MIAC AN EXAMPLE

MIAC AN EXAMPLE OF HOW TO HELP YOURSELF AND GETTING THINGS DONE!

The Macleay Island Arts Complex is about to open their exciting $2 million completely new arts complex.

And it came about all because the enthusiastic group knew how to go about helping themselves!

The official opening of the spectacular island arts complex is occurring on Saturday June 7.

And there is no doubt about it, the new arts precinct is going to surprise quite a few people.

And we don’t mind saying, the efforts by MIAC is an example how other island organisations might go about getting the best results for effort.

Under a dual presidency via Christopher Gilbert and Catherine Marsh, from day one it was been a lesson in getting results.

You can have the best idea in the world, but it won’t become a reality unless you know how to make it happen!

And first and foremost was getting the funds to pay for it all.

In the case of MIAC it was a clever and professional application for a  $2 million grant from the Federal Government, with the help of ALP politicians, particularly former Member for Redlands Kim Richards and 2022 Federal candidate Donisha Duff.

The funding got the building up, but there was so much more to the task.

Built in two sections, one is all about displaying finished island artwork by MIAC members, but also a separate section where the artwork happens.

It was with the fitting out and finishing that island members have been integral to the outcome.

You could call in any day (as your Friendly Bay Islander did) and you would find a host of members hard at work painting, finishing, fitting out, completing, gardening and plantings, as well as laying lawn areas.

It was hoped that the new art complex would have opened a couple of months earlier, but Cyclone Alfred came along and put paid to that earlier opening.

It was probably a good thing in many ways, but the finished product is something of which all the very active MIAC members should be extremely proud.

That’s because they all go ‘stuck in’.

It also showed some ‘naysayers’ that the group went about it the right way.

On one of our visits towards the end of construction, there were two ladies having a ‘go’ at completing a cupboard installation even though It was not a small job.

The joint presidents were ‘on the tools’ in the garden putting down pavers and lawn.

It all came about because all involved worked together for a wonderful community outcome.

Other island organisations that have some exciting plans could learn from how the MIAC group went about it. 

Well done!