Wollongong has pulled together an action-packed cluster of sporting and cultural events for locals and visitors keen to get out, join in and feel good this summer.

“Between December and March we will run 18 events with the potential to yield more than $20m in total economic value for the community,” said Destination Wollongong Marketing Manager Joanne Tralaggan.

“Our recent transition from Tourism Wollongong to Destination Wollongong has enabled us to attract a greater mix of activities and events to become the place to be for a Super Summer of fun over the holiday period.”

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said the It’s ON! campaign was designed to get more holiday action going in regional NSW.

“Wollongong’s stunning coastline and close proximity to Sydney and Canberra make it an ideal short breaks and special events destination for local, interstate and even international visitors,” Ms Chipchase said.  “This is the message we are very happy to spread via our It’s ON! campaign”.

The Destination NSW It’s ON! campaign includes radio, print and online media promotions, while the Destination Wollongong campaign features an It’s ON! branded bus that will cruise the streets of Wollongong to promote the summer fun. 

It’s ON! event highlights in Wollongong this summer include:

• Twenty20 Cricket, which will see a local team take on Sydney Thunder, including such champions as Usman Khawaja, Dirk Nannes and possibly even Australian Test Captain Michael Clarke in its line-up at Thomas Dalton Park, Towradgi, on  December 5.
  
  
• NSW Cycling Grand Prix, where Wollongong is to host the International Cycling Grand Prix Criterium Series and ‘Gran Fondo’ invitational ride along the beach and harbour foreshore on December 9.
  
  
• The ahm Wave Warriors, inspired by Ironman Champion Zane Holmes and one of the nation’s largest junior surf lifesaving events at North Wollongong from 15–16 December.
  
  
• Australia Day Aquathon, now the largest swim/run event in Australia on January 26, to be followed for the first time in 2013 by the Surf Boat Rowers National Trophy in the harbour and along the coast on January 27.
  
  
• Sunset Cinema, an open-air cinema experience at the Wollongong Botanic Gardens allowing families and friends to enjoy a dusk picnic while watching screen highlights like The Sapphires, Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 and old favourite, Dirty Dancing from December 6–January 19.
  
  
• Illawarra Folk Festival, now in its 28th year this perennial favourite will attract more than 10,000 fans to enjoy a selection of folk, acoustic, Celtic and gypsy performers at Bulli Showground from January 17–20.