local biz love

Explore the heart and soul of Illawarra through our local business spotlight, where we dive into the stories, passions, and community spirit of the region's most inspiring enterprises.

LifestyleSasha Johnson1 May 2024Coal Coast Magazine Hairdressing, local beauty, personal styling, pilates studio, group classes, health and wellness, pilates for beginners, art gallery, art in the illawarra, local nsw artists, local artists

ocean queen surfing invitational

The first all-women's surf comp on the south coast is riding the huge wave of young women now joining the sport, marking the Sunday 5 May event at Woonona Beach as a milestone, decades in the making.

Lifestyle, PeopleSasha Johnson30 April 2024Coal Coast Magazine Women's Surfing South Coast, Women's Surfing, Ocean Queen, Female Surfers, Female Empowerment, Gender Equality, Surf Culture, Australian Surfers, Yvonne Turner, south coast events

aiming big to crush your own dreams

Ahead of her upcoming LP release later this year, we talked to singer-songwriter, Polly Hazelton, about her new single exploring the impact of addiction, 'Round 2000'

MusicSasha Johnson26 April 2024Coal Coast Magazine Polly Hazelton, New Single, Local Music, Round 2000, Upcoming LP, Local songwritter, Addiction Awareness

stencilling a legacy

World-renowned stencil artist Luke Cornish, a.k.a. ELK, has found his home – and his peace – in the Illawarra. And now he’s bringing global acclaim to a local canvas.

an enduring community feel

Like many northern suburbs of the Illawarra, Balgownie was transformed by the discovery of coal.

LifestyleSasha Johnson18 April 2024Coal Coast Magazine Balgownie history, Illawarra community, Balgownie Village, Historic Bally Hotel, Coal mining heritage, Balgownie War Memorial, Miners Memorial Park, Balgownie Rangers Football Club, Local sports clubs, Historical sites Illawarra, Cultural heritage Illawarra, Local dining Balgownie

iron will

The Iron Yampi’s meteoric rise in popularity as the latest go-to restaurant in Port Kembla’s burgeoning foodie-scene is a reflection of the talent of two of Wollongong’s most loved restaurateurs. With such a keen insight into the local palate, it’s no wonder The Iron Yampi is bringing national acclaim our way.

FoodSasha Johnson18 April 2024Coal Coast Magazine Iron Yampi, Port Kembla, Foodie Scene, Wollongong Restaurateurs, Good Food Guide, Art Deco, Fine Dining, Black Angus Scotch Fillet, Live Music, Champagne Tower Fridays

staying strong with canconquer

CanConquer's specialised programs in Lymphoedema Therapy, Oncology Physiotherapy, and Exercise Physiology provide crucial support and strength for individuals like Christine, battling Stage 4A Ovarian Cancer, through and beyond their cancer treatment.

LifestyleSasha Johnson8 April 2024Coal Coast Magazine CanConquer, conquering cancer with excercise, CanConquer Cancer Program, Lymphoedema Therapy, Oncology Physiotherapy, Stage 4A Ovarian Cancer, Exercise Physiology, Cancer Treatment Support, Oncologist Recommended, Post-Chemotherapy Recovery, Chemotherapy Side Effects

helensburgh glow worm tunnels

The Helensburgh Glow Worm Tunnels are a scientific wonderment, steeped in mystery as a local folklore tale, and the site even features in a soon-to-be-released science fiction action movie.

LifestyleSasha Johnson7 April 2024Coal Coast Magazine Helensburgh Glow Worm Tunnels, Bioluminescence, Historical Tunnels, Photography, Southern Hemisphere Glow Worms, Old Helensburgh Station, Night Tours, Coal Coast, Adventure Travel, Eco-tourism, Local Folklore

suburban kerb appeal

The humble abode has come a long way from years past, but Sandy Weir from Other People’s Homes has uncovered some of Australia’s suburban treasures through her lens from all architectural walks of life.

LifestyleSasha Johnson4 April 2024Coal Coast Magazine Sandy Weir, Other People’s Homes, Architectural Treasures, Art Deco Apartments, Mid-Century Modern Homes, Suburban Architecture, Wollongong Homes

wild dogs under my skirt

An all-consuming performance filled with poetry, song, dance and the powerful presence of Samoan women comes to Merrigong this month with one of New Zealand’s most successful theatrical exports, Wild Dogs Under My Skirt.

LifestyleKate O'Mealley3 April 2024Coal Coast Magazine Merrigong Theatre, wild dogs under my skirt, live theatre, whats on in wollongong

RBG: of many, one

Following her 2024 AACTA Best Supporting Actress in a Drama award win for Love Me, Heather Mitchell leads an inspiring one woman show, RBG: Of Many, One.

LifestyleSasha Johnson25 March 2024Coal Coast Magazine Heather Mitchell, Merrigong Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Women's Rights, International Women's Day, One Woman Show, Supreme Court Judge, Inspirational Women, Australian Theatre

creativity may be the prescription you need

From a grassroots idea between two friends wanting to share creative skills in the community, MakeShift has evolved to become an award-winning provider of evidence-based programs that use creativity to support mental health.

LifestyleSasha Johnson22 March 2024Coal Coast Magazine Creative Mindfulness, Mental Health, Mental Health Support, Community Programs, Creativity and Well-being, Art Therapy, Storytelling, Mental Health Education

every kid deserves a terrific life

Every kid deserves a terrific life, foster carers make it happen.

LifestyleKate O'Mealley19 March 2024Coal Coast Magazine caresouth, foster care

Live the life at Vista Park

Step into Vista Park at Wongawilli and unlock a lifestyle that transcends time.

LifestyleSasha Johnson18 March 2024Coal Coast Magazine Vista Park, Wongawilli, Young Families, The Vale, Award-Winning Development, Sustainability, Community Living, Green Spaces, Scenic Views

san cisco’s under the light

Indie-pop royalty San Cisco are hitting the road touring regional Australia in support of their fifth studio album 'Under The Light', released this month. We caught up with lead singer Jordi Davieson to chat about creating the album in their home studio and collaborating with industry heavyweights.

MusicSasha Johnson11 March 2024Coal Coast Magazine San Cisco, Under the light, Indie Pop, Australian Music, Indie Electronic

festival fun times

As autumn approaches, so does music festival season! From a one-day festival in our backyard, to a long weekend Bluesfest jaunt, it’s time to grab your wellies and start planning your festival outfit!

Lifestyle, MusicSasha Johnson10 March 2024Coal Coast Magazine Music Festival Season, Autumn Festivals, Festival Outfits, Get Together Festival, Live Music, Local Music Illawarra, Local Music Wollongong, Easter Long Weekend, Byron Bay Bluesfest, Byron Events Farm, Jimmy Barnes

inspiring women of the illawarra

To celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, we meet six inspiring women of the Illawarra, who all bring something special to our region

PeopleSasha Johnson7 March 2024Coal Coast Magazine International Women's Day, Illawarra Women, Community Impact, Kind Hearts Illawarra, Regenerative Farming, Local Artist, Creative Expression, Women Illawarra, Community Outreach

flying high

Taking the helm mid-season may have been a leap for some, but Illawarra Hawks coach, Justin Tatum – and father of USA NBA superstar, Jayson Tatum – is taking it all in his stride.