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

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

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

wellness for mind, body and soul

Whether it is a girls’ day out, a date for two or just an excuse to treat yourself, there are an array of luxurious spa experiences in our region – the hardest decision is choosing which one…

LifestyleSasha Johnson22 February 2024Coal Coast Magazine Luxurious Spa Experiences, Wellness Retreats, Wellness, Health and Wellness, Jamberoo Spa, Douglas Park Bathhouse, Saunas Wollongong, Ibah, Holistic Health, Couples Spa Day

built to last

At Sandon Point in Bulli you will find a heritage-listed landmark nestled upon the shore. The Bulli boat sheds, built to last, have weathered storms and fires and over 120 years later the sheds remain a beloved part of Bulli history.

LifestyleSasha Johnson19 February 2024Coal Coast Magazine Bulli Boat Sheds, Sandon Point, Heritage Landmark, Wodi Wodi People, Illawarra History, Bulli History, Coastal Heritage, Aboriginal History, Historical Society, Local History

instant glow with no downtime

Turn heads after achieving an instant flow with Skin Revival’s carbon laser peel.

LifestyleSasha Johnson16 February 2024Coal Coast Magazine Carbon Laser Peel, Collagen Stimulation, Thermal Micro-Pulse Technology, Skin Rejuvenation, Skin Care, Wollongong Skincare

coal coast faves

Tag us in your pics on Instagram and we will print our faves each issue. Get snapping!

LifestyleSasha Johnson16 February 2024Coal Coast Magazine Local Photography, Wollongong Art, Wollongong artist, Wollongong Pictures

in the company of kindred spirits

The Wild Women of Wollongong community is a testament to the power of women coming together to foster friendships and their love for nature.

LifestyleSasha Johnson16 February 2024Coal Coast Magazine Wild Women of Wollongong, Women's Community, empowering women, Outdoor Activities, Sisterhood, Female Empowerment, mental health

send for nellie

A queer black Australian icon is being called to the stage once more. We chat to Elenoa Rokobaro, the powerhouse performer bringing Nellie Small and the magic of cabaret to Merrigong.

Music, LifestyleSasha Johnson12 February 2024Coal Coast Magazine Australian Cabaret, Queer Icons, Performing Arts, Musical Theatre, Merrigong Theatre

hunt for the rare fern

For botanist and ecologist Dr Kevin Mills, his life’s work is focused on a local marvel that the Coal Coast is famed for. One with a vast array of spectacular sizes, shapes and greens… Yes, our ferns.