What's On

Sons of Sun – Elvis, Jerry Lee, Johnny and Me is a rock and roll play about Sun Records, Memphis and its founder, Sam Phillips. It stars Sydney actor Matt Charleston (pictured) and a live three-piece band performing songs from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and more. Sons of Sun will be at Anita's Theatre in Thirroul at 8pm tomorrow (Saturday, 28 May). Win double passes valued at $45 each TODAY! Call 0429 235 751 between 1pm and 1.15pm to enter.

The Aurobindo Project is an immersive theatre experience inspired by the devotional poetry of Indian yogi Sri Aurobindo. Directed by Danielle O'Keefe and featuring composer/musical director Daryl Wallis (pictured) on piano with an ensemble of singers, it's on Friday, May 27, at 8pm and Saturday 28th at 7am (a sunrise show) at Coalcliff Community Hall on Lawrence Hargrave Drive.

Last chance to see the works of Max Mannix at Articles Fine Art Gallery in Stanwell Park. Max is a renowned for his colourful depictions of outback life – the artist left home at age 16 and spent 20 years working in mustering camps, shearing sheds, droving and fencing. He also managed a large cattle station in Queensland, providing endless inspiration for his artworks. The exhibition ends Sunday, 5pm. 

The NSW Rural Fire Service's hazard reduction burn behind the properties in Annesley Road, Stanwell Tops has been cancelled due to the weather. 

There are no Illawarra Coal League games this weekend but you can get your footy fix watching Dragons v Cowboys at WIN Stadium from 7.30pm. Or – if you’re willing to travel – head to Dubbo for the round 2 Country Rugby League clash between Illawarra and Central Coast. The 19-man Illawarra squad is packed with local players, such as Wayne Bremner (Helensburgh), Stewart Mills (Helensburgh), Jarrod Boyle (Helensburgh), Ty McCarthy (Thirroul), Joel Johnson (Thirroul, vc), Steve McCallum (Helensburgh, captain), Grant Smith (Helensburgh), Matt Syron (Thirroul) and Luke Dodge (Thirroul). Visit Helensburgh Tigers and Thirroul Butchers to follow your favourite teams!

Enjoy live music at Tradies Helensburgh. Head to the club at 30 Boomerang Street or phone 4294 1122 for more information. From 8-11pm.

Wollongong Botanic Garden is inviting everyone to the inaugural Botanic Garden Australia and New Zealand Open Day. Visitors can enjoy a rare behind the scenes look at the Garden’s nursery operations, interactive workshops and plays, a botanic art exhibition, a plant sale, plus guided garden tours. There'll also be live music and food stalls. From 10am to 4pm.

The Austinmer Otters have organised a 'Swim for Ruby' at 10am. The event will raise money to help local toddler Ruby McLean and her family. Ruby McLean was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2 at eight months of age. Proceeds will go towards equipment – wheelchair, bathing equipment, feeding chair and car seat – required for Ruby McLean. Donate at the GoFundMe page.

Head to Thirroul Library for after-school fun at Kidz Connect, from 3.30pm. For ages five and above. The topic is Word Games! For more information, phone the library on 4227 8191. No bookings required.

Helensburgh Public School students will be among those performing in this celebration of Aboriginal culture. The night of song, dance and storytelling is the result of a team effort by Merrigong Theatre Company and Wollongong City Council, who've gathered stories from Aboriginal elders to pass them on to local children. Two school performances (10.30am and 1pm, $6 per ticket). At 6pm there will be a “Pay As You Feel” Community Performance.

Illawarra Parents of Baby Angels (IPOBA) have organised a walk across the Sea Cliff Bridge to raise awareness of pregnancy loss, stillbirth and neonatal death. The Remember Me – Bridge Walk for Babies from Coalcliff to Clifton will be on June 5, 10am-2pm. $10 (under-12s free). We met some of the organisers (pictured) for a photo on the bridge – look out for an article in the June mags. 

Thirroul’s Brett Connellan was attacked by a shark at Bombo Beach on March 30. This is a fundraiser to help Brett and his family cover the costs of rehab. Jones Beach Boardriders and a group of Brett’s friends are organising a fundraising event on June 25 at The Shellharbour Club.

Dear Readers,
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Thanks everyone,
Gen & Marcus, the editors