Celebrating 95 Years of Community Spirit: The QCWA Hall at Coolangatta

This year marks a signifcant milestone for The Queensland Country Women’s’ Association Hall at Coolangatta, a cherished community venue that has been a part of Coolangatta for 95 years.

Originally opened in 1929, Coolangatta QCWA Hall was built to foster community connection and provide a space for social activities. Its original 1920’s plan and architecture has remained and over the decades, the hall has hosted everything from wedding receptions and milestone birthday parties to school plays and charity events. It has seen lively dances, community meetings, war effort activities, community groups and much more. This historic hall has witnessed countless memories and served as a gathering place for generations.

QCWA Coolangatta Branch President, Karen Howell, refected on the hall’s signifcance: “Coolangatta QCWA Hall is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of our community’s resilience and unity. There is no measure for the community work that has been carried out in the hall over the decades. It’s also wonderful to have one of the few original buildings in Coolangatta, it has its own character.”

To commemorate this remarkable anniversary, the Coolangatta QCWA is organising a celebratory event on October 15th.

The morning tea will include entertainment, a nostalgic photo exhibition and history, and guests will have the opportunity to share their favourite memories and stories tied to the hall.

“Coolangatta QCWA Hall has brought people together for nearly a century, and we are excited to honour its legacy and the countless individuals who have made it a vibrant part of our community.”

The morning tea is free to the public, and the QCWA ladies encourage residents of all ages to join in the celebration, but numbers are limited.

“We want everyone to feel welcome and part of this milestone,” said Karen Howell

As Coolangatta QCWA Hall approaches its centennial, it stands as a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving our shared history.

Here’s to another 95 years of laughter, love, and connection at this beloved gathering place!

If you would like to attend the morning tea on Tuesday 15th October, from 10am to 12md, please RSVP to CoolangattaBranch@ QCWA.org.au, or phone or text Jenny on 0411 960 464.

TIM HOWARD

Northern Rivers-based artist Laith McGregor has taken home the $35,000 Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award for 2024.

was Nix Francia.

The 2024 JADA was judged by the deputy Director at Artspace, Sydney. Michelle Newton.

She said many of the artists in the 2024 JADA took an interdisciplinary

“His drawing creates an atmosphere charged with emotion, blurring traditional portraiture with abstraction.”

Ms Newton viewed the Early Career Award winner in the same fashion.

Byron Bay-based McGregor won this year’s JADA frst prize with his sculptural charcoal drawing, Untitled (support).

The winner of the $5000 Early Career Award, with their drawing Love at midnight: blood edition approach to the medium of drawing.

“Laith McGregor’s work is a prime example of this,” Ms Newton said.

“There is something very primary and dynamic in his markmarking and the way he builds up the surface.

“Similarly, Nix Francia’s work plays with light, texture and bodily materials, drawing on personal narratives to create a sense of intimacy,” she said.

McGregor is a Northern Rivers-based artist, whose practice spans painting and drawing.

He has exhibited widely throughout Australia and overseas, most recently in public institutions, commercial galleries and artist run spaces including: Art Los Angeles Contemporary emerging artist based in Sydney.

A recent graduate of the National Art School, their work examines the everyday and the mundane, but with a twisted and unique perspective of the human drawing prize.

The JADA champions innovation and excellence in drawing and showcases the enduring importance of drawing practice in Australia.

(LA), Museum of Contemporary Art (NSW), GOMA (QLD), MONA (TAS), and The National Gallery of Victoria (VIC). Laith McGregor is represented by Station Gallery, Sydney and Melbourne. Early Career Award winner Nix Francia is an experience.

In 2023 Nix was a fnalist in both the Burwood Art Prize, and Blacktown City Art Prize.

With an acquisitive frst prize of $35,000 and early career award of $5,000, the JADA is the nation’s leading regional

This year’s exhibition features works from 65 artists, including 14 from the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley region, whose approaches to drawing span the technical and traditional, through to the experimental, conceptual and performative.

The Byron Greens have secured a major victory in the recent local government elections, with long-time Greens councillor Sarah Ndiaye elected as the new Mayor of Byron Shire. Joining her on the council are newly elected councillors Elia Hauge, Delta Kay, and Michelle Lowe.

This election marks a historic achievement for Byron Shire, showcasing the community’s strong backing for the Greens’ progressive agenda. Notably, Elia Hauge becomes the youngest-ever councillor in Byron Shire’s history, while Delta Kay and Michelle Lowe bring representation for the