Nine things to do in the regions this week (17 - 23 November)

You’ll have several days (if not more) to take in the return of Crank It Up Batemans Bay, the first exhibition to be hosted in the South East Centre for Contemporary Art and the open days at St Clair Villa.

But wait, there’s more! Saturday will see the return of Giiyong Festival, a concert at Willinga Park and an evening of festivities to mark Diwali in Queanbeyan. On Sunday, head to a Braidwood church for an organ recital or gather in Barragga Bay for Four Winds’ annual youth festival. And on Monday, children and their families will gather at Goulburn library for an event all about books.

Multiple days

Crank It Up Batemans Bay

When: 17 to 19 November
Where: Various locations around Batemans Bay; see program
Cost: Depends on event; see event’s website for more information.

The inaugural Crank It Up festival was held on the Batemans Bay foreshore in 2022 – and it’s coming back for another year. The festival includes live music, rockabilly lessons, dancing, market stalls and more – all inspired by the life and times of the 1940s and 1950s. Travel back in time in an event that emerged to help heal a community after the devastation left by the Black Summer bushfires – this time, bigger and better than before.

Archibald Prize 2023 touring exhibition

When: 18 November to 7 January, 10 am to 5 pm daily
Where: South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA), Zingel Place, Bega
Cost: Tickets cost between $10 and $50 (depending on age and ticket package purchased), and are available via the centre’s website.

The South East Centre for Contemporary Art will open this week, with a very special touring exhibition: the Archibald Prize 2023. One of six galleries across NSW and Victoria to host the tour, it will see all 57 artworks from the national prize stop by Bega. The exhibition also gives the public a chance to check out the redeveloped Bega Valley Regional Art Gallery, with its two galleries and signature windows.

St Clair Villa open days

When: 18 to 19 November, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: St Clair Villa, 318 Sloane Street, Goulburn
Cost: Free entry.

A heritage-listed property in Goulburn is opening its doors so the public can have a peek at the ongoing conservation works. Since it was built in the mid-1800s, St Clair Villa had been affected by damp and age-related conditions. Stage one of the works recently finished, with the public able to see the progress alongside a display from long-term tenants History Goulburn.

Friday

James Morrison Quartet

When: 17 November, from 5 pm
Where: Willinga Park, 132 Forster Drive, Bawley Point
Cost: Tickets cost $200 per person and are available via Willing Park’s website.

The James Morrison Quartet will be coming to Bawley Point for one night only. The concert will bring together jazz of a variety of styles, from the older days of jazz, Morrison’s own work and other musicians. The ticket cost covers a three-course dinner designed by head chef Luke Bow.

Saturday

Giiyong Festival

When: 18 November, 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Jigamy, 4381 Princes Highway, Broadwater
Cost: Tickets cost $35 for adults (Aboriginal community elders and those under 18 years can register for a free ticket), and are available via Humanitix.

This festival celebrates Aboriginal arts and culture. With the gates opening at 10 am, the 2023 schedule brings together live music performances, speakers, cultural practices, market stalls, arts and crafts, foods, demonstrations and more.

Queanbeyan Diwali Mela Lantern Festival

When: Saturday 18 November, 6 to 10 pm
Where: QEII Park, Queanbeyan River
Cost: Free entry.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has partnered with community groups for this event. Featuring a packed schedule with traditions from the different communities that celebrate Diwali, there will be a range of activities, musical performances, dancing and food. It will come to a close with a lantern parade from around 8 pm, fireworks from 9:20 pm and a DJ and drummer performance until 10 pm.

Sunday

Organ Recital: A Dutch Treat

When: 19 November, 3 to 4 pm
Where: St Andrew’s Anglican Church, 47 Elrington Street, Braidwood
Cost: Tickets cost $20 (for those aged 15 and older) or $15 (for concession holders), and are available online via Humanitix or at the door.

Music will once again come to Braidwood in the latest concert. The Braidwood Concert Series has partnered with RSCM Australia (ACT Branch) to bring organist Lorraine Macknight to the town. As the name suggests, there will be a focus on Dutch composers, but you won’t have to get on a plane to listen to their works.

Bunaan Garindja – A Youth Gathering

When: 19 November, 11:30 am to 4 pm
Where: Windsong Pavilion, Four Winds, Barragga Bay
Cost: Tickets cost $20 (for a single adult) or $35 (for two-adult pass), with children under 16 free, and are available via Four Winds’ website.

The focus will be put squarely on young people as Four Winds’ annual youth festival returns. A range of artists will take to the stage to perform.

Monday

World Children’s Day at the Library

When: 20 November, 3:45 to 4:45 pm
Where: Goulburn Mulwaree Library, 184/194 Bourke Street, Goulburn
Cost: Free event, though children must be aged four and older and parents must supervise them.

To mark World Children’s Day, Goulburn’s youngsters are invited to head to the library. Take over the job of the librarians for an hour and select the books you want to read! There will also be activities from around the world, giving your child a chance to learn about faraway places and the people that live there.