iMag

If you happen to find yourself at Campbelltown library, be sure to pick up a copy of Southern Highlands and Illawarra iMag information guide which covers events in the Macarthur Region including Wollondilly, as well as the Southern Highlands and Illawarra.

The magazine lists cellar doors, regular markets and fairs, and exhibitions. Whether you're into browsing antiques in Bowral or cheese tasting in Robertson, searching for unique and handmade Christmas gifts in Picton, or attending folk festivals in Bulli, the magazine will have something for you.

The November / December edition is out now. More information can be found at http://www.monthlyimag.com.au/southern-highlands/

Thirroul

One of the great things about living in Macarthur is that it is possible to get to some great beaches in under an hour. One of our favourite spots is Thirroul, including Thirroul Beach Reserve picnic area.

Right next to the surf life saving club and the patrolled beach (September - April) is a picnic area big enough to kick a football around on, a great playground, an enclosed saltwater pool, toilets including disabled toilets, and a café. Thirroul beach is ranked 'moderately hazardous' with drop-offs and rips so the playground and pool make a great alternative to ocean swimming for younger families.

Thirroul is also popular for people with fur kids because just south of Thirroul beach is McCauley's beach which allows for leash free. McCauley's Beach can be reached via Corbett Avenue, Thirroul.

Thirroul makes for a great day out no matter the weather but be aware that the weather can be quite different by the coast - often cooler and windier - than back home in Macarthur. Check out Beach Safe for up to date conditions before you go:

https://beachsafe.org.au/beach/nsw/wollongong/thirroul/thirroul

Thirroul Beach Reserve Picnic Area is located in Cliff Parade, Thirroul, NSW 2515

NB: Thirroul is reached quickest by Bulli Pass but Bulli Pass is closed until Monday 5th December to install 1.1 kilometres of fencing to minimise rock falls onto the road and improve safety for motorists.

Please note that all images on this blog are protected by copyright. Do not copy and share without prior permission.

Another date to save!

Another date of fun to put in your diary. Wizard of Oz Funland in Leumeah is hosting this year's Autism Challenge, raising funds for the Campbelltown Ghosts special needs scout group. Bring the whole family and invite your friends. No outside food can be brought in to Wizard of Oz Funland but the Rainbow Café will be open and serving yummy treats including burgers, chips and sandwiches.

For more information about Campbelltown Ghosts Scouts special need group, which provides fun scouting activities for children with special needs throughout the Macarthur area and beyond, check out their page on Facebook.

Save the date!

One of the biggest school fetes in Macarthur is coming so mark the date in your diary now. With loads of stall, rides, and Wakeling Automotive once again donating a car for you to have a chance at winning simply just by turning up to the school fete!

The White Elephant stall is a popular place to grab a bargain so get there early, have fun all day and hang around to hear the winner of the car announced at the end. There will be plenty of food and fun available at the school fete to keep you and your family busy all day.

 

Plenty of parking available for the school fete available just off St John's Road.

Gledswood Homestead

A few weekends ago (thankfully not the weekend of the downpour/flood!) I was fortunate to attend a wedding at Gledswood Homestead. Despite having lived in the area for almost two decades, this was my first visit to the historic homestead and winery. The wedding was held in one of three reception rooms. It was a lovely informal occasion. In addition to being a popular venue for wedding, Gledswood also hosts ghost tours and business events. They also source a range of wines from wine regions across Australia to sell at the Cellar Door, a convict built sandstone building. Unfortunately I didn't take time to fully explore this beautiful part of Macarthur's history but looking at their 'What's On' page there will be plenty of opportunity to do so in the future.

Gledswood hold a Family Farm Day once a month (second Sunday) and I think it sounds like an ideal winter outing. For more information about what's involved, here's a great video:



Gledswood Homestead is easily accessed off Camden Valley Way. For more information about coming events at Gledswood, check out their 'What's On' page.

Picton and Camden floods - how to help

The storm and subsequent flooding on June 5th devastated a number of businesses and residents in the Wollondilly area. Here are some ideas on how the Macarthur community can help.

This Saturday 18th June, Hype Fitness are running a charity bootcamp session at Gledswood Homestead and Winery to raise money for those groups affected by the recent storms. There will be live music, lucky door prizes and a silent auction. Visit Eventbrite to register.

This coming Sunday, 19th June, United Cinema in Narellan are donating funds to flood affected locals in the Camden and Wollondilly areas by screening the film Red Dog.

 



 

Wednesday 29th June, Wests Tigers will walk from Concord Oval to Picton - a distance of about 80kms - to fundraise for local residents and businesses affected by flood damage.

 

Saturday 23rd July 2016, Picton Sports Ground will be transformed into a 60,000+ -square meter playground for all ages, filled with music and entertainment, carnival rides and activities, a wide variety of market stalls, food vendors, arts, crafts and chill out areas, kids play zone, young folk, car show, auctions, silent auctions and other surprises. 100% of all donations raised on the day will go directly to Wollondilly residents and businesses. For more information check out the Facebook event page for Wollondilly's Big Day In.

 

If you're on Facebook, a Help Picton Storm Recovery page has been set up detailing several fundraising events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/573072192870714/

A Mayoral Relief Fund has been established by Wollondilly Council has established to support Picton’s residents. Donations to the Mayoral Relief Fund can be made over the counter at the Wollondilly Council offices or directly to the Wollondilly Shire Council Mayor’s Relief Fund bank account. For more information contact Wollondilly Council on 4677 9611 or email council@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au.

Shopping for a pet?

Puppies and kittens are cute but there are plenty of adult animals in the Macarthur area who need a new home.

Campbelltown Council have a search facility where you can see what animals are currently being held in the pound and available for adoption. The website also has information about keeping pets and other animals including chickens and bees! If sustainability is something that interests you, be sure to head down to Riverfest at Koshigaya Park on the 27th of August.

Back to cats and dogs, and even rabbits, Furry Friends Forever Rescue is a registered not-for-profit organisation which aims to "rescue and rehouse abandoned, neglected or abused animals of all shapes and sizes".

Firefly Animal Rescue works to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals from the Campbelltown Animal Care Facility (the pound). They have a support base of foster carers and volunteers who attempt to find loving homes for animals that best suit their individual needs and personalities.

Wollongong Animal Rescue Network also actively rescues needy and unwanted animals from the pound in Rose St., Campbelltown.

There are various groups on Facebook working to find homes for dogs and cats that end up in the animal care facility including Community Helping Campbelltown Pound Cats.

If you adopt a desexed dog or cat either directly from the pound or through a pound approved rescue organisation (there's a list of these on the above Facebook page) you will pay a reduced rate of only $26 to register your new pet with Campbelltown Council. This is a one-off payment for a lifetime registration. For more information about registration, check out the pet ownership information page on Campbelltown Council's website.

If you are an animal lover but can't commit to a life-time of love right now, all rescue organisations are always looking to add more foster carers to their network.

Adopt, don't shop - they'll love you for it.

New sites for you!

Campbelltown Council have launched a new, mobile-friendly website detailing services, facilities and events.

There's also a new website called Macarthur Grapevine which aims to "connects some of the most exciting parts of Campbelltown City and the Macarthur region, and brings them together for you to explore." Unfortunately the page wouldn't open for me so I can't tell you anything about it.

Another website listing new to this site is eventfinda where you can search for events by region or even suburb.

What's your favourite website for finding out about upcoming events in the local area?

Koi at Campbelltown Arts Centre

Have awesome fun while raising funds for local group