2024 – A Record Year for Wild About Wooli ArtShow.

Now Calling all Entries for 2025!

 The Wooli Artists Gathering (WAG) has reconvened to make preparations for the Wild About Wooli ArtShow for 2025 after exhibiting a record number of entries in 2024, a total of 166 received from 66 artists with artworks submitted in all categories.   It is quite amazing to see how many artists support this local event.  Many thanks to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly for weeks to stage the event,  charged with tasks to transport art stands, prepare the hall to receive entries, hang the artworks, take care of the sales desk, and work the BBQ and bar on Opening Night, not the mention the miriad of other behind the scenes jobs required in the lead up to the event.  Many thanks to our judges, Marc McIntyre and Steve Pickering from Coldstream Gallery. Thankyou to our local business sponsors who provided prize money and funds to financially support the event and Wooli rental house owners who sponsored art stands & spaces at the ArtShow.

Congratulations to all artists for a wonderful effort; to Elizabeth Hardaker, for Best in Show with her  painted surfboard titled, “Rainforest to Reef” showcasing marine life & nature of the northern rivers coastal area; to the Highly Commended prize winners in each category and the Wooli Public School for their entries.

Here are the details on prize winners for those categories.

It is time to start thinking about your entries for 2025.

Opening Night will be held on the Friday 18^th April 2025 at 6.30pm at the Wooli Community Hall located adjacent the Tennis Courts, and opposite the Wooli Bowls Club. Cost $ 15.00 adults, $5.00 children under 12 years old. The exhibition will continue over the Easter weekend opening on Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th AND Monday 21st April, from 10.00am to 3.00pm.  Entry Cost $ 2.00.  Further details will be available via an Invitation to the Public 2025. Invitation to the Public- 2025

The theme of the Wild About Wooli ArtShow in 2025 is:

“WHAT ARE YOU WILD ABOUT?”.

For artists,  see  Information Sheet & Attachment A 2025 – Artist’s Agreement and  Attachment B Entry Form 2025 & Swing Tag Template . These forms provide all the information artists need for know, such as terms and conditions and how and when to enter.  Completed forms are to be presented in hard copy on delivery day with  artwork,    or enclosed with entries sent via the post.

Wooli Artist Gathering (WAG) was formed in November 2010 by a group of local artists and those who have an interest in art.  The beauty of Wooli and its surrounding area has attracted many artists and stimulated people to develop their artistic talents for many years.  Prior to 2010 a growing number of artists were seeking opportunity to gather, discuss, collaborate and support artistic endeavours.  The ArtShow now provides a platform to exhibit their artwork and connect with the wider art community and the general public. For those interested in joining our group please get in touch.  The Wild About Wooli ArtShow is a great opportunity to be part of a local event, welcoming regulars and visitors to Wooli alike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prompted by WAG members and the “Protect Wooli” campaign, the Wild About Wooli ArtShow is not only a positive way to bring attention to the talents of our local artists, but also a fundraiser for Coastal Communities Protect Alliance – Wooli (CCPA).

A 20% commission on the sale of artwork goes towards supporting CCPA in their efforts to represent Wooli at local and state government levels to advocate for the protection of Wooli’s coastal dune, and riverine environment.

 

For more information about CCPA visit www.protectwooli.com.au

 

 

Whether you are one of our previous exhibiting artists, entering for the first time, are a collector of art, or a member of our community interested in organising the event, there is a place for you to be involved.   Professional and amateur artists alike are welcome to exhibit.  The Wooli Public School children also display their work. The Youth Category offers incentive for our emerging artists.

There are various prizes to be awarded including Best of Show; Highly Commended for each of 6 categories: Painting; Drawing/Print Making; Sculpture/Ceramics; Textile Art; Photography; and Mixed Media;  the Youth Category Award; and a separate category for the Wooli Public School Children’s Prize.  The People’s Choice Award is decided by popular vote and is announced at the close of the show. Artist or not, come along, enjoy the Opening Night social gathering with a drink and BBQ and admire the works of our talented coastal community.   Tickets available at the door, opening from 6.30pm Friday 18th April 2025.  For more information refer to the  Wooli ArtShow Public Invitation- 2025.    For further enquiries:  email:  wildaboutwooli@gmail.com Facebook: wildaboutwooliartshow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CCPA – Wooli welcomes new Mayor Ray Smith PSM (Public Service Medal).

With local government elections finalised a month ago and a new mayor elected for Clarence Valley Council, CCPA executive members wasted no time in requesting a meeting with new Mayor Ray Smith.   The meeting, held at council chambers in Grafton on Friday 22nd November was attended by Ray Smith, Mayor, Laura Black, General Manager , Bruce Ward, CCPA President, Paul Coves CCPA Vice President and Margaret Ward, CCPA committee member.

The purpose of the meeting was to congratulate Cr. Smith on his appointment and provide him with background information regarding Coastal Communities Protection Alliance – Wooli (CCPA-Wooli) and its historical relationship with Council.  Discussion topics covered why CCPA was formed, this being to provide community representation in response to State Government’s preferred solution of “Planned Retreat” as a solution to the threat of climate change and beach erosion.  Of considerable concern was the content of the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) prepared by Clarence Valley Council (CVC) in 2010. It was explained to Cr. Smith that while Clarence Valley Council supported the “Planned Retreat” position, it was not acceptable to the majority of Wooli residents. Further discussions highlighted how through a guided scientific approach, based on real data and soliciting expert opinion, CCPA has provided a non-adversarial pathway to dealing with beach erosion other than “Planned Retreat.”  The outcome of this process saw Council shift from the position of Planned Retreat, replacing the CZMP to an approach based on “beach nourishment”,  This alternative plan was approved by Council and certified by the Minister for Planning in 2015.   Based on the opinions of beach erosion specialists, a combination of beach nourishment and sand trapping, supported by planting of the dunes, was adopted. Since that time, 2 beach nourishment projects have been undertaken in the section of beach determined to be at most risk, the first in 2019 and the most recent in October 2023. At this stage it is estimated that approximately one third of the volume of sand required to provide protection in a 1:50 year storm event has been pushed up to form a secondary dune, therefore the work continues.   In rounding off, Bruce mentioned that the relationship CCPA and Clarence Valley Council have established over the 14 year time frame has provided a positive example of community and council collaboration.  Other coastal communities are now seeking guidance from CCPA as to the methods which may be used to deal with erosion in similar coastal erosion hotspots.

Cr. Smith was then directed to the CCPA website www.protectwooli.com.au for further details, photographs and the time line of activities from 2010 to the current day.

Having provided the background, Bruce Ward enquired about Council’s position with regard to the time frame for continuation of beach nourishment projects.  Laura Black positively responded indicating that Council had applied for State Government funding and submitted the required documentation to the Minister for Environment for endorsement and certification. Laura further commented that this may take some time, possibly 4 to six weeks. While CVC has local government funds available for a 3rd beach nourishment project, the Coastal Zone Management Plan requires certification from the Minister. Bruce Ward indicated that CCPA were also in a position to contribute financially to the next beach nourishment project. Further to this, approval must be sought and gained from Crown Lands and the traditional owners. Laura  indicated that CVC is actively managing this process, and this also may take time.

Moving on from here, the discussion turned to the health of the Wooli Wooli River and the degradation of the river banks through siltation of the river bed, made worse by the wake and wash from boat usage and ad hoc pedestrian pathways created for access to the water’s edge for recreational swimming.  This is  an issue evidenced from the mouth of the river right up to the caravan park at the entrance to the village. Vandalism of the natural environment on the river bank is seen to be an increasing problem, with flora & infrastructure damaged when accessing the river, ultimately leading to collapse of the banks.  Furthermore, it was explained that silting up of the river is creating navigation risks for recreational boats, with some sections unable to be navigated at low tide.

Bruce, Paul & Margaret indicated that these concerns were voiced by many community members at the drop in session held at the Wooli Hall in early April this year as part of the community engagement for Estuary Management Plan/Clarence Valley Open Coast Coastal Management Plan. “Have Your Say” program. Laura indicated that feedback regarding these concerns would be provided to Bruce for distribution to CCPA members.

Further to this, Bruce enquired as to the status of the investigations and assessment by DPI Fisheries in relation to the Wooli River.  Laura indicated that an update will be provided as to the timing of those findings.

In the interests of reinforcing the ties of Council and community, Bruce, Paul and Margaret suggested that a community meeting with the Mayor and Councillors in Wooli could be arranged in early 2025.  Both Ray & Laura agreed that they would be keen to be involved and looked forward to an invitation. Margaret Ward is to follow up with the mayoral office to confirm the councillor’s availability.   In the spirit of collaboration, and to keep residents up to date with council activities, Laura suggested that CCPA could assist with the distribution of the quarterly CVC magazine in Wooli.  Collection of the magazines will be arranged by Margaret Ward with customer service.

Feedback in relation to enquiries post meeting.

In response to enquiries brought up during the meeting on 22nd November, General Manager Laura Black responded to Bruce on 26th November with feedback as follows:

1.00 The Estuary Management Plan is part of the Open Coast Coastal Management Plan resolved at the August (Council) meeting to be submitted to the Minister.  See here for the relevant documentation  Clarence Valley Coastline and Estuaries plans and studies | Clarence Valley Council.

2.00 Uriah Makings (CVC Senior Coast & Estuaries Officer) is working closely with DPI-Fisheries (through a consultant – Fruition Environmental), who is undertaking bank and riparian assessments throughout 10 estuaries across the North-Coast, including the Wooli Wooli River and Clarence River.  The assessments will assess bank condition including:

• Erosion – severity, trajectory, impact and risk (both of built environment assets) and riparian conditions.
• Condition of existing bank protection works.
• Riparian condition – vegetation condition, weeds etc
• Primary recommendations on bank management works where required

The assessments will be useful for us as they will provide an up-to-date detailed assessment of erosion risks to council assets and priority sites to address. Other outputs will also significantly inform the Clarence River CMP and contribute to Natural Resource Management projects. CVC is expecting a draft prioritisation methodology from Fruition this week to ensure we concur with their prioritisation approach.

As part of the project Fruition have been undertaking targeted community consultation, only with key community groups. While CVC is not yet privy to the conclusion from the bank assessment, Uriah has been advised the assessments are almost complete for both Wooli and Clarence and we can expect draft reports early in the new year.

3.00 Estuary erosion adjacent to South Terrace – Yaegl has received some funds to progress some works in this area. The plan is for increased protection through restricting ad hoc parking and pedestrian access. As Crown Land manager for the area, a licence has been provided to undertake the works, which were co-designed by Yaegl and council staff.

Looking forward to 2025.

The meeting with council has provided a timely update and useful feedback for the planning of future works at Wooli.  CCPA executive look forward to inviting Wooli residents to a community engagement event in February 2025 with the view to providing council with an overview of the environmental, and community based needs of the village.    More to come about that soon.

DuneCare volunteers wasted no time on 17th January 2024 pitching in to construct new sand traps at the Clarence Valley Council Wooli Depot Shed at the Wooli Oval.  The following day, (a very hot one in Wooli) DuneCare volunteers gathered in numbers to install a total of 44 new sand traps extending northwards along the beachfront to the pedestrian access point opposite St Margaret’s Church (Scope Street). That work augmented the number of sand traps installed from the very most southern end of the Village by villagers and Clarence Valley Council prior to Christmas 2023.  The newly scraped section of beach was very exposed during December and January, but plantings by DuneCare volunteers, coupled with some very timely rain has seen the beach grass and ground covers taking hold.  A series of photos show the sand traps being installed  on the 18th January 2024. Further photos show the progress of sand building up in traps in early March 2024.  Many thanks to the DuneCare volunteers, both locals and those holidaying here for that effort in January.  The timing couldn’t have been better. The sand has built up considerably in the traps.  We are now looking for another band of volunteers to help make the sand traps in readiness for another installation day over Easter and the school holiday in April.

 

 

 

 

 

At the recent CCPA AGM held on 10th January 2023, the CCPA Executive Team of Bruce Bird, (President), Peter Dunn (Vice-President), David Phillips (Treasurer) and Lyn Phillips (Secretary) retired their positions after 14 years of volunteer service to the community.  The CCPA membership wish to thank this team for their efforts from the very beginnings of the organisation to the very latest activities resulting in 2nd rejuvenation of sand on Wooli beach just before Christmas 2023.  This has involved many hours of work liaising with the local community,  Clarence Valley Council and NSW State Government agencies, including the Department of Environment & Heritage and Crown Lands to develop a plan to protect Wooli.   The way in which CCPA has found a way forward has been through considered planning and collaboration with various bodies. It could be considered to provide a model for other locations dealing with the effects of coastal erosion.

A new executive has stepped up to continue with this work and to further develop strategies for the continued protection of Wooli in its unique setting within Yuragir National Park, the Solitary Islands Marine Park and Solitary Islands Marine Reserve.  The incoming CCPA Executive Team is Bruce Ward (President), Paul Coves (Vice-President), Roger Goldsmith (Treasurer) and Sharon Nelson (Secretary).  Sharon is also the DuneCare Wooli Co-ordinator.  While DuneCare is a separate organisation from CCPA, the opportunity for liaison between these two organisations can only benefit the Wooli community and  environment.   The executive team are supported by an 8-member committee and general membership.

In the days leading up to Christmas 2023, a number of sand traps were erected on the newly scraped section of the lower part of the beach, just above high tide.  This can be attributed to the efforts of both DuneCare volunteers and Clarence Valley Council.  The effect of some very windy days at Wooli has now seen the start of the build up of sand around the sand traps.  The heavy rainfall over New Year has brought about the re-emergence of some already established ground covers with green leaves poking their heads up in various places along the top edge of the scraping.  It is now time to give the regeneration programme a helping hand by joining the  DuneCare effort and volunteering to install more sand traps and plant out the exposed face of the sand scraping.  While it may look like a secondary dune, it not that yet.  It will take time & effort to stabilise the migration of sand by installing sand traps and planting out.   Read more about how you can assist at DuneCare Newsletter.  No matter how much time you are able to contribute, become a DuneCare member to volunteer.