FreeCycle is a great way to give a new life to stuff you no longer want, and to divert still-useful waste from landfill tips. Here are some of the useful things I’ve picked up…

[ September 17, 2011; 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. ] This workshop is for both newcomers to backyard chooks as well as current chook owners. It is aimed at encouraging good health and well-being for poultry and consequently for the family eating the eggs! Bookings are essential as places are limited. Please contact Kiama Council on ph 4232 0416 or email juliee@kiama.nsw.gov.au for more information and bookings.

The notes from my recent presentation to Jamberoo Community Growers on swales.

The first series of Gourmet Farmer aired on SBS last year, and it’s back this year for Series 2. Is this Australia’s answer to Britain’s River Cottage?

[ September 25, 2011; 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. ] Clean Out your household chemical clutter the right way at a local drop off site. Paint, pesticides, poisons, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, book chemicals, motor oils, fuels and fluids, car batteries, flourescent light bulbs and more accepted. Where: Fred Finch Park Sporting Complex, Hooka Creek Road, Berkeley Cost: Free Contact: Call the Environment Line on 131555 or visit www.cleanout.com.au.

[ September 17, 2011; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. ] For budding cyclist, the gentle commuter or those seasoned in the saddle. See the latest in bikes – road, mountain, folding, electric, customised, BMX, have a free bicycle safety checks, with live music and more! Foreshore Park overlooks Belmore Basin, just north of the roundabout at the northern end of Marine Drive, Wollongong. Where: Foreshore Park Cost: Free Contact: For [...]

[ September 16, 2011; 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. ] Local residents only – plants $6 and $8.50. No cash accepted – card only. Limit of 25 plants per rates notice. Where: Greenplan Nursery, Northfields Avenue Keiraville – Look for the green flags Contact: For enquiries contact Wollongong Botanic Garden Office – 4225 2636

[ September 11, 2011; 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. ] Everyone is welcome to comae along, grab a bargain and enjoy the atmosphere. If you are a Wollongong resident, get involved & register a site in the Giant Car Boot Sale – Reuse, Repair & Recycle. Where: Underwood Carpark, Spring in to Corrimal Cost: Free Contact: To register contact GT@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or phone 42277262

[ September 3, 2011; 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. ] Come along and learn about the birds of the Illawarra. Includes displays and bird watching in the gardens. Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden Discovery Centre. Cost: Free Contact: Booking essential: Ailee Calderbank acalderbank@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or phone 0457- 847022

[ September 5, 2011; 10:30 am to 11:30 am. ] Learn tips about modern cloth nappies and baby care, so you can save money as well as the planet for your little ones. New and expectant parents and carers welcome. Where: Warrawong Library Cost: Free Contact: Book with Warrawong Library – 42278133 or email GT@wollongong.nsw.gov.au