Hello, Tuesday readers

It's a big week of charity events, with both the Great Illawarra Walk and the MS Mega Swim set to be held this Saturday, March 11.

I spoke to the Great Illawarra Walk founder Chris Lovatt about how the 40km route from Shellharbour to Thirroul is moving from its usual inland course along the Princes Highway to our coastal roads and walkways for the first time in the event's 16-year history. This year, all donations will go to the Illawarra Academy of Sport's Athlete With a Disability Program, helping to establish a gym.

The MS Mega Swim is coming to UOW's UniActive pool on Saturday, with an anticipated 120 all-age, all-ability swimmers taking to the water for a 24-hour marathon team swim. I spoke to event organiser Bill Wright, of Figtree Lions Club, about what the challenge entails and what the money raised will mean for Australians with multiple sclerosis.

Our Beach of the Week is the fantastic (and extremely popular) North Wollongong Beach. Find out what you should know before you go, thanks to North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club's Lyal Hammond.

Catch you later,

Caitlin Sloan

The Tuesday Editor

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