WYAA 2024: Tweed Regional Gallery Revives Youth Art Award

By Jeff Gibbs

The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is thrilled to herald the return of the esteemed Wollumbin Youth Art Award (WYAA) in conjunction with the highly anticipated 2024 Wollumbin Art Award.

witness the school in its current unkempt state, overrun by lantana, wild tobacco bushes, and weeds. Even the memorial gates stand neglected amidst overgrowth. However, there’s hope on the horizon as interest has been expressed from far and wide, including residents from Cedar Point, Backmede, Wadeville, and Casino.

To ensure the success of this initiative, we have extended invitations

We encourage all interested individuals to join us at Dyraaba Hall on 28th April 2024 at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be provided, and we kindly request each attendee to contribute $2, with proceeds supporting the Dyraaba Hall Committee.

For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to Allan Berry at 0408 933 796 or 6667 1290.

Let’s come together to envision a brighter future for Doubtful Creek Public School and our community.

Now extending an open invitation for submissions, this biennial accolade warmly welcomes budding artists aged 5 to 18 from the vibrant locales of Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Kyogle, Scenic Rim, Lismore, City of Gold Coast, and, for the inaugural time, Richmond Valley. Young creatives are encouraged to unleash their imaginations, as entries encompassing a diverse array of visual artworks across all subjects and mediums are eagerly anticipated. Alongside the prestige of recognition, prizes including art materials and a multitude of art-making opportunities valued at up to $1,000 await the brightest talents. With dedicated categories tailored to each age bracket –ranging from 5–8 years to 16–18 years – the WYAA endeavours to celebrate the boundless ingenuity and artistic prowess of regional youth. Ingrid Hedgcock, esteemed Gallery Director, expressed her profound enthusiasm for the initiative, affirming, “This award stands as a testament to the exceptional abilities of our young artists, instilling within them a sense of pride and empowerment to craft works of enduring significance.”

The Gallery extends a warm welcome to Jodi Ferrari, the esteemed Children’s Gallery Coordinator at HOTA, Home of the Arts, who joins as the distinguished guest judge for the Youth award. Renowned for her expertise in curating immersive art experiences tailored for young audiences, Ms. Ferrari brings invaluable insight to the adjudication process.

Ms. Ferrari herself shared her anticipation, remarking, “I am eager to bear witness to the kaleidoscope of perspectives and boundless creativity showcased in this year’s submissions. It is a privilege to be entrusted by the Gallery to preside over this prestigious award, albeit one that promises to present a delightful challenge.”

Generously sponsored by Friends of the Gallery, the Wollumbin Youth Art Award epitomizes a commitment to fostering and celebrating emerging talent within the artistic community.

Don’t miss your chance to leave an indelible mark on the art world – entries for the WYAA 2024 are now open and will conclude at 5 pm on Monday, June 3, 2024. For comprehensive details, including entry prerequisites, please visit the Gallery’s official website at gallery.tweed. nsw.gov.au/prizesawards.

The award features categories for different age groups:

• 5–8 years

• 9–12 years

• 13–15 years

Mark your calendars as the selected finalists earn the esteemed opportunity to showcase their masterpieces at the Gallery from September 6 to November 24, with the eagerly awaited award announcements set to unfold on September 7.

• 16–18 years.

Locally owned and operating for over 100 years!

Diary of a Flood Survivor

So how did we all hold up after last week’s deluge?

It did no one’s heart good to hear of minor flood warnings, then seeing and hearing the rain fall so consistently.

I know I had flashbacks to the day before we were inundated with tonnes of water, when it had rained all through the night and the night before.

My neighbour texted me to see if we were ok with this latest downpour.

Obviously, in our physical selves we were fine as we just stayed indoors to stay dry, but it was the reminders of the flood two years ago that were coming to the surface that many of us were dealing with.

Hubby and I talked about it between ourselves and with our neighbours.

Another neighbour strongly suggested to hubby that he visit the local Hub just to be able to talk to people, as that is what he has been doing.

Even if it is just to get a cuppa and chat about anything.

One of our greatest strengths is our community.

There are people at the local Hubs who are there to help and just lend a listening ear, so no one has to feel isolated.

Also, let’s not forget our furry family.

Our little dog has not stopped sleeping at the end of our bed since the flood over two years ago. It’s probably just a habit now, but he prefers his people’s close contact ever since we were displaced.

I notice he also hates walking on anything wet. Makes for a bit of a problem when he needs to go and do his business and the grass is sodden, but he works it out. Little steps.