When Felicity Gardner moved to Shellharbour, it unlocked a new source of inspiration - the Illawarra itself.

Sick of filling your trolley with grocery “specials” that don’t feel special at all? Take control of your spend (and where it ends up) by supporting the Illawarra’s local providers.

Bulli’s main street is home to pretty much anything you could need, from butchers to bakers. While not quite the candlestick maker, the Heritage Hotel might be an even better find; a pub that welcomes all.

WAH-WAH Australia is a Knitwear brand that walks the walk and talks the talk, designer Kaylene Milner shares the muses and the message behind the merino wool.

Imagine hosting a supper party for an entire orchestra in a flat so small you have to bring guests in waves because that’s the only way to fit them inside. You’ve got champagne taste, a beer budget, and absolutely no shame about it. That was Ethel Hayton. She was unapologetically theatrical, wildly determined, and absolutely dedicated to shaping (and let’s be honest – setting up!) Wollongong’s arts and cultural scene.

In the digital age, businesses can seemingly set up shop anywhere. That’s what makes Thames Street in West Wollongong, home to six female-owned businesses, special.

Now more than ever, businesses need our support! You can check out some great local traders to get behind.

Figtree local Carolynn Carpenter, known to many as “Elsa” or “The Fairy Lady,” has turned her love of magic and storytelling into Fairy Fantasy Parties and Fairytale Mail.

New Zealand-born Penny Claiborne moved to Towradgi with her partner and daughter in 2021. Creating their beautiful garden from scratch helped her put down roots, both literally and figuratively.

You’ll find stories that celebrate the energy, resilience, and connection that make the Illawarra such a great place to live year-round.

You’ll find stories that celebrate the energy, resilience, and connection that make the Illawarra such a great place to live year-round.

You’ll find stories that celebrate the energy, resilience, and connection that make the Illawarra such a great place to live year-round.

You’ll find stories that celebrate the energy, resilience, and connection that make the Illawarra such a great place to live year-round.

You’ll find stories that celebrate the energy, resilience, and connection that make the Illawarra such a great place to live year-round.

You’ll find stories that celebrate the energy, resilience, and connection that make the Illawarra such a great place to live year-round.

You’ll find stories that celebrate the energy, resilience, and connection that make the Illawarra such a great place to live year-round.

You’ll find stories that celebrate the energy, resilience, and connection that make the Illawarra such a great place to live year-round.