Watercolour – an enchanting exhibition at the Cassino Gallery

By Therese Schier

Feast your senses at the Watercolour exhibition opening at the Cassino Gallery this Saturday 21^st September. Considered one of the most demanding of art forms, watercolour offers an enchanting, mystical experience for visitors.

“Watercolour painting is a subtle art that requires masterly control to reflect the elusive hues of life” Gallery president Laszlo Biro observed.

“Visitors to the exhibition will appreciate the delicate and deft touch of the artists.”

Laszlo said the Gallery, with support from Richmond Valley Council is offering a $2300 acquisitive prize to the best in show.

“Through the support of the community in attending openings, events and classes the Gallery can co-fund with the Council,” Laszlo said.

The exhibition will be judged by Northern Rivers artist, Harry Westera. Harry originally trained in drawing and oil painting at Julian Ashton’s Art School and studied Art History at Sydney University before deciding to ‘give watercolour a try’.

“Well, as many water colourists will till you, this medium can be difficult to control,” Harry said.

Chiaroscuro Old Man by Lismore artist Kevin Lawlor is one of the many paintings on display at Cassino Gallery’s Watercolour exhibition opening Saturday 21st September.

“It can at times be fun and other times frustrating. But it is well worth the effort!

“To watch the colours flow off your brush, mixing on the paper and creating images of our world in beautiful washes of colour can be very satisfying.

“It is wonderful that Cassino Gallery has attracted so many watercolour enthusiasts.”

Lismore artist Kevin Lawlor was drawn to paint his entry Chiaroscuro no 1 Old Man due to his admiration of the masters of light and dark, Michelangelo and Leonardo da vinci.

“I wanted to go to the maximum of light and dark using the Italian chiaroscuro (the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting) of the old masters to create a haunting piece using modern media,” Kevin said.

Kevin congratulated the Cassino Gallery for having the vision to develop the gallery.

“It is an extremely brave endeavour which will bring artists together and provide a gallery for the public.”

The official opening will be held at 4pm, Saturday 21^st, $10 entry includes wine and cheese. Judge Harry Westera will announce the winner and provide comments at the event.

The exhibition will be on display during the Gallery’s opening hours: 10am to 3pm Thursday Friday and Saturday 21^st September to 12^th October with a gold coin donation.

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Vote Counting Underway for Tweed Shire Council Election

Vote counting for the Tweed Shire Council election is in progress after residents cast their votes on Saturday. The final results are expected to be declared between 1 and 3 October, with postal votes still being accepted until 6 pm on Friday, 27 September.

The NSW Electoral Commission, which manages elections for most councils across the state, will continue the counting process over the next several days. Progressive tallies can be accessed on the Commission’s website.

Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green expressed gratitude to the community for their participation in the election. “We’re pleased the election process has run smoothly and look forward to working with the newly elected Councillors,” Mr. Green said. He also thanked all candidates and their supporters for their efforts throughout the campaign.

A total of 45 candidates contested the 7 Councillor positions in the Tweed Shire. Once the results are declared, an Extraordinary Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 10 October, where the new Councillors will take their oath or affirmation of office and elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The Councillors will also undertake an induction program to prepare them for their 4-year term.

For more information, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website or contact 1300 135 736.

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Tweed Community Groups Invited to Apply for Australia Day Event Funding

By Ian Rogers

Community organisations across the Tweed are encouraged to apply for financial assistance from Tweed Shire Council to host Australia Day events in 2025. This funding is available for small-scale events held within three days of Australia Day, offering groups an opportunity to celebrate the occasion in ways that reflect their local identity.

Mathew Greenwood, Council’s Acting Manager of Corporate Governance, highlighted the importance of these events in fostering community connection. “With this funding, we’re enabling groups to celebrate Australia Day in a manner that reflects their unique local character,” Mr Greenwood said. “Local Australia Day gatherings bring our diverse communities together in a meaningful way, and we’re excited to see the events our community groups have in store.”

Funding Levels

The amount of funding provided is based on the expected attendance, with the following three categories of support:

• Category 1: $300 for events with up to 149 participants
• Category 2: $400 for events expecting 150–249 participants
• Category 3: $500 for events with 250 or more participants

Community organisations applying for the first time will automatically be placed in Category 1.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for funding, organisations must:

• Be located within the Tweed region and provide an outline of the planned event
• Be an incorporated body with public liability insurance
• Ensure the event is open to the public, not limited to members or private businesses

In addition, successful applicants must:

• List their event on Council’s calendar of events at whatsontweed.com.au
• Acknowledge Council’s support in all promotional materials and on the event day

For events held on Council-managed land, such as parks or beaches, all necessary permits and approvals must be obtained.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed by the Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards Selection Panel in late October 2024.

To apply, complete the application form available on Council’s Australia Day webpage and submit it by midnight on Friday 11 October 2024.

This initiative provides community groups with the chance to contribute to the celebration of Australia Day while fostering unity and pride across the Tweed region.

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