Welcome 

Once again, another month has passed quickly, and we find ourselves already in mid-August. Our AGM saw a small but engaged group of members come together to discuss the future direction of our organisation. While we still have a few important decisions to make, Cabbi is moving forward into another year under a new Management Committee.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank each member of the previous Management Committee for their efforts and commitment over the past 12 months. It has not always been an easy time during our tenure. We have had to deal with the heartbreaking loss of two dear friends and members of our team, while also working hard to keep Cabbi a viable, welcoming and attractive creative community group.

I have learned a lot about being the president and I’m very grateful for the past management team and their understanding and ongoing support. I am also very glad to have the opportunity to be part of our new management team as the Cabbi President, for the next twelve months. Although we still have the secretary position to be filled, I am confident that we will have a full management committee very soon.

New Exhibition Hooks & Wires Update

Sadly, our community grant application to cover the cost of new hooks and wires was unsuccessful. The new management committee will now consider the available options, with Cabbi needing to fully fund this essential upgrade.

Members should be aware that the cost could be in the region of $7,000–$8,000. However, this would be a 20+ year investment in Cabbi’s exhibition equipment, providing a much easier, more efficient hanging system. Importantly, Cabbi is in a financial position to make this improvement for the benefit of future exhibitions.

Workshops 

During the past year, we have provided members and the wider community with opportunities to participate in a range of workshops. Sharing ideas, skills and creative practices is vital to keeping artists engaged, current and inspired.

A happy participant from the “Just Mountains” August workshop with Camelle Denny.

I would like to thank all our workshop tutors for generously sharing their time, knowledge and skills. Teaching and learning from one another is rewarding for everyone, and I encourage all members to take up opportunities to both share their skills and learn something new.

I see days like our ‘Art in the Park’ morning a positive opportunity, not only for a few hours of playing with art materials, but more importantly – the social experiences that are so important for groups like ours. Also, our recent rotating workshop was an example of how workshops can take many forms and encourage many people to get involved. 

I hope to plan another ‘Art in the Park’ day towards the end of October, weather permitting. I hope more members and their friends will consider being involved in these enjoyable days out.

If any members would like to run a workshop but are unsure on the logistics, I am very happy to help in the design/planning, preparing and advertising. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested to participate in running a workshop in any way. I would love to hear from you. Apply via email to me, Garry Kemp, workshops@cabbi.com.au

Monthly Newsletter and Website 

As some of you know, Kelly Ryner is no longer able to create our monthly newsletters. Kelly has done an outstanding job over recent years, generously sharing her skills and creativity to produce both our newsletters.

Her contribution is a wonderful reminder that organisations like ours thrive through the goodwill, generosity and experience of our members. We sincerely thank Kelly for all she has contributed.

Fortunately Sharon Beder has agreed to take on this roll as newsletter editor.  

It would be great to see more Cabbi members contributing items of interest, exhibition notifications, photos and the like to future newsletters. The newsletter is an important method of communication, so please feel free to suggest items that would inform our members of interesting topics or events.

Sharon Beder and Leslie Brown have been renovating and maintaining our Cabbi Website, updating information, adding artist’s pages and improving our public online presence. Their skills and understanding of website development are a major asset for interacting with the wider community. Thank you both so much for your willingness to help in this area.

Art & Craft Exhibition 2026/27

Planning for our annual Art & Craft Exhibition held over the Christmas holiday season is well under way (see item below). Convenors Jane Whiting and Karen Warburton would love to hear from anyone who would like to join their small exhibition team of enthusiastic members. 

We plan to email out the entry forms to all financial members in late October, with the closing date being 4 pm, Monday 23^rd November. The entry package will contain all relevant information, forms and conditions of entry as seen in the previous exhibition entry forms. 

Care Officer or Wellbeing Support Group

Another reminder that we are looking to fill this position within Cabbi, but sadly we have had no interest to date. How this role operates, would be entirely up to those who volunteer their time and kindness. Please contact the management committee if you are interested in more information on the role.

Cheers,

Garry Kemp

Cabbi President