Nine things to do in the region this week (21-27 January)

This week’s big event is Australia Day on Wednesday, 26 January, marked across the country by the whiff of barbecuing meat and beer.

Awards and citizenship ceremonies will be taking place in townships across the region, and Governor-General David Hurley and his wife, Linda Hurley, will grace Crookwell Park with their presence for the day.

But before that, the Eurobodalla Agricultural Show brings fun, games and produce to Moruya Showground all weekend. Merimbula is tempting city slickers to stop holidaying at the coast and start making it their home, with an expo designed to show off the best of the area. There’s also outdoor cinema in Moruya.

The big tent is rolling up in Batemans Bay from Thursday, 27 January, as Hudsons Circus sets up in Mackay Park. It’s also the last days for the Bells Family Carnival in Batehaven.

And while the big grocery stores might be facing food shortages in the wake of COVID-19, the usual crop of farmers’ markets are bursting with produce.

All weekend

Eurobodalla Agricultural Show

When: Friday, 14 January, to Sunday, 23 January
Where: Moruya Showground, Albert Street
Cost: $12 to $55 – day and weekend passes available

Enjoy all the traditional fun, competitions and activities at Eurobodalla Agricultural Show at Moruya Showground. There’ll be art and craft, home brewing and winemaking, jams, jellies and preserves, needlework, photography, cookery, flowers, vegetables, whip cracking, a pet show and more.

Friday

Merimbula Sea Change Expo

When: Friday, 21 January, to Sunday, 23 January.
Where: Club Sapphire, 119 Main Street, Merimbula
Cost: Varies – find out more at Merimbula Chamber of Commerce.

While making a sea change is not new phenomenon, there has been more interest in regional areas recently as people found that during COVID-19 they could work remotely, away from cities. The Merimbula Sea Change Expo is a two-day event designed to showcase Merimbula and the NSW Sapphire Coast as a desirable location to live, work and play.

Bells Family Carnival at Batehaven

When: Friday, 21 January, to Sunday, 23 January
Where: Corrigans Beach Reserve, Beach Road, Batehaven
Cost: $2 entry; kids under eight free.

These summer holidays, the Bells Family Carnival comes to the seaside at Corrigans Beach. Treat your family to dagwood dogs and fairy floss, and lots of fun rides for all ages, including a giant slide. It is open daily (weather permitting). All-night armbands and special family tickets are available.

Saturday

Outdoor Movie Night

When: Saturday, 22 January, from 7 pm to 10 pm
Where: Moruya Riverside Park
Cost: $2 entry; kids under eight free.

For one weekend only, Moruya Riverside Park will be transformed into an outdoor cinema. Pack your blankets and snacks and come to the big screen with your friends for the special screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Take away food and drinks will be available to purchase from local food trucks. Arrive early to secure your spot. Bookings not required.

Tilba Market

When: Saturday, 20 November, from 8 am to 12 pm
Where: 3A Bate Street, Central Tilba
Cost: Free.

When you visit the charming historic township of Central Tilba on a Saturday morning, you can’t go past Tilba Market held in the Big Hall. Hels every week, there is a variety of stalls selling a range of products, including fresh fruit and vegetables; free range eggs; local honey; jams and preserves; and delicious baked treats.

Murrumbateman Village Market

When: Saturday, 22 January, from 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Rose Street, Murrumbateman
Cost: Free entry.

The Murrumbateman Village Market provides an avenue for local producers and businesses to connect with the people of Murrumbateman and surrounds, and provides an engaging meeting place for locals, visitors and community groups.

Tuesday

SAGE Farmers Market Moruya

When: Tuesday, 25 January, at 3 pm
Where: Moruya Riverside Park
Cost: Free entry.

Held every Tuesday afternoon at Moruya Riverside Park, the SAGE Farmers Market was born out of a community demand for quality, local food. They are proud to be able to provide a marketplace for consumers to access locally grown or harvested food directly from the producers, under safe and controlled conditions.

Wednesday (Australia Day)

Australia Day Awards and Breakfast

When: Wednesday, 26 January, at 8 am
Where: Barbour Park, Yass Street, Gunning
Cost: $5 per person; $10 per family.

Crookwell Memorial Park will host Australia Day celebrations from 12 pm to 4 pm, where Governor-General David Hurley and his wife, Linda Hurley, will be conducting the Upper Lachlan Shire‘s citizenship ceremony.

The Awards Ceremony will start at 8.45 am with Australia Day Ambassador, award-winning journalist Michael Tomalaris, presenting the awards for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year.

Australia Day celebrations are coming to nearly every major town in the region so check with your local council for details.

Thursday

Hudsons Circus

When: Thursday, 27 January, to Sunday, 6 February
Where: Mackay Park, Princes Highway, Batemans Bay
Cost: $15 to 60 – book online.

Hudsons Circus comes to Batemans Bay with a two-hour traditional-style circus with a modern twist. It will feature edge-of-your-seat daredevils, hilarious clowns, aerial acrobatics and beautiful animal acts in a fast-paced show for the whole family.