There’s plenty to enjoy throughout July – so rug up and make the most of it!
NSW Winter School Holidays
Monday July 3 to Friday July 14.
Australian Museum School Holiday activities
Open every day, with free entry, the Australian Museum has heaps of interactive programs during the school holidays, including Scientist for a Day (July 11 or 12, 9.30am-3.30pm), Creative Insects (July 1-16, 10am-3pm). Contact: https://australian.museum/event/school-holidays/ or phone (02)9320 600.
Pathfinders – Friday July 7
First Nations people can visit Carriageworks at Eveleigh on Friday July 7, 9.30am to 3pm, to receive a free birth certificate at an event run by Pathfinders with the support of UNICEF Australia. If possible, please bring any proof of identity you already have such as a certificate of aboriginality, or Medicare number.
Bastille Festival – July 13-16
It’s time for Francophiles to dust off their berets and join in the festivities of food, wine, cheese and music, not necessarily in that order, around the waterfront at Circular Quay. Surprising to me, this is claimed to be the biggest celebration of French culture in the Asia/Pacific. Tastings, art, special menus, and bands are mostly free but tickets are available for special events such as the Wine and Cheese feast and the Wine Walk. Contact https://bastillefestival.com.au”>https://bastillefestival.com.au
Blak Douglas, ‘Inverted Commoners’ – Manly Art Gallery until July 30
Following a mention of this exhibition at Manly in April, I had the opportunity to take the ferry across to Manly on a gorgeous Sydney autumn day, and have a guided tour of Blak Douglas’s latest brilliant, satirical style at Gayamay/Manly Cove. Using large black inverted commas, he uses them to highlight injustices and significant dates in the Manly region and beyond, and to find common ground between convicts and the displaced First Nations peoples of the region. I really enjoyed his unflinching wit, but also the wonderful pottery which is the gallery’s permanent collection. Open 10am-5pm and entry is free.
‘Absolutely Queer’ – Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo, until December 31
This is a gloriously over-the-top exhibition originally celebrating Sydney WorldPride this year, and still running at the Powerhouse. Costumes, designers, fashion, jewellery and an entranceway video featuring cartoonist and volunteer, Norrie, are a must see. The Powerhouse itself is closing for a complete redevelopment at the end of December, for at least three years, so while you are there take the time to savour the Powerhouse’s permanent collections including the Strasburg Clock and Locomotive No. 1. Free entry daily from 10-5pm and from 5-9pm on Thursday nights.
As always, take care and keep safe, especially as winter closes in. I am fortunate, as I’m taking a short break in tropical Cairns in July.
Until next time,
Pat Clarke
volunteers@ssh.com.au
