Hello, Tuesday readers

What a big weekend we just had, jam-packed with local events – there sure was something for everyone.

This week we cover the inaugural Northern Illawarra Art Trail, which took place on Saturday and Sunday, the third instalment of the Thirroul Music Festival and Lake Illawarra’s Seaside Scavenge on November 6.

If you haven’t come across them on your social feeds yet, sunrise swim group Sea Gals, having enamoured the women of Perth, has come to Wollongong. Dedicated to building a close-knit, all-inclusive community for women by catching up for weekly ocean swims, Sea Gals motto is to 'come as you are', as you will be embraced as you are. I chat to founder Tara Jeisman, from Kingsley in Western Australia, and Sea Gals Wollongong coordinator Sarah Fahy about what the movement is all about, and the very interesting backstory to its rise.

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas and want to support and rep local? Grand Pacific Customs has got you covered. Their recent collection features tees that laud the Illawarra, celebrating its surf, skate, moto and creative communities. Founder Gideon Rogers was kind enough to answer my questions about his passion project.

Read on to find out what you need to know about this week’s Beach of the Week, thanks to Scarborough-Wombarra Surf Life Saving Club president Ant Ritter.

Catch you later,

Caitlin Sloan

The Tuesday Editor

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