A new chapter for Comic Gong begins this Saturday, when the celebration of all things comics, cosplay, gaming and pop culture hits Dapto for the first time.
It's the 13th iteration of the ever-popular event, with the shift to the Dapto Ribbonwood Centre this year a return to its suburban roots having first been held at Corrimal District Library and Community Centre to highlight the library's growing comics and graphic novel collection.
The junior graphic novel collection has since grown to become the second-most loaned collection across the service, while Comic Gong now attracts more than 10,000 people to Wollongong.
Programmed and delivered by Wollongong City Libraries staff and volunteers, the under-one-roof extravaganza features a host of activities regular devotees know and love, including cosplay competitions, trade stalls, arcade games, and live entertainment.
In finding news digs at the Ribbonwood Centre, the completely free event will be held just a five-minute walk from Dapto Train station, and just 50 metres from the nearest bus stop.
The full Comic Gong program offers the regular favourites, with over 60 amazing artists, authors, trade stalls and tabletop gaming specialists showcasing everything from comics, art and collectibles, to cosplay props and apparel.
It offers plenty of all-ages fun with LEGO robotics, pinball machines and arcade games, Star Wars fan club, Bumblebee, the Batmobile and more.
With train and bus stops nearby and free parking on site, getting to the Ribbonwood Centre is a hassle-free journey, but people are encouraged to allow for extra travel time to get to and from this popular event.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said there is truly something for everyone at the iconic event.
"It's amazing to think Comic Gong started as a small event to highlight our libraries' burgeoning graphic novel collection more than 10 years ago," Councillor Brown said.
"It was a great initiative of our Wollongong City Libraries staff and, with our brilliant volunteers, they continue to put on a brilliant show each year that brings thousands of people to our city.
"It's terrific to see the event now spreading its wings to Dapto and our southern suburbs. We are committed to the ongoing growth of our libraries and ensuring they are a point of social connection and engagement for our community.
"Comic Gong is a fun event, but it's also a reminder of how valuable and important our libraries are as a point of social connection and engagement for all members of our community.
Comic Gong
- When: Saturday 24 September, 10am-3pm
- Where: Dapto Ribbonwood Centre (this is an indoor event)
- Cost: FREE entry
