By Laragh Michael and Bella McCann Over the last century, Anita’s Theatre has seen great change, however its significance within the Illawarra has remained intact. At each stage, one thing has stayed the same. The venue has been a significant cultural hub for the local community, holding the melodies and memories of patrons and performers alike. Opening on 22 October 1925 as the King’s Theatre, the iconic building nestled in Thirroul’s main street has lived many lives. From its establishment, the venue joined other theatres within the Illawarra such as the Crown Theatre and the Regent Theatre to bring performing…
Author: Laragh Michael
Creativity took centre stage at GongLUG’s annual LEGO fundraiser, with exhibitioners fostering generosity and community values for a special cause this Christmas season. During the October long weekend, GongLUG (Wollongong Lego User Group) hosted a fundraiser event in which proceeds were split between a cash donation to SAHSSI and toy donations to children in need. Lego enthusiast Graham Draper, who founded the event, spoke of the importance of the split donations in order to help a larger portion of the community in need. “I wanted to go directly to SAHSSI and do a cash donation as well,” Mr Draper said.…
Yours and Owls Festival will be returning to Wollongong next March for a two-day celebration of live music and the arts, complete with local and international acts. Yours and Owls dropped the highly anticipated lineup for the 2025 festival, featuring some massive names in music such as Denzel Curry, Fontaines D.C. and the Goo Goo Dolls. Music enthusiast Connor Granger, 18, shared enthusiasm for the lineup following the cancellation of numerous festivals this year due to a lack of ticket sales. “The festivals for next year seem to be making sure to have good lineups after the recent let-downs,” Mr…
Heyday Bar has hosted its monthly Gayday event which featured a ‘Denim and Diamonds Disco’ dress theme and beloved drag royalty from Wollongong’s LGBTQ+ community. Gayday has been described as ‘Wollongong’s most inclusive and fabulous event’, regularly promoting exuberant themes, exclusive performances and acceptance of all attendees since May 2022. Drag queen Lui Lilac, emphasised the community values of the event, which encourages all present to embrace themselves and those around them. “It’s good for having queer people come together,” Ms Lilac said. “You make friends and meet new people.” As Wollongong’s most prevalent queer-centred club night, Gayday implements a…
Guest Gallery has held their first ‘Connect Night’ art exhibition at Society City showcasing the talent of Wollongong’s local visual and music artists. Organised by local organisation Guest Gallery, the unique event featured a range of purchasable exhibition art, a lineup of talented musicians and an open bar. Featured artist Molly Rose Duggan, 20, accredited the high audience engagement across the event to the effective fusion of visual and performing arts. “This exhibition definitely has lots of people that actually look like they’re enjoying themselves,” Miss Duggan said. “I think it’s because of the collaboration between the visual arts and…
Year 12 drama students across NSW began their HSC major assessment tasks last week with the presentation of their individual and group performances. Mater Dei Catholic College has held its HSC Drama Performance night, where students showcased both their individual and group performances for assessment in front of friends and family. Drama student James Michael, 18, spoke of the ‘nerve-wracking’ experience of presenting months of work in front of an HSC marking panel. “The stress of actually performing is one of the most exciting parts,” Mr Michael said. “It’s also probably the hardest.” Aside from emulating an engaging stage presence,…
Gaming and pop-culture exposition, GAMMA Expo was held at the University of Wollongong earlier this month. Wollongong’s pop-culture enthusiasts visited GAMMA where they engaged with cosplayers, artists, authors and thematic activities on August 10. GAMMA, which stands for Gaming, Anime, Manga, Movies and Art’, is an all-ages inclusive immersion into the world of pop culture. Traditional and digital artist Ryan Grimm, 22, said the expo was an unmissable opportunity to gain exposure for the Illawarra’s local creators. “If I passed this up, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night,” Mr Grimm said. “It’s local and I think it’s great.”…
Exchange students have been settling into campus life at the University of Wollongong for a taste of Australian lifestyle in the Illawarra. Opportunities for international students to form connections and participate in activities have been held over the last month. Dutch exchange student Vibeke Timmenga spoke of the mental health support systems promoted by UOW. “It really amazed me how much support you can get if you need it, or want it,” Ms Temmenga said. This support extends to most university events as a positive way to create friendships that can assist with the transitioning and integration into Australia’s social…