From the manager's desk...

This week signals the start of celebrations and a special event for Wollongong; World Youth Day 2008 Days in the Dioceses.

Please join me in welcoming close to 2,000 international pilgrims calling Wollongong home as they participate in the Days in the Dioceses (DitD) events from Friday 11 - Sunday 13 of July, prior to World Youth Day (WYD) in Sydney. We encourage you to join in on the number of events being held in Wollongong as they are not restricted to pilgrims and hosting families.

By working together we can showcase our region to the world as we expect up to 7,000 visitors! Enjoy this once in a life time opportunity.

Regards,

Greg Binskin
General Manager

Wollongong welcomes WYD celebrations!

As 750 families in the Dioceses of Wollongong open their homes for five days hosting visitors from across the world, they will join in the celebrations and showcase the many wonderful attractions our region has on offer.

Please find below an overview of the events being held in Wollongong. Event details

Friday 11th July "Living Justly Day"

10.00am - 1.00pm
"Living Justly" social justice events
Venue: University of Wollongong

1.00pm - 6.00pm
Free time to enjoy the region with hosting families and friends. Special offers


7.00pm
Evening Prayer service celebrating Indigenous Australia
Venue: St Francis Xavier's Cathedral Wollongong

Saturday 12th July "Everything Aussie Festival and WYD Mass Day" Festival details

Morning
Free time to enjoy the region with hosting families and friends

12.30pm - 4.30pm
"Everything Aussie Festival"
Venue: Lang Park Wollongong

5.00pm
Art challenge
Venue: WIN Entertainment Centre foyer

5.15pm
Pre-Mass entertainment including the 100 piece WYD band and choir
Venue: WIN Entertainment Centre

6.00pm
WYD Commissioning Vigil Mass
Venue: WIN Entertainment Centre

Sunday 13th July "NRL Game Day"

Morning
Sunday Mass at local parishes and farewell activities

1.30pm - 4.30pm
NRL game St George Illawarra vs Canberra Raiders
Venue: WIN Stadium

Alternatively, the afternoon can be enjoyed at leisure in the region with hosting families and friends

Monday 14th July "Departure Day"

We bid farewell to our new found friends before departing for their journey to Sydney to continue the WYD celebrations.

Want to know more?

You will find the full event details listed on the Catholic Dioceses of Wollongong website (click here)

For further information on our region and accommodation availability, please visit www.visitwollongong.com.au or call the Tourism Wollongong Visitor Centre on +61 2 4228 0300.