Author: Gemma Mcdonald

Cheeseburgers, hamburgers or vege burgers, if there is ever a time to have one, it’s today. Cafes, eateries and burger joints around the world are today celebrating International Burger Day. Businesses in Wollongong have jumped on the craze and are celebrating the humble food that is a staple in so many Australian’s diets. Bush’s meats gave away 200 free burgers to the first people to line up, while Grill’d has been offering two for the price of one, all day long.

The time has come again for NRL fans to gear up for State of Origin 2015. The series kicks off next Wednesday. Described as the pinnacle of rugby league in Australia, the Holden State of Origin is an annual three match series that sees New South Wales and Queensland go head-to-head in the ultimate sporting rivalry. Many claim the series epitomises the country’s sporting passion – the first two games of last year’s competition drawing 8.2 million viewers. Next week will be the first time NSW has played for a back-to-back win since 2003. What does that mean? Regardless of your social circle, sporting preferences or lack…

Internationally renowned actress and personality, Miriam Margolyes stopped by Wollongong this week as part of her Australian tour of The Importance of Being Miriam. Margolyes is known around the world for playing eclectic and vibrant characters and is most often recognised for her quirky role as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter series. Margolyes’ packed-out shows have had audiences in fits of laughter. For two nights at the Merrigong Theatre Company, she starred alongside acclaimed Australian pianist John Martin. Directed by Peter J. Adams, the show was chosen as part of the Merrigong’s 2015 line up as it aptly represented the season’s theme – to…

Food allergies and intolerances have a tendency to take the fun out of most events, but this year Easter doesn’t have to be one of them. Allergy sufferers steering clear of lactose, sugar, gluten and nuts, or any fun combination of allergens, no longer have to endure non-edible Easter gifts. Major supermarket chains, like Woolworths and Coles, have become increasingly flexible in catering for common food intolerances – the Easter Bunny just needs to know where to look. While pyjamas and novelty tea-cups are great, they are no replacement for chocolate, so we’ve scrambled up some information on the most fulfilling…

Cask wine or, as it’s more affectionately known, the ‘goon sack’ has become a ubiquitous part of Australian drinking culture. The South Australian invention celebrated its 50th birthday on Monday. Riverland winemaker, Tom Angove created the bag as a more efficient and portable alternative to bottled wine in 1965. Fairfax Media reported this week the Federal Government is considering an increase of the volumetric tax on ‘goon’, which could see the product double in price within 18 months. Major companies and health experts have lobbied the Abbott government to reconsider the volumetric tax, as cask wines are taxed at 16 cents per glass, while spirits, beers and…

Farm Gate shopping is all about farmers, makers and producers opening their doors for the public to purchase premium seasonal produce direct from the source. Farm gating is increasing in popularity within the Western Sydney and Shoalhaven areas, as more farmers open their gates to consumers who are eager to know where and how their food is grown. Lynnette Keanelly is the owner and third generation orchardist of Wollondilly based farm, Top Forty Orchard where she sells her produce from her farm gate and through local markets. Registered as one of the 10 farms on the Wollondilly Harvest Experience Farm Gate Trail, the 40 acre farm operates seven days…