Calling all Entries for the Wild About Wooli ArtShow 2026!

The Wooli Artists Gathering (WAG) has now reconvened to make preparations for the Wild About Wooli ArtShow for 2026.  Opening Night 2026 is Friday 3^rd April at 6.30pm 2026 at the Wooli Community Hall. The exhibition will continue over the Easter long weekend on Saturday 4th, Sunday 5^th & Monday 6^th April 2026 from 10.00am to 3.00pm.   Tickets available at the door. For all details, times and tickets prices click on the Link.   Invitation to the Public- 2026

The theme of the Wild About Wooli ArtShow in 2026 is  “WHAT ARE YOU WILD ABOUT?”

Further information regarding conditions of entry, categories, dates for delivery & collection of artworks, and exhibition dates are found in the Information Sheet and 2026 Attachment A – Artist’s Agreement  AND Attachment B – Entry Form.  Bring both completed hardcopy forms with you when you deliver your artwork on Delivery Day April 1st, 2026 between 9.00am and 12 noon.

https://protectwooli.com.au/2026/02/17/wild-about-wooli-artshow-2026-entry-forms-information-to-artists-available-here/

Prizes awarded at Opening Night include Best of Show; Highly Commended for each 6 categories, Painting; Drawing/Print Making; Sculpture/Ceramics; Textile Art; Photography; and Mixed Media;  the Youth Category Award; and School Children’s Prize category.  The People’s Choice Award is decided by popular vote and is announced at the close of the show.

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 is also a fundraiser for Coastal Communities Protection Alliance Wooli Inc. (CCPA).  A 20% commission is charged on the sale of artwork with these funds going toward supporting CCPA to liaise with local and state governments in their efforts to mitigate the effects of coastal erosion. For more information regarding CCPA visit www.protectwooli.com.au  

Whether you are one of our previous exhibiting artists, or aspire to enter 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.  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.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Wild-About-Wooli-Art-Show-100049409712591/

email:         wildaboutwooli@gmail.com

Congratulations to our 2025 Prize Winners

2025 Best in Show, Highly Commended in each category, People’s Choice & Wooli Public School awards were presented to the following artists:

BEST IN SHOW

Artist:   Michele Kordic                           Title: Wooli Riverscape                   Medium: Acrylic on Canvas                                                                     

PAINTING                                                  Highly Commended

Artist:   Richard Washbourn                  Title:  Wild Waves @ Wooli           Medium: Oil on Canvas                                                                            

DRAWING/PRINTMAKING                   Highly Commended

Artist:   Amanda Davies                          Title:   Marilyn                                   Medium: Coloured Pencil on Paper                                                      

SCULPTURE/CERAMICS                         Highly Commended

Artist:   Helen Jones                                Title:   Nails in the Fence                 Medium:  Reclaimed clay, wheel thrown, carved, glazed brushwork

TEXTILE ART                                             Highly Commended

Artist:   Jane Frederiksen                       Title:  A Pearler of a Day                  Medium:  Dimensional Embroidery using Silk & Metal Threads   

PHOTOGRAPHY                                       Highly Commended

Artist:   Mark Petersen                           Title:   Backwash                               Medium: Colour Photograph printed on Cotton Rag Paper           

MIXED MEDIA                                          Highly Commended

Artist:   Gaye Shield                                 Title:   Soaring Osprey                      Medium: Watercolour Paint & Paper                                                  

PEOPLE’S CHOICE                                    Highly Commended

Artist:   Kristal Partridge                         Title:   High Tide at Caves                Medium: Acrylic on Wooden Panel                                                      

YOUTH CATEGORY                                  no entries 2025

WOOLI PUBLIC SCHOOL

FIRST PRIZE:  Logan Klep                        2ND PRIZE:     Harlem Woolley                THIRD PRIZE:            Hope Roberts                                              

 

AGM & INTRODUCING NEW MEMBERS

The CCPA Annual General Meeting was held at the Wooli Bowling Club on the 18^th January, 2026 attended by 18 members with a further 18 apologies. The executive and steering committees were returned unchanged with the addition of Donna Sheehy to the steering committee. Donna and her husband Huw have come to live in Wooli and are keen to contribute. Donna is a geologist with a long career in mining and management with historical expertise in the geology of the northern rivers generally and the Clarence particularly. Donna is keen to contribute her expertise particularly in the areas of beach sand maintenance and riverine erosion. Welcome to CCPA Donna & Huw.

THE NEXT BEACH SCRAPING

In late October 2025, CCPA received an update from Clarence Valley Council (CVC) regarding the progress with the planning stages for another round of beach scraping.   At that time, CVC indicated that a grant had been received and the majority of approvals were in place to enable works, however the timing, location and extent of works would depend upon the volume and location of sand within the intertidal zone, and identifying the areas of beach in need of sand nourishment.

Working in collaboration with  NSW Department of Climate Change,Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW NCCEEW) investigatory LiDAR survey work was carried out on the 3rd November 2025. Correspondence received from CVC post the survey was emailed to members and is contained below for the benefit of new members and those wanting to refresh their knowledge.

Content of Email received from Uriah Makings, CVC Senior Coast & Estuary Officer date 1st December 2025.

Based on a LiDAR survey conducted 3 November 2025, analysis indicates that the entire length of Wooli Beach adjacent to the village is above the storm demand and zone of reduced foundation capacity (ZRFC) volume threshold recommended in the Wooli Beach Management Strategy (BMS).

The BMS aims to maintain a minimum of 195m³/m for a 1 in 50-year ARI storm demand; but ideally the BMS recommends 265m³/m to also maintain stable foundations (additional 70m³ required to maintain the ZRFC in addition to the storm demand volume).

For the purposes of the analysis the beach was split into 7 zones to align as best as is possible with both beach alignment and seaward building alignment. The LiDAR data was then used to calculate the total volume of beach/dune sand above 0mAHD and divided by the length of the zone to calculate the m³/m. The calculated volumes are presented in the figure below. As you can see, despite recent erosion events, all zones have over the 265m³/m preferred volume.

Survey results also indicate that the beach width between toe of dune to mean sea level is still very narrow. The scrape zone (1m to -0.6m AHD)  is still steep and narrow in many locations; and terminates with a deep gutter, not ideal for scraping conditions due to concerns with onshore sand replenishment and machine safety.  Based on historic trends, the next few months should see further recovery of the intertidal profile to a sufficient volume and width of sand within the scrape zone by April-May (the preferred scrape timing identified in the BMS).

Regarding approvals, all approvals are now in place with approval recently received from Birrigan Gargle LALC. However, the Crown Lands licence that would facilitate the works expires in March so another will be applied for in the near future.

In summary, survey results indicate that sand volumes are above the trigger thresholds identified in the BMS, the beach is currently too narrow and steep with insufficient sand within the scrape zone to facilitate a scraping campaign, however, sand should continue to recover over the next few months. The beach will be re-surveyed in the new year with the aim of undertaking a scrape April-May (pending conditions and approvals).

So in summary, a further beach scraping is planned early in 2026 when conditions are suitable and if needed, the licence is renewed from Crown lands.  Discussions are currently underway with CVC to ascertain the next steps, the timing of a follow-up LiDAR survey and volumetric sand analysis to narrow down a time frame for works.

The image below provided by Uriah Makings post the LiDAR survey clarifies the “7 zones” described in his correspondence.  This better explains graphically the volumetric quantities measured within those 7 zones.

A 195m3/m dune volume is calculated to be able to withstand a 50 year storm event, with 265m3/m aimed for for purposes of foundation stability. Pleasingly all of Wooli beach has sand in excess of 195m3/m with zones 1, 2 and 3 comfortably above  that level. The most at risk are zones 4 and 6 and from discussions had with Uriah Makings in late January, that is where the beach scraping will be concentrated.    In response to queries from residents as to why the beachfront north of the tennis courts,  (defined as zone 1 & 2), has not been included in beach scraping events to date, the answer lies in the results of the previous and current surveys, this being that the volume of sand in those zones exceeds 300 m3/m, and is at lesser risk than those located to the southern end of the village. This also aligns with the Wooli Beach Management Strategy recommendations.  In line with those recommendations Clarence Valley Council is aiming to protect all of the dune in a cost effective and targeted manner. CCPA supports this approach.

WHO PAYS FOR THE BEACH SCRAPING

Paying for the beach scraping is through joint community collaboration with local and state government bodies. In past events, $ 25 000.00 has been raised by Wooli community residents funding & donation, matched by local government contribution of $ 25 000.00 and state government contribution of $ 50 000.00.  (Total $ 100 000.00) It is anticipated that this structured arrangement will continue with Wooli relying on Clarence Valley Council to advocate and apply for State Government grant funding.  There will be a need for financial contribution from the community on an ongoing basis.

SAND TRAPPING 

Given that the extent of the next beach scraping will likely focus on zones 4 & 6 (conditional upon results of follow up LiDAR survey work), the decision was made in late January to make and erect sand traps in zones 1 & 2.

CCPA & DuneCare volunteers made up sand traps and erected them over the Australia Day 2026 long weekend. Those traps have benefited from strong windy conditions over the past few weeks.  Many of the sand traps are now partly submerged.   This will help to bolster those dunes which had partly recovered from storm events of 2025.  It may be considered appropriate to repeat this exercise, erecting additional sand traps above to consolidate on the build up of sand in those already erected traps.  While not to be relied upon for long term stabilisation of the dune, planting ground covers & coastal vegetation helps to reduce the amount of sand blown away. Wooli DuneCare Co-Ordinator and long term Wooli resident, Sharon Nelson will progressively monitor the progress of sand build up in the traps and provide feedback as to the next steps in that process.

VOLUNTEERING AN HOUR OF YOUR TIME

Sand trapping and planting out rely on volunteers within our community.   The timing of when these tasks are carried out generally relies on  individuals or families being interested and available to contribute. It is not always possible for all of us to gather at the same time, but for 2 or 3 people working together, a single hour spent making up sand traps will help in our preparedness for erecting traps in response to any erosion event.    There is plenty of materials, timber stakes, shade cloth and cleats available.  Co-ordination of this is through Sharon Nelson, and is reliant on key-holders of the shed where materials are stored.  Sharon’s contact details can be made available to you by emailing protectwooli@gmail.com so the timing of your contribution can be teed up. Volunteers will be asked to join DuneCare/Landcare for insurance purposes which is very straightforward process.

RIVERINE WORKS & NEW SUB-COMMITTEE

There is continuing work along the Wooli Wooli River to protect the bank from erosion by users creating multiple entry points and parking close to the bank. Council have fenced off certain areas of degraded and eroded riverbank to exclude cars and the Dunecare group have followed up and planting out those areas with native trees for rehabilitation.  There is more to be done to advocate for the mitigation of the effects of riverine erosion.  Donna Sheehy, our newest CCPA member has volunteered to head a new CCPA sub-committee to monitor the estuary with a view to advising on remedial works and management, to support CCPA in further approaches to local council, NSW marine parks and fisheries.

MONITORING OF SAND VOLUMES & NEW SUB- COMMITTEE

In the early to mid 2010’s CCPA proactively engaged with land surveying consultants to measure the volume of sand on the beach.  This was done in a traditional manner whereas with the rapid advancement of technology, surveys are now carried out using Light Detection and Radar (LiDAR) technology.    The latest survey conducted through Clarence Valley Council was carried out using LiDAR technology.

CCPA member Anthony McClure (also with a mining and management background) has agreed to head a new CCPA sub-committee to discuss means, methods & timing of survey work and to ascertain how the results/data from current & future surveys held by council can be shared with CCPA.  The aim is to have shared access to data to augment valuable existing archival information relating to sand volumes;  to provide continuity of records; and to contribute to conversations regarding future timing, measuring methods and recording of survey work.    Depending on his advice, liaison with and recommendations will be made to CVC.

CCPA’s liaison with Clarence Valley Council’s  Senior Coast and Estuary Officer Uriah Makings has been supportive and engaging throughout his time with council, and we look forward to a collaborative experience going forward.

WILD ABOUT WOOLI ARTSHOW – CCPA FUND-RAISER EVENT –  EASTER LONG WEEKEND.

Preparations for The Wild About Wooli ArtShow are well underway, with Opening Night this year on Friday 3rd April at 6.30pm at the Wooli Community Hall.  The exhibition continues over the Easter long weekend, Saturday 4th, Sunday 5th & Monday 6th April from 10.00am to 3.00pm.  All works are for sale.  This is a CCPA fundraiser.   20% of the proceeds of sales help fund CCPA activities in advocating for the mitigation of the effects of coastal & riverine erosion.  This is a volunteer run event celebrating local and visiting artists alike and an opportunity to communicate the important role CCPA plays in our community. For budding artists, links to Entry Forms are contained in a previous website post. For details of the event refer to the link to the Invitation to the Public – 2026 below.  Looking forward to catching up at the event.

Invitation to the Public- 2026

 

PHOTOS OF SAND TRAPS IN ZONE 1 & 2

It’s time to get your entries ready for the Wild About Wooli ArtShow 2026.  Download Attachment A – Conditions of Entry/Artists Agreement and Attachment B – Entry Form & Swing Tag Instructions.

Bring completed hardcopy paperwork with you & $ 20 cash entry fee (up to and including 3 artwork entry limit per artist) on Delivery Day Wednesday 1st April, 2026 between 9.00am and 12 noon to the Wooli Community Hall.  Entries delivered by post by Monday 3oth March 2026 to the Wooli Post Office.

For all enquiries email wildaboutwooli@gmail.com

Attachment A Information Sheet 2026 – Artist’s Agreement

Attachment B Entry Form 2026 & Swing Tag Template

Invitation to the Public- 2026

 

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.