I was one of the 3400 people at Friday night’s Wollongong NRE Hawks game against the Melbourne tigers at the Win Entertainment Centre, and what a game!!!

The stage was set before the seats were even filled….during the week Hawks import Showron Glover headed back home to the states, his leaving making room for sacked Tigers import Ayinde Ubaka…Chewy to the fans. So just a week after Chewys uncermonious dumping from the Tigers, he was up against them as one of our Hawks.

Drama! Intruige! Politics!

Chewy was feeling the love from the get, running onto the court amongst cheers from an ever exuberant home crowd. A flurry of three pointers and awesome game-plays saw the Hawks take an impressive lead and go on to win 90-68. If I was in Chewy’s shoes I’d be feeling pretty smug!!

The highlight? It hasn’t been too frequent this season, but when the Hawks are way out in front, coach Gordie McLeod sends local Zac Delaney onto the court. There were just mere seconds on the clock, but as soon as Zac got up off the bench to be subbed into the game, the crowd were cheering.

The support this guy garners from the fans is amazing!! I don’t know if it’s because he’s the underdog (he’s young at 21 and just 165cm tall!), or if it’s because the crowd has seen him develop over the past couple of years, maybe because he’s born and bred in the gong, or perhaps it’s the energy he brings to the court. Whatever the reason, the crowd love him and he gave us the feelgood moment of the game…shooting from the three point line on the buzzer and sinking it! Everyone was up out of their seats, the mood was as if we’d just won the grand final by a point! I felt like I was in a teen movie…inspired, overjoyed! Proud, more to the point.

The Hawks have four more home games at the Win Entertainment Centre between now and the end of March, get down and support them! It is SUCH a fun night out for the family, or if you want to have a few drinks at the game and head out afterwards you can too. There’s music, entertainment, and always a great game win or lose.

The Hawks return to the WIN Entertainment Centre on February 11. Check out www.ticketek.com.au for tickets to see the Hawks bring home their 2011/12 season with a few wins!!

Next Wednesday Crown St Mall will be transformed into a make-shift court to host two games of 3 v 3 between the Hawks, three lucky Facebook fans before the Hawks then play-off against Lord Mayor Gordon ‘Baller’ Bradbury and his celebrity team!

To enter, simply head to Facebook and send us a photo or share your fondest memory of Basketball in Wollongong. Be it the short shorts, their national title, their comeback, a particular player, a moment, a career – whatever it happens to be! The three lucky winners will be chosen by us and announced on Monday 19 December.

Join us for all the 3 on 3 action at the Mall from 1.30pm outside David Jones. There will be plenty of giveaways and a signing session by the Hawks!

Ocean, Splash n’ Dash: 3 and 4 December

From the team who brings to you the Australia Day Aquathon, the largest swim/run event in Australia, this inaugural Ocean, Splash n’ Dash is an event for all ages and fitness levels.

Entries are now open via the website, or you can enter on the morning of the event.

Saturday 3rd December:
Ocean Splash’ Swims: 700m or 1400m.

Sunday 4th December:
Big Splash n’ Dash: 650m swim & 6km run
Mini Splash n’ Dash – a 250m swim & 2.5km run.
Ocean Dash: 5km charity fun run to raise funds to fight Ovarian Cancer.

Wollongong Beach Soccer: 10 and 11 December

The Wollongong Beach Soccer returns to North Beach for the second year after exciting crowds at last years event.

The two day tournament will welcome players from across the state who will take to the sand to compete for the ultimate title.

This is an event for more than just competitors with the spectators entertained across the weekend with Zumba demonstrations, international DJ’s, Brazilian dancers and Cheerleaders.

Santa Claus Pub Crawl: 10 December 2011

It’s on again! Thousands of Santas and his little helpers will take to the streets of Wollongong on Saturday 10 December to spread the Christmas cheer and raise funds for charity.

The event is now the longest running Santa Pub Crawl in the world which has been raising money for The Salvation Army for over 17 years. In 2010, over $55,000 was raised and they are already on track to go above and beyond that in 2011.

For more information and to get involved, visit the official event page on Facebook.

New Years Eve Celebrations

Wollongong City Council & IMB present New Year’s Eve at Wollongong Harbour. Come down between 7pm and 10.30pm to participate in a family friendly alcohol-free event. There will be stilt walkers, roving entertainment, the City of Wollongong Brass Band, Amusement Rides and Food & Novelty Stalls. Fireworks will take place at 9.30pm.

Illawarra Folk Festival: 12 – 15 January 2012

The Illawarra Folk Festival is four days of folk, world, acoustic, Celtic, traditional, gypsy, blues and bluegrass music, as well as poetry, spoken word, concerts, dances, workshops, parades and sessions with over 150 international, national and local acts and 600 performers. It will be held from the 11 – 15 January 2012 at Bulli Showground.

IMB Garden Cinema

Wollongong Botanical Gardens will be transformed into an outdoor cinema in January when the IMB Garden Cinema is launched on January 13.

The IMB Garden cinema will run for three weeks and show a range of movies including latest releases, comedies, kids classics and more.

Wave Warriors: 18 – 20 January 2012

Wave Warriors is the brain child of Australian Ironman Superstar Zane Holmes. The event, to be held at North Wollongong from 18-20 January 2012, is open to Junior competitors aged from U11 to U16. Zane’s aim is to develop this fantastic event into the largest 3 day ocean & beach spectacular on the Surf Life Saving Calendar. Entries now open via the website.

Australia Day Aquathon: 26 January 2012

Australia’s largest swim/run event, the Australia Day Aquathon returns to Wollongong Harbour again in 2012 for it’s 13th year!

Last year the event had over 1800 competitors take part raising over $19,500 for local charities; 2012 is already on track to be the biggest and best yet. Entries are now open via the website.

Summer savings

With so much happening in or around town, Wollonong has some great deals and discounts to to ensure you enjoy your time in the Gong.

Visit our website to find out more and make the most of another great Summer in the Gong!

For more information on what’s on, visit our website, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

The ducks of the region are cheering this week, the weather has been ideal. For those of you who don’t fit this bill (boom tish!), it has been quite a dreary old week, and the forecast for the weekend isn’t offering much relief.

To help you plan the week ahead, here is a list of 20 things to do in the gong, while the weather is cruising under 20…

1. NSW Cycling Grand Prix – This is the first time this event has happened in Wollongong and we are excited to welcome some of the best riders in the country! Bring your brollie and line Flagstaff Hill to see the teams do the rounds of the 660mtr scenic course, one of the trickiest of the series, with this weather only going to add a little spice…
2. Justice Crew – Dance sensations and winners of Australia’s Got Talent are coming to Crown St Mall on Saturday to perform on centre stage from 12-1pm. Following their performance, the crew will head to JB Hi-Fi for a signing session.
3. Wollongong NRE Hawks Family Fun Day – Join the gentle giants at Symbio Wildlife Park on Sunday. Register here for more information.
4.  Ocean Splash n’ Dash – Just over a week today – keep training! Weather is irrelevant as you will most likely be getting wet anyway! Whether you are a swimmer, runner, walker or super vocal supporter this two day event is raising vital funds to fight Ovarian Cancer. Visit the website for more information and all the entry details.
5. The new Bradman Exhibition will open this Saturday at the International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral. Set on the historic Bradman Oval where the late Sir Don Bradman honed his cricketing skills, the exhibition will showcase a never before seen high tech interactive displays to tell the story of the Boy from Bowral and his incredible achievements on and off the field.
6. Warm the soul and sweeten your senses with the Chifley Wollongong’s High Tea this Sunday. Enjoy the chef’s wonderful selection of finger fancies including ribbon sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes, slices and tarts. Bookings essential.
7. The Science Centre & Planetarium has some great experiments, interative displays and planetarium. There is plenty of things to do for the kids, and the big kid within!
8. Sleep well after a day at Hangdog Climbing Gym. Scale the walls, race your friends or challenge yourself on a range of walls that vary in difficulty. The best part – it’s indoor.
9. Take the family to enjoy a feast at Bon Aroma Pizza. Last month the family owned and operated Bulli Restaurant was named as Australia’s best Pizza Restaurant. Once you taste their food, you will know why!
10. Enjoy the views, food and locally brewed beer of the Illawarra Brewing Company. The Pumpkin Ale and Belgium Blonde is their current seasonal brew.
11. If you don’t care to get a little wet, why not try to learn to Surf with Pines Surfing Academy. The current swell is ideal and you will be getting wet anyway, so the rain doesn’t matter. Like my Mum always said to me – it’s warmer in the water than out!  Surfs up….
12. It’s the 25^th of November – there is one month to go before Christmas! I can hear the alarm bells are ringing – it’s time to get shopping! Visit Crown St Mall for all your Christmas needs and gift ideas.
13. Grab your friends and family and take the Kids to Little Stompers or Zoom Fun Centre for hours of fun and games.
14. If the rain continues, visit the The Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk on Facebook. If they forecast rain you can get 50% off admission. For more information and all the terms, check out the Facebook page.
15. Experience the food and spectacular views on offer at Altitude 1148 and the Southern Gateway Centre.
16. Can’t be in Wollongong this weekend? Take some time to book your holiday for the Summer break! Wollongong has some sizzling Summer deals ready for your next day, weekend or week in Wollongong.
17. Enjoy an Italian feast at Centro cbd Restaurant and Function Centre. Offering high quality Italian Cuisine, Centro cbd offers a venue to suit large bookings or enjoy a meal for two. See their menu here and book a table today. Also book your table for Darryl Braithwaite who is performing on December 1!
18. Post the NSW Cycling Grand Prix, pop over the hill and enjoy the freshest of fresh seafood on offer at Bombora Seafood.
19. Travel north and grab a coffee at Chedo’s Restaurant and Café, located just a stones throw from the Sea Cliff Bridge, head-chef Chedo will tantalize your taste buds while you enjoy the beautiful views of the escarpment and ocean.
20. Search for the Elf! Crown St Mall is you the chance to win a $500 gift card to Wollongong Central, every week for the next month. Simply follow the clues set out on their Facebook page, find the elf, fill in the form and one lucky winner will be drawn weekly. Good luck!!

 For more things to see and do in Wollongong this weekend, visit our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

Enjoy the weekend!!

The Blue Mile can be enjoyed in rain, hail and shine!

I have always been fortunate living close to the water and from young, I took to it like a duck.

I love to run. Well, to be honest, I use the word ‘love’ very loosely – I prefer to eat and therefore run in fear of watching my bum and thighs explode.

I do like keeping active. I love being outside and enjoy living a healthy lifestyle, and fortunately for me, I have access to the best location to do it.

Wollongong boasts some of the most amazing walks, cycle ways, natural pools and 17 patrolled beaches to name a few; it’s like one big, easily accessible, membership-not-necessary, FREE gym.

The hardest part of just going out and going for a run or doing any sort of physical activity is finding purpose. With purpose comes motivation. With motivation comes results.

Enter the Ocean, Splash n Dash – a purpose built event to suit everyone, regardless of experience, fitness or age. An event that is timely (just over 6 weeks to go!) and you can choose to do one of three events, or do them all!

On Saturday 3 December, take part in the Ocean Dash – choose between a 750 meter or 1.6km swim in the iconic Wollongong Harbour before rolling out a picnic blanket with family and friends and enjoying an afternoon by the water.

The Australia Day Aquathon 2011

The Splash n’ Dash on Sunday will allow competitors to choose between two courses – big (650m swim/6km run) and short (250m swim/ 2.5km run).

If you aren’t willing to get wet, or want to take on an extra challenge, take part in the Ocean Dash. A 5km fun run (or walk) that will head south along the Blue Mile before winding back and finishing up under the Lighthouse at Flagstaff hill. Location, location, location!!

There is more to this race than crossing the finish lining. This is an event that will be helping thousands of people as it raises vital funds for the Ovarian Institute of Australia. There is a dedicated page on their website to find out more.

Entries to the event are now open, but if you are looking for more information, check out the website, visit the Facebook page or follow the event on Twitter.

Now step away from your computer, iPhone, blackberry, iPad, laptop, tablet or any other devise and start by going for a walk.

Don’t put it off any longer. Line up a friend or a group and start training for this great event!

…ENTER HERE NOW…

I love spring. You finally shake the winter blues, people are generally in a better mood and it means that summer is just around the corner.

I love October. Slighty bias as it is my birthday month (gifts are now being accepted;-)) but it’s an ideal month. Close enough to Christmas that you can start getting a little planning happening without sounding too over zealous. You can start getting back that ‘beach ready’ body with a few extra weeks to make sure you have lost the Easter egg weight and that winter glow. There is a long weekend AND in 2011, Wollongong has a bumper calendar of events coming up.

This month alone we will see:

• The Wollongong NRE Hawks take to the court to launch their 2011/12 pursuit of NBL glory
• Crown St Mall is giving away free lunchtime styling sessions as part of their Spring Fashion Events
• The Twilight Markets will kick off again at Osborne Park from 5.30pm on Friday October 7 – that’s in addition to the Produce and Creative Traders markets in the Mall
• OKTOBERFEST!!!
• Pete Murray will be rocking Waves on October 15
• Two of the funniest men in the industry, Tom Gleeson and Josh Thomas will be performing at the IPAC on October 16 and 22, respectively.
• The WIN Stadium will transform it’s gorgeous green grass into dirt mounds as some of the best riders from Australia, New Zealand and the UK head to town for the Monster Energy Super X Eliminator – one of the fastest growing events in Australia. Rev your engines…

There is only two months to go before the inaugural Ocean, Splash n Dash event hits Wollongong Harbour. This two day event will kick off what is set to be a summer festival of fitness and fun encouraging everyone to get involved and have a go….swim, swim/run, swim/walk, swim/walk/run, swim/run, run, walk, walk/run….there is three events, do one, do them all, it’s the perfect event for elite athletes or beginners, do it solo or join up with friends and family.

This event will launch the city into the Wollongong Beach Soccer and the Santa Pub Crawl on December 10 and 11, before the Australia Day Aquathon and Wave Warriors in January.

But wait! There is more….plenty, plenty more! For a full calendar of events for the remainder of 2011 and beyond, visit the Tourism Wollongong website.

If your heading to the gong for any of the above, make a weekend out of it or bundle it up with some of the amazing Spring deals now on offer!

I will admit, I love riding – I am not good at it, nor am I confident (couldn’t be further from it) but put me on a flat, smooth, straight road or (down) hill and I am good to go. Add dirt, a motor, racing, even another bike within about 5ft of me and it’s all over red rover.

Because I struggle so much on two wheels (some may argue even four!) I have a huge appreciation for those who can master the skill of riding…for example the crazies who are racing into town next month for The Monster Energy Super X.

Over the years Wollongong has produced some of the biggest names in the sporting world across many disciplines and categories – surfing, running, NRL, swimming, Basketball and the list goes on.

Now two of our most successful and loved athletes are getting set to return to the city that they call home. Jay Marmont and brother Ryan will race in the Monster Energy Super X that will return to Wollongong for the first time in three years.

Jay Marmont created history earlier this year by becoming the only rider to win the coveted Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals Championship for the forth year in a row while Ryan is preparing to step up to the open class of Super X for the first time to race against his brother.

The brothers will line up against some of the best riders from all over Australia, New Zealand and the UK at WIN Stadium on October 29 f or the Australasian Supercross Championships.

Wollongong get set for some action – this round is set to be the toughest format of them all – THE ELIMINATOR!

Great seats are still available, grab yours now at Ticketek.

Josh Hansen (USA) in Action - catch it all live at Wollongong

The countdown is on for the first game of the 2011/12 season and the new look Wollongong NRE Hawks will take to the court against trans-tasman rivals the New Zealand Breakers at WIN Entertainment Centre on October 9.

Despite being predestined to never be any good at the game – I can’t catch, can’t throw and only just broke 5ft – I have always loved being a spectator of the sport.

The atmosphere at a Basketball game is like no other, despite crowd size, despite venue size the games are electric, weather is irrelevant and big clashes can just about rumble the roof off any stadium.

Basketball fans are passionate, they are loud and they are excitable – as if under a spell, every quarter you see over 4,000 people rise; stomping their feet to the beat and clapping their hands until they are raw to spur on the Wollongong Hawks.

“Let’s goooo Haaa-awks, let’s go (clap, clap!)”….love it!

If you needed to sum up community spirit in one word it could be ‘Hawks’. Families from near and far converge into the city on game night to get behind these gentle giants.

After winning the 2010/11 series, our friends from across the ditch, the New Zealand Breakers are in for a big year but I have faith that the Hawks can go one better. After narrowly missing out on a dream run into the finals earlier this year, the Hawks will be looking to start the season off on a high.

After the signing of two new recruits, a new General Manager and a new sponsor in NRE, the Hawks are on track for their biggest season yet and we can’t wait to get behind the guys!

We Love the Gong! We Love the Hawks! Go get em’ boys!

Tickets are now on sale via Ticketek.  Want to become a member? Visit their website now or become a fan on Facebook

Packed House - Preseason clash V Sydney Kings (Photo: Joel Armstrong)

Earlier this year Australia watched on as history was made when Cadel Evans became the first Australian to win ‘Le Tour De France’

 What a moment. What a moment for Cadel, his family and Australian Sport as a whole – I was wishing I owned a bike store, sales would have been through the roof!

Riding off the back of Cadels success (excuse the pun) I wanted to highlight a group who are jumping in the saddle for an equally important cause. No, they aren’t training for the Tour, they are training in an effort to raise much needed funds for the Illawarra Cancer Carers.

The riders will set off to tackle 1,000km in eight days in an attempt to raise $20,000 for the Palliative unit at Port Kembla Hospital.

Last year, event organiser, Carl lost his father-in-law to cancer which will be their motivator on this ride – the JJ 39er’s in memory of John.

“I saw what cancer could do to an otherwise fit and strong human being and it was not nice to witness. But I also witnessed the courage of all the other cancer patients which was very inspiring

 In John’s last few days, I promised him that I would raise money in his honour; so here we are.”

The ride will start from the picturesque Phillip Island, Victoria on October 20 before they set off on this epic ride, back to Wollongong, New South Wales”.

This is such a fantastics cause, Tourism Wollongong are right behind them in their ride for a reason and we hope you are too!

You can follow their journey via their blog or to donate and support their cause, visit their unique landing page here.

Every cent counts to help this cause and the team at the Palliative Care unit. $2 per kilometre is all they need to hit their target.

My plans for the weekend have gone up in flames and trying to plan something this last minute is usually like trying to herd cats: logistically it’s almost impossible, inevitably is always frustrating.

If this weekend you find yourself in the same boat as me (I am hoping you remembered the paddle!), here are some quick suggestions that I for one am definitely following up:

• Cirque Du Soleil is in town with the global phenemona, Saltimbanco, at WIN Entertainment Centre. This performance is only in town until Sunday, great seats are still available, this is a show not to be missed!

• Tomorrow, channel the chef from within with The Chifley’s Big Kids in the Kitchen – Bollywood style! Chef Saju Rajappan, a native of Goa and Kerala regions of India, will demonstrate and discuss his cultural heritage on Indian family cooking and dishes that can easily be replicated for that dinner party or special occasion.

• Getting married, or know someone that is (or just super excited to plan one?) be sure to check out the Bridal glitz at The Novotel Wollongong Northbeach on Sunday (boys, you can always drop the ladies off and grab yourselves a coffee at Windjammers or Diggies).

Don’t forget to eat! Tourism Wollongong are currently piecing together a recipe book to showcase the amazing cuisines and suppliers the city and surrounds offers – here is just some suggestions:

• I am headed to Amigo’s Mexican Restaurant for dinner tonight – did you know this is Australia’s oldest Mexican restaurant (and best!)

• If Mexican isn’t your thing, Seafood might be – Bombora Seafood and the Harbourfront offer two of the most amazing locations in the city down by the harbour foreshore.

• Then there is the multicultural scene – Indian, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and more…for a full list of places to wine and dine, visit our website.

• Have you checked out the newly renovated Five Islands Brewery? Their cocktail bar looks unreal, not to mention the opportunity to taste test their award winning locally brewed beer. (Pre drink before Saltimbanco?) If you are looking for more things to see and do, Tweet us (@wollongong_nsw) or contact us via Facebook.

Have a great weekend everyone….if you have any more suggestions, please let us know below.