Sea Cliff Bridge turns 20

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, ABC Illawarra chose to broadcast its popular Breakfast Show from another Illawarra landmark – the Clifton School of Arts (CSA).

With its sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and its rich cultural heritage, CSA offered the perfect vantage point for presenter Melinda James  to share stories of the bridge, the local community and the historic building itself.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown dropped in to reflect on her involvement in the bridge’s creation. She acknowledged its extraordinary success as a global tourist destination – and the parking pressures it has created for Clifton locals – assuring listeners that the issue will receive her attention.

CSA President David Roach spoke about the organisation’s long history and its evolution into a dynamic cultural hub, now attracting more than 18,000 visitors each year to exhibitions, workshops, literary events and performances.

Committee member Kieran Jones outlined future plans for the site, including new accessible facilities and a multipurpose gallery at the rear of the building.

Other guests included Makenzie Russell who came up "Sea Cliff" as the name for the bridge and  author and local historian Ruth Crowther, who shared insights into the region’s past and the lasting significance of both the bridge and the CSA in the life of the Northern Illawarra.