Workforce Australia - Illawarra South Coast Skills Taskforce

 

The Local Jobs Program runs to 30 June 2027 in 51 employment regions throughout Australia, including the Illawarra South Coast. It brings together expertise, resources and access to funding at the local level to focus on reskilling, upskilling and employment pathways for people in each region.  New Illawarra South Coast Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce We’ve recently worked through a review of Illawarra South Coast Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce membership as part of a wider process of adjustment to the Illawarra South Coast Local Jobs Program, and we’re pleased to introduce the 2025-2026 Taskforce members:   Matthew Clarke (Yilabara) – representing Indigenous jobseekers and employment service providers. Corin Hodgson (APM) – representing Workforce Australia/employment service providers and the Shoalhaven. Coralie McCarthy (Business Illawarra) – representing the business sector/employers and the Illawarra. Bianca Perry (i3Net) – representing the manufacturing, defence and clean energy sector. Nicky Sloan (Community Industry Group) – representing the care sector and the Illawarra. Leanne Smith (NSW DPIRD) – representing economic development agencies and the NSW Government, as well as the Illawarra-Shoalhaven. Rhonnie South (Eurobodalla Shire Council) – representing the youth cohort and the Eurobodalla. Selena Stevens (RDAIS) – representing RDAIS, employers and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven. Andrew Wales (Local Jobs Program) – Chair, and also representing the Work Transit Alliance and Wingecarribee. John Watkin (Bega Chamber of Commerce and Industry) – representing the hospitality and small Business sector, the migrant cohort and the Bega Valley.   This refreshed Taskforce will play a key leadership role in setting priorities, guiding projects, and ensuring our work continues to align with the employment and skills needs of the region.   Why the refresh? As the labour market evolves, so too must our strategies. This new Taskforce brings together sector leaders and key influencers to provide focused input, strengthen collaboration, and help drive initiatives that deliver real employment outcomes across the Illawarra South Coast region.   Next steps for the Taskforce: The next Taskforce meeting will be a one-off in-person strategy session on Thursday, 21 August in Kiama, for Taskforce members only. This meeting will focus on reviewing and resetting priorities and programs for the next 1–2 years.   Following this, the next wider Taskforce meeting, open to all stakeholders, will be held in November. We’ll share full details of the updated Taskforce meeting schedule in a separate message.   We look forward to continuing to build strong partnerships and to deliver initiatives that connect jobseekers to opportunities and address workforce needs across our region.   If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. TOP ROW (L-R): Matthew Clarke, Corin Hodgson, Coralie McCarthy, Bianca Perry, Nicky Sloan BOTTOM ROW (L-R): Leanne Smith, Rhonnie South, Selena Stevens, Andrew Wales, John Watkin

AC/DC Release Back In Black - Music History Calendar - Event of The Day

 

1980 AC/DC release Back In Black, their first album without lead singer Bon Scott, who died five months earlier. Read the full story   More Events:   1964 The Beatles' A Hard Day's Night goes to #1 in America, where it stays for 14 weeks. It is already the #1 album in the UK, where it has a 21-week run at the top.   2001 Aaliyah gives her final performance, singing "More Than a Woman" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Exactly one month later, she is flying back from a video shoot in the Bahamas when the overloaded plane crashes and explodes on the runway, killing everyone on board.   1975 The musical A Chorus Line debuts on Broadway, the first of 6,137 performances in a 15-year run.   See More Events Click here for the previous post

Beatles-Based Movie Is A Box Office Bomb - Music History Calendar - Event of The Day

 

1978 The film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band opens in America, and it tanks hard. Savaged by critics, it becomes a legendary Hollywood flop despite appearances by Peter Frampton, Billy Preston, Aerosmith and The Bee Gees. Read the full story   More Events:   1982 Thanks to its use in the movie Rocky III, "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor hits #1 for the first of six weeks.   1999 The rapper Treach (Anthony Criss) from Naughty by Nature ("O.P.P.") marries Pepa (Sandra Denton) of Salt-N-Pepa in a ceremony officiated by Reverend Run of Run-D.M.C., who says it's the first time a rapper has married two rappers. Among the guests are Salt, Queen Latifah and Vivica A. Fox. The couple divorce in 2001, with Pepa alleging abuse.   1999 On the third day of the Woodstock '99 festival on Griffiss Air Force Base, overpriced water, overflowing toilets and a Limp Bizkit performance of "Break Stuff" lead to riots, groping and injuries. Conditions deteriorate as the festival rages on, and by the final day, MTV is covering the event with the tagline "Apocalypse Woodstock."   See More Events Click here for the previous post

Celebrate Thomas Birthday at a day out with Thomas - NSW Rail Museum -NSW Transport Herritage

It's Thomas' birthday, and you're invited to party with Thomas, James, Percy, Emily, Toby and more at the NSW Rail Museum! Day Out With Thomas: The Party Tour is heading to the NSW Rail Museum with loads of games and activities celebrating Thomas' birthday! Enjoy live entertainment, mini-train rides, an exclusive gift shop, photo ops, scavenger hunts and so much more. Take a steam train ride with James, or a railmotor ride with Toby, and spend the day creating memories for the whole family!   Book Now Party with Thomas and celebrate his birthday! Cheeky and hardworking, Thomas is always there to help his friends. He's always willing to upkeep a Thomas Promise and works hard to make up for any mistakes he's made. He simply wants to be the best little #1 tank engine he can be! Wish Thomas a happy birthday at the museum forecourt, where you can climb into his drivers' cab, toot his whistle, and take a photo with him!   Meet James and enjoy a steam train ride! He might be a little bit dramatic, but James is always happy to see his friends and gives them a cheerful greeting whenever he passes by. Purchase a 'museum + train ride' ticket and enjoy a 40-minute steam train ride with James! Meet new faces and explore the NSW Rail Museum! With face painting, food trucks, jumping castles, scavenger hunts, brio tables and more, there's plenty to see and do. Plus, don't miss an opportunity to meet Percy, Emily, Hiro and a range of characters and faces across the museum!   Learn more

 Click here for details

Amy Winehouse Dies At 27 - Music History Calendar - Event of The Day

 

2011 Amy Winehouse dies in London of alcohol poisoning at the age of 27. Read the full story   More Events:   1984 Vanessa Williams gives up her Miss America crown midway through her run after naked pictures of her appear in Penthouse. The controversy doesn't keep her from becoming a very popular actress and singer: in 1991 she releases her #1 hit "Save The Best For Last."   1971 Bluegrass-country performer Alison Krauss is born in Decatur, Illinois. She meets Union Station bandmate Dan Tyminski at a 1984 festival held by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass in America.   2002 New Jersey-based alt rockers My Chemical Romance release their vampire-themed debut album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love. Released through the independent punk label Eyeball Records, it was produced by Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly.   See More Events

Shoalhaven City Council Summary Update

​

Finance update for June 2025 Acting CEO James Ruprai gives his monthly update on our finances. Highlights include savings of $3.9 million towards our target of $10 million in the Sustainable Financial Futures Plan. We’ve also made major improvements on our internal reporting, by marrying up our asset data with our finance systems. This has resulted in a much clearer picture of the true cost of our assets over their lifecycle and means better financial reporting and better asset planning. WATCH VIDEO

​

 

​

Acting CEO James Ruprai resigns Council's Acting Chief Executive Officer James Ruprai announced his resignation at the beginning of July, after serving in the role for the past eight months. Mr Ruprai, who was the Director of City Development for nearly three years, made the decision to step down to pursue new professional opportunities and spend more time with family. Mr Ruprai will remain in the position until 31 July, when the recruitment process for the new CEO is expected to be complete. MEDIA RELEASE

​

 

​

Shoalhaven Water open day Bring the kids or come with friends, Shoalhaven Water is hosting a free open day at the Nowra Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Join us on a guided tour and discover how your wastewater is collected, treated and delivered back into the environment.  Tickets are complimentary but bookings are essential.  BOOK YOUR SPOT

​

 

​

Shoalhaven NAIDOC events a huge success We hosted our annual flag raising event as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations. We'd like to extend a huge 'thank you' to local Aboriginal Elders, community members and staff who joined us for the symbolic ceremony that honoured the resilience and contributions of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also set up a stall at the NAIDOC Family Fun Day on Wednesday 9 July. It was a vibrant day of celebration and we were delighted to attend and connect with community. Thank you to everyone who came along and said 'hello'.

​

 

​

Work to progress on Nowra Riverfront Council will progress the next stage of collaborative work to activate the Nowra Riverfront Precinct after finalising the funding deed with the Australian Government in June.    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Shoalhaven in January this year to announce $5 million in funding under the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.   The funding will initially allow Council to finalise an Open Space Masterplan before it is exhibited for public feedback. READ MORE

​

 

​

Celebrating our local mangroves  Our mangroves have done some serious heavy lifting following the wild weather that lashed the Shoalhaven recently.   Did you know they help protect our coastline during extreme weather events and filter stormwater runoff, which improves the quality of our waterways? We’re lucky to have several mangrove ecosystems in the Shoalhaven and these types of forests are protected in NSW because of their incredible importance to our environment. Saturday 26 July is International Day of the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, so we thought it was a good time to give these humble plants a shoutout.  MARVELLOUS MANGROVES

​

 

​

Have your say on management and use of local showgrounds Residents are now invited to provide feedback on our New Plans of Management (PoMs) for the Shoalhaven’s four showgrounds until 18 August.  The draft plans outline how Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Milton and Nowra showgrounds are managed and used by residents and visitors.  The four documents are created in consultation with the community to ensure that the land is managed in a way that meets the community’s needs and expectations, including its use and development.   HAVE YOUR SAY

​

 

​

New application process to hold events on Council land Community groups wanting to deliver projects on Council land will be guided through a new streamlined process to ensure their proposal has the best chance of success.  The Guidelines for Community-Led Projects and an online application portal will help groups prepare and pitch their initiative so that key information critical to gaining Council support is included for assessment.   Visitors to the page can also find a comprehensive guide on how to plan and apply for a Community-Led Project. MORE INFO

​

 

​

Homegrown theatre that crosses the world The Merrigong Production, A Place in the Sultan’s Kitchen is headed to the Shoalhaven in August. Theatre-maker and singer-songwriter Josh Hinton fills the theatre with music, memories, and exotic smells as he attempts to make his grandmother’s chicken curry, live on stage.  Charming, funny and moving, don’t miss this work of sensory storytelling with an international palette. Plus, all patrons can enjoy a post-show curry tasting. TICKETS

​

 

​

Local tree planting days happening in July Dozens of local school students will be supported by Shoalhaven Bushcare and Dunecare volunteers to plant native trees, shrubs and grasses across the city later this month. The initiative coincides with Schools Tree Day and National Tree Day, held at the end of July. The event aims to teach students how to care for the natural environment and give back to their community.   Residents are also encouraged to attend a community tree planting at Mollymook Beach on Sunday 27 July from 10am - 12pm. A barbeque lunch will follow.  REGISTER NOW

​

 

 

​

Community makes its voice heard  We recently asked you to tell us what is most important to you when it comes to our places and spaces - and your feedback was overwhelming.  During the 7-week campaign more than 3,305 surveys were completed and the project team is now busy considering what you had to say. Thank you to all who provided feedback. We'll consider what you've told us and will update you about the next steps soon.  VIEW RESULTS

​

 

​

Mini Emergency Management & Recovery Expo Join us for our Mini Emergency Management and Recovery Expo this week.  Meet with the RFS, SES, Police, Marine Rescue, Fire Rescue and more. Get your questions answered and hear about emergency management and recovery services. The event will be held at the Huskisson Community Centre from 5pm-7pm on Thursday 24 July. Click below to let us know if you're coming so we can cater.  REGISTER TO ATTEND

​

 

​

Become a library member and win If you've been on the fence about whether to become a Shoalhaven Libraries member, now's the time to climb down and run, don't walk, to your nearest branch.  Throughout July and August all new members go in the draw to win a book bag filled with literary treasures. Winners, like Dennis Frost (pictured) are picked weekly. Congrats Dennis!  If you're already a member; you can still join in the fun. Recommend a friend to join and both you and the new member will be entered into a draw to win a Dymocks book voucher. It's a win-win. Join for FREE today. JOIN NOW

​

 

​

Raised crossings to be installed at Huskisson Four raised, pedestrian crossings will be installed at Huskisson following community consultation in June.  Council received 113 unique responses to the survey, with 63 per cent of respondents supporting the proposal to install the four crossings on Owen Street and Hawke Street, to improve the safety and movement of pedestrians. Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent survey. The project, including design and construction will be fully funded by Transport for NSW under the Get NSW Active program. SURVEY RESULTS

​

 

Recycling calendar now available

The 2025-26 Recycling Collection Calendar is now available. Stick it on your fridge so you will always know when to put out your bins.

Pick up a copy from our admin buildings in Nowra or Ulladulla, our libraries, or call Council on 1300 293 111.

DOWNLOAD NOW