Our History

The popular Tamborine Mountain Creative Arts and Crafts Group originated in l975 when 16 people gathered together in an old workshop in the late Mrs Doris Aagaard’s garden. The aims and objectives of the group (which was incorporated in l987) were not only to provide a service to the community in many diverse ways, but also to encourage participation in all arts and crafts, and to promote fellowship in which everyone gains pleasure and fulfillment.

The name of the group – Tamborine Mountain Creative Arts and Crafts Group, was formally adopted and a Constitution was drawn up. The Old Shed became affectionately known as ‘The Workshop’. Members enjoyed a variety of crafts including art, woodcarving, copper enamelling, screen & block printing, batik, pottery, china painting, tapestry, bark pictures, macrame, crochet, collage, patchwork, basketry, spinning & weaving, and bobbin lace making.

Self-help and instruction from within the Group became a paramount aim, and as members became proficient they were able to help new members in their chosen craft or art. In this way, “self-help” became a reality and provided a worthwhile weekly occupation and social gathering for many men and women, a majority of who were middle-aged or retired.

On 28th July, l980, sadly, Mrs Doris Aagaard died suddenly, which was a great loss to the group. Her daughter Helen, generously allowed the group to continue using the Workshop for the time being, with the group offering to pay a token towards the rates on the property and to help maintain part of the garden.

In l981, membership had increased to between 90 – 100 members at “The Workshop” space. It became evident that new and larger premises were a pressing need. The group realised that they must aim for a permanent headquarters of their own.

“We would like to carry on our craft projects as usual, as a tribute to Doris Aagaard
who was a wonderful friend, tutor and inspirational guide”.

Luckily In 1981, the Queensland Government established a Department of Cultural Affairs announcing a plan for assisting non-profit cultural organizations to acquire their own building by offering a dollar-for-dollar subsidy on the cost of the building to help non-profit community organizations. Late in l981 the Beaudesert Shire Council and area Member Vonda Youngman, offered to the Group a 1000 sq.m. piece of land on Wongawallan Road to build their own space. This was to become the first Cultural Complex in the Beaudesert Shire.

When it was suggested that the group aspire to their own building some members simply threw up their hands and said it couldn’t be done, but others said let’s have a go, and so fundraising began.

The group needed to raise $17,000 which would be matched by the Beaudesert Shire Council. Many mountain residents gave to the appeal to aid the first Cultural Complex in the Beaudesert Shire. Some members paid weekly levies 2 years in advance; others gave interest-free loans and several others gave generous donations. The interest-free loans were paid off in less than 2 years.

The building took shape in just 6 months from February to June of 1983 with David Davis as the chief volunteer and many husbands of members helping as they could. Fundraising continued throughout construction as they were required to pay contractors in full before the council would allow them the other half. Needless to say, it was a stressful time.

The official opening took place at 2 p.m.on Saturday September 10th, 1983. Within twelve months, the Group was debt free and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

“…It is most heartening to experience such kindness, generosity and hard voluntary labour given by both business representatives, tradesmen, husbands of members and members.” Said The Minister for Culture at the time of the official opening.

In 1994, after many more years of fundraising, another building was constructed to cater for the growing membership which now houses our Patchwork, Embroidery, Machine Sewing, Wearable Arts, Botanic Drawing, Life Drawing, Natural Weaving, “ The Yarners” and the Wood Artisans groups.

In 2000 a Pottery Studio was also added to our complex, and in 2015 a Kiln Shed and new venting system were added with the help of a grant.

Creative Arts Members continue to contribute greatly to the community – donating quilts, crafts, food and money to charities as well as supporting our local Tamborine Mountain Show.

Examples of Members’ creativity can be seen in the wall hangings which grace our Library and our Community Centre.

Tamborine Mountain Creative Arts Inc. are proud to provide the venue to nurture arts and crafts within our mountain community.

In the early days, members crafted at ‘The Workshop’ on Wednesday mornings and soon several members were staying for the afternoon to play bridge. These Bridge games continue to this very day, every Wednesday afternoon!