Kate & Team CCM. Cover image: Pete Balmer @illawarratimes ..#helloautumn #newseason #autumndays #issue23 #autumnedition #austinmerhome #artdecodelight #bridgecommissions #localphotographer #localphotography #illawarrahome #otherpeopleshomes #localstories #localcommunity #cintra #insidetheillawarra #localssupportinglocals #lovewhereyoulive #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness #eatlocal #illawarra #coalcoast #coalcoastmag

HEARTFELT CONVERSATIONS // ❤️Today we had a lovely phone call from lady named Sheila who lives in Thirroul. Sheila has lived in the Illawarra for 70 years & has read many stories about the place we call home - but today she went out of her way to ring us (on her landline 😉) to let us know how much she loves the mag & how we do a great job showcasing all things local. It is moments like these, that make what we do just that little bit extra special ✨Thankyou Sheila, you have absolutely made our day 💛☀️😀..#heartfeltconversations #compliementsfromastranger #thirroullocal #showingcasingtheillawarra #localssupportinglocals #insidetheillawarra #happyreading #allthingslocal #supportlocalbusiness #communitystories #homeiswheretheheartis #issue21 #printmedia #springedition #illawarra #coalcoast #coalcoastmag

HELLO SPRING // 🌼🌺Welcome to our Spring issue - and one of our most colourful covers ever.The fabulous Stella Evans has captured the season perfectly with a nod to local wildlife, the Eastern Spinebill and Rainbow Lorikeet, and hints of the Illawarra flame tree, protea, waratah, wattle and gum. And it wouldn’t be spring without an impending show of purple - hello, jacaranda season!We’ve been a fan of Stella’s work for many years - including her time as a design intern right here at Coal Coast Magazine. Although she’s now moved on to bigger and better things, we are so proud to watch Stella’s art career go from strength to strength.Supporting young people, in particular local students, is something we are passionate about. In this issue, you’ll read about the team at Woolyungah Indigenous Centre supporting First Nations students at UOW and local high school students who are exhibiting their artwork for the very first time. You’ll also read about Dinners With A Difference - an event that ditches the small talk in favour of meaningful connection.So get comfy, grab your cuppa and happy reading.Kate x..#hellospring #issue21 #springedition #localmagazine #freemagazine #printmedia #stellaevansart #artwork #wildlifeart #localfloraandfauna #happyreading #newreadingmaterial #coffeeandreading #localssupportinglocals #insidetheillawarra #whatsoninwollongong #localstories #communitylove #lovewhereyoulive #illawarra #coalcoast #coalcoastmag

Welcome to Winter! // ❄️ As the weather starts to cool and the misty mornings creep in, it is a perfect time to grab a hot cuppa and get reading! Sure the days are shorter, but the return of roast lunches and hearty soups, cosy corners at the pub, wild wintry walks at the beach and cheering on your footy team makes the season something to look forward to.In this issue we meet mural artist and our cover star Samuel Hall @samwellwellwellll and look at organisations creating a new legacy for our region, sustainability champions @_hineighbour is helping electricians upskill in solar and changemaker Kristen McDonald from @electrify2515 is at the forefront of converting all households to electricity only. The potential is immense, and it is our local community that is taking the lead. We also chat to @ikegger the Bellambi start-up who created a sustainable beer keg, and shine our spotlight on @lostwollongong – a popular Facebook group that for the last 10 years has celebrated and reminisced about our community, sharing photos and stories of days gone by.Grab that cuppa and happy reading! Kate xCover artwork: Samuel Hall @samwellwellwellll Cover photo: @loveofmine.co ..#issue20 #winteredition #insidetheillawarra #localssupportinglocals #lovewhereyoulive #shoplocal #supportlocal #weshopthegong #weeatthegong #loveofmine #samuelhallartist #muralart #franknbeanscorrimal #artwork #happyreading #illawarra #hellowinter #coalcoast #coalcoastmag

Introducing… The Nesting Box 🍂 An innovative retail space, business incubator and art gallery above the Nest Emporium, Thirroul. Head over to @nestemporiumshop for more details ✨🌸🛍 . . #nestemporium #nestemporiumshop #thenestingbox #nestemporiumthirroul #thirroulnsw #visitthirroul #northernsuburbs #localssupportinglocals #innovativespaces #artgallery #artexhibition #homedecor #gallery #artforhomes #newbusiness #localssupportinglocals #localsupport #localbusiness #lovewhereyoulive #insidetheillawarra #issue16 #winteredition #illawarra #coalcoast #coalcoastmag

✨COMPETITION✨ VIP tickets✨ We’ve teamed up with our friends at Sunset Cinema Wollongong to give away two sets of 2x VIP lawn lounge tickets to watch a movie under the stars at Wollongong Botanic Garden! YUP VIP BABY! With two chances to WIN. To enter: Simply follow Sunset Cinema Wollongong and Coal Coast Mag AND tag your movie buddy in the comments. Enter as many times as you like! *Comp ends 14 of February at 10am AEDT, winner notified via Facebook. This competition is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.

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Discover the Illawarra

A quarterly lifestyle publication produced in the Illawarra, Coal Coast magazine keeps readers informed of local events and turns the spotlight on the region's many talents.

With diverse, carefully curated content and beautiful photography – including inspiring and informative editorials, and thought-provoking features – Coal Coast magazine is a true celebration of life in our little pocket of the world.

As a free, independent publication, we tell real stories with authenticity and passion. Coal Coast is designed to be read on the beach, displayed on a coffee table, lovingly stored on a bookshelf as part of a collection or passed onto a friend. In this fast-paced world we live in, we aim to feature timeless content that endures – we hope you take joy from each issue for many years to come.

Read our issues online https://www.coalcoastmagazine.com/issues/