Lord Mayor's Column: Embracing the long weekend

If there’s one thing that unites many of us, it’s the shared appreciation of a long weekend.

Those extra days provide an opportunity to step back from the daily routines to spend quality time with family and friends, and perhaps even set aside some quiet alone time if you’re someone who needs that.

I genuinely hope that everyone in our community has the opportunity to do the things that fill their cup over the coming days.

Right now, global news can feel confronting and we’re faced with the human impact of the Middle East war, as well as the financial consequences of it.

It’s an uneasy time for many of us, and I know many people in our community share my sadness about the impact the war is having on the lives of those living in the Middle East, as well as on our lives here.

Now, more than ever, we’re fortunate to live where we do, and it’s time to embrace where we live, work and play.

The weather this week has been glorious and, between cleaning up our foreshore areas in Austinmer, Thirroul and Port Kembla where the beaches were really hit by last weekend’s swells, our teams have been out mowing the city’s parks and green spaces so that they can be enjoyed this weekend.

Time with grass between your toes is always well spent so why not pack a picnic – or support a local business by buying lunch – and get out of the house and enjoy our beautiful green spaces? The Botanic Garden will be open across the long weekend – with the exception of Good Friday – and is always an enjoyable visit.

Alternatively, my personal favourite is always the chance to enjoy a wander along the Wollongong foreshore with a coffee stop along the way.

If you fancy a swim in the sea, our lifeguards remain on duty over the weekend. They’re joined on the city’s 17 patrolled beachesby volunteers from Surf Life Saving NSW on the public holidays. Be sure to always follow the advice of lifeguards and lifesavers and to stick to swimming between the red and yellow flags.

If rock fishing is your thing for Easter, please be safe. Make sure you follow all the safety advice, stay across the beach conditions and always wear a life jacket.

However, if the weather doesn’t play ball this weekend (and my app does have rain indicated), there are options! How long has it been since you’ve visited the Wollongong Art Gallery?

We’re fortunate to have a regional gallery right here in the heart of Wollongong and it’ll be open on Saturday and Sunday. There are currently six free exhibitions on offer, and it’s really well connected to public transport if you’d rather leave the car in the garage for the weekend.

Alternatively, if lounge lizard is more your vibe, here’s a tip – did you know you can loan movies online from our libraries and watch them at home? Check out the library’s website for information on how to borrow movies online (for free!!) and get the popcorn cooking.

How ever you chose to spend the following days, I hope they’re special.

For those marking Easter, have a lovely celebration. I know our Orthodox community will mark Easter the following weekend and I will be thinking of them at that time.

To those who will be working over the long weekend, thank you. I know it can be a hectic time for first responders, and appreciate those in hospitality and retail will be hoping for busy days. We’ll have crews on the ground across the weekend keeping our parks, foreshore areas and amenities in tip-top shape to be enjoyed.