Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct The big reveal launch party to feature Chris Tamwoy
STINGRAY LOUNGE AT QT GOLD COAST
T H E P E R FEC T
SUMMER NIGHT OUT
7 STAG H O R N AV E N U E , S U R F E R S PA R A D I S E
QTGOLDCOAST
Attracting a rare mingling of tourists and locals, Stingray nights come with a salty air of fleeting fun. Splashes of pop art and lounge booths surrounded by a buzzing sun-kissed atmosphere. Weekend DJs to send you dancing into balmy nights. A cheeky evening played out in sophistication.
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Your local stories Hey Blankers,
issue #93 - December 2021
Welcome to the Bumper Summer edition! Who else is limping to the finish line of 2021? Now’s probably a good time to tell you that the Blank team will be taking a much-needed hiatus from COB Tuesday 14 December and will be returning on Monday 10 January, refreshed and raring to go for an exciting 2022.
Managing Editor: Natalie O’Driscoll Creative Director: Chloe Popa Advertising & Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Content Coordinator & Photography: Simone Gorman-Clark TeamWriters: Anthony Gebhardt & Zac Fahey Graphic Designer: Heidi Glasson Distribution: Swingin' Safari Crew Contributors (print and online): Natalie O’Driscoll, Anthony Gebhardt, Zac Fahey, Marj Osborne, Simone Gorman-Clark, Amelia Green, Belinda Topan, Nikki Archer, Dani Teveluwe, Anne Janelle, Isabella Collins. Cover: Chris Tamwoy. Supplied by artist Acknowledgement of Country: We genuinely respect and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and play. We honour their elders past, present and emerging as well as the rich contribution that continues to be made to society through art, story and music. About us: Blank is independently owned and published by Samantha Morris, Chloe Popa, Amanda Gorman and Natalie O'Driscoll. Founded in 2013 we are an independent voice for local music, arts and lifestyle and we rely on advertising as well as our generous contributors to keep us ticking. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor, publishers or the writing team. Editorial: news@blankstreetpress.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankstreetpress.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankstreetpress.com.au Follow us: Facebook/Instagram@blankstreetpress
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Our summer edition is distributed again in January so folks can still get their Gold Coasty goodness while we’re day napping, and we’ll have still have some socials on the go, so your holiday leisure time will be covered, never fear! This is a fun and eclectic edition with an interesting blend of Gold Coast and Logan content. Logan getting its own cultural precinct with a 5,000 pax outdoor stage is pretty exciting news, which is why we’ve popped guitar tap phenomenon Chris Tamwoy on the cover – he’s a Logan boy and he’ll be playing the big ol’ launch party at the Kingston Butter Factory. And wasn’t he an absolute delight to chat to! We also take a look at some Xmas shopping and New Year’s Eve options for you in this edition, as well as speak to local rapper Lane Harry about his game changing music industry app. We meet a couple of up-and-coming Gold Coast stars Tanisha and clovo, and take a close up look at HOTA’s super fun, nostalgic and colourful summer program Pick ‘N’ Mix. Giant sprinklers, anyone?
Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
Behind the scenes, the Blank team has been busy strategising for 2022 and beyond, so watch this space for some super exciting announcements to come. Whatever you’re doing this silly season, we hope you get to eat amazing food, hug your loved ones, and spend some time on our beautiful Gold Coast beaches. Enjoy this edition dear readers, and take care of yourselves. Til next time. Yours, Natalie O’Driscoll Managing Editor
Win tix to Dracula’s Cabaret With most of the tix for Friday and Saturday nights sold out for the rest of the year, Dracula’s Cabaret is presenting their Saturday matinee show "Muertos: Apéritif ”, a full Dracula's experience minus the 3-course meal, presented in two-halves as a show-only spectacular, and we’ve got five lots of six tix to give away. All you have to do to enter the draw is join our enews before midday on Wednesday 12 December via the link at the top of our Facebook page.
transform into a tennis court for the triumphant story of Australian sporting hero, Evonne Goolagong. Then for ‘Sprung!’, the theatre will metamorphise again into a cabaret café for where nobody speaks the same language and absurd is the order of the day. For ‘The Boy Who Talked to Dogs’ the theatre becomes an Irish bar with multiple stages to tell the true story of Nimbin’s famous “Dogman” Martin McKenna. More at norpa.org.au.
Confidence Man + Jaguar Jonze
Spice things up with Brazilian Heat
A big stage needs big entertainers. Indie electro pop band Confidence Man and selfdescribed ‘Eastern cowgirl howling at the rising sun’ Jaguar Jonze bring the soundtrack to your summer with the boldness and boundary-pushing sounds you know and love, on the HOTA Outdoor Stage, Saturday 22 January. Tix at hota.com.au.
Find the bold brass and beats of a Brazilian Summer and keep your season spicy with HOTA. Turn-up the heat with a celebration of South American flavours and live concert of Brazilian music. Featuring the Gold Coast’s best samba, bossa and salsa, band Zambabem, with Trio Mandala, and DJ Glazer, get ready for a summer carnivale under the stars, 29 January. Tix at hota.com.au.
Blues on Broady first lineup announcement
Mint Art House pop-up market Shop small and local for your Xmas gift needs at Mint Art House’s first ever pop up market this month. They’re bringing together amazing local artists, makers and crafters on Saturday 11 December from 8am to 12pm at 87 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads. Pop in and grab some ceramics, clothing, bags, jewellery, Christmas wrap and more.
NORPA has revealed a magnificent 2022 season of full of adventure and world-class performances that will transport audiences to different worlds, including ‘Sunshine Super Girl’, which will see the theatre
The Surfboard Warehouse is sponsoring the world’s first Softboard Teams competition on Sunday 23 January 2022 at Currumbin Beach. Hosted by the Alley Boardriders, the unique one-day event featuring the Gold Coast top 8 boardriders clubs and an expression session of TSBW legends, will surf for charity and the conservation work at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Golden Weekend at Mo’s
Distillery nights in Beenleigh NORPA reveals 2022 season
Softboard teams comp at Currumbin
One of Australia’s largest FREE music festivals, Blues on Broadbeach will be held 19- 22 May, 2022 and is set to feature an incredible line-up of Blues artists including national treasure James Morrison alongside his talented band, US guitar legend Robben Ford, and fellow American icon R.L. Boyce, who will be performing with Aussie blues star Dom Turner. For more visit bluesonbroadbeach.com
The newest night event to hit the highway is Distillery nights at the popular Beenleigh Distillery. On the second Friday of every month, expect live music, food trucks and free twilight tours of the distillery including tastings in the Grand Barrel Room as well as the historic White Rum room. It’s a free event, but bookings are highly recommended via 3807 3737.
Celebrate Christmas with some of your fave local acts at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 December with the ‘Golden Weekend’ featuring Lagerstein + Buttered + The Jensens + The Aunties + Being Jane Lane + Power Drill + Purple Zain + Pvcker up + Tubescreamers + heaps more. Tix and info at mosdesertclubhouse.com
Get the low-down on local festivals, gigs, theatre, art, comedy, eats, drinks, amazing humans and more by joining our e-list for a-list news.
Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
It’s Roller Rink time! Let the good times roll this summer as HOTA’s pop-up roller skating rink offers the ultimate fun these school holidays, from 10 December all the way through to 23 January, with Roller Nights on 13 and 20 January. Suitable for all ages and abilities. More at hota.com.au.
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A better way to learn.
That’s Excellent. Southern Cross University is excited to launch an innovative approach to your studies, with shorter and sharper unit structures designed to make study more engaging and increase student success. Choose from a large range of courses in business and enterprise, creative arts, music education, engineering, health, humanities, Indigenous knowledge, IT, law, science, social work and community welfare, and more. You can also choose to design your own degree with our range of shared majors.
Discover a better way to learn at Southern Cross University. Apply now to start in March scu.edu.au/study
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City of Logan ushers in new era with the launch of Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct Words by Natalie O’Driscoll
The historic Kingston Butter Factory has been renovated and repurposed as the City of Logan’s new epicentre of live performance. The new precinct includes an outdoor amphitheatre with space for 5000 which will showcase vibrant cultural offerings from the region and beyond. The Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct (KBF) redevelopment project, spearheaded by Logan City Council, will create a platform to nurture and celebrate the arts in the City of Logan.
Vampire writing workshops Situated between the major hubs of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the City of Logan has developed a unique cultural for teens and adults: identity with a thriving local arts community that has gained national recognition; Savage Garden and in-person and live streamfrequently Dami Im among the city’s highest-profile cultural exports. Of course along with the launch of the exciting new precinct comes an epic launch party, with the local community getting its first taste of the revamped KBF venue on Saturday 29 January.
Thursday 13 January 2022 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Friday 14 January 2022 1pm to 2pm
Book now
BOOK NOW
Council’s Lifestyle Chair Councillor Laurie Koranski says the KBF Launch Party will be an early taste of great things to come for the new cultural precinct. “The KBF Launch Party, which will feature talented local artists, is a fantastic way to introduce the new outdoor stage area to the community,” Cr Koranski says. “Our headline act Chris Tamwoy, who grew up in Woodridge, is an extremely talented guitarist and vocalist, with a very distinctive style. “Those who have already listened to his new album ‘Reality Is’, will know that our Launch Party crowd is in for a real treat.” First Nations artist Chris Tamwoy captured Australia’s attention during the 2016 season of ‘Australia’s Got Talent’, where he wowed audiences with his own style of “tap” guitar playing. He moved to Woodridge from the Torres Strait island of Badu as a youngster, and has always considered the City of Logan his home, no matter where life and work has taken him. He’s also the City’s number one fan.
LOGAN CITY COUNCIL LIBRARIES loganlibraries.org/whats-on
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“All my childhood memories were made in Logan,” he tells us when we catch up. “I went to Woodridge High - a lot of Australian football talent is from there as well - but in terms of music we’ve got some huge talent here. The diversity in Logan is so incredible, it really makes it what it is. Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
“Our local venues that have live music cover all the genres. I’m all about supporting the talent in our local community, so when my mates are jamming at the local rec club, I go and support them and have a few coldies and appreciate the talent we have here.” As a connoisseur of the local music scene, as well as one of its most visible exports, Chris is over the moon to have been invited to help launch the KBF precinct. “I’m super excited to be a part of that,” he enthuses. “I remember going there as a kid to watch shows, and walking around with my Nan and Pop. Now I’m heading there to perform at the launch, and I’m so stoked that we have our own outdoor theatre in Logan. “I went and checked out the site and stood on the stage and I know I’ll be coming here for a lot of shows over the next few years. To be kicking it off as a local artist performing in my local hometown to my local crowd… it’s huge for me.” Tasked with the management of the site and its live offerings is actor, director and all-round arts maven Todd MacDonald. Many culture vultures may recognise Todd as the most recent Artistic Director at the La Boite Theatre in Brisbane. He explains how his role there developed his interest in the City of Logan’s arts scene. “We had a really strong focus on diversity and inclusion in the practice of making the shows we were making at La Boite, and that was the work I was really passionate about,” Todd says. “Some of the artists I worked with there hailed from Logan and were such incredibly interesting and diverse artists; passionate, talented, and I was really excited by working with them. “I was quite interested in the question ‘What is the space you can make the most impact in, what is the kind of work I can do working with community and people’s personal stories, and theatre and art as a form of storytelling?’” Enter the KBF project, which aligned perfectly with Todd’s values. “The KBF vision is around community first,” he says. “It’s this bold, unapologetic embracing of Logan’s identity, and that’s what exciting for me.
Chris Tamwoy. Photo supplied by artist
“It’s a city proud of being rough around the edges, being proud of having real depth of story and overcoming challenges. We’re really embracing that. “No one’s going to call us boring!” he laughs. Originally built as a humble timber structure in 1907 to cater to the growing dairy industry in Logan, the Kingston Butter Factory was reclad in brick and modernised in 1932 and ran consistently until its closure in 1983. Logan City Council then took over the factory, and in 1988 it became a community centre as a Bicentennial project. The brick-clad original exterior has been retained in the redevelopment, while a new building will be home to the Logan Historical Society and popular City of Logan café, Devon Pixies Tea House. The precinct will also feature a 220-seat multi-purpose Butterbox Theatre, as well as commercial spaces and community rooms, all thoughtfully designed for maximum accessibility. The pièce de resistance is, of course, the City of Logan’s largest purpose-built outdoor events space, which will have capacity for up to 5,000 people and will attract national and international acts and host major festivals, weekend markets and community events. “There will be so many ways for people to interact with the building,” says Todd. “It's gotta be real. It’s gotta be Logan. We want people from the city to feel welcome to come through at any time. “And if you make great work in there and really welcome people in there, people from outside the region will read about it and hear about it and want to stop in.
“It’s going to be focused on the Logan community and celebrating the excellence and artists that already exist. “To be a part of something like this from the very initiation of it is a huge privilege. It’s a great time to be here.” Cr Koranski agrees. “It is an exciting time for the City of Logan with the redevelopment of our Kingston Butter Factory precinct almost complete,” she says. “The reimagined venue will be a world-class cultural destination, designed to attract national and international acts as well as major festivals, markets, and community events.” Already an impressive line-up of local and national bands is scheduled to appear in 2022. On Saturday, 19 March one day festival ‘Melting Sunsets’ will feature Pete Murray and The Whitlams, while The Squeeze “freshtival” featuring Lime Cordiale, Thelma Plum and Client Liaison will take over the precinct on Sunday, 8 May. Educational opportunities, including workshops, and a massive artist summit will be held in the new year, where local artists will be invited to help shape the City’s cultural direction. Add to that a range of unique theatrical offerings, venuesfor-hire, artistic residencies, weekend markets, community events, eye-catching art and an outdoor play area, and you’ve got yourself a cultural precinct worthy of world-class city. Now all that’s left is to launch it. The Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct will launch on Saturday 29 January with a free community Launch Party. Numbers are strictly limited - visit loganarts.com.au to register. Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
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The Grogans to deliver the best night ever
Photography by Glenn Stewart
Southport as a special entertainment precinct? Have your say Words by Isabella Collins
Best Night Ever (BNE) is back on the Gold Coast Sunday 19 December at Miami Marketta. Alongside anticipated performances from “icons” Violent Soho, West Thebarton and Teenage Joans, unmissable Melbourne punk legends, The Grogans, kick the party into full swing following the release of their new single ‘Just A Kid’. With a line up as juicy as this, BNE is sure to whet your punk rock appetite. With a slick and undeniably groovy sound reminiscent of blues-inspired 60s surf rock with a garage punk flair, the everhumble Grogs trio are set to deliver. Their fresh and addictive upbeat single will definitely get you up out of your seat, singing along to nostalgic youth. We spoke to Jordy and Quin ahead of their Best Night Ever gig. How are you feeling releasing ‘Just A Kid’?
after
Q: It’s always fun and exciting putting a track out irrespective of its performance, it’s almost like a release. We really appreciate putting this out through Cousin Will Records. He does a lot of work on these releases. We’ve got really cool creatives around us, and a really great support network that personally inspires me. What was your process in creating the track? J: We stumbled upon it. Quin and I would just be having a jam,
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making a rough outline of what it could be. Then we showed Gus and he put his twist on it. We always build it together. Q: That’s how our stuff has evolved now. It all glues together when we’re all in one room hanging out. Nothing’s been quite structural. In such tricky times, where do you find inspiration? Q: The lockdowns almost did inspire it. We all had time to stop our lives and lots of things would unravel personally. You would start thinking about the complexities you’re going through in terms of age. J: We were sitting at home constantly listening to music, watching music videos, playing. We’re in here and frustrated we can’t leave, so you know, there’s nothing better than to have a jam. What are you most looking forward to about Best Night Ever on the Gold Coast? Q: I’m just excited! I love having my friends on stage. We get very grateful when we play live. And it’s sick to get to do something that we like, and it’s so fun! J: I’m looking forward to playing the best night ever! It’s all in the name. I love the energy of performing live. That’s my favourite part, seeing everyone go a bit nuts and having fun. And it’s to our music, that’s mental.
Are there any other bands you’re stoked to see from the BNE line up? J: Our manager Will loves West Thebarton, so I’m keen as to see them. And Violent Soho will be mental. Q: All of them. We’ve been doing a couple of tours since we started so we get to see other bands emerging, like Teenage Joans are a sick example of that. This will be a nice introduction to all these bands. With the live music industry struggling under the pandemic, how important is it now for people to attend gigs and support Australian music? J: It’s the most crucial time and it’s super important for everyone. Q: It is the most crucial. We’ve got so many friends as part of our team, like booking agents, sound guys and managers who do so much. The music industry isn’t bands, it’s so many people. I hope people start looking into that. Check out the full line up for Best Night Ever and get your tickets for 19 December now! With extremely limited capacity, you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss out on the Best Night Ever. Head over to tickets.oztix.com.au to get your night sorted, and hit up The Grogans across socials @ thegrogansband. To read the full interview, visit blankstreetpress. com.au. Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
Southport is one step closer to officially becoming the home of live music, with community consultation for a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) having just kicked off. The Southport SEP aims to develop a significant live music scene for the coast while contributing to the city’s cultural economy and reputation. “We have identified an area of Southport where a cluster of live music venues exist and where there is opportunity to add even more,” said Mayor Tom Tate. “This will eventually allow us to improve safety within Southport through the review of lighting, wayfinding signage, safety cameras and pathways between key transport nodes and live music venues.” The City endorsed the investigation of the precinct in Southport in 2018 due to its existing live music venues, established public transport and the fact it is the Gold Coast’s CBD. The benefits to Southport businesses and residents include greater vibrancy and economic output due to an increase in visitors to the precinct and support for the local music industry. Live music venues will be required to be compatible with nearby residential buildings and the SEP will provide a regulatory framework for the City to manage noise levels. Design of new residential buildings will need to be compatible with the intent for live music venues in the SEP.
Divisional Councillor Brooke Patterson said: “The establishment of the Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) is framed on the acclaimed Fortitude Valley model in Brisbane. We are on track with our plans for a vibrant attractive CBD and this is an important milestone.’’ Venue manager of Southport’s Vinnies Dive Bar, Glenn Stewart, said it would create a cultural ‘point of difference’ for the area. “This is a great initiative to increase the entertainment options in Southport and will showcase incredible local talent who have been doing it tough in recent times,” said Mr Stewart. The community consultation will explain the proposal to participants and ask for their feedback on the SEP, the introduction of micro-breweries and required amendments to local law and city planning policies. If successful, the SEP will result in amendments to the Southport Priority Development Area Development Scheme, the City Plan and relevant local laws. There would be no fees to apply for the required amplified music venue licence and the City would assist businesses through the application and approval process. Have your say until Wednesday 22 December at gchaveyoursay. com.au/sep
Silent Song Auction: A music industry game-changer Gold Coast artist Lane Harry has developed a direct-to-consumer song sale app that is set to change the way artists make money from music. Prolific Gold Coast rapper Lane Harry – aka Saint Lane – has always had this kind of non-stop vibe to him. Hopping from creative project to creative project as easily as he changes into his endless supply of colourful and distinctive outfits, this stylish local hip hop legend has never been far from our radar.
Why would someone bid for a song of their favourite artist, you ask? Simple. In what is a world first, the winner of the Silent Song Auction will receive the intellectual property rights to the unreleased song. As in, they will own it, completely, and can do whatever they want with it. The artist will no longer own the rights to the song.
Although now, he’s on it for a reason other than his music.
It’s the ultimate collector’s brag, no? Imagine being the only person in the world to own an original, unreleased song by Tame Impala, for example.
Having finally released his spanking EP ‘Rainbow’s End’, following a lengthy chase of the masters, Lane is keen to move into more of the business side of the music business, but with an artist focus. The music industry, generally speaking, is notoriously anti-artist, and streaming services have decimated what was once the main source of income for mid-level artists. Enter Silent Song Auction.
SCULPTURE: Reflection by Phillip Piperides | IMAGE: PBR Images
This app, developed by Lane over the last year, enables artists with a decent following to put an unreleased song up for bid.
Of course, your average punter may not have the dosh to drop on owning one song from an artist they love (although you may be surprised). But this also opens up opportunities for businesses, advertisers and the like seeking original music for commercial purposes, which could turn into some serious cash for the artist, and alleviates any quibbling over copyright and licencing for the buyer. Silent Song Auction puts songs up for bid one at a time, and at the time of writing
this, Saint Lane track ‘Vulgar’, with two days to go, had already accumulated bids of $2000. This app is no joke. “The whole business of music is just so flawed,” says Lane. “It’s so anti-artist, I don’t want to operate in that environment anymore. And I’m happy for my songs to have a life outside of streaming.” So are other artists, if the high-profile acts that have handed over their songs to Lane for auction are any indication (and no, we can’t reveal who they are just yet, but it’s super exciting). This really feels like the start of something big. “I think if this business model works, artists will realise the leverage is theirs, and no label, radio station or playlist can tell them what music they need to make,” Lane states. Bring it on. Hop on over to silentsongauction. com and follow @silentsongauction for updates. Words by Natalie O’Driscoll
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APPLY ONLINE NOW! www.swellsculpture.com.au
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NEWS TAP
Burleigh Brewing: News on Tap Words by Natalie O’Driscoll | Photography by Troy Archer
ON
In celebration of their latest Brewers' Notebook release, Burleigh Sublime Mexican Lager - Burleigh Brewing has teamed up with local tattooist Laura Marshall to design the unique can artwork, as well as well as create a colourful mural in the Burleigh Taphouse itself. The Sublime artwork is drawn from the time that Laura spent in the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix, Arizona, driving through vast and surreal desert plains of Saguaro Cacti. As such, it has a powerful magic to it. We were intrigued by the work of the talented Laura, and got to know her, and her relationship with Burleigh Brewing, a little better. Laura, tell us a little about yourself? My name is Laura Marshall. I would describe myself as an Artist, Illustrator and Tattoo Artist. I am an optimist, a truth
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seeker, and a dreamer (weird combination - I know!) Talk us through the design process for creating the can art for Burleigh Sublime. Was there anything unique about how you approached this project in comparison to tattooing? The Burleigh Sublime design is quite different to the usual style I would lean towards in tattooing, where I specialise in black and grey stylised/graphic realism. What I've created in the Burleigh Sublime artwork mostly reflects the time I’ve spent designing graphics. It's more of a character/ icon creation that has been designed to fit into the specific parameters of the can label. This process reflects they styles of my past career work, more than my current career in tattooing. Composition is something that I'm always prioritising in all aspects of creating. To begin with, I created some layouts that would give me a feel for the colours and Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
where I wanted everything to fit in photoshop. Then I printed it out and did a rough concept sketch from there by hand. The final design is from a pen and ink drawing and all the colouring was done in Photoshop to achieve the finished product. Paint the scene for us, when and where are you going to enjoy your first can of Burleigh Sublime? I’ll confess that I did sneak a sip on packaging day when we were starting the mural! But I’m really looking forward to the launch party to celebrate all the collaborated efforts that’ve been put into the development of this exciting beer. I’m also excited to see the bands playing - I haven't been to a gig in a very long time so I can't wait. What do you love most about what you do? I love that I get to create new projects constantly - unlike my old career where I would be working
on a particular game from 3 to 4 months at a time. Tattooing is different every single day. I get to meet some wonderful and genuine people, I've made some true friends who started off as clients and that's really special to me. I feel very honoured to have such great clients like Mez, who keep coming back to me after all these years. It's great seeing how they evolve over time and having the opportunity to adorn them with my art. Sometimes working as a Tattoo Artist, I have to pinch myself because I get to hang out with my friends every day while creating art, listening to good music and talking a lot of shit, haha. I try not to take myself too seriously! Burleigh Sublime Mexican Lager is as good as it sounds - believe us, we’ve tried a few! Follow @ burleighbrewing for more on this perfect summer bevvie and @383tattoogc for more magical art. To read the full interview, visit blankstreetpress.com.au.
Photo by Darran Franks
Photo by Kiel Tillman
When The Walls Talk: Artist Kiel Tillman Words by Amelia Green
Original. Unexpected. Genius. Kiel Tillman’s murals layer crisp graphic elements and typography with organic shapes and imagery. His bold clean lines breathe not just life, but character and spunk into every space he transforms. Owner and Creative Director of Tillman Creative Co., Kiel’s creative practice interweaves murals, graphic design, illustration, brand identity and garment design. He has exhibited in galleries across Australia, and collaborated with brands ranging from Disney and Oakley, to Corona and General Pants. An expert in pushing creative boundaries, and telling stories through design, there is something wonderfully untamed and free about the artistic wilderness that Tillman crafts, and we can’t wait to see where he takes us next. We chatted with Kiel about his journey, his inspiration and creating art in public space. Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming an artist? I grew up in a small coastal town, there wasn’t much to do except surf and skate around with my friends. Through surf magazines, skateboards, clothing labels etc I found a love for graphics. That led me to move to the Gold Coast to study graphic design. Since graduating I’ve worked at a printers (Fast Proof Press), a surf label (Billabong), and helped build a company (Potato Press) and all the while I’ve continued to create my own work. Almost 5 years ago I took all of the knowledge and experience I gained from working across different creative industries and I started Tillman Creative Co. Now I get to help build brands with Pixels and Paint. What first stimulated you to start painting in public space? I was given the opportunity to paint a wall in a café for a bit of cash and some free coffees (the old Feather and Docks in Palm Beach). I took it as an opportunity and a challenge to create something larger than what I had created before. Then I got asked to paint bigger and bigger walls. I just kept taking the challenge and learning along the way. Every mural presents a new challenge and experience. How do you approach the creation of art in public spaces, and the creation of art in a studio, differently?
Most of my murals are commercial or commissioned – so they need to serve a purpose, represent a brand or have meaning to the people who commissioned the piece. It is very rare that I get to paint a piece that is all about me and my artistic expression. I am a designer by trade so I approach murals with more of a problem solver perspective. For my own personal artwork though (when I actually get time to create) it is all about getting ideas out of my head. Trying things out. Exploring new techniques. What do you enjoy most about creating art in public space? I enjoy seeing the end result. The process of creating the piece can be stressful, exhilarating, exhausting, rewarding, painful, meditative and even lonely at times. But the absolute best moment is finishing, standing back and seeing your work in a public space. There’s a feeling of accomplishment you get which is hard to describe. It makes the roller coaster of creating it all worth it! I like going back and seeing the work from time to time too. Unless it gets painted over, haha. Nothing lasts forever though. Can you share a bit about what inspires your work? The biggest inspiration is a deadline. I work best under pressure. Anxiety can be a powerful tool. All jokes aside though, I love nature, the ocean, music, architecture, animation, movies, my family and my peers in the industry (especially my Gold Coast creative crew). It is also inspiring to see young creatives coming through. Keeps this old man on his toes. When or where are you most creative? I would have to be most productive in my studio in Burleigh. But I think my brain is most creative when I am forced to stop or do a mundane tasks – Like having a shower, doing the dishes, the morning commute. Forced downtime – no phone or other distractions. Just a pencil, notebook, headphones and weird music. Some of the most recent Gold Coast locations to receive an injection of Kiel’s artistic genius include Cheeky’s bar in Surfers Paradise, Dreamworld, AWOL beer’s taproom in Burleigh Heads, and a pump water station in Hope Island. Still curious? Jump on over to tillmancreative.co or follow Kiel @kieltillman and @tillmancreativeco. Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
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Gold Coast Matilda’s star Hayley Raso pens uplifting children’s book Matildas football star Hayley Raso has co-written a semi-autobiographical children’s book in order to inspire kids around the world. Having achieved her wildest dreams in her professional career, including debuting at the Olympics in Tokyo this year, Hayley, who grew up on the Gold Coast, began to reflect on her personal journey. Hayley then used her early childhood memories to collaborate with respected children’s author Sarah Griffith to create a uniquely personal and uplifting children’s book entitled ‘Hayley’s Ribbon’. The book is inspired by her own upbringing, with influences from her mother, Renaye and her Nan, who always made sure she had a ribbon in her hair to empower her and to remind her that she always has her family with her. Hayley’s mother was a single mum who raised Hayley and her two brothers Jordan who has an intellectual disability and Lachlan, who was born with a rare congenital heart defect.
In 2011, Hayley commenced her professional football career with Canberra United has since played around the world. In 2018 while playing for the Portland Thorns in the US, Hayley fractured three of her vertebrae. After an extensive rehabilitation where she had to learn to walk again, Hayley returned to football the following year, competing in the Cup of Nations and scoring in her first game back against New Zealand. Hayley’s football career has seen her represent Australia at the 2015 Women’s World Cup, the 2018 AFC Asian Cup, the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2020 Olympic Qualifiers. “I am so excited to finally share Hayley’s Ribbon with you all,” says Hayley. “This book tells the story of my early life and was written to empower and inspire young children around the world.
“I hope that by sharing my story, I can connect with readers on an emotional level, teaching them to be positive, determined, resilient and to overcome any challenges they may be faced with.
Photo by Tom Flathers, Manchester City FC, via Getty Images
charity organisation that supports the lifetime journey of the 65,000+ Australians affected by congenital heart disease.
“I encourage children to find their inner strength and to follow their dreams, just like little Hayley does in this story!” Hayley’s determination, resilience, and strength shines through the story, as young Hayley follows her dreams. With the debut of this book Hayley invites a generation of children to do the same. Hayley Raso is also an ambassador for HeartKids in Australia, the only dedicated
This charity is very close to Hayley’s heart because of her brother Lachlan. Hayley will be donating 50% of her profits from the book to HeartKids, as they continue to help all of those impacted by congenital heart disease. ‘Hayley’s Ribbon’ was written in collaboration by author Sarah Griffiths and Hayley Raso and was illustrated by Lisa Williams. It has been officially released through Amazon. To find out more about the wonderful work done by HeartKids, visit heartkids.org.au. Words by Natalie O’Driscoll
Visit Beenleigh Distillery every second Friday of the month for live music and food. Doors open from 5pm. FREE twilight tours including tastings. It’s a free event, but bookings are highly recommended. Call 3807 3737.
/beenleighrum
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/beenleighrumdistillers
Introducing Australia’s Body Horror Queen Words by Belinda Topan
Claire Fitzpatrick, dubbed as Australia’s Body Horror Queen, and an awardwinning author of speculative fiction, nonfiction and body horror. Claire is a local author in Logan and we recently had the privilege of chatting to Claire and asking her a few questions. What inspired you to be an author? Impatience. I was always a voracious reader. When I was around 10 or 11 I read the first four Harry Potter books, and couldn't wait for the fifth. I would check the newspapers, ask my school librarian, ask my parents, but nobody could tell me when it was coming out. So I decided to write my own. I sat down in my room, found an unused exercise book, and started writing a story about Harry's encounter with a magical broom. I designed the cover, and even wrote a blurb. I still have the book. Over time, as I read more, I wrote more, and I realised I was actually good at crafting stories, but I didn't realise I could just 'be an author.' I thought I had to study and get an agent and have connections. Turns out that wasn't the case for me. It only took one story sent to the right magazine (in 2015) at the right time to launch my writing career.
You Applied for the Rocky Wood Memorial Scholarship, can you tell us more about it? The Rocky Wood Memorial Scholarship Fund for Non-Fiction Writing is offered by The Horror Writers Association (HWA), the premier organisation of writers and publishers of horror and dark fantasy, and home of the iconic Bram Stoker Awards®. It gives the recipient two years to use money from the fund to further a project. I submitted an application on a whim – detailing an idea I had for a collaborative non-fiction anthology about Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley. The idea had been milling around in my head for a while, but I wasn't sure where to start. And then I saw the scholarship. I haven't actually used any of the funds yet, as they are reimbursed out of pocket, but I'm hoping to use them to purchase artworks and access scholarly journals to assist with the research process of the book. What draws you to horror? Horror allows me to express my deepest desires and worst fears, and lets me take ownership of the things that trouble me the most. There's a whole panoply of
monstrosities in our world, and to deny them the light of day is to deny yourself the right to overcome them, and your own problems. Most of what I write about is my epilepsy or borderline personality disorder, and I think if I didn't weave them within my fiction they would totally consume me. Horror gives me the chance to get all of this out of me in a healthy way, even if it hurts. How does Mary Shelley influence your work? After I read 'Frankenstein' I had an 'aha!' moment where I finally understood what I needed to do. Though I'd had several publications by that stage, I wasn't writing at my best, and I knew I could do better. I fell in love with her ideas of man vs nature, playing god, the desire to love and be loved in return, and what it means to belong within a society. And I realised this what where a lot of my depression stemmed from – I was diagnosed with epilepsy at 12, and so felt extremely alienated and isolated from my peers all throughout my teenage years, and well into my early 20's. 'Frankenstein' made me feel like I wasn't alone, and was incredibly inspiring.
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Any projects planned in the future? I'm currently putting together a collection of selected non-fiction pieces, and looking to pitch it to a few publishers. It'll be an eclectic mix of essays, memoir, and observational pieces. Just need to find it a home!
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Ollie Twohill: These Boots Are Made For Walking Words by Anthony Gebhardt
The last time we chatted with Northern Rivers singer-songwriter Ollie Twohill, he’d just unveiled his ‘Stone Cold Killer’ single and accompanying film clip to much local acclaim. Since then, the talented 22-year-old with the stomp boxing busker’s pedigree has been on a creative and productive spurt, which has culminated in the release of his latest single ‘Boots’, a rousing folk rock belter which we’ve reviewed as part of this month’s New Music column. The unveiling of ‘Boots’ signifies the commencement of an exciting new career trajectory for Ollie and we recently chatted with him to discover where these boots shall be taking him. Congratulations on your rollicking newest single, ‘Boots’. It’s a catchy and forthright number which you must be very proud of. Did it have a long gestation period or was it one of those tracks that you banged out pretty quickly? Surprisingly, ‘Boots’ only took a couple of hours to write. It came together out of
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an online song-writing club I was part of. The program was to help songwriters who struggle with completing songs, the task was to write 10 songs over 10 weeks. Each week we were given a topic to write about, with some quotes and inspiration to help get the creative juices flowing. I have scores of half written songs, so this program was about closing out a song per week. For ‘Boots’, the theme was about being consistent and turning up even when you don’t feel like it. I am sure most people can relate to that. I tweaked it a little after thinking about the times selfdoubt has held me back on pursuing things that I really wanted to do. To me, it felt like the perfect song to help people who aren’t quite sure on what they want to do with their life, or for people who feel like they have expectations placed on them from their peers and want to try and “fill their boots”. What’s been floating your boat, musically speaking, over the course of 2021 – are there any new artists that you’ve latched onto recently?
I have quite an eclectic taste in music, so I have been listening to loads of new music. I’ve discovered an array of new up and coming artists, as well as discovering some new releases from artists I love. I’ve been really digging the new Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak collab album they brought out called “An Evening with Silk Sonic” as well as a UK band by the name of Holding Absence, who released an album, ‘The Greatest Mistake of My Life’, which blew me away from first listen. Melbourne band Between You and Me just released a new album called ‘Armageddon’ and for anyone who is into pop-punk/rock it’s a must. From a Gold Coast perspective, it’s been great to see so many artists like Girl & Girl, Local Safari, Euca, Lily Grace and Damien start to pop off. Last time we chatted you also mentioned you were looking to pull a rhythm section together to flesh out your sound in the live realm. How has this come along? And with things (hopefully) starting to open up again following the pandemic
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lockdowns and restrictions, have you got some upcoming live shows in the pipeline leading into 2022 and beyond? With the way the world was this year, it made things very hard to rehearse and find time to get together with the lads and play music, since we have been following COVID protocol very seriously. Being a one-man band at this stage helps me get gigs so I can recover my recording costs. I’m looking to play in SE Queensland and the Gold Coast in the first quarter of next year so I am open to offers if anyone wants to reach out. I’ve held back with the border closures to date with the uncertainty. The focus is on playing in the interim and having a rhythm section for (upcoming single) ‘Neverland’ for April next year. Ollie Twohill’s banging new tune, ‘Boots’, is out now on streaming platforms. And be sure to check out Zac’s review, as part of this month’s New Music column.
Introducing TANISHA Words by Anthony Gebhardt | Photography by Jessica Rhian Creative
For burgeoning Gold Coast singer song-writer TANISHA, taking a leap of faith and launching herself upon the local musical landscape in the midst of the 2020 COVID lockdown has been a decision well vindicated. Having long harboured unfulfilled musical ambitions and with the voice and performance vibrance to back her dreams, TANISHA used the challenges of the pandemic to propel herself gung-ho into her true calling. 2021 has seen her drop her well received debut EP, ‘Louder Than Words’, which was heralded with much fanfare when she sold out her first headline show, to coincide with her latest single, ‘Drive Me Home’. The coming 12 months promises much in the world of TANISHA and we recently caught up with the soulful and charming lass to learn more about her journey and what’s in store.
I think being an independent artist you are always wondering if what you are doing is working or if people are even listening, so to sell out my first show was so amazing. I love the whole process, from starting with a simple piano progression in my home studio to capturing the energy of a room and pushing that into a live performance. My very first gig went horribly and so for a first headline show to go so perfectly I think was just a testament to how committed I was to learning about becoming a better artist. TANISHA’s most recent single, ‘Drive Me Home’ and debut EP, ‘Louder Than Words’, are available now via most major streaming platforms. Instagram: @tanisha.musiic . To read the full interview, visit blankstreetpress.com.au.
Launching into your musical career in the midst of a pandemic was a pretty gutsy move. What inspired you to 'go for it' under such challenging circumstances? Having stability taken away from me during the first real outbreak of COVID in Australia really made me realise what was important in my life. I’m sure like a lot of people, I was faced with the realisation that my current life was not actually living. Even though I had comfortable income, I was working in an unsatisfying job and with that came a lot of negativity. My amazing partner Stuart has pushed me more than anyone ever has and he really believed that music was something that I was capable of turning into a career. I turned COVID into something that I was going to utilise to make my life better and that's what I did. But let's be real, trying to pitch yourself to venues when live music became non-existent made me a pretty resilient person ahaha.
PLA N N IN G FO R
Congratulations on your recent debut EP, 'Louder Than Words'. Can you put us in the picture as to how it came together and your song writing process? Thank you so much it was such an achievement! The EP was titled ‘Louder Than Words’ because that's what the music was. The tracks signified so much more than just words in a song, as writing them was the first step into becoming an Artist. I also co-produced the whole EP and composed all the tracks in my little home studio.
In terms of my music it's usually all or nothing. I sit at the piano and play around and suddenly a word will trigger some feelings and I write most of the song in one session. My music is about my life and I really don't know how else to write. I'm not scared of vulnerability and I know that I can be the voice for people who can’t seem to understand their own feelings and that is so magical.
Have your say on the proposed Special Entertainment Precinct in Southport from 23 November to 22 December 2021. gchaveyoursay.com.au/sep
You recently performed your first headline show, which sold out (that must have been both exciting and nerve wracking!?) How did the show go down and do you enjoy being on stage performing, or is writing and recording more your thing? Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
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Southport: Your one stop shop for NYE Words by Natalie O’Driscoll
Hanging five with clovo With a vibe that carries shades of Mia Rodriguez, Billie Eilish and Grimes, Gold Coast alt/pop artist clovo has popped onto our radar with her dark but catchy single ‘Girls’.
The last few months has seen Southport light up with CBD Sundown events, a glorious blend of live music, arts, food, street performers, cirque and more.
Words by Natalie O’Driscoll
Now, to celebrate the very last sundown of the year, City of Gold Coast is activating Southport on New Year’s Eve throughout the afternoon and night, for a perfect way to say sayonara to 2021, and get excited for 2022.
‘Girls’ was written on International Women's Day and is an anthem for all women (and people) who stand against sexual assault and discrimination. With lyrics like ‘So put me on display; And I will not obey; Think that I'm a game to play; But you don't own me; Is it my right? Or should I be lady-like?’ and a captivating music video which was shot by Dominic Gould and co-directed by clovo herself, this newcomer is definitely pulling no punches with her art. We hung five with Chloe Magee – aka clovo – to get to know her a little better. Who are five artists currently ruling your playlist? My five current obsessions I’ve had on repeat the last few months would have to be UPSAHL, Nessa Barrett, Grimes, Mia Rodgriuez, and Kilo Kish. I feel like these artists have really influenced not only my songwriting but my mental strength leading up to my debut release ‘Girls’. Something about listening to female solo artists gives me so much power. Can you give us a brief history of your musical background? I’ve always loved singing. I think I was able to sing before I knew how to talk. I’ve been writing songs since I first learnt the guitar at 12 years old. I studied a Bachelor of Popular Music at Griffith University on the Gold Coast and graduated at the end of last
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year. While at uni I was the lead singer in a band, Citrus Daze, but we unfortunately broke up earlier this year. Since then, I have been working on developing my solo project - clovo, and I’ve just released my debut single ‘Girls’. What is your favourite live music venue on the Gold Coast and why? This is really tricky! I’d have to say my favourite would be Miami Marketta. I played a couple of gigs there with my former band. The size of the indoor stage, room, sound quality, lighting and atmosphere really outweighs the other venues!
Given the ease of access to the CBD via public transport and the extra (and later!) services that will be running throughout NYE, Southport is going to be the hottest ticket in town to ring in the new year. To kick things off with a bang, why not pop to Broadwater Parklands as it comes alive with live music, kid’s activities and fabulous food trucks from 4pm.
Open at 6pm. Bookings via 0455 859 999 or estarkaraoke@outlook.com.
Mr. P.P.'s Rooftop Bar Nerang St
Join Mr P.P.’s for a luau on The Rooftop. Celebrate the end of 2021 with your favourite people at your favourite Rooftop Bar, in grass skirst, summer dresses and leis. Includes canapes and drinks package. Tix start at $180 via Eventbrite. Of course that’s not all. Punters are spoilt for choice when it comes to where to head in the CBD for New Year’s Eve. While no official party plans have been announced for the venues at the time of writing, you’re gonna wanna hit up the socials of the following spots to what the haps are for the 31st.
You can take three Gold Coast artists on an Australian tour with you tomorrow. Who are they?
Bring your picnic blanket and nab your place on the main lawn as a great lineup of 80s and 90s tribute bands will keep grownups entertained, while kids can have fun with an all-ages retro games zone, free popcorn and circus skills fun.
CBD Live @ Southport RSL, Scarborough St: fb.com/cbdlivegc
Another hard question! It would be a dream to tour with Lastlings, because they are a huge inspiration of mine. Then I’d say my friends Greatest Hits and daste - all insanely talented musicians & lovely people.
Of course no family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration is complete without an early fireworks display, so get ready to shout “Blue! Green!” at 8pm when they kick off above the Broadwater.
Hotel Pacific, Australia Fair: fb.com/hotelpacificgoldcoast
What’s next for clovo?
Those who wish to kick on til the wee hours can wander over to the CBD and enjoy street buskers on Nerang St and Young St, and then stroll through town to get a little taste of what else is going on…
Writing and more writing! I’m currently developing a body of work so I can release more music next year. Live shows are also something I really want to focus on in 2022. Watch and stream at solo.to/clovo and follow @clovospace.
E-Star Karaoke Davison Lane
Get amongst it until 2am and sing auld lang syne with your buds at E-Star Karaoke.
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Cecil Hotel, Nerang St: fb.com/cecilhotelsouthport
Last Night on Earth, Nerang St: fb.com/lastnightonearthbar Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Nerang St: fb.com/vinniesdive
Family-friendly fun, after hours affairs, bad singing and grass skirts. What more could you want for New Year’s Eve?
Under the Southern Stars returns bigger and better in 2022 Spectacular rock music concert series Under The Southern Stars is finally taking place in March 2022, with rock royalty Cheap Trick, Bush, Stone Temple Pilots and more rocking Australian stages. Words by Natalie O’Driscoll
The wait is finally over for Under The Southern Stars (UTSS) fans and ticketholders, with the promoters announcing the next lot of dates following the event’s postponement during COVID. Best news? Gold Coast gets its own epic show at Southport Sharks on 26 March next year.
The perfect venue for your Flock
As well as the legendary headliners Cheap Trick, Bush and Stone Temple Pilots, the lineup will also feature Aussie rockers Rose Tattoo and icons Electric Mary. Plus recently added to the lineup for 2022 are the painfully cool Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Rock. On.
Enjoy decadent cocktails, authentic handmade Italian pizzas, and tasty tapas dishes at Aviary Rooftop Bar.
The announcement of the complete tour dates and venues has been met with major approval from fans all over the country who have been incredibly loyal as they patiently waited for the series to be rescheduled.
Perched atop of the Mantra at Sharks hotel, Aviary boasts sweeping views of the iconic Surfers Paradise skyline in one direction and the Gold Coast Hinterland in the other.
Promoter Andrew McManus comments: '‘To say we’re excited by finally being able to announce Black Rebel Motorcycle Club as a new addition and FOURTH high profile international rock band joining our already stellar line-up is an understatement! “UTSS2022 will, without a doubt, rock audiences to the core and give them what they’ve all craved since March 2020 – a lineup that features the bands and the music they love – both Australian and International artists up in front of them in the flesh and playing their hits, live…it has been way too long!" All previously purchased tickets are valid for 2022. See website for details, and if you’re buying your ticket for the first time, they’re on sale now at underthesouthernstars. com.au. Under The Southern Stars hits Southport Sharks on 26 March, 2022.
Part of the Southport Sharks sport, leisure and entertainment precinct, Aviary is the perfect venue for your next social event.
aviaryrooftopbar.com.au Enter via Mantra at Sharks - 5 Melia Ct, Southport Aviary Rooftop Bar is an 18+ venue. Events at Aviary are subject to change.
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Hanging five with Adrian Mauro Words by Belinda Topan
Three projects, One man: Meet Mike Mike Adrian Mauro's start to music is a painful experience; from the death of his older brother, Adrian inherited his guitar, keyboard, and record collection. In the years followed, Adrian turned this bitter experience into a positive beginning with music.
Will we see new music from Machine Age in the future?
Learning to play and record, honing skills as a musician before releasing his own music, he finally teamed up with drummer Dylan Stewart in 2019, together releasing their debut album ‘Point of Departure’ as Machine Age in the same year.
What are your thoughts on the Logan music scene?
Putting an exciting spin onto the genre, Machine Age is a great introduction for those looking for something a little more techno with their rock. Sounds delve into more of a experimental process, with haunting vocals provided by Adrian. Machine Age has released new music this year working alongside Mazare, producing a single called ‘Scared’, and in October the duo released heartwarming tribute song ‘Bluey’ to raise money for Stillbirth Australia. On 11 December, Machine Age will be performing at Logan West Community Centre for Logan Live. We hung five with Adrian for a bit of fun. What kind of stuff would we find on your current fav playlist? An eclectic mix of old and new Jon Hopkins, Beatles, Biffy Clyro, Rufus Du Dol, Neil Young, Rival Consoles, Elbow, Sleep Token, Phoebe Bridgers
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Absolutely! We've almost finished our Sophomore full-length record. So expect a bunch of new music in 2022.
It’s very much like much of the Aussie scene right now. A real melting pot of all genres. Who has been your biggest inspiration? That’s almost a “what’s the meaning of life” question. But I’d have to say my family and my contemporaries pushing forward and creating for the love of art. What is your ultimate career goal? To still be creating and releasing art as an old man. Continuing to grow and push my limits. Logan Live is hosted by Logan City Council, Bad Octopi’s founder Jimmy Watts, with JMC academy filming and recording to Facebook Live. Other featuring acts such as SLOJ, Couch Surfers and August River Band will also be playing on 11 December. All shows are free and accessible to the public, but you should register for a ticket at Eventbrite. Check out Machine Age at fb.com/machineagemusic.
Words by Belinda Topan
Meet Mike Mike: rapper, punk vocalist and lyricist. Bringing the 90s hip hop vibes with musical project East Coast Alien, punk with SLOJ (Smells Like Otto’s Jacket) and unlikely punk rock covers with Slurpee Jerks to Logan, Mike Mike shows no signs of slowing down. While perfoming at the most recent Preforming at Logan Live Original Series hip/hop night (he’ll also be performing on the punk night), we the chance to have a chat. What was your journey like coming into music? Well my journey started at a young age, my older sister got me into bands like Frenzal Rhomb, Grinspoon and some Heavier stuff like Coal Chamber and Fear Factory! Then growing up in Logan I found hip hop and just knew I wanted to be a part of the music scene. Who are your biggest influences? My biggest influences..... musically people like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan are huge for me but in my personal music life my Homie Evil Eddie from Butterfingers has and is my biggest influence. He's taken me under his wing and really helped me in every aspect of my music and I can't thank that dude enough! How did you get involved in SLOJ?
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I actually kind of started SLOJ by accident. I used to be a pretty troubled person with a lot of problems so I'd always write my thoughts and shit into a notebook, and because I'm a bit weird it always seemed to rhyme. It was never meant to be shown to anyone but my mate read them and said I needed to get the lyrics put to some music. I eventually hit up my homie Paul D who plays bass in Flangipanis and he gladly helped whip up some dope tracks, and here we are today. What were the biggest challenges you faced as an artist? I guess the biggest challenges I've had to face are really my own demons! Suffering with addiction for years and always having self doubt was always a massive challenge to overcome. Will we be seeing any music in the future? Collectively between all three projects plus some side action here and there, I guarantee there’s going to be an earful of new music coming your way for sure! Slurpee Jerks Ep, SLOJ 2nd album and ECA Lp! Wish me luck! Check out SLOJ at Logan Live on 11 December. Grab Tix at Eventbrite. You can follow Mike Mike at fb.com/ EastCoastAlien420, fb.com/sloj420 and fb.com/slurpeejerksband.
Sabor Brasil
Raijin Palm Beach
Shop 2, 2243 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach Ph: 07 5500 0000
2/5th Ave Palm Beach
Words and photograph by Marj Osborne - follow Marj @foodgoldcoast
Words and photograph by Marj Osborne - follow Marj @foodgoldcoast
Sabor Brasil, its name literally translated to ‘The Flavour of Brazil’, is a Brazilian bar and restaurant that opened at Nobby Beach in September 2021. Co-owner Brendo Willian arrived on the coast only three years ago without speaking any English. Attracted by our white sandy beaches, great surf and glorious weather, the Gold Coast was a natural choice. After working his way up from being a glassy at Taboo Tiki to cook and manager, transferring to Aloha Bar & Dining, Brendo won the trust of his employer, Gold Coast hospitality veteran Gavin McDougal. Talking one day with Gavin about how much he missed Brazilian food, Brendo shared his dream of opening a traditional, authentic Brazilian restaurant on the Gold Coast and Gavin was keen to be involved. Three years after arriving on the coast, Brendo is studying cookery and he has proudly opened Sabor Brasil with Gavin, a restaurant which shows off his homeland and the food he loves so much. One of only three Brazilian restaurants on the Gold Coast, this venue has been carefully created to fill our senses with a taste of Brazilian life. We listen to samba performed live on weekend evenings, walk on the floor created to reflect the Ipanema beachfront promenade, dine under the favela del Rocinha of Copacabana Beach, and gaze upon the Bahia bands as we make our three wishes. Using his mother’s recipes, many of which have been passed down from his grandmother, Brendo has composed his menu of Bar Snacks, Entrées, Meat, Classic
Brazilian Mains, Sides and Dessert; a menu that invites newcomers to taste Brazilian food. But first, order a drink. Cachaça is Brazil’s national drink, a sugar spirit that can be drunk on ice, or muddled with lime and sugar to make a Caipirinha. It’s perfect to drink as you nibble starters of Paozinho de Queijo, the addictive crispy coated cheese balls that were Brendo’s afternoon snack when school finished, or Coxinha, a raindrop-shaped Brazilian croquette often eaten with a beer as an afternoon snack. “Our four chefs make everything in house,” Brendo tells us. “It is tasty food, not fancy, but it is the food many Brazilians eat,” he said. “The one dish you have to try is the set meal. It is a big meal, mostly eaten at lunchtime, before siesta.” Trying the Prato Feito, a generous plateful of steak (or chicken or vegan enchiladas), rice, beans, salad and chips, I can’t help but realise that, thousands of kilometres away in a different hemisphere, this meal is parallel but different to our plate of steak, chips and salad served in so many hotels and cafés in Australia. Then there’s the Picanha do Nato ao Molho Quatro Queijos (steak with four-cheese sauce), that brings a version of the Italian dish Quattro Formaggi to service on a steak. “This is a dish that my dad made for me all the time when I was a kid,” Brendo says. Same, same but different, the vegan options are just one way Brendo has made a few adjustments to suit his Gold Coast clientele. The food is a little fancier, if anything, than neighbourhood restaurants in Brazil. NOTE: Blank dined as a guest of Sabor Brasil.
Named after Raijin, one of the most feared and respected Japanese deities, the master of lightning and storm, the café Raijin was born in the Covid storm. Its owner, Fuji, who had trained as a chef in both Australia and Japan, operated a market stall at festivals across Australia. Woodford, Blues, Splendour in the Grass… he catered for crowds from Byron to Perth until Covid led to events being cancelled, and Fuji’s work dried up. Deciding to settle and open a restaurant in his local area, Fuji decided to open a Japanese café that was complementary to next door Cafoo Izakaya, the central item on his menu being Japanese souffle pancakes. There’s something hypnotic about souffle pancakes. They defy physics, they’re theatrical, a bit jiggly, almost (dare I say it) sexual. Having tried these pancakes twice before, including in Hawaii some years ago, Fuji’s version is the best tasting of all. With the egg whites whipped separately and folded into the mix, the pancakes are airy and cloudlike, dissolving in the mouth to foam. Fuji’s use of mochi rice flour and brown rice powder make his pancakes super light and feathery rather than eggy. Not too sweet, the mild vanilla-tasting pancakes leave the flavour bomb to the topping. Our tiramisu pancake, complete with cream, strawberries, mascarpone and an affogato that demands interactive pouring over the pancakes, completes a sensational dessert. Effortless to eat, Fuji tells us that his souffle pancakes took a lot of persistence to perfect. Not only do they take twenty minutes to cook over a slow heat, but they’re notoriously temperamental as well.
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“It took me about two months and four hundred attempts to get them right,” Fuji says. “They are very delicate, and every day they are different. A change in the atmosphere, the condition of the eggs, the temperature, a slight change of heat in the pan… these all affect the pancake, how well it rises and sustains itself,” he says. Raijin has four versions of souffle pancakes: Original with maple syrup and berries or Tiramisu with mascarpone and espresso for the sweet tooths. Savoury versions include the Super Feed and Carbonara with bacon, mushrooms and parmesan. As attention-seeking as they are, don’t stop at pancakes. Three other sections round out the menu: Mochi Crêpes, Rice and Noodle dishes. His Mochi Crepes are gluten-free, the mochi rice flour crêpes soft with a crisp edge. Served with a smoked salmon and sour cream topping, loads of greens, seeds, capers and slivered almonds, this is a delicious fresh and healthy meal, well worth a return trip. Raijin serves the excellent Seven Miles Coffee as well as Proud Mary Coffee, ten different teas, freshly squeezed juices, milkshakes, iced batch brew coffee and matcha lattes to accompany your meal. There are specials in the cake cabinet, Chocolate gateau and NYC cheesecake when we visited, both decadently rich. Japanese chefs have always given creative spins to dishes from other cultures. So, it’s no surprise that Fuji brings his own take to souffle pancakes. It will be interesting to see what he comes up with next. NOTE: Blank dined as a guest of Raijin
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Faces of the Gold Coast: Mitch Gilmore
SWELL Sculpture Festival 2022: Call for entries
The Spiral Of Life by artist Melissa Carey. Photo by Lex Imagery
SWELL Sculpture Festival is inviting submissions from Artists, art collectives and collaborators to exhibit in its 20th annual exhibition.
Logan’s Blooming Business Words by Belinda Topan
Southside Flower Market is a secret gem hidden away in industrial Slacks Creek, giving its grey landscape a dash of colour. Owners Nick and Milly opened the Southside flower market back in May 2020. “We asked ourselves, What can we do? COVID’s here. We wanted to expose people to flowers and help them feel less depressed and disconnected, and flowers have the power to do that. And this is why we wanted to open Southside flower Market,” says Nick. “I Just felt it in my gut, and during this pandemic, it was what we needed.” Southside Flower market prides itself in fresh, high-quality flowers, bouquets and experience when walking into its store. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Providing all the beautiful flowers is Flower Hub. Nick is also co-owner and has revolutionised Australia's flower industry, ensuring that farmers are given an equal return with every flower purchased. Customers are given value for the flowers they buy and deliver at exceptional speeds. “The world is getting high tech, the worlds getting faster and faster, and I need online any time and build a new platform that’s 24/7 and that’s what you see with Flower Hub,” he says. “I feel it's my job to make flowers accessible to everybody.” Starting Southside Flower Market has been an unexpected yet rewarding community experience for Nick. He donates flowers to senior citizens, and every Saturday is a market day with live music. And next year Southside will be introducing workshops for the community to come in and engage with others and learn about flower arrangements. These small acts don’t have to be huge to positively impact the community. “I’ve learnt that if you slow down a bit, you can do it all, giving back to your community and running a business that delivers value, customer experience and helping the community,” says Nick. Check out Southside Flower southsideflowermarket.com.au
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Market
at
Celebrating our people because people matter! Words by Anne Janelle
Perhaps Norm McClean was right, that "there are worlds in the waters and words under rocks." Perhaps it just takes an eye like Mitch Gilmore with a camera to remind us? We adore the work of this Gold Coast hairdresser when he exchanges his scissors for a Gopro to capture the insane beauty of our beaches. One afternoon he shared with us… "For me, it's always been the ocean. “I have played with portraits but I always seem to find my way back to the beach and the beauty of the water. “I have grown up on the GC so this is my true home. I started taking photos of everything I could beachside but I was so blown away by the clarity of water just behind the wave. Very few people get to see that so I decided to capture it. “The conditions here on the Coast are world class. I have focused on shooting what I love and people seem to respond well to it. I found a real niche in that. It isn't my career. It's my passion and I've been able to have some serious fun. “There's an incredibly active photography community here which I love so I get involved with @igersgoldcoast and other community events. Being sponsored as part of ‘Gopro Family’ has been pretty cool too as their support has been amazing. “My dreams? I'm really into my Frontline for Hair business down at Burleigh at the moment and there's also this three year old who has completely stolen my heart but in my spare time, I will definitely be back in the water. There's just so much beauty". Thanks Mitch. We love what you stand for. I have dived deep into the pristine waters of Greece and yet you faithfully present unmatched beauty on my doorstep as similar as they are strangers. Such is the privilege of this life to those who are observant enough to see it hey? What an absolute honour to call the Gold Coast home! More @facesofthegoldcoast Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
SWELL is Queensland’s premier outdoor sculpture exhibition and presents 65 Australian and international artists to captivate the hearts and minds of an audience of over 100,000 visitors. Set between two iconic headlands at the Gold Coast's Currumbin Beach, and other locations around the Gold Coast to be announced, the vast coastal landscape encourages submissions of thought-provoking and sculpturally impressive works. SWELL is a ten-day manifestation of conceptions and visual commentary, and presents small, medium and large-scale sculpture, installations, and digital works as a FREE outdoor gallery at Currumbin Beach, 9 to 19 September 2022. ARTISTS from across Australia and the world working in all mediums are invited to submit. SWELL welcomes the opportunity to work with Artists who are keen to break new ground in sculpture presentation and installation art. Works can be site-specific, display ephemeral qualities and should invite dialogue and instigate inspired conversations. “SWELL is the conduit for connecting people, art and place,” says Artistic Director Natasha Edwards. “As a Founder and Artistic Director, I’m incredibly proud to curate our 20th year of SWELL Sculpture Festival. “As an arts organization we recognise the importance and major milestone for Artists as we continue to create opportunities for Artists, strengthen partnerships and present major sculptures in public places, strengthening communities and cultural development of our city.” Artists will vie for awards totaling $27,500 with the coveted major award presented by The Neumann Family SWELL Sculpture Award $15,000. In addition to the awards, SWELL offers artists unparalleled opportunities such as Artist honorarium fees, media profiles, logistic and freight support and the chance to establish new industry contacts, professional development, and the potential to sell and commission works. Applications to exhibit are now open and close on 31 January 2022. Artists will be advised of their succuss by February 28, 2022. Everyone is welcome to apply, all mediums, emerging, mid-career and professional Artists. Artist opportunities include artist talks, workshops, sculpture sales, interviews and industry networking and more. Apply at swellsculpture.com.au.
HOTA offers up a mixed bag of delights this Summer
Photo: Ruth Maddison
Photo: Fullframe Photography
Australia's favourite contemporary cultural playground, HOTA, Home of the Arts has recently announced its sweet new summer program. We just don’t play enough as adults, do we? HOTA is set to rectify that this summer with their kaleidoscope of nostalgia and fun, Pick ‘N’ Mix. Named for the paper bags of colourful, sugary goodness we all remember from our local corner store, Pick ‘N’ Mix will provide a plethora of play options for young and young-at-heart Gold Coasters, including sprinklers on the lawn, 80's concerts and roller nights, new exhibitions, giant games, outdoor concerts, open-air cinema, sunset cocktails and - of course - incredible art.
Doesn’t that just sound like the sweetest idea? One of the centrepieces of Pick ‘N’ Mix is HOTA Gallery’s inaugural, free summer exhibition Art Mixtape: Yours for Summer, supported by Principal Partner Chevron One Residences, which celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the City Collection, along with new works from leading Australian and New Zealand artists. “At the very core of this program is our inaugural summer exhibition, Art Mixtape: Yours for Summer,” says Criena.
HOTA CEO Criena Gehrke thinks that an event like Pick ‘N’ Mix couldn’t come soon enough.
“It’s full of some of the best contemporary art by some of Australia’s leading artists and full of surprises around every corner.”
“I think a sense of play and imagination and whimsy has never been more important,” she tells us.
The HOTA Gallery is also currently playing home to Dumpling Dreams – the second ever exhibition in the dedicated Children’s Gallery – a whimsical dumpling dreamscape brought to life by beloved Brisbane-based artist YEAHYEAHCHLOE, featuring an installation of dumplings with human features, including a huge dreaming dumpling that may or may not be farting in its sleep! You’ll just have to visit to find out.
“As hopefully we start to see some kind of light at the end of the COVID tunnel, it does feel like things are beginning to shift, and I think there’s a real sense of nostalgia, a longing for earlier times. “You know when you used to go to the store and pick all your candy and put it in the bag? We want that same experience here of being able to choose your own sweet adventure.
“Let’s come together and just have fun, have a bunch of playful experiences, and just laugh.”
“It’s this installation around imagination, friendship, choosing your own adventure and has all these great activities kids can do,” Criena enthuses. “It’s whimsical but really touching, too. Bright pink and feelgood.” Rolling into the new year, visitors to HOTA will be able to step into their skates for HOTA’s own pop-up Roller Rink from December 10 and HOTA’s home company, EVERYBODY
NOW!, will host social skating sessions with Roller Nights (13 and 20 Jan). Then from 10 December, enjoy a menu of summer classics perched at the Pick ’N’ Mix Pop-Up Bar located on the HOTA Concert Lawn and check out the special Twilight markets that evening. Over January and into February, HOTA warms up with three weeks of gallery tours, lawn games, giant sprinklers, open-air cinema, and a line-up of incredible outdoor concerts including Soundtrack Cinema: Labyrinth x Bowie featuring HaydenGoSeek and The Good Band (15 Jan), Soundtrack Cinema: Rock of Ages x 80s Rock featuring Lloyd Handsome and The Shiny Boys (16 Jan), Confidence Man and Jaguar Jonze (22 Jan) and Brazilian Heat (29 Jan). HOTA’s free outdoor activities and lawn games will keep everyone entertained from 10 January with Playing Summer: Lawn Games including giant Jenga, Chess, Connect Four and more. The Big Sprinkler will be set off on the HOTA Lawn multiple times a day for visitors to have a run through from 10 to 28 January; while live music will entertain with Fridays on the Big Lawn and Press Play Sunday Sessions; as well as free Yoga Flow on Sundays. HOTA’s 2021 Christmas Commission is an ambitious text-based artwork by emerging Gold Coast artist Nicholas Tossmann. Moments is a multi-part installation inviting visitors to create their own journey across the HOTA Precinct to ponder the meaning of the season.
Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
“His work is really beautiful,” Criena tells us. “It’s started to be installed around the precinct. It’s these gorgeous verbal prompts done as vinyl decals - they give you an emotional response to those words.” (You can read more about Nicholas’ installation in this edition.) Vinyl, sprinklers, Labyrinth, mixtapes and roller rinks… we’re definitely sensing an eighties theme here. “I reckon that’s what happens when you get curators and CEOs of a certain age!” Criena laughs. “No, but we’ve had a bit of challenging time of it, and the eighties were full of neon and happiness and pop was God in a really interesting way. There was so much joy in the eighties, even if we’re looking at it through rose coloured glasses. “In times of challenge and change, people become nostalgic and yearn for what came before. After major world events like wars, people seek out cinema and movies and musicals and theatre and art… it’s something that makes people feel better, and I do think that’s what’s happening at the moment.” Indeed. With all the works on offer over the next two months, it’s time to grab your friends, families and kiddos and head to HOTA to choose your own sweet adventure. Pick ‘N’ Mix runs this summer at HOTA, Home of the Arts. Plan ahead and make a day (or several) of it at hota.com.au/pickn-mix.
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Butter Factory heritage on show ahead of re-opening
'By The Pool' - Chris Riley
Art Lovers bring some Summer to Southport Words by Natalie O’Driscoll
Who’s ready to say goodbye to the rain and bring on some summer vibes? I know we all are here at Blank, are so is the team at Art Lovers Australia, who are definitely giving December the warmest welcome ever with their latest exhibition, simply entitled Summer. What do you think of when you think of an Australian summer? Searching for shade, swimming, that shimmering pavement, blissfully long holidays, seafood, beaches, golden light, fun times with the family… Summer will explore all of this and more in a nostalgic show designed to capture the very essence of those three precious months of the year. All the threads of warmth, connection to environment, friendship and community will weave throughout these works and imbue a warmth quintessential to Australian summers. Summer features some of our greatest coastal artists, including Chris Riley, Amanda Cameron, Shell Bankier, Mela Cooke, Anthony Walker, Petra Meikle De Vlas, Irene Messina, Matteo Bozina and David Ardley. Summer opens on 11 Dec and runs through to 4 Feb, 2022 at the Art Lovers Gold Coast Gallery, Unit 14 The Brick Works Annex, Warehouse Rd Southport. Dive right in, Gold Coast. It’s hottest ticket around.
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Talking to animals with Ronelle Reid Words by Belinda Topan
Art is used as a medium to express one’s feelings or highlight essential issues in today's society and give us a moment to reflect through the artist's eyes. Logan artist Ronelle Reid does this through her work, using various mediums to highlight our most endangered species here in Australia, reminding us not all animals choose to be here and where they fit in the world. ‘When I had the Art Exhibition (Urban Menagerie) at the beginning of the year, I was only going to do endangered native animals,” she tells us. “By the time I got painting, I had realised the story was bigger than that. People have to understand these animals aren’t to blame. These animals were introduced because of humans.” Ronelle draws them in an explorative narrative of an ecosystem where two species do not co-exist. It's a fun idea to see a grizzly bear and an octopus become friends as reflected in the title ‘Brothers’ or a Flamingo and a Sloth hang out as seen in ‘Patience.’ “When I make a painting, I’m having a conversation with these animals, and I think if we can understand them what that conversation be.” Ronelle’s love for animals has gone far beyond her art. After graduating, Ronelle worked with RSPCA for 30 years and took
the leap in 2020 to become a full-time artist “I decided when I was very young, I would be an artist. And my sister drew horses, and I challenged her that I would draw a horse better than her. And I was 6 at the time.” Ronelle laughs. “Then I grew up and went to art college, but animals have always been there. I never had the hard think of what I was going to draw. It was always going to be animals.” Ronelle wanted to go further and bring more awareness to animal welfare not just through her paintings but starting residencies back in 2020 with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and in 2021 with Save the Bilby Foundation. “When I was in the Bilby residency, the number of people who didn’t know what a bilby was. They thought it was chocolate and people didn’t know where they lived, or how they impacted the environment,” explains Ronelle. But this is just the start. Ronelle hopes to plan more residencies in the future, bringing more awareness of our native animals and their plights of a rapidly changing ecosystem. Check out Ronelle Reid at ronellereid.com and her Instagram @ronellereidart
Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
An early image of the Kingston Butter Factory shows employees of the South Queensland Co-operative Dairy Co Ltd about 1912. The young ladies are Amy and Dorothy Winnett who are the daughters of the Co-operative Secretary William George Winnett (seated centre) and manager Jack Juers.
Logan Libraries will shine a spotlight this month on the fascinating history of the Kingston Butter Factory (KBF). As per our cover story in this edition, Logan City Council is finishing a $20 million redevelopment of the KBF and will re-open it as a cultural heritage and performing arts hub early next year. As a precursor to the reopening, the site’s development over the past 115 years will be highlighted in a library presentation. Council's Local Heritage Specialist Dr Hilda Maclean will present the illustrated presentation between 10.30am and 11.30am on Wednesday 24 November. The Butter to Broadway presentation will feature behind-the-scenes KBF stories and more than 100 years of photographs. The new KBF cultural precinct, redeveloped with support from the Queensland Government, will be the City of Logan’s largest outdoor events space. The 14-hectare natural parkland setting will host major festivals, concerts, markets and community celebrations. It will also feature the Living Museum of Logan and the Butterbox Theatre in the former KBF building which has retained its exterior brickwork. You can read more about the opening and the venue’s history in this edition. Bookings for the library history session are essential and can be made online at loganlibraries.org
Meet the artist behind this year’s HOTA Christmas Commission Local artist Nicholas Tossmann is creating an exciting wordplay installation for the 2021 Christmas Commission at HOTA, Home of the Arts. Words by Natalie O’Driscoll
The festive spirit is in full swing as we shift into summer and the yuletide tradition of HOTA’s Christmas Commission. This year, Gold Coast emerging artist Nicholas Tossmann invites you to ponder the meaning of Christmas in a thoughtful and contemporary festive response. Gold Coast local and recent graduate from QUT (Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts)), Nicolas Tossmann’s practice investigates and explores a philosophical search of self and purpose. A highly accomplished young artist, Nicholas has recently completed a four-month residency with The Walls, a threemonth residency with Level Up Coolangatta; and was recently exhibited in a group show at Metro Arts in West End (as part of the Young Emerging Artists Forum). His first solo exhibition began in October 2021 at Wreckers Artspace, Woolloongabba.
In six installations, Nicholas’ work Moments delves into our continuing search of self and purpose through a philosophical lens. Timely in the wake of the uncertainty of the last two years, the artwork aims to bring opportunities for introspection and reflection. Sure to evoke a sense joy and grounding to visitors, Moments will encourage visitors to ponder the meaning of the season and exchange their own experiences of Christmas.
• Grateful Being, HOTA Gallery, top of Outdoor Stage entrance ramp.
In an exciting opportunity to create your own festive journey, and to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the busy season, plan a stroll through HOTA and take in Moments by Nicholas Tossmann.
• Categorise Perception, HOTA Central, windows adjacent to Cinema 1.
Here’s where you can find Nicholas’ artwork:
• Speculation, HOTA Central, wayfinding signage.
• Moment, HOTA Gallery, Level 3 viewing platform. • Anticipation, HOTA Gallery, base of Outdoor Stage entrance ramp.
• Meaning / Belief, underside of the Green Bridge. • HOTA, Home of the Arts, celebrates and supports Gold Coast based artists by commissioning a seasonal artwork in recognition of the role contemporary art practice plays in everyday life.
Out from the Mist comes to One Arts Out From the Mist is a unique international photography and short movie competition, that is heading to One Arts Gallery on the Gold Coast from 4 December 2021 to 12 January 2022. Words by Natalie O’Driscoll
outfromthemist.com
Now in its second year, Out From The Mist provides a platform for professional and amateur photographers who have experienced mental health issues, enabling them to have their voices heard through an emotive, powerful and creative display.
Photography Exhibition | Various Artists
Showcasing the strengths and the travails, the joyous moments and the sad of those who directly or indirectly confront the challenges of mental illness.
The competition was showcased online and at a live exhibition during World Mental Health Week in October, with the tour taking place afterwards. Harnessing the power of storytelling, the exhibition showcases the strengths and the challenges, the joyous moments and the sad, of those who directly and indirectly confront the challenges of mental illness. “It is about raising awareness about types of mental health and people’s responses to it,” says One Arts Gallery director Carol Collins. “Particularly currently during the pandemic.” In 2019, 440 thought-provoking, expressive and courageous entries from over 20 different countries provided a powerful and insightful glimpse into the complexities and challenges of mental health, and the hope of recovery. Artists were from around the world, as well as Queensland. This is the first time we have hosted the exhibition here, so
it’s a fantastic opportunity for Gold Coasters to get out and see this incredibly moving show in the flesh. For more information about Out From the Mist visit outfromthemist.com and also at oneartsgoldcoast.com. Out From the Mist is run in partnership with and is proudly supported by Mental Illness Fellowship Australia (MIFA). And One Arts Gold Coast Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
Opening Saturday 4th December 2021 3.00pm- 5.00pm Cnr Verona Ave and via Roma Isle of Capri, Surfers Paradise oneartsgoldcoast.com | Contact 0400 139 889
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Tesh Batkins’ Sparkling Spotlight
Wet Season’s 90s Surf Soundtrack
The Silencio Hit Hard
Super Ghost Explore The Rat Race
Donny Love Make You Smile
Why Tho Set you Flying
Tesh Batkins is back this month with her sparkling new single ‘Spotlight’. Led by an acoustic guitar and garnished with classic pop production this breakup anthem is simple, catchy and to the point; the perfect formula for a classic ear worm that will be stuck in your head all day. Check out Tesh’s Instagram to follow her picturesque coastal adventures and acoustic renditions.
After introducing themselves with two impressive singles earlier this year, Super Ghost are leaving their mark on 2021 with the release of ‘Left For Dust’, the guitar driven debut EP that (according to the band) “explores themes of liminal spaces, illogical social customs and anxieties that coincide with the human rat race.” With a backbone of indie pop the EP also explores the tones of vintage surf rock on ‘Lullaby’, flirts with some quirky spaghetti western vibes on ‘Graceless’ and delves into 60s psychedelic on ‘Vertex’. A real full-bodied debut offering here from this fresh faced duo.
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Wet Season are following up their debut single from earlier this year with the thrashy 90s rock inspired track ‘Drift’. Sounding like it could have been taken from any surf film from the 90s, the song hits that nostalgic feeling with its drawn out melodies and easygoing tempo that so many rock bands have found success from over the past few years. ‘Drift’ is the perfect soundtrack for a summer surf trip.
Gold Coast’s best dressed band Donny Love have gifted us with an ultra fun new single to get us through the silly season with the art-pop sing-along ‘Put Up A Fight’. Defined by the band as a groove-based exploration of jangle pop, disco and Afro-pop the track captures the ecstatic energy of the their live show, complete with congas, synthesisers, group vocals and infectious melodies. With a lyrical focus on mental health, this happy go lucky track is sure to put a smile on your dial.
Finding the boundaries of rock music once again The Silencio have hit hard with their new blend of punk / metal / prog ‘Under Lock & Key’. Produced at Core Studios on the Gold Coast, the track does well to harness the pure energy that the band put into their live shows which is also captured in the epic live video. If you’re a fan of British rock band Basement you’ll love this track.
Why Tho is the refreshingly different new Gold Coast collaboration between producer/ drummer George Carpenter (who you might recognise behind the kit at a Karl. S Williams show) and artist/vocalist Tal Fitzpatrick who is best known for her work in the field of textile ‘craftivism’. Channeling the experimental sounds of Brian Eno and born in the wake of the world falling into crisis the duo’s self titled EP is a 14 minute cosmic journey ranging from dark-wave goth to electro punk that will lift you out of your seat and set you flying. Brilliant, thought-provoking stuff here from Why Tho. Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
Club Roulette’s Ready Made Hit
Sook’s Alt Rock Thrasher
Eleea Moves On
Tokyo Beef With Meat And Potatoes
Club Roulette are giving it their all in the energetic new polished pop single ‘Better’. Channeling the boy-band model of wildly successful bands like 5 Seconds Of Summer, the four piece have worked with certified hit maker Reese Szabo on production and Gold Coast’s master of mastering Paul Blakey to develop this ready made hit. With a slick video that perfectly matches the pace of the track ‘Better’ is the full package.
Eleea is finishing off the year with yet another dramatic pop anthem ‘Stings’, written about conflicting feelings after moving on from a mutual breakup. Again working with local production wizard Brad Hosking the track shines a light on Eleea’s emotive vocal while working with layered harmonies and guitars that rise into a triumphant finale. With references as wide as The Cranberries and Taylor Swift, ‘Stings’ also does well to continue the worldly sound Eleea developed with her Travel Collection EP back in 2020.
Flying the 90s alt-rock flag this month is the grungy new single from long standing Gold Coast three-piece Sook. ‘I Can Be In Love’ channels the likes of Smashing Pumpkins with its crushed guitar sounds, thrashing rock drums and the hooky layered vocal of band leader Kirk Mesmer. Featuring the keyboard and production skills of Gold Coast music champion Guy Cooper, it’s obvious that ‘I Can Be In Love’ is the work of wellseasoned musicians doing what they love.
Blank favourites Tokyo Beef have served up a solid plate of meat and potatoes this month with their straight shooting punk rock belter ‘Poor Boy’. Recorded at Lovestreet Studios on the Gold Coast as a batch of five songs that are to be released via Bandcamp over the next few months, this first offering features dirty guitars, driving drums and a raucous vocal delivery that will have you beating down the door and running to the nearest mosh pit. You can catch the band performing at Vinnies Dive on 10 December.
And that’s not all! With 2022 approaching, we thought we’d better take a look back at the year that was. Here’s Blank’s Top 21 for 2021 (in alphabetical order)
Mudgeeraba gets heavy rail… sort of
Attune - Jamie Lane
Fine Wines With Tully John & Liza-Jane
Tully John & Liza-Jane have a knack for creating ethereal folk songs that seem to get better with age. Their latest fine wine ‘Backyard’ is no exception. Carrying a faster pace than some of their previous material, the track is led by the intimate vocal of Tully John and supported by the flawless delicacy of Liza’s harmonies. With its rich acoustic guitars and subtle piano flutters ‘Backyard’ is perfect summer road trip material.
EUCA’s Rollicking Gem
EUCA has hit us with an absolute gem this month with her heart wrenching single ‘only fools’. With stunning vocal harmonies and a rollicking country-folk style rhythm section reminiscent of Swedish act First Aid Kit, the production perfectly executes the track’s dark, yearning lyrical content. If this release is anything to go by, EUCA is set to explode into 2022.
Tayiha Continues To Impress
16-year-old local talent Tayiha is finishing off a productive year of songwriting with her fourth consecutive single of 2021 ‘Gotta Be More Than This’. With bright, shiny pop production at its core, the track explores love through the lens of a teenager in the wake of a failed relationship. With an impressive accompanying video that showcases Tayiha’s dancing skills, ‘Gotta Be More Than This’ is another step in the right direction for this future star.
Boxing Under Water (feat. Cailin Russo) - Golding Cigarettes & Red Wine - Javin Kai Count Static - boWsER Dog Days - The Lonesomes Fool’s Play - GENIIE BOY Girl In The Mirror - The Oogars Heaven - Lily Papas hear with me (fet. DVNA) - daste. Hunger - Tully John & Liza-Jane Idk why the light’s on - Akurei In The Machine - San Mei Like You - Bianca Power Love - Buttered
clovo’s Powerful Debut
clovo has hit the ground running with her fantastic debut single ‘Girls’. Finding inspiration from female dark pop superstars Grimes, Mia Rodriguez and Billie Eilish, the empowering track was written on International Women’s Day as an anthem for all women who stand against sexual assault and discrimination. Tough, punchy production and the confident swagger of Chloe Magee’s vocal enhance the power of the message. A very solid start for this new Gold Coast artist. Check out our interview with Chloe in this edition.
Lunar Syrup Go Deep
New kids on the block Lunar Syrup have kicked things off in a big way this month with their impressive debut single ‘Architect Of Dreams’. Clean psychedelic sounds and deep thinking lyrical content set the scene for this well constructed sonic journey that seems to channel the likes of fellow local surf/psych lords Peach Fur and Babe Rainbow. With big plans ahead, ‘Architect Of Dreams’ is the first chapter of a forthcoming album which will be accompanied by a 50 plus page novella. Trippy stuff here from the Gold Coast’s newest face melters.
Daste Deliver On Debut
After a whopping six single releases in 2021 hometown heroes daste. are finishing off the year by dropping their heavily anticipated debut album ‘dusk&dawn’. Beautiful minimalistic production, masterful songwriting and soul soothing intimate vocals spill from this ten track LP to create a full bodied listen with every song offering something new and refreshing. Of the unreleased material the clear standout is the emotive sad-boy ballad ‘light on’ with its acoustic flow and stunning falsetto vocal. Hands down ‘dusk&dawn’ is one of the strongest local albums to be released this year. Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
Only Fools - EUCA Save Me - Eliza & The Delusionals Take Life Easy - HEAVY WAX Talk - Chutney TOOTHBRUSH - Saint Lane Wanna Stay (feat. Dear Sunday) - Luude White Tiles - Girl and Girl Visit spoti.fi/3daawRj to listen to the playlist.
The Hinterland Heritage Museum at Mudgeeraba recently launched an exhibition celebrating the old South Coast Railway. Words by Natalie O’Driscoll
Heavy rail track being laid in Mudgeeraba, you say? Yes indeed. Thanks to the Hinterland Heritage Museum, a stretch of old school rails and sleepers have been laid down as part of a new exhibition celebrating the old South Coast Railway. Trainspotters may be disappointed in the traffic, however. The short section of track has been laid in front of the old Nerang Railway Station, with enthusiastic locals dressing up for the launch and getting into the old timey spirit of the thing. Dedicated Hinterland Heritage Museum volunteers have been working behind the scenes on the project for at least a year. In the interest of authenticity, the section of track was built from period materials, with the sleepers taken from an old bridge in Tallebudgera and rails from a farm which operated a sawmill. The exhibition also contains an exciting array of railway memorabilia such as staff boxes, uniforms and old tickets donated by the Queensland Museum, as well as an old school room, displays of military memorabilia and a remarkable collection of old cameras. The Nerang Railway Station Exhibition can be viewed at the Gold Coast Hinterland Heritage Museum on Sundays between 10am and 2pm. Feel free to dress up.
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Saturday 11 December
Michael Hickey - Burleigh Brewing Co Stella McIvor - Currumbin RSL Charlie Bravo - Charlie Bravo Duo Kingscliff Beach Hotel
Wednesday 8 December
Ooz - The Rails
Jason Delphin - The Rails
Mark Sheils - The Coolangatta Hotel
Kevin Keepa from the Koi Boys - Koi
Rock of Nations - Classic Rock Show Twin Towns
Kim Churchill - Three Blue Ducks Byron Danny Doon - Surfers Paradise Beach Front Markets
Reverse - The Coolangatta Hotel James Canning - The Star Gold Coast
Animal Ventura - SAE Institute Byron Bay
Sam Teskey - The Northern
TIJUANA CARTEL – Live on DesertTV - Mo's Desert Clubhouse
The Traveling Wilburys Sessions - Twin Towns Harry Nicols - The Park Hotel
Sarah Grant - The Rails
Jason Delphin - The Star Gold Coast DEEP GORDON – Live at Mo’s - Mo's Desert Clubhouse
Friday 10 December
Pink Zinc Presents - Riverview Hotel Lily Budiasa - Tupe Aloha JOHAN DANNO RELEASE PARTY SUNDAY BASH - Mo's Desert Clubhouse
Scott Dalton - Miami Marketta
Naomi Connell - Currumbin RSL
Harry Nicols - The Northern
Hit Me Britney, One More Time - The Star Gold Coast
DJ Dorfsta - Kingscliff Beach Hotel
Wednesday 15 December
ACCA DACCA - The Cavill Hotel Bronte Eve - Miami Marketta SAYAAH - The Star Gold Coast Cass Ford - HOTA, Home of the Arts Harry Nicols - Kingscliff Beach Hotel
Steve Hawley - Ashmore Tavern
Tommy Memphis - Twin Towns
Yasmina Despot - The Loose Moose
Saturday 18 December
Gold Coast Vibez - Marina Mirage
Matty Rogers - The Rails
Greatest Hits - The Coolangatta Hotel
Kevin Keepa from the Koi Boys - Koi
South Wall - Hotel Brunswick
Nuz & Kevin (The Koi Boys) - Koi
Ondre Davis - Miami Marketta
Jon J Bradley - The Rails
Sex and Chocolate - Swannie's Bar and Restaurant
Leif Larkin - The Regent
Austin Mackay - Dusty Boots - Miami Marketta
Thursday 16 December Friend Zone - The Rails
Karl S Williams | With the band - Miami Marketta
Sunday 12 December
Brett Hammond - Kurrawa SLSC
OKA - Kingscliff Beach Hotel THE GET DOWN - Mo's Desert Clubhouse
Clowns - with Special Guests C.O.F.F.I.N (SYD) - The Coolangatta Hotel
GOLDEN WEEKEND - Mo's Desert Clubhouse
Ilona Harker - The Regent Saccharo - Southport Sharks Chance Encounter - Whisky Lounge, Mudgeeraba Jason Delphin - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Alter Egos - The Coolangatta Hotel
Monday 20 December
Brad Johns - The Coolangatta Hotel The Bohemian Cowboys - The Rails
Tuesday 21 December
Jacob Agious - Southport Yacht Club
Resonance - Currumbin RSL
MacKenzie Duo - The Star Gold Coast
REmedy - Twin Towns
Steven Michael - The Coolangatta Hotel
Vaudeville Smash - Hotel Brunswick
Emily Brieger - Currumbin RSL
Harry Nicols - The Northern
Hit Me Britney, One More Time - The Star Gold Coast
Jock Barnes - The Rails
Tim Stokes - Kingscliff Beach Hotel ONE OF US IS LYING DUO - Twin Towns Juniors
Friday 17 December
Broadwaters - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Cory Hargreaves - North Burleigh SLSC Yazmindi - The Park Hotel
Tim Stokes - The Rails
Lily Grace - Whisky Lounge, Mudgeeraba
Gaudion - Currumbin RSL
Angel Strings - HOTA, Home of the Arts
Yasmina Despot - The Loose Moose
Arj Barker - Twin Towns
Jason Towers - Ashmore Tavern
Jason Delphin - The Coolangatta Hotel
Nuz & Kevin (The Koi Boys) - Koi Cainan - North Burleigh SLSC Off The Grid - Advancetown Hotel James D'Khan - Burleigh Brewing Co Late For Woodstock - The Coolangatta Hotel Harry Nicols - Cudgen Surf Life Saving Club Fire N Ice - Fishermans Wharf Tavern
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Matt Collins - Currumbin RSL
Danny Doon - Surfers Paradise Beach Front Markets
Karl Peters - North Burleigh SLSC
DJ's - Murwillumbah Services Club
Dave Cavanaugh - Twin Towns Juniors
Cal Creelman - Currumbin RSL
Lisa Hunt - The Coolangatta Hotel
Vybez - The Star Gold Coast
RE-PULSE WORLD PREMIERE - Mo's Desert Clubhouse
Col Germano - The Coolangatta Hotel
Harry Nicols - The Rails
Rumours Fleetwood Mac Tribute Southport Sharks
Rick Barron - Burleigh Brewing Co
Archie Rye - Ashmore Tavern
The Swamps - The Rails
My Kind Of Chaos - Regular Gonzales, Tokyo Beef, The Snouts, The Fat Bastards. - Vinnies Dive Bar
Creedence The John Fogerty Show - The Coolangatta Hotel
The Ninth Chapter - Hotel Brunswick
Guy Kachel - The Rails
Michael Hickey - Club Robina
Brett Gannon - Southport Yacht Club
Harry Nicols - Byron Bay Services Club
Fat Albert - The Coolangatta Hotel
Dave Gray - Southport Yacht Club
The Sidemen - The Bangalow Bowlo
GINBUGGS - Club Banora
Marshall - The Rails
Gavin Doniger - Tupe Aloha
Charlie Bravo - Southport Sharks
Tuesday 14 December
Jordan Mac - Hotel Brunswick
Ole Falco - Hotel Brunswick
Austin Mackay - Beach Hotel
Common Ground - North Burleigh SLSC
Nathan Kaye - The Park Hotel
Ooz - The Park Hotel
Steven Michael - The Coolangatta Hotel
The
The Smashed Crabs - Currumbin RSL
Stephen Lovelight - The Rails
Soul Movers - The Rails
Andy Jans-Brown & Cozmic - The Rails
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SOLID GOLD DUO - Club Banora
Monday 13 December
Humblet - Miami Marketta
Casey Fogg - Ashmore Tavern
Killer Queen Experience Coolangatta Hotel
Violent Soho - WEST THEBARTON, TEENAGE JOANS, PEACH FUR, BLUSSH - Miami Marketta
Phil Guest - Paradise Point Bowls Club
Col Germano - The Coolangatta Hotel
Thursday 9 December
Guy Kachel - The Park Hotel
Martin Way - Murwillumbah Services Club The Whiskeys - The Rails Rob Fitchett - The Coolangatta Hotel Blakboi - Tom Avery - Burleigh Brewing Co GOLDEN WEEKEND - Mo's Desert Clubhouse
Corey Hargreaves - Southport Yacht Club
Dusty and the Divas - Twin Towns
Wednesday 22 December
Kevin Keepa from the Koi Boys - Koi Danny Doon - Surfers Paradise Beach Front Markets Col Germano - The Coolangatta Hotel Ooz - The Rails Dance On - Twin Towns
Memphis Cowboys - Paradise Point Bowls Club Luke Pauley - Currumbin RSL Bill Jacobi - The Regent DJ's - Murwillumbah Services Club Hussy Hicks - The Regent Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
Sunday 19 Decem ber
Memphis Cowboys - Advancetown Hotel Tijuana Cartel - Kallidad - Soundlounge Brooke Supple - Kurrawa SLSC Soulcutz - Paradise Point Bowls Club
Thursday 23 December Sarah Grant - Hotel Brunswick Harry Nicols - The Rails
Friday 24 December
The Bongo Boys - Murwillumbah Services Club Mark Sheils - The Coolangatta Hotel Trace Duo - Ashmore Tavern Pink Zinc Presents - Riverview Hotel Long Gone Daddy's - Paradise Point Bowls Club
Support your local: What to buy your music loving mates this Xmas
Little Stevie & The Tailfins - Twin Towns Danny Doon - Surfers Paradise Beach Front Markets Matt Armitage - Hotel Brunswick
Words by Isabella Collins
Kevin Keepa from the Koi Boys - Koi
Thursday 30 December Harry Nicols - Hotel Brunswick
Marshall Okell - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Rhydian Lewis - Club Banora
Friday 31 December
Max Hoorn - Twin Towns Juniors
Daniel J. Lewis - Southport Yacht Club
ROCK CITY SAINTS - Twin Towns
Ham & Pineapple Band - Twin Towns
Pink Zinc Presents - The Park Hotel
The Big Duo - The Coolangatta Hotel
THE FROCKS - Twin Towns
Jordan McRobbie - The Park Hotel
Fire N Ice - Murwillumbah Services Club Jake Whittaker Trio - The Rails
Sunday 26 December
Brooke Supple - Southport Yacht Club Hannah Johnstone - North Burleigh SLSC Supercheeze - The Rails noasis - The Cavill Hotel Tuffy - The Park Hotel Living In The 70s - The Coolangatta Hotel GINBUGGS - Twin Towns Mikara - Ashmore Tavern Yasmina Despot - The Loose Moose Dusty As - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Goodrich - Hotel Brunswick Nuz & Kevin (The Koi Boys) - Koi Pink Zinc Presents - Greenmount Beach Surf Club
Catchpole - Hotel Brunswick Disco Disciples - Cabarita Beach Bowls and Sports Club Ooz - The Park Hotel
Gimmy Flowens
Was that Xmas’ jolly fat man riding the clouds? Nah, it was Peach Fur’s psychedelic spaceship orbiting your funky rock dreams. Make sure you catch a peachy tee on their flight overhead!
Picture this: Relaxing in the bath with the soulful folk melodies of Gimmy Flowens playing in the background. Well now you don’t have to! This indie rock goddess has put it on a limited-edition tote bag for you to bring those good vibes wherever you go.
Merry merry merry all the way over to thewaywardsuns.com
I’m dreamin’ of a groovy Xmas peachfur.bandcamp.com
Keep the good times flowin’ these holidays gimmyflowens. bandcamp.com
Brad Elkin - North Burleigh SLSC The Smashed Crabs - The Coolangatta Hotel Briana Dinsdale - Paradise Point Bowls Club
NIDALA
Wolfie - North Burleigh SLSC Strictly Acoustic - The Coolangatta Hotel That 70s band - Club Banora No Scrubs - The Coolangatta Hotel Borrowed and Blue - The Billinudgel Hotel EPIC - The Rails
Blank Gig Guide brought to you in partnership with Gigl. Brad Johns - The Coolangatta Hotel
Peach Fur
You won’t be saying ‘Yeah Nah’ to this double single vinyl release from The Wayward Suns. Not only will you be under the intoxicating influence of their funky hip-hop roots blend but also support their social and mental health awareness project.
Barnes Storm - Jet Club Effect - Seagulls Club
Click Click Boom - Advancetown Hotel
Monday 27 December
The Wayward Suns
Eliza & The Delusionals Say ‘eat my shorts’ to 2021! Rock into the new year in one of these tees from indie rock icons Eliza & The Delusionals and get all 90s nostalgia vibes. Get this staple in your wardrobe and feel hella fly this Xmas! *insert dial-up (Mum! Get off the phone so I can use the internet!) elizaandthedelusionals.com
Djugun woman NIDALA brings you her carbon neutral EP ‘Colours Of My People’. Steeped in bluesy roots and rock, it’s a tonic for the soul. With 20% of all funds going towards planting trees and another 20% towards Indigenous-run initiatives, it’s a most special Xmas treat. Open your heart to nidalamusic. bandcamp.com
Ella Fence Electro-pop indie-rock supersonic queen Ella Fence is inviting you to join her wolf tribe. Sleek and fresh, just like her genre-defying tunes, you’ll hear this tee echo your name as it howls through the night! Xmas never felt so good ellafencemusic.bandcamp.com
To list your gig visit gigl.com.au OR email gigs@blankstreetpress.com.au
Off The Grid - Advancetown Hotel Josh Hamilton - Hotel Brunswick
Kallidad Tuesday 28 December
Zac Hubbard - Hotel Brunswick Venus Envy - Advancetown Hotel Jethro Andrews - The Coolangatta Hotel
Wednesday 29 December
Col Germano - The Coolangatta Hotel
JK-47 SCAN FOR GIG DETAILS.
Slip, slop, slap on one of these custom bucket hats from Indigenous hip-hop genius JK-47. With tracks so hot, these noggin protectors will be the only thing making you feel as fresh as you look this Xmas. Stay cool, breeze merchfan.co/jk47
Mis amigos! Spanish rock trio Kallidad have the ideal custom designed stubby holders to help you cool off this summer. Get your mitts around one and jam to their spicy tunes with an iced cold bevvy. Boogie on over and check out other treats on offer this Xmas kallidad.bandcamp.com
Budjerah A Coodjinburra boy from the Bundjalung nation, Budjerah is electrifying the music scene with his silky-smooth tunes and spinetingling vocals. We hope you’ve been good this year, because this signed debut album is top tier! Set your Xmas playlist budjerah.com
Visit blankstreetpress.com.au to read the full list. Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
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HERITAGE GOLD COAST, PART 8: BEYOND THE BLUFF Words by Nikki Archer
Scrolling through my socials last week, I nearly spat out my morning cuppa as I read the words: “Queensland’s own Bondi” in an article on Burleigh’s real estate boom. My childhood was spent at Bondi. My father was a Bondi lifesaver. Today, Burleigh is my beloved local beach village. Both carry unique qualities and character in their own right. I wondered if such comparisons were necessary or indeed, helpful.
the surf community for 42 years. Regular customers included the Neilsen clan, surf empire pioneers who dominated in Burleigh’s waves. In later years, Sean Scott’s gallery showcased surf photography. Stories of surf culture in the DeLuxe proliferate in living memory today. In 2019 the DeLuxe was listed on the local heritage register. Although little of the original fabric remained, the building’s status as a local landmark and ongoing gathering place was recognised. Community sentiment for the aging, patchworked building is strong through all its incarnations.
The Gold Coast is a young city. Some of our earliest buildings were rudimentary and purpose-built for holiday-making and early European settlement. They are rarely glamorous or originally intact. Despite the constant development that’s taken place over the last century, some places have stood the test of time. They remain, providing not just a reminder of our past, but are also important foundations in ensuring we know who we are. They’re icons, drawcards that make Burleigh, Burleigh!
The foreshore’s appeal is irresistible and eternal. Across the road, natural oyster beds had been a significant indigenous meeting place for centuries and later protected for public amenity as their bounties continued to please. By the 1950s, sea folly attractions ‘Rollerdrome’ outdoor skating rink and Burleigh’s first swimming pool were on the foreshore. The 1954 cyclone destroyed the skate rink. Jack Evans’ ocean pool, built only the year before, proved its sturdiness surviving the storm. Over decades, the pool continued to grow in popularity and use. Burleigh Pavilion was constructed and its indoor pool continued to be used for generations.
If the beaches are the crown of the Gold Coast, Burleigh, and its imposing headland, is the jewel. This wasn’t an arbitrary human decision. Nature decided. Known as Jellurgal to local Indigenous groups, it’s a significant place in Aboriginal Cultural Landscapes. For millennia, the estuary and swampland provided ample fresh water and food sources and hosted many gatherings. The headland gave security and informed through lines of sight. Character and amenity is culturally expressed in the Dreaming story of Jabreen. With the construction of the South Coast railway line, the tracks to Burleigh became better worn. Nature-lovers and holidaymakers from Brisbane were now turning up en masse, thrilled to explore the biodiverse wilderness and beautiful seaside location. Burleigh’s popularity, however, was creating problems. It was soon under threat of being over-loved. Stunning wildflower and fern patches were picked to extinction. Sanitation and infrastructure was poor. A spectacular freshwater lagoon polluted and filled in, now a bowling green. In 1916, Councillor William Brake responded to proposals to resurvey Jellurgal for allotment with, “...the only high ground in the township, much appreciated by visitors. To cut this up would considerably reduce the attractions of the place.”
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Backed by strong protests, the proposal was binned and the reserve went into Council care in 1918. The headland’s environmental values continued to be held in high regard and Jellurgal was gazetted as a National Park in 1947. As a major ecotourism drawcard today, conservation has clearly proven to be progress. In the 1930s, infrastructure dramatically improved in Burleigh village and the prominently-placed DeLuxe Theatre, now known as Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade, was constructed. With a stage and dance floor, the DeLuxe was a frequent venue for
a wide variety of events including balls, concert, indoor skating, fetes, religious congregations and community meetings. In 1954, the iconic building bore the full brunt of a cyclone and it was severely damaged. Its popularity as a community hub and entertainment venue saw rapid reconstruction. In the 1970s the theatre was converted into an arcade with retail, dining and offices. Burleigh was the centre of the surfing universe by the 1970s. Arcade tenants included Montezumas, an institution to
Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
Many years ago, I was shocked to see spray paint had been taken to the publiclyowned building. This was no vandalism though. It was a tribute done under cover of darkness. I immediately recognised the clean stencil effigy as that of surfing legend, Michael Peterson, or ‘MP’. I soon learned the culprits were friends of mine. I tentatively awaited their fate as news spread. To my relief they were not arrested. In fact, their work was celebrated! So iconic, it still adorns the southern wall today, being an attraction in itself. It could’ve been the algorithms last week because another post about Burleigh appeared in my feed, as if to counter the “Bondi” article. It was a drawing by Gold Coast Illustrator of MP’s wall. Locals celebrating locals celebrating locals. This homage is organic, authentic place-making in action. Bondi is lovely and all but...we are Burleigh.
NATURALLYGC WORKSHOPS FREE – suitable for ages 5-12. Adults and children must have a booking. Eventbrite.com.au DECEMBER 11 MANDALA ART AND CRAFT, MUDGEERABA 9am– 10.30am / venue information upon registration DECEMBER 11 WHO LIVES IN A HOLLOW, MUDGEERABA 11am 12pm / venue information upon registration DECEMBER 15 MYSTERIOUS LIFE OF A PLATYPUS, MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS 10am – 11am DECEMBER 15 WATERBUG DETECTIVES, MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS 11.30am – 12.30pm ACTIVE & HEALTHY SUMMER OF FUN The City’s Summer of Fun guide has an array of free events and activities lined up for all the family to enjoy in December /
January. To find an activity near you visit www.cityofgoldcoast/ activehealthy
facebook.com/ MudgeerabaCountryMarket
ACTIVE & HEALTHY workshops THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS THE WALLABY HOTEL FREE / Eventbrite.com.au RAILWAY STREET MUDGEERABA DECEMBER 14 CHILDREN’S BIKE SKILLS, The Wallaby presents live music FIRTH PARK NETBALL every Thursday, Friday and COURTS, SOMERSET DRIVE, Saturday night from 8pm and on MUDGEERABA Sundays from 2pm. 9.15am – 10.15am for children 6 Local and touring Acts. and up. Registration essential. www.wallabyhotel.com.au Training wheels to 2 wheels, learn bike handling skills plus road awareness. DECEMBER 18 SKATEBOARD WORKSHOP, FIRTH PARK MUDGEERABA Be challenged by learning new skills from great coaches. Skateboards and helmets provided for up to 15 participants. For beginners, all ages 3 and up. Booking essential via text Jay 047 910 240. DECEMBER 18 MUDGEERABA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS TWILIGHT MARKET, MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS From 3pm Community market, local stall holders, creatives & producers, food vendors & live entertainment. Free car parking and dog friendly.
3RD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH BASED COMEDY AT THE WALLABY Comedy at the Wallaby returns for a monthly show JANUARY 16 THE BLACK SORROWS Join Joe Camilleri & the Black Sorrows on the Livin Like Kings National tour comes to The Wallaby. DECEMBER THE WOODCHOPPERS INN – AGAINST THE GRAIN DISTILLERY Live music is back at Woodchoppers with the opening of their new distillery, specialising in handcrafted
Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
Cr Tozer and his wife Jude wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and joyful 2022
Christmas Church Services IN DIVISION 9
MUDGEERABA UNITING CHURCH 19 December 6.30pm – Carols with Rookies Band 25 December 8am – Christmas Service 26 December 9am – Boxing Day Service & morning tea MOSAIC CHURCH MUDGEERABA 25 December 8.30am HINTERLAND BAPTIST CHURCH 24 December 7pm (registration https://hinterlandbapist.com)
brew and woodfired BBQ. Live music on Friday nights 5.30pm) and chilled Sunday sessions (3pm). January lineup still to be confirmed. Facebook.com/woodchoppersinn for updated information. DECEMBER 3 Classic Rock DECEMBER 5 DECEMBER 10 DECEMBER 12 DECEMBER 17 DECEMBER 19
PASH Blues and Bonita Mae Atlas Noy Ben Ami Dana Crowe Hello Joe
EVERY SATURDAY MUDGEERABA PARKRUN D’ARCY DOYLE PARK, SOMERSET DRIVE, MUDGEERABA free 5km timed run 7am http://www.parkrun.com.au/ mudgeeraba/
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 24 December 6.30pm / 25 December 8am ST BENEDICT’S CATHOLIC CHURCH 25 December 8:30am SALT CHURCH MUDGEERABA 25 December 8am and 9.30am HIGHWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH GILSTON 25 December 9.30am (online service) REEDY CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH 24 December 6pm / 25 December 8am KINGS CHURCH REEDY CREEK 19 December 5pm (Christmas Carols) / 25 December 9am NEW BEGINNINGS REEDY CREEK 26 December 9.30am COASTLIFE ADVENTIST CHURCH 11 December 10am – 12pm
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Blank - issue #93 - December 2021
* 5 4 $ N A J 9 SAT 2
ALL AGES
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GORILLAZ
YEAH YEAH YEAHS • KACEY MUSGRAVES
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STARCRAWLER • FAZERDAZE • GEORGE ALICE • 1300 • TRIPLE J UNEARTHED PLUS MIX UP DJS DENA AMY • LUEN • AYWY
SECRET SOUNDS NEW MUSIC PRESENT STILL WOOZY • JOY CROOKES • WET LEG • MAKO ROAD • RENFORSHORT • MAY-A • FLOWERKID • THE BUOYS
SATURDAY 23 JULY
THE STROKES
GLASS ANIMALS • VIOLENT SOHO • TIM MINCHIN • JACK HARLOW
• THE
JUNGLE GIANTS
OLIVER TREE • TOM MISCH • RUBY FIELDS • JPEGMAFIA • METHYL ETHEL • STELLA DONNELLY • THE CHATS BIIG PIIG • CHILLINIT • TRIPLE ONE • PUP • TAI VERDES • HINDS • ALICE IVY • BUDJERAH • ADRIAN EAGLE • THE LAZY EYES
PLUS MIX UP DJS JORDAN BRANDO • HONEY POINT • CAROLINA GASOLINA ASTRAL PEOPLE PRESENT MYD • MILDLIFE • JARREAU VANDAL BRAME & HAMO • BANOFFEE • MOKTAR • STEVAN • DRO CAREY & DJ SCORPION • PRICIE • PINK MATTER • MEMPHIS LK (DJ)
SUNDAY 24 JULY
TYLER, THE CREATOR
LIAM GALLAGHER G FLIP
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DUKE DUMONT (LIVE)
GRINSPOON
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PARQUET COURTS
HOLLY HUMBERSTONE
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ALEX THE ASTRONAUT
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TICKETS ON SALE 9AM MON 6 DEC TIX FROM MOSHTIX.COM.AU • 26 TWEED VALLEY WAY, WOOYUNG • ALL AGES & LICENSED • SPLENDOURINTHEGRASS.COM • #SITG2022