AN exhibition at Bulli will feature as part of this year’s Australian Heritage Festival held across the country from 18 April to 18 May 2025.
The Festival is the nation’s largest community-driven heritage event, and a number of events will be held in the Illawarra.
An annual celebration of natural, historic and Indigenous heritage, 2025 marks the 45th year of the Festival which features more than 150 free and ticketed events and activities for all ages, interests and budgets.
The NSW programme of the 2025 Australian Heritage Festival will open on World Heritage Day Friday 18 April and continue daily until Sunday 18 May 2025 (inclusive).
Spanning metropolitan and regional areas of the state, this year’s Festival theme is ‘Unearthed’ and the 2025 NSW calendar includes special exhibitions, walks, tours of historical sites, performances, food experiences, ceremonies, demonstrations, and other curated attractions to bring heritage to life for all.
Highlights of the 2025 Australian Heritage Festival in the Illawarra region include:
What did you do in the War and Afterwards Mummy – Unearthing Forgotten Stories
An opportunity for people to commemorate and share memories of their mothers and aunties who stepped forward for service during WW2. Featuring photos and other items unearthed from various sources, the event will focus on how women’s service is often overlooked and how women impacted lives during the war period and afterwards. An event presented by Black Diamond Heritage Centre Bulli.
WHERE: Bulli Railway Station, Bulli NSW
WHEN: Every Sunday during the Festival. 1pm-4pm (except 27 Apr: 12pm-2.45pm)
COST: Adult $5 / Child $3
INFO / BOOK: australianheritagefestival.org.au
Wollongong City Libraries has partnered with local photographer Ruth Barbato to host this FREE exhibition, which features ‘post lockdown’ photos and the spoken word to explore the power of connection – how kinship can grow from starting conversations with strangers.
WHERE: 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong NSW – Lab on Level 1 of the library building
WHEN: Daily
COST: Free
INFO / BOOK: australianheritagefestival.org.au
Illawarra in the 1940s and 50s – 8mm Film Screening
Step back in time and view footage ‘unearthed’ at a local home of events such as local 1950s Surf Carnivals, Queen’s Coronation Celebration Parades and some local soccer games. The footage will be screened via an original 8mm projector.
WHERE: 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong NSW – Level 1 of the library building
WHEN: 14 May 2025, from 1pm
COST: Free
INFO / BOOK: australianheritagefestival.org.au
Ryan Butta on the Bravest Scout in Gallipoli
Ryan Butta will discuss his latest book The Bravest Scout in Gallipoli – an amazing true story of Harry Freame – a Japanese-Australian adventurer, soldier of fortune, Anzac, orchardist and spy. An event proudly hosted by Shellharbour City Library.
WHERE: 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre NSW
WHEN: 24 April 2025, from 6.00pm
COST: Free, but bookings essential
INFO / BOOK: australianheritagefestival.org.au
Step into the vibrant world of the Gumaraa’s Cultural Experience, where ancient traditions come to life. Join in a powerful Welcome Ceremony, witness dynamic dance, walk the land on a bush tucker tour, and try your hand at boomerang or spear throwing. Connect through stories, echoed for generations.
WHERE: Killalea Drive, Shell Cove NSW
WHEN: 28 April 2025, from 10am-12noon
COST: Adult $60 / Child $50
INFO / BOOK: australianheritagefestival.org.au
The Australian Heritage Festival is organised, promoted, facilitated, and led by the National Trust. It not only connects communities but also provides patronage and support to many worthwhile organisations such as not-for-profit and community groups, businesses, councils, conservation groups, museums, galleries, libraries, spiritual places, and others.
The NSW Government through Heritage NSW is principal sponsor of the Australian Heritage Festival and the National Trust Heritage Awards, which is the signature event of the Australian Heritage Festival.
For more information, visit australianheritagefestival.org.au.
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