Ellie Gooch, won Technology Award for her roll-top desk Bulahdelah, Wootton, Nerong FEATURED MidCoast LGA (overall news) by NOTA - December 18, 2015December 18, 2015 Manning Regional Art Gallery had the privilege this year of displaying the Manning Great Lakes High Schools Technology Display. Councillor Allan Tickle- Greater Taree City Council, Dr. David Gillespie- MP for Lyne Taree, Ellie Gooch, Greg Dixon- Manning River Steel Councillor, Allan Tickle- Greater Taree City Council The display was open to the public from Wednesday 25 November – Saturday 28 November and some of the participating high schools were Bulahdelah Central School, Taree High, Chatham High, Gloucester High, Great Lakes College and a number of other Taree high schools. The Technology Display has been running for 24 years. Graham Taylor, of Wingham High School, is an organiser of the event along with Steven Foxwell, from Taree High. Steven spoke with Myall Coast News about the importance of the Exhibition. “This is a great collegial event and the aim is to create competitiveness between the schools in the region but mainly to allow an exchange of ideas. “There has been a range of items on display over the years, from CD racks, jewellery boxes and desks.” Local Bulahdelah Central School student, Ellie Gooch, won an award for her entry which was a roll-top desk. “Judging the work is based on craftsmanship and a display of expertise in many skills. “If the item includes different joints and parts and uses many techniques, like Ellie’s roll-top desk, then it will be awarded.” “There needs to be a real combination of art and technology as the items must be functional and aesthetically pleasing.” The Technology Display has been on display in the past at the Council Chambers in Forster and at Bunnings but this is the second year that it has found a display home at the Manning Regional Art Gallery. It was important to have a supervised, high profile and air-conditioned space. Steven explained that this year the Display was held on a weekend and not just during the week like in 2014 and in 2016 the Display will be held for two weeks. “We experienced a lot of sponsorship support from local businesses but next year we would like more projects entered.” The Manning Regional Art Gallery staff commented that the Technology Display was well attended and it was a great opportunity to display pieces that the locals were involved in creating. By Rachel REITSMA
