Tweed’s Museum and Gallery Shine at 2025 IMAGinE Awards

Tweed Regional Museum has taken out top honours at the prestigious 2025 IMAGinE Awards for its groundbreaking exhibition How to Draw a Dinosaur, which achieved the highest visitation in the Museum’s history and redefined what a regional cultural institution can deliver.

Tweed Regional Museum team wins big at the 2025 IMAGinE Awards for its record-breaking How to Draw a Dinosaur exhibition (Image: Sam Townsend).

Late last month, museums, galleries and Aboriginal cultural organisations from across NSW gathered at the University of Sydney, to celebrate the announcement of the Awards. Tweed Regional Museum won in the Exhibition Projects category, joining an impressive line-up of organisations recognised for excellence and innovation.

Combining authentic fossils, cutting-edge paleontological research and extraordinary artworks by acclaimed artists, How to Draw a Dinosaur blurred the lines between science and imagination to create a dynamic, world-class experience in a regional context. The exhibition’s playful, hands-on approach made complex scientific ideas accessible for all ages, with interactive installations inviting visitors to design and project their own dinosaurs.

It also included experiential digital artwork, Encounters by Craig Walsh, which projected prehistoric creatures into the Tweed River from Murwillumbah Bridge, transforming the river into a landscape extinct for countless millennia.

Museum Director Molly Green said the award was a testament to the team’s ambition and creativity.

“This project was about more than dinosaurs: it was about curiosity, creativity and connection. We wanted to show that regional museums can deliver bold, innovative experiences that rival metropolitan institutions, and the response has been incredible,” Ms Green said.

A proud moment: Tweed Regional Museum Director Molly Green (right) accepts the 2025 IMAGinE Award from Australian Museums and Galleries Association NSW (AMAGA) NSW Committee President Colleen Fitzgerald for the Museum’s record-breaking exhibition, How to Draw a Dinosaur. 

The impact of the exhibition was remarkable:

• 40, 000 visitors to the exhibition – a 131% increase in Museum visitation
• 55% first-time visitors, with 42% travelling from outside the Tweed Shire, driving regional tourism and economic growth
• 4,000+ unique dinosaurs created through interactive installations
• 1,200 participants engaged through workshops, family programs and a sold-out Museum Up Late: Dino Party
• 891% increase in digital reach across key platforms

“We are deeply honoured to receive this award and thank the judges for recognising the ambition and creativity behind this project. It’s a proud moment for our small team, who have achieved so much and for the Tweed community, and we look forward to sharing this experience with audiences across NSW as the exhibition tours,” Ms Green said.

‘Sexy Rexy’ sculpture by Matthew Aberline and the Beautiful and Useful Studio pictured outside Tweed Regional Museum. (Image Sam Townsend)

Supported by a Create NSW Regional Touring Grant, How to Draw a Dinosaur is now touring NSW, with stops in Newcastle, Albury, Wagga and Bathurst, ensuring its legacy continues across the state.

Also awarded was the recent Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali exhibition, which has been recognised with the IMAGinE Award for Exhibition Projects – Galleries (Medium).

Presented by Museums & Galleries of NSW, this statewide award celebrates the collaborative exhibition led by Arts Northern Rivers and toured through Grafton Regional Gallery, Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, and Lismore Regional Gallery.

The project, curated by Bundjalung artist Kylie Caldwell, honoured cultural continuity through the return of ancestral woven objects to Country and the revitalisation of weaving traditions across the Northern Rivers.

 Work by Krystal Randal. Image from Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition by Arts Northern Rivers. Photo Kate Holmes

The IMAGinE Awards are an initiative of Museums & Galleries of NSW, developed with support from the Australian Museums and Galleries Association NSW and Regional and Public Galleries of NSW. The 2025 Awards were made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including International Conservation Services as the Major Sponsor, and Verge Gallery, University of Sydney, as the venue partner.

For a full list of the winners and highly commended visit https://mgnsw.org.au/sector/programs/imagine/winners/winners-2025

For more information about Tweed Regional Museum and its programs, visit museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au

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New online platform to support regenerative farming in the Tweed

Tweed Shire Council has launched a new online platform to support and connect the region’s farming community in a move towards regenerative agriculture. 
 
The Tweed Regenerative Agriculture Information Network (TRAIN) is now live on Council’s Your Say Tweed website. The platform is a farmer-led space for sharing local knowledge, practical experiences and innovative ideas to help strengthen regenerative agriculture across the Tweed.

Tweed farmers on a ‘farm walk and talk’ as part of Council’s Sustainable Agriculture Program.

Council’s Sustainable Agriculture Project Officer, Aiden Sloman, said the platform was developed in response to growing interest in regenerative agriculture and the need for a central hub to support collaboration. 

“TRAIN is about empowering our local farming community to share what’s working, learn from each other and build a more resilient and connected agricultural future for the Tweed,” Mr Sloman said. 

“One of the platform’s key features is its ‘TRAIN Talks’, a safe discussion forum where users can ask questions, share insights and connect with others working on similar challenges.” 

TRAIN aims to: 

• share local knowledge – exchange practical ideas, on-farm learnings and proven regenerative practices 
• strengthen community connections – build trust and collaboration between farmers, landholders and local knowledge holders 
• encourage innovation – explore trials, emerging techniques and new opportunities in regenerative farming 
• promote local events and opportunities – stay informed about workshops, grants and initiatives 
• regenerate the landscape – protect soil health, biodiversity and long-term productivity.

Local farmers are encouraged to join TRAIN by signing up to Your Say Tweed. 

“The first step is to grow this network. To do this we need community members visiting the TRAIN page, starting or contributing to conversations, or inviting others to get involved,” Mr Sloman said.  

This initiative is proudly supported by Tweed Shire Council’s Sustainable Agriculture Program as a commitment under its NSW Environmental Trust funded ‘Profitable Regenerative Farming Program’. 

For more information, visit: yoursaytweed.com.au/train or contact: agriculture@tweed.nsw.gov.au | 02 6670 2400

Tweed Shire Council launches sunflower initiative to support inclusion across community spaces

In the lead-up to the International Day of People with Disability (3 December), Tweed Shire Council has officially launched the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative, a global movement that helps individuals with non-visible disabilities discreetly indicate their need for support, while shining a light on the everyday challenges they face.
 
The launch was held at Tweed Heads Civic and Cultural Centre, with Councillors Meredith Dennis OAM and Kimberly Hone, alongside members of Council’s Equal Access Advisory Committee, a group of community members with lived, caring and working experience of disability, who provide valuable guidance to Council on access and inclusion matters.

The initiative is part of Council’s broader efforts to ensure that people with non-visible disabilities feel supported and understood when accessing public spaces and services.  

Through the program, Council staff and volunteers are trained to recognise the sunflower symbol, a discreet yet powerful way for individuals with conditions such as anxiety, chronic illness, autism, or neurological disorders to indicate they may need extra support, understanding or patience.

Shining light on the invisible: Council has launched the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative. Pictured Equal Access Advisory Committee (EAAC) members and Council staff at Tweed Civic and Cultural Centre. Left-right:  EAAC member Colin Usher, Council’s Manager People and Culture Aimee Austin, EAAC Chair Pat Miller (back), EAAC Member Gillian Cooper (front), Councillor Meredith Dennis OAM, Council’s Community Development Officer Inclusion Giselle Benitez Hetherington and Manager Inclusive and Creative Communities Shannon Carruth.

Council’s Manager People & Culture, Aimee Austin, said the initiative was about building awareness across the organisation, and leading the way in shaping positive community attitudes 

“It’s a simple symbol, but it opens the door to greater awareness and understanding, which can only be a positive thing,” Ms Austin said. 

As part of the rollout, all Council staff and volunteers are being offered 2 key online training opportunities: the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Training and the Introduction to Disability Awareness Training. The training aims to help staff and volunteers recognise and support people with hidden disabilities, understand inclusive language and legal protections, and apply practical strategies to remove barriers in the workplace.  
 
Council’s Community Development Officer Inclusion, Giselle Benitez Hetherington, said the training is an important part of Council’s broader commitment to accessibility and inclusion.  

“By offering these training opportunities, we aim to ensure everyone in the community, regardless of ability, feels supported and valued. 

“It gives staff and volunteers the knowledge and confidence to identify barriers, use inclusive language, and take practical action that make a real difference. These skills are essential for creating workplaces and community spaces where everyone feels welcome,” Ms Benitez Hetherington said. 

“This initiative is one of several actions Council is taking to embed inclusion into everyday practice. By raising awareness of non-visible disabilities and equipping staff and volunteers with the skills to support all community members, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a more accessible, respectful and inclusive Tweed.” 

For more information and to take part in your own learning journey: 

About the Hidden Disability Sunflower Initiative, visit hdsunflower.com/au/ 
About access and inclusion planning across Council, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/community/disability

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Blog admin note: Gold Coast Airport – Coolangatta (OOL) also recognises the Sunflower Initiative Programme. See their Hidden Disabilities page for more information.

Tweed Regional Gallery launches Summer exhibitions 2025-26

Tweed Regional Gallery presented its summer showcase of exhibitions at an official opening on Friday 14 November, including re/JOY, a major exhibition by Thai-born Australian artist Vipoo Srivilasa, on display until 9 February 2026.

re/JOY honours and celebrates the multi-layered personal migration stories of people from all over the world who, like Vipoo, have made Australia their home.
In 2023, the award-winning ceramic artist issued a public call-out for donations of broken ceramic objects that held significant meaning for their owners, and for their stories explaining why. From the responses Vipoo chose 7 pieces and stories that resonated with him to create his striking new 1.5-metre-tall ceramic sculptures.

Vipoo Srivilasa Dance of Dreams 2024 ceramic and mixed media 62 x 29 x 20 cm Photo: Simon Strong © The artist

The exhibition explores the emotional connection we have with everyday objects and their role in our lives through migration experiences and memories. It will tour Australia from 2025 -2027 through Australian Design Centre on Tour. 

Australian Design Centre CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Cahill said the exhibition sparked joy and represented a narrative of human experience.

“This project is joyful, playful and hopeful — a rich tapestry of humanity that reconnects with broken objects to reveal their deeper meaning,” Ms Cahill said.

Vipoo Srivilasa spoke about the spirit of positivity behind his work.

“Even though the subjects seem kind of serious, the work is really positive. I find joy in all these places,” Mr Srivilasa said.

Vipoo presented an artist preview floor talk before the official Summer Opening Celebrations pn November 14th. A new monograph about his life and work, Vipoo Srivilasa Positive Art Work, is also available for purchase at the Gallery shop. 

Two exciting solo exhibitions by Northern Rivers artists, Leah Thiessen and Nat Kafka, will also feature in the Gallery’s summer launch.

Leah Thiessen Deep within the valley 2025 oil on polycotton 123 x 123 cm Image courtesy the artist © The artist

In her exhibition, Along the Shore and Under the Trees, Thiessen presents a new series of oil paintngs that explore the memory, pulse and rawness of the bush and estuary of the Northern Rivers. Kafka was the recipient of the Tweed Regional Gallery – Byron School of Art (BSA) 3rd Year Graduate Award in 2024 and continues her exploration of what lies beneath the surface through a series of paintings and ceramics in Between Appearance.

The Gallery’s regional focus includes the exhibition Figure and Field, featuring the work of regional artists and curator, Bradley Vincent. The group exhibition features a selection of work by Lucia Canuto, Hilary Herrmann and Meg Stoios.

Mirror-view: Artists by Artists

Four new commissioned portraits by regional photographer and Koa-Kuku Yalanji artist Jo-Anne Driessens will also be celebrated. Driessens was invited to create portraits of four First Nations artists from the region whose work is held in the Tweed Regional Gallery collection. The portraits include Dr Bronwyn Bancroft AM (Bundjalung artist), Penny Evans (K/Gamilaroi artist), Michael Philp (Minjungbal-Bundjalung artist), and Karla Dickens (Cross-Cultural Wiradjuri artist).

The works are on display in the Gallery’s latest collection exhibition Mirror-view: Artists by Artists, drawn largely from the Tweed Regional Gallery collection and focusing on artists as both the subject and portraitist.
 
Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock said the exhibitions were a fantastic way to end what has been an incredible year.

“We’re excited to round off the year by sharing these fabulous new exhibitions, 4 of which celebrate artists and curators from our region. I’m sure our audience will enjoy the positivity and strength of Vipoo’s exhibition and the ‘Artmaking for everyone’ summer activities based on his beautiful artworks will be popular with families,” Ms Hedgcock said.

“The new commissioned portraits celebrate important artists from our region and we’re looking forward to sharing our entire summer program with the community and visitors to our region over summer.”

Free, family-friendly activities

Free, family-friendly activities will be available during the Gallery’s opening hours from Saturday 13 December until Sunday 25 January 2026.

Public Programs:

Artmaking for Everyone

Sat 13 December 2025 – Sun 25 January 2026 I 10 am – 4 pm DST | Free

Join us in the Gallery Foyer this summer for free family-fun activities inspired by re/JOY: Vipoo Srivilasa, an Australian Design Centre (ADC On Tour) national touring exhibition. Suitable for families — all ages and abilities. Children under 14 years must be supervised by an adult.

No bookings required.

Gallery Playdate   

Wed 3 December | 9.00 – 10.00 am DST | Free  

Fun, engaging sessions for children aged 3 – 5 years and their carers. Each session is based on a current exhibition and uses creative play to develop imagination and skill. Younger children are welcome to attend and enjoy the sensory play area and story time. Guided artmaking activities are suited to 3-5 yrs. In this session we will explore the exhibition re/Joy by Vipoo Srivilasa.

Bookings essential. Book via humanitix: events.humanitix.com/gpdspr

Acknowledgments:

re/JOY: Vipoo Srivilasa is on display from Saturday 15 November 2025 until Sunday 8 February 2026. re/JOY is an Australian Design Centre (ADC On Tour) national touring exhibition, presented with assistance from the Australian Government Visions of Australia program and Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.

The Visions of Australia regional exhibition touring program supports audience access to Australian arts and cultural material, with a particular focus on tours to regional and remote Australia.

Along the Shore and Under the Trees by Leah Thiessen is on display from Friday 14 November 2025 until Sunday 8 February 2026. A Tweed Regional Gallery initiative and outcome of the PLATFORM program.

Between Appearance by Nat Kafka is on display from Friday 14 November 2025 until Sunday 8 February 2026. This exhibition is the outcome of the Tweed Regional Gallery – Byron School of Art (BSA) 3rd Year Graduate Award, 2024. A Tweed Regional Gallery initiative.

Figure and Field is on display from Friday 3 October 2025 until Sunday 15 February 2026. A Tweed Regional Gallery initiative.

Mirror-view: Artists by Artists is on display from Friday 7 November 2025 until 6 December 2026. A Tweed Regional Gallery initiative.

Greg Weight (b.1946) Tracey with mirror (Tracey Moffatt) 1995 Silver gelatin print, 70 x 58 cm Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Patrick Corrigan AM, 2005 Tweed Regional Gallery collection © The artist

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Lismore Return and Earn upgrade at Recycling Centre

As part of the National Recycling Week in November, one of Lismore City Council’s most popular recycling options got bigger and better.  
 
Lismore Council installed a second processing machine, known as a singulator, at the Return and Earn bulk site at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre.

This doubled the amount of recycling that can be processed and helps to reduce wait times. 

The facilities reopened on Monday, 24 November with a community BBQ to thank residents for their patience during the brief closure, and launch the upgraded service. 

FYI: A singulator separates and feeds containers onto the line at a steady rate. With two units, staff can move more containers per hour with fewer stoppages. 
 
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the investment into doubling capacity demonstrates Council’s commitment to recycling. 

“Our community takes recycling seriously, and National Recycling Week is about making it easier for people to do the right thing,” he said.  
 
“Community members turn up with crates, bags and trailers full of recyclables every week to use the Return and Earn bulk site. It is great for families, clubs and fundraisers, and this upgrade supports that effort with faster turnarounds and fewer delays.” 
 
Acting Waste Operations Coordinator Kadijah Runge said the improvements also mean better processing and traffic safety. 
 
“The works include refined traffic flow on site for safer entry and exit, clearer site navigation, and system tuning so large bulk returns clear faster,” she said. 
 
“It is a practical upgrade that sets the facility up for the summer surge when families, events and community groups bring in higher volumes.” 

The result is a faster and smoother experience for residents, better uptime for the depot and a functioning deposit scheme for our community.  

Additional Return and Earn machines are available at Southern Cross University and Woolworths Goonellabah.

Lismore Council staff at Resource Recycling facilty. Photo: PHILIP TSOURLINIS