Members and guests of the Tewantin-Noosa Branch of the Country Women’s Association gathered last week to meet like-minded community women and hear from Max Galleria studio owner, Maxine Stibbe.
Max Galleria, a contemporary art gallery of indigenous and non-indigenous artists, is the studio and workshop of Noosa artist Maxine Stibbe. Ms Stibbe shared her story and passion for Community Arts, Visual Arts and Indigenous Arts, with the Tewantin-Noosa Branch of the Country Women’s Association. An introduction to ceramics as a child marked the start of Maxine Stibbe’s career as an artist and led her on a global journey before she opened Max Galleria in Tewantin.
“There was no creative industries hub in town where the local arts community could unite. That’s why I decided to open Max Galleria.”
Maxine Stibbe concluded her talk with a showcase of one of her artworks, representing the four distinct areas of Noosa, and her homage to Aboriginal Art with ‘stippling’, an art style that involves nothing but dots.
Max Galleria currently exhibits the of historical importance Matt Bushell’s ‘Memories of Australia’. In early March, Max Galleria launches a brand-new exhibition titled: ‘Water and Wild Things’. More information can be found on the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/max.galleria/
Robyn Shillington, International Coordinator of the Tewantin-Noosa Branch of the Country Women’s Association, said, “This year marks 100 years since the Country Women’s Association was established in Australia. The Royal Australian Mint (the Mint) has released a commemorative coin to celebrate this significant milestone.”
“Over the last century, the Country Women’s Association has proudly represented the women of rural Australia, giving them and their families an enduring voice on issues affecting rural communities. It started when a group of women met in Sydney to launch a new organisation to represent the rural women of NSW – the Country Women’s Association. By 1936, there were CWA branches across the country and it’s now Australia’s largest non-government organisation for women, with 44,000 members.”
“The poignant design of the coin, inspired by a cotton doily, highlights the isolation women in the country can feel, while also acknowledging the strong network of support and friendship that women develop in the Country Women’s Association.”
Branch Vice-President Leigh McCready added, “Our local branch is also planning a centenary celebration which will be in the form of a boating experience. More information to follow!”
“One of the biggest strengths of the Country Women’s Association is our longevity. Built on a combination of network, trust and integrity, the government listens to us. For example, the Country Women’s Association played an important role during the bush fires when we knew what was needed and could get things done for our communities.
“If you want to become a member of the CWA, we would love to hear from you. We also have weekly hobbies sessions on Thursday mornings from 9am at the CWA Hall, where women of any experience level can bring a project along and receive tips or assist other women to become more skilled. For further information, please follow our page on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CWATewantin.” Ms McCready concluded.
