For half a century, on a patch of reclaimed marshland on North Street, something truly special has been thriving. It’s not just a building, and it’s not a business in the traditional sense. It’s a living, breathing tapestry made from clay, fibre, paint, and the unwavering spirit of human connection. It’s the home of the Caloundra Arts Centre Association (CACA), and this year, it celebrates a remarkable 50-year milestone.
Walk through the doors of this unassuming centre, and you step into a world of colour and creation. A vibrant network of more than 500 members fuels the centre‘s spirit; their talents dispersed across 22 art and craft groups that meet and create throughout the week. From the gentle hum of potters‘ wheels to the focused quiet of weavers and the vibrant chaos of a painting class, the centre is a living embodiment of shared creativity.
But to understand its soul, you must look beyond the art. “It’s a place for support and social connection,” explains Susan Dickie, the centre’s Vice President and a potter of 17 years. “It brings so much to the wellbeing of Caloundra’s social fabric.” This is the golden thread that runs through the association’s entire history: art as a medium for community.
Shared Vision to Thriving Hub
The story begins in the mid-1970s. After the original Caloundra Arts Festival folded, a small, determined group of seven or eight artists refused to let the creative flame die. With a shared vision and tireless fundraising, they transformed a state-owned marshland site into the first humble facilities. The first groups—pottery and stitching—were formed, and a lifetime membership fee of just $100 helped the dream take root.
Today, that dream has blossomed into a thriving arts precinct, thanks entirely to the sweat, equity and dedication of its members. “The land is owned by the state government and is deemed for cultural purposes,” says Susan. “It’s a very important block of land, and we want to hold on to it. Fifty years is an incredible achievement, and the Caloundra Arts Centre has all been self-funded. Being a not-for-profit means every dollar goes right back into the centre, keeping the lights on, the kilns fired, and the wheels turning. We keep our fees low so it is affordable for everyone.“
The centre’s ethos is embodied by its members, like Brechtje, another potter. Born in the Netherlands and a graphic design graduate, she spent 12 years in Japan, where she first discovered her passion for pottery. Once on the Sunshine Coast, she became a dedicated member of the Caloundra Potters. Now also assisting CACA with its marketing and publicity, she is seamlessly blending her professional skills with her artistic calling to help tell the centre’s story.
“We are very lucky to have access to the incredible facilities at CACA. But it’s also about connection and sharing knowledge,” Brechtje says of the group dynamic. Within the pottery shed, and in every other group, we grow with each other. Whether during regular group sessions or at in-house workshops, members happily tutor and pass on their techniques. It’s this peer-to-peer learning that keeps the creativity fresh and the standards high. This collective spirit extends to running the centre itself, from organising the hugely popular bi-annual Artisan Fairs to stocking the shelves of the onsite artisan gift shop, North Street Made.
As CACA celebrates its golden anniversary, the focus is firmly on the future. With a council-approved development application in hand, the association has ambitious plans to expand. The vision includes a new building with a lift for accessibility, extra studios, and a dedicated gallery space to better showcase the incredible talent within its walls. But to make this a reality, they need security.
“We’re negotiating a long-term lease on this state-owned land,” Susan explains. “If we can secure that, we can really build a legacy for the next generation.” This means attracting younger people with diverse programs like night classes and weekend workshops, and continuing to strengthen the centre’s role as a hub for wellbeing. Susan, a retired food technologist who has served in almost every committee role, is a fierce advocate for this legacy. “You have to wonder,” she muses, looking around the bustling centre, “what would the state, local and federal governments do without places like this? They would never be able to fund what the community has built here.”
Get involved!
As well as a place to make art, the Caloundra Arts Centre Association is a place to make connections, to find support, and to be part of a community that has, for 50 years, proven that creativity is the strongest thread of all.
It’s a golden era, and everyone is invited to pick up a brush, a piece of textile or clay, or simply a cup of tea. Membership is the key that unlocks this world. For as little as $65 a year, plus a small fee per session, you can join in the fun.
To find out more, visit the centre at 5 North Street, Caloundra or visit caloundraartscentre.org.au.
