Help Tom Atkin Hall shine bright once again!
Help Tom Atkin Hall shine bright once again!
Whether you’ve lived a little or a long time down the southern end of town, you know Tom Atkin Hall. And for those from other ‘burbs around the Coast, you would have driven past it – perhaps unknowingly – every time you’ve ventured down the Gold Coast Highway at Tugun. A deceptively unassuming building, there is so much more than meets the eye here. 55 years young, the hall has done so much good for the community, undeniably earning its stripes… and a very well-deserved facelift. As passionate advocates of this iconic, community-owned groundbreaker, we’re delighted to tell you why it’s so special and unpack how you can help secure its future.
The crux of the matter is, for this community-owned and funded local treasure to keep up with (the Kardashians….no not really) demand, it needs some TLC. A lot actually – $360k worth. We’re talking functional upgrades such as disabled access and updated facilities, as well as a reinvigorated exterior. Its fresh new look will be reminiscent of a vibrant 50’s art deco cinema which seriously, is there anything cooler?
For this epic upgrade to continue, however, the volunteer-based Tugun Progress Association (TPA) – the Trustee for the hall taking care of general operations and maintenance – is sending out an SOS.
With so much construction yet to take place, they’re in need of precious donations big or small from anyone who can spare a dollar to support. As it’s community-owned, all funding must come from selfless donations, whether they be cash, labour or materials. Without the above, this Tugun trailblazer won’t have a shot at a second life – and we’re reaching for the Kleenex at the prospect.
So just what exactly goes down in this much-loved old-timer that makes it worthy of all the fuss? For starters, it’s long been a place for the locals to discuss important developments and pressing matters that directly affect the community. Regularly facilitating conversations between the public, politicians and the Council, big plans have been hatched, halted and heeded within those sandy brick walls. It has also led a double life as a bit of a playboy (sans the bunnies and the grotto…and Hef), acting as a place of fun, creativity, expression and ‘togetherness’. Always popular for private celebrations, workshops, performances, lunches and fundraisers, there is an ever-growing list of groups utilising the space on a regular basis.
The hall is the only community-owned, not-for-profit hall on the Coast, and a beacon for the rich history of its beloved ‘hood. Rejuvenating the space will not only provide better facilities for the many community groups who use it, but preserve one of the few original structures left standing in our beautiful city.
So friends, if can spare some moolah, contribute a trade or help in any way, this is a great way to give back and help a golden oldie regain its youth, and continue its do-gooder deeds.
Each of the businesses and individuals who contribute toward the project, in-kind or in donations, will be thanked with generous public recognition, both on the job site hoarding and digitally. You will be mentioned on their dedicated social media platforms, which can be shared directly onto your own social media pages.
Where: 433 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Words by Bianca Trathen.
All right be honest, when was the last time you made it south of the legendary Talle Creek? We Gold Coasters are creatures of habit and we’re kindaaaa guilty of not venturing too far from the familiarity of our own suburbs so you know that means two things… 1. There’s a whole city of gems waiting for you to explore and 2. The locals know what’s up which is why we’ve done some snooping around Tugun to find out their favourite hang outs so you can just go and lap up the good times.
Nestled at the southern end of the Gold Coast, Tugun (or Tuges, as the locals say) as a beachside village is sleepy no more, meshing laid-back vibes with a vibrant community spirit and we are here for it. It’s a slice of paradise that locals love for its stunning shoreline, thriving foodie scene, and unique mix of boutique shopping and wellness hotspots. Here’s why Tugun holds a special place in the hearts of Gold Coasters.
Something to sip and snack
The foodie culture down here is something else, to get the day going Niche & Co has long reigned the Southern GC as THE place to your caffeine and brekky fix to nourish the bod before you start your day – if a quick bite is more your speed then The Fox’s Pantry has pastries aplenty as well as other bits and bobs like gifts and groceries to keep you going. Okay so this one might not be your usual kind of coffee haunt but Made Barber & Barista have brought us the combo we didn’t even know we needed – pop down to grab your morning brew and leave with a sharp new cut, two birds one coffee!
When seaside it’s mandatory to treat yourself to a spot of lunch and beach walk – well in our book, anyway. Sticky Rice is the home of some of the GC’s best Thai dishes – if you haven’t tried their Street BBQ Chicken, do it immediately. If little bites are what you’re looking for Lucia Tapas’ coastal cool and Spanish style tapas are a must-try, bonus points if you can get there for tapas and drinks happy hour Wednesday through Sunday because cozzie lives guys, we’re here for value for money honey.
Who said daytime has to have all the fun? When the suns away the margs will play or something like that and as luck would have it, Backbone Bar have them well covered. Crack open a tinnie or watch your fresh draught pour from the tap and kick back with their signature Asian-fusion eats. Perfect for catching up with mates or kickstarting your night out.
Shop (local) ‘til you drop
Tugun might be small but their retail offering is absolutely mighty, Tugun Fruit & Flowers is a family owned gem that is known not just for the freshest produce in town, but for their killer acai bowls – a summer staple if you ask us – grab your groceries, a smoothie (go on, you’ve earned it) and treat yourself to their selection of seasonal blooms for the ultimate act of *self care*.
For those bigger shops, Tugun Market Co has a bit of everything so you can stock up the pantry with all of your favourite things – they’ve even got a dedicated fromagerie and since cheese is the way to our hearts you know we’re all about it – if you’re lacking in the cooking inspo department then worry not because these local legends have an epic selection of recipes from Lemon Asparagus Risotto to Veggie Soups to get the creative juices flowing.
So Cornerstone Stores is more than just a shopping destination, they’re basically a hub of all things boutique shopping, artisan cafes and wellness with curated must-haves and even its own Pilates studio! Its ultra-aesthetic vibe is what first caught our attention but the collection of goodies you won’t find at any old store kept us coming back – think of it as a modern-day village within a village.
Keep it clean
The locals down here have a rep for embracing sustainable living so you best believe we trusted them when we heard Consciously Clean is THE place to grab all the eco-friendly staples and low-tox products so we can all live cleaner lives, grab your bottles and fill up with refillable household items and bespoke gifts to treat yourself or someone you love.
Community and culture
Chances are you’ve already been to something mega fun at the faithful Tom Atkin Hall, the cultural heartbeat of Tugun, it’s been around since the 1960’s and locals are a big fan. They host everything from crafty workshops to theatre and line dancing, so hosting everything from art workshops to yoga classes. It’s the go-to spot for locals who love connecting, creating and sharing in the Arts. There’s always a load of fun things on the schedule so check it out and try something different for the first time in a long time!
Tugun Bowls Club is where community spirit meets laid-back fun. Tucked away in the backstreets, this clubhouse offers more than just bowls, but Barefoot Sundays are a local fave. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on the greens with friends and family, soaking up the coastal vibes.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
It’s been a minute since we delivered news out of Tugun but here we all are with exactly that. And it’s good news too Gold Coasters.
You may have seen a bit of movement along Golden Four Drive of late and it’s all come together in the form of a sweet new space known as Made. It’s a barber and a specialty espresso bar rolled into one and it’s the perfect spot to stop in for an exceptional coffee and some baked goods, plus of course, a haircut if you’re a man in the market.
Made is the work of a couple of passionate locals; Brit Westcott and Josh Blair, who brought their combined passions together to create something we haven’t before seen on the Coast. Obviously the concept is a good one and with Josh on the tools pouring coffees and building the space and Brit behind the chair snipping hair, it works like a dream.
Brit has over 15 years experience as a barber and Josh has the same as a carpenter, so it was a no brainer that they would set up shop combining all the things.
At the front of Made you’ll find the coffee bar and you have a choice of everything from Moonshine coffee (LOVE) to Grounded Pleasures Chai (also love), teas, turmeric and Matcha lattes and cold press juices.
To eat, there are baked goods from the best at Fuel Bakehouse and obviously, you should sample one of everything.
Two barber chairs can be found at the back and it’s best you make an appointment with Brit, though walk-ins are possible should you need an emergency fade before an arvo on the beers with the boys at Burleigh Pav.
There are big communal tables, bench seats out the front and the space is dotted with greenery. It’s modern and cosy and we see a lot of it in our future.
What’s not to love right?
Head on down to Tugun to give Brit and Josh some love and then go for a stroll on the beach why don’t you.
What a time to be alive.
LOCATION: 2B/417 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
HOURS: Open from 6am daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
