Hey, Tuesday readers

Did you know that the Illawarra is the unofficial home of the koala, with the first koala to be scientifically studied found on Mount Kembla in 1803? I spoke to Illawarra historian and passionate koala activist Michael Organ about the dire situation that Australia's koala populations are facing, and how the new Sydney Basin Koala Network aims protect them.

I also chat with James Kates, a Port Kembla-based photographer, filmmaker and musician whose exhibition, Treasure Teachings, opens on Friday, December 9 at Clifton School of the Arts. His hand-printed film and analog shots of the surf are sure to capture your attention, and so is the story behind his photography and many other projects.

Beach of the Week is back – today we focus on Austinmer. Read on to find out what is on offer at the beloved Austi Beach and the hazards to look out for, thanks to Austinmer SLSC's Michael Morris.

Catch you later,

Caitlin Sloan

The Tuesday Editor

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