Nine things to do in the regions this week (7 - 13 June)

The weather hasn’t been great, we know. To lighten our spirits (and just in time for the long weekend), there are art exhibitions, theatre shows, jetty swims, lessons in journaling and chances to hit the slopes as the snow season starts.

Multiple days

Life on the Farm

When: 31 May to 17 June, 10 am to 4 pm (Saturdays) and 10 am to 2 pm (Sundays)
Where: Ambo Gallery, The Station Creative Workspace, 54-58 Johnston Street, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Free entry.

Originally from a farm in the Bega Valley, artist Kim Baker now calls Wagga Wagga home. Life on the Farm is an exhibition inspired by the memories made at and landscapes of her Riverina farm. In her first solo exhibition, Ms Baker has used watercolours and acrylics to bring pastoral scenes and the flora and fauna of the region to new eyes.

Henry Lawson Festival

When: 5 to 10 June, events at various times
Where: Various locations in and around Grenfell; see program
Cost: Depends on event; see program.

Did you know Henry Lawson’s poem Up the Country was first published in 1892 with the title Borderland? It started the ‘Bulletin Debate’, a series of poems by both Lawson and Banjo Paterson about what life was really like in the bush. More than 100 years later – 132 years later, to be precise – it is also the theme of the 66th Henry Lawson Festival. This long weekend, Grenfell will give way to music and market stalls in the street parade, competitions, roving street entertainers, poetry reading, a car show, Caragabal Camp Oven Cook-Off and Iandra Castle Open Day, car rides and more.

Winter 2024 Opening Weekend

When: 7 to 9 June, events at various times
Where: Thredbo Resort, Thredbo
Cost: Depends on event; see program.

Snow lovers rejoice – Thredbo is officially opening its doors to start the season! The adventurous can take the first rides in the Alpine coaster as they head to show off their skills on the snow (and hopefully don’t fall over too much). As well as the slopes, there is an ice sculpture being carved, live music, giant outdoor games, a chance to roast your own s’mores, face painting and other kids activities, a magic show and the ‘Blessing of the Snow’.

Paint like a Girl: Beyond the Brushstrokes

When: 7 to 26 June, 10 am to 4 pm (Monday to Friday) or 10 am to 1 pm (Saturdays)
Where: Spiral Gallery, 47 Church Street, Bega
Cost: Free entry.

Paint like a Girl sees a mother and daughter duo come together. Di Hocking is an established watercolourist who draws inspiration from the Merimbula coast. Her daughter, Justine Spina turned to art several years ago, but her style is already very different – it features bright colours and whimsy. Despite these different artistic styles, the two artists have brought their work together to prove there is no one way to paint – and there is a way every artist can express themselves. Both artists will be present on Saturday (8 June) between 10 am and noon for the official opening.

Merimbula Jazz Festival

When: 7 to 10 June, events at various times
Where: Various locations in and around Merimbula; see program
Cost: Weekend passes cost $125 and are available via the festival’s website or from the jazz office next to the Visitor Information Centre, located at 7/29 Market Street.

Jazz musicians and fans from far and wide will be converging on Merimbula this long weekend! As the Merimbula Jazz Festival returns for its 42nd year, there will be something for old and new fans – including the introduction of vocal workshops for people looking to improve their skills. The program also includes a gospel workshop and a jazz swing workshop where participants become part of the festival program (yes, that means performing). But if you’d rather not take to the stage, there will be shows from almost 90 bands comprising almost 500 musicians to sit back and enjoy.

WinterSun Festival

When: 7 to 9 June, events at various times
Where: Various locations in and around Merimbula; see program
Cost: Depends on event; see program.

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean we must shiver under the blankets and do little else – and the WinterSun Festival is proof of that. The festival is returning for its fourth year, and everyone’s invited for a celebration of the waters in and around Merimbula. The program includes cold water swims (for the brave), a market with live music and delicious foods and winter-themed activities at Top Fun. Dog owners from across the region are also invited to get involved in Pups on SUPs, where the dogs are guided on a short course (with prizes for the best outfit and which pooch can pull off the best tricks).

The Will To Be

When: 13 to 14 June, 6:30 to 7:30 pm (each day)
Where: Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
Cost: Tickets cost between $30 and $49.90.

The Will To Be opens in 1962 – homosexuality is illegal and junior lecturer William O’Halloran has been outed. After he is dismissed from his position, he remembers the events that led him to this point. Students are about to take to the stage in a production of Romeo and Juliet, but that isn’t the only forbidden love story on campus. Produced, written and featuring Mark Salvestro, this one-man show is a look into Australia’s LGBT+ history and shame. The show features sexual references.

Saturday

Winter Nature Journal Workshop

When: 8 June, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, Deep Creek Dam Road, Batemans Bay
Cost: Tickets costs $70 and are available via eventbrite.

Work and study can take a lot out of us – so we should always make some time for ourselves. This three-hour session is guided by Anna Jarrett, a professional storyteller, photographer and outdoor guide. Ms Jarrett will lead participants as they walk through the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, try their hand at sketching what they see and learn how to create a unique journalling style. This workshop is suitable for people aged 16 years and older. Attendees must register by 9:30 am on Saturday (8 June), and bring their own sketchbook, pencils or pens, portable seat or mat and morning tea.

Konstantin Shamray in Piano Concerto

When: 9 June, 3 to 4 pm
Where: Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, 163 Auburn Street, Goulburn
Cost: Tickets cost between $38 and $43, and are available via the Performing Arts Centre’s website.

Australian-based pianist Konstantin Shamray is taking time out from his international and domestic touring schedule to play in Goulburn. He will perform three Russian sonatas by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Alexander Scriabin and Nikolai Medtner for an evening of classical music.

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