LATEST NEWS:
UPCOMING EXHIBITION:
DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025: Bay Gallery is having their final exhibition for the year. The exhibition will run from FRIDAY 29TH DECEMBER 2024 through to January 2025. The sale excludes all works off the walls and some small works displayed on plinths. LOOK FOR THE RED 25% OFF SALE MARKED PRICE.
RECENT NEWS:
NOVEMBER 2024: Natural Journey - Hinurewa Betland
OCTOBER 2024: Love in the Wild - Penelope Jayne
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SEPTEMBER 2024: Expressions Of Spring - Members Collaboration
AUGUST 2024: Dianne Gerlach - Near & Far
JULY 2024: CHALLENGE - 6 Artists' Collaboration Exhibition
MAY & JUNE 2024: CO-OPERATIVE - 6 Artists' Collaboration Exhibition
APRIL 2024: Featured Artist Carolyn Griffiths.
MARCH 2024: Featured Artist Michael Ghalayini with BEACH AND BEYOND
February 2024: Land & Sea with Featured Artist Phil Rich. Runs Feb 1-25, with Opening Reception Friday 2nd Feb, 6-8pm.
JANUARY 2024: We're open again with our new exhibition Ibis Song, with Victoria Austen-Young as Featured Artist, revealing her all new charcoal drawings.
Bay Gallery will be closed for Australia Day, Friday 26th January, 2024.
Bay Gallery will be closed for Australia Day, Friday 26th January, 2024.
OLDER NEWS:
DECEMBER 2023: ANNUAL XMAS SALE - 25% off all art on the walls! *excludes small work off the walls, prints, cards & other merch.
NOVEMBER 2023: New exhibition and a new member! Welcome to Michael Ghalayini & Phil Rich
OCTOBER 2023: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ART STUDIOS COOPERATIVE!
10 years ago, in late 2013, a group of artists started meeting together to talk about starting an artists cooperative on the Central Coast. It took a few months of organising & set-up red tape and finding a location that could accommodate several artist studios, a workshop for classes, and a gallery, which opened at the start of 2014. We stayed with that format & location at North Gosford for 5 years, with many artists and a LOT of exhibitions. Then in early 2019 we moved to our current adorable gallery (sadly no studios anymore) at Bay Gallery, Ettalong Beach, where we have been for nearly 5 more years. The artists that make up the co-op have changed over time as people come and go, but we still have a couple of founding members currently with Bay Gallery as directors. All of our founding members, including co-founder Leasha Craig, are returning for our special 10th anniversary exhibition, ARTISTIC EVOLUTION, in Bay Gallery from October 5-29, 2023.
There will be an opening reception/birthday party on Saturday 8th October from 1-3pm, with many current and previous members in attendance so come & celebrate this milestone with us!
10 years ago, in late 2013, a group of artists started meeting together to talk about starting an artists cooperative on the Central Coast. It took a few months of organising & set-up red tape and finding a location that could accommodate several artist studios, a workshop for classes, and a gallery, which opened at the start of 2014. We stayed with that format & location at North Gosford for 5 years, with many artists and a LOT of exhibitions. Then in early 2019 we moved to our current adorable gallery (sadly no studios anymore) at Bay Gallery, Ettalong Beach, where we have been for nearly 5 more years. The artists that make up the co-op have changed over time as people come and go, but we still have a couple of founding members currently with Bay Gallery as directors. All of our founding members, including co-founder Leasha Craig, are returning for our special 10th anniversary exhibition, ARTISTIC EVOLUTION, in Bay Gallery from October 5-29, 2023.
There will be an opening reception/birthday party on Saturday 8th October from 1-3pm, with many current and previous members in attendance so come & celebrate this milestone with us!
SEPTEMBER 2023: Featured Artist - Rewa Betland. Monochromatic Ripples: Capturing the Essence of the Ocean.
AUGUST 2023: Featured Artist - Helen Mortimer, 'When There Was Time For Tea'
Opening Reception: Friday 4/8/23, 5:30-7:30pm
Opening Reception: Friday 4/8/23, 5:30-7:30pm
NEW CLASSES FOR JULY: Fundamentals of Realism Painting with Shane Kilby (5 weeks, Tuesdays 12:30-3:30pm, Starts 11/7/23. $420)
See workshops page for more info...
See workshops page for more info...
NEW CLASSES FOR JULY: Oil Painting from Photographic Reference with Helen Mortimer (4 weeks, Thurs 10am-12:30pm, Starts 6/7/23. $180)
See workshops page for more info.
See workshops page for more info.
JUNE & JULY 2023: Fire & Light
MAY 2023: Featured Artist Dianne Gerlach with "Art of Escape" from May 4-28, 2023.
NEW CLASSES FOR MAY: Fundamentals of Realism Painting with Shane Kilby (5 weeks, Tuesdays 1-3:30pm, Starts 2/5/23. $285)
See workshops page for more info...
See workshops page for more info...
APRIL 2023: Bay Gallery will be closed for the entire Easter weekend of Good Friday 7th, Saturday 8th, Easter Sunday 9th April 2023. We will be open Thursday 6th April, and will reopen as usual on Thursday 13th April.
MARCH 2023: Green Thoughts with Featured Artist Carolyn Griffiths from March 2-26
"Meet the artist" on Sunday 5th March, 10am-4pm
"Meet the artist" on Sunday 5th March, 10am-4pm
FEBRUARY 2023: New Exhibition to start the year: "Looking Up" runs from February 2 to 26.
JANUARY 2023: Bay Gallery is now open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Our 25% off sale continues through January!
DECEMBER 2022: CHRISTMAS SALE with 25% OFF ALL ORIGINAL ARTWORK ON THE WALLS, & NEW SUMMER HOURS & DAYS
Our only annual sale is here, with a whopping 25% off all original art on our walls - just look for the RED sale price! (Sale excludes cards, merch and small works off the walls)
Our only annual sale is here, with a whopping 25% off all original art on our walls - just look for the RED sale price! (Sale excludes cards, merch and small works off the walls)
NOVEMBER 2022:
Welcome to our newest member, Shane Kilby. He will be our Featured Artist for the month of November, from Friday 4th November until Sunday 27th November, with an opening reception on Sunday 6th November at 1:30-3pm.
Helen Mortimer's painting of Russell, Working on a Dream has been accepted into the Hunter's Hill Art Prize, which shows at various locations in Hunters Hill from Saturday the 12th to Sunday 20th of November.
Central Coast Artist Glenn Hambleton will be visiting Bay Gallery for a limited time only on the last weekend in November to sign and sell copies of his book: Artists of the Central Coast in their own words
Come and meet Glenn, speak to him about his striking book and all the wonderful local Central Coast artists featured within and buy a signed copy of the book from Glenn, who will be at Bay Gallery during gallery hours on:
Saturday 26th November from 10am - 4pm and Sunday 27th of November, 10am - 1pm.
Welcome to our newest member, Shane Kilby. He will be our Featured Artist for the month of November, from Friday 4th November until Sunday 27th November, with an opening reception on Sunday 6th November at 1:30-3pm.
Helen Mortimer's painting of Russell, Working on a Dream has been accepted into the Hunter's Hill Art Prize, which shows at various locations in Hunters Hill from Saturday the 12th to Sunday 20th of November.
Central Coast Artist Glenn Hambleton will be visiting Bay Gallery for a limited time only on the last weekend in November to sign and sell copies of his book: Artists of the Central Coast in their own words
Come and meet Glenn, speak to him about his striking book and all the wonderful local Central Coast artists featured within and buy a signed copy of the book from Glenn, who will be at Bay Gallery during gallery hours on:
Saturday 26th November from 10am - 4pm and Sunday 27th of November, 10am - 1pm.
FEATURED ARTIST: Shane Kilby
Shane's exhibition OUTSIDE - WITHIN is an exploration of his love of the natural environment around Sydney and the Central Coast of N.S.W.
"With this series I am feeling my way into the mood and temperature of the places I wanted to paint. When the painting is done, it should drive an almost physical response in the viewer and take them to that location, so they can feel the temperature and atmosphere, calling on their own memories of similar places".
Shane will be Bay Gallery's Featured Artist for November.
Opening Reception on Sunday 6th November from 1:30pm to 3pm with drinks & nibbles, all welcome.
Shane's exhibition OUTSIDE - WITHIN is an exploration of his love of the natural environment around Sydney and the Central Coast of N.S.W.
"With this series I am feeling my way into the mood and temperature of the places I wanted to paint. When the painting is done, it should drive an almost physical response in the viewer and take them to that location, so they can feel the temperature and atmosphere, calling on their own memories of similar places".
Shane will be Bay Gallery's Featured Artist for November.
Opening Reception on Sunday 6th November from 1:30pm to 3pm with drinks & nibbles, all welcome.
OCTOBER 2022:
October continues with Hinurewa Betland as Featured Artist of our current exhibition. She has been featured in an article in Central Coast Community News that you can read on their website HERE.
October continues with Hinurewa Betland as Featured Artist of our current exhibition. She has been featured in an article in Central Coast Community News that you can read on their website HERE.
SEPTEMBER 2022:
Featured Artist Hinurewa Betland. Opening Reception Sunday 11th September 1:30-3pm.
Dianne Gerlach has several works in the Art In The Open 2022 Exhibition. The exhibition is in the foyer of the Art House, 19-21 Margaret Street, Wyong, NSW, and runs from September 2 - October 2.
Featured Artist Hinurewa Betland. Opening Reception Sunday 11th September 1:30-3pm.
Dianne Gerlach has several works in the Art In The Open 2022 Exhibition. The exhibition is in the foyer of the Art House, 19-21 Margaret Street, Wyong, NSW, and runs from September 2 - October 2.
AUGUST 2022:
A lovely article about our current Featured Artist Helen Mortimer in the Community News newspaper highlighting her recent Finalist position in several art exhibitions.
Read the article on their website HERE
A lovely article about our current Featured Artist Helen Mortimer in the Community News newspaper highlighting her recent Finalist position in several art exhibitions.
Read the article on their website HERE
JULY 2022: Featured Artist HELEN MORTIMER from 1st July 2022. Opening Reception Sunday 10th July 1:30-3pm
MAY 2022: Our Featured Artist for May & June is DIANNE GERLACH
APRIL 2022
In April, Bay Gallery will be hosting several works as part of the Central Coast Council's AQUACULTURE exhibition as a part of their larger NEIGHBOURHOODS community art program at several locations throughout Ettalong Beach. You can view these works from Friday 1st April, with the opening event on Sunday 3rd April 10am-1pm.
In April, Bay Gallery will be hosting several works as part of the Central Coast Council's AQUACULTURE exhibition as a part of their larger NEIGHBOURHOODS community art program at several locations throughout Ettalong Beach. You can view these works from Friday 1st April, with the opening event on Sunday 3rd April 10am-1pm.
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MARCH 2022
Our current exhibition with featured artist Carolyn Griffiths continues.
We are sad to say farewell (but not goodbye) to two of our Art Studios Co-operative founding members, Leasha Craig and Karen Bloomfield, and we wish them all the very best on their new ventures.
But we are very excited to welcome our newest artist, Rewa Betland, to Art Studios Co-operative & Bay Gallery.
Our current exhibition with featured artist Carolyn Griffiths continues.
We are sad to say farewell (but not goodbye) to two of our Art Studios Co-operative founding members, Leasha Craig and Karen Bloomfield, and we wish them all the very best on their new ventures.
But we are very excited to welcome our newest artist, Rewa Betland, to Art Studios Co-operative & Bay Gallery.
FEBRUARY 2022: Featured Artist: Carolyn Griffiths
JANUARY 2022:
We will reopen on Friday 7th January 2022
NEW OPENING HOURS
Our new opening hours for 2022 are:
10am-4pm Friday & Saturday
10am-1pm Sunday
(Closed Monday-Thursday)
Covid restrictions such as QR check-ins and masks currently apply.
ANNUAL SALE CONTINUES THROUGH JANUARY 2022
We will reopen on Friday 7th January 2022
NEW OPENING HOURS
Our new opening hours for 2022 are:
10am-4pm Friday & Saturday
10am-1pm Sunday
(Closed Monday-Thursday)
Covid restrictions such as QR check-ins and masks currently apply.
ANNUAL SALE CONTINUES THROUGH JANUARY 2022
In line with current COVIDsafe recommendations, we will not be holding
any openings or other large group events for the foreseeable future.
We also have other COVIDsafe methodologies in place, such as: masks, max
capacity, social distancing, visitors checking in with ServiceNSW QRcode, sanitising,
& vaccination, and we appreciate your co-operation in implementing these measures.
any openings or other large group events for the foreseeable future.
We also have other COVIDsafe methodologies in place, such as: masks, max
capacity, social distancing, visitors checking in with ServiceNSW QRcode, sanitising,
& vaccination, and we appreciate your co-operation in implementing these measures.
ART PRIZE:
2021 Jocelyn Smith Philosophy Art Prize delayed until 2022 due to COVID restrictions
WINNERS NOW ANNOUNCED!
Click here for the winners & finalists in the 2020 Jocelyn Smith Philosophy Art Prize
The Jocelyn Smith Philosophy Art Prize is a new annual art prize honouring the memory of Jocelyn Smith. It was held at the Bay Gallery from March 5-22, 2020.The patron of this prize is Victoria Bilger.
CLICK HERE for list of 2020 winners & finalists
CLICK HERE for the story behind the prize.
CLICK HERE for list of 2020 winners & finalists
CLICK HERE for the story behind the prize.
DECEMBER 24 2021:
Bay Gallery is currently closed for Christmas & New Years.
When we reopen, masks and QRcode check-ins will once again be a condition of entry, in line with latest government restrictions.
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS, A HAPPY NEW YEAR, AND A SAFE HOLIDAYS
Bay Gallery is currently closed for Christmas & New Years.
When we reopen, masks and QRcode check-ins will once again be a condition of entry, in line with latest government restrictions.
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS, A HAPPY NEW YEAR, AND A SAFE HOLIDAYS
DECEMBER 2021:
It's that time of year for our one & only annual SALE!!!
Grab a bargain with 30% off all original artworks & selected prints (excludes cards & merchandise). Spoil someone you love, or even yourself, and enliven your walls after being stuck inside too long this year with a beautiful artwork from our talented local Central Coast artists at Bay Gallery.
It's that time of year for our one & only annual SALE!!!
Grab a bargain with 30% off all original artworks & selected prints (excludes cards & merchandise). Spoil someone you love, or even yourself, and enliven your walls after being stuck inside too long this year with a beautiful artwork from our talented local Central Coast artists at Bay Gallery.
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DECEMBER 16 2021:
Bay Gallery is now open to ALL customers, regardless of vaccination status.
While masks are no longer required, we request that they be worn in the gallery.
Bay Gallery is now open to ALL customers, regardless of vaccination status.
While masks are no longer required, we request that they be worn in the gallery.
NOVEMBER 2021:
We are excited to announce that we are now open to the fully vaccinated.
Our gallery hours are 10am-4pm, Thursday to Sunday.
All customers must be masked, check in via ServiceNSW QRcode, and show proof of vaccination.
All our staff will also comply with these COVIDsafe measures.
We are excited to announce that we are now open to the fully vaccinated.
Our gallery hours are 10am-4pm, Thursday to Sunday.
All customers must be masked, check in via ServiceNSW QRcode, and show proof of vaccination.
All our staff will also comply with these COVIDsafe measures.
JUNE/JULY EXHIBITION MOVED TO NOVEMBER 2021
This exhibition was only 2 weeks into a 2 month run when we closed down due to COVID restrictions.
We have resumed this exhibition upon our reopening, so it will run for the remainder of November.
We have a fresh, new exhibition in the gallery, and are introducing our first "Featured Artist" where each exhibition will highlight one artist from our regular Art Studios Co-op on the main wall in the front gallery & window.
Our first Featured Artist is Victoria Austen-Young, with her charcoal and mixed media portraits on paper or canvas.
This exhibition was only 2 weeks into a 2 month run when we closed down due to COVID restrictions.
We have resumed this exhibition upon our reopening, so it will run for the remainder of November.
We have a fresh, new exhibition in the gallery, and are introducing our first "Featured Artist" where each exhibition will highlight one artist from our regular Art Studios Co-op on the main wall in the front gallery & window.
Our first Featured Artist is Victoria Austen-Young, with her charcoal and mixed media portraits on paper or canvas.
OCTOBER 2021:
We're Back!
Due to NSW reaching vaccination milestones for retail reopening, from Thursday 14th October 2021 Bay Gallery is OPEN for private viewing BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. To make an appointment please contact Leasha on 0406 539 407.
We will fully reopen from the beginning of November, making our first official day open Thursday 4th November 2021.
Our gallery hours are 10am-4pm, Thursday to Sunday.
All customers must be masked, check in via ServiceNSW QRcode, and show proof of vaccination.
All our staff will also comply with these COVIDsafe measures.
Due to NSW reaching vaccination milestones for retail reopening, from Thursday 14th October 2021 Bay Gallery is OPEN for private viewing BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. To make an appointment please contact Leasha on 0406 539 407.
We will fully reopen from the beginning of November, making our first official day open Thursday 4th November 2021.
Our gallery hours are 10am-4pm, Thursday to Sunday.
All customers must be masked, check in via ServiceNSW QRcode, and show proof of vaccination.
All our staff will also comply with these COVIDsafe measures.
JUNE 2021:
GALLERY CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO COVID LOCKDOWN
Bay Gallery is currently closed due to the NSW COVID lockdowns.
We anticipate remaining closed until the opening of non-essential retail is officially endorsed.
When we have an opening date we will announce it on our website, our social media & via our newsletter.
Bay Gallery is currently closed due to the NSW COVID lockdowns.
We anticipate remaining closed until the opening of non-essential retail is officially endorsed.
When we have an opening date we will announce it on our website, our social media & via our newsletter.
Reduced Winter Hours
For the colder months of winter, we will be closing the gallery earlier at 3pm. This will just be for June, July & August.
Our regular closing time of 4pm will resume from the start of September. Stay warm!
For the colder months of winter, we will be closing the gallery earlier at 3pm. This will just be for June, July & August.
Our regular closing time of 4pm will resume from the start of September. Stay warm!
DECEMBER 2020:
OCTOBER 2020:
OPEN THURSDAY - SUNDAY 10am-4pm
Bay Gallery has returned to our pre-COVID days & hours. We are open from Thursday to Sunday from 10am-4pm.
We are utilising various COVIDsafe measures such as social distancing, sanitising and visitor records.
We are unfortunately unable to hold any openings due to current COVID-19 restrictions.
Our current exhibition is titled NEW BEGINNINGS
OPEN THURSDAY - SUNDAY 10am-4pm
Bay Gallery has returned to our pre-COVID days & hours. We are open from Thursday to Sunday from 10am-4pm.
We are utilising various COVIDsafe measures such as social distancing, sanitising and visitor records.
We are unfortunately unable to hold any openings due to current COVID-19 restrictions.
Our current exhibition is titled NEW BEGINNINGS
JUNE 2020:
Now open Saturdays & Sundays 10am-4pm.
Bay Gallery is delighted to re-open for weekends only from Saturday 13th June 2020.
Pop in & see our beautiful new exhibition: Lifted
Now open Saturdays & Sundays 10am-4pm.
Bay Gallery is delighted to re-open for weekends only from Saturday 13th June 2020.
Pop in & see our beautiful new exhibition: Lifted
MARCH 2020:
Due to government mandated shutdowns to protect public heath during the COVID-19 crisis, the doors of Bay Gallery are now sadly closed for the duration.
But that doesn't mean we are gone. We are busy in our studios and you can of course still find us here online at www.artstudioscooperative.org or on Facebook as artstudioscooperative, on Instagram as bay_gallery or on any of our personal artist sites, accessible via the "co-op artists" link in the menu.
Meanwhile, stay safe, take care and we look forward to welcoming you back to Bay Gallery in the future.
Due to government mandated shutdowns to protect public heath during the COVID-19 crisis, the doors of Bay Gallery are now sadly closed for the duration.
But that doesn't mean we are gone. We are busy in our studios and you can of course still find us here online at www.artstudioscooperative.org or on Facebook as artstudioscooperative, on Instagram as bay_gallery or on any of our personal artist sites, accessible via the "co-op artists" link in the menu.
Meanwhile, stay safe, take care and we look forward to welcoming you back to Bay Gallery in the future.
For the March exhibition after the Art Prize, Art Studios Co-operative was to be handing over the Bay Gallery to the Friends of the Forest.
Unfortunately the required closure of galleries means that this exhibition has been postponed until next year.
Unfortunately the required closure of galleries means that this exhibition has been postponed until next year.
Luke & Rollo, Keith, Scott and Digger
23/10/2019
AUSTRALIAN SPIRIT LEGACY
Art Studios Co-operative is very proud to announce that due to the overwhelming success of the Australian Spirit Project and its concluding event, we have secured an Assistance Dog for a Central Coast Veteran and are assisting another Veteran to elevate his own dog to Assistance Dog status.
A pilot program has been put in place, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Ben Johnson - Integra Service Dogs Australia (ISDA), Keith Mitchell - Topdog Training School, and Leasha Craig - Art Studios Co-operative/Australian Spirit Project. This program will provide the means for the services provided by Integra Service Dogs Australia to become more accessible for both our Veterans and First Responders suffering from PTSD on the Central Coast.
“This is a great achievement and is the result of the generous in-kind and financial support that Central Coast businesses, community groups, creatives, Veteran Associations, Central Coast Council, Central Coast and Regional Veteran communities RSL Sub Branches and their affiliated clubs have shown throughout the 4 years of the Australian Spirit Project.The project brought many things to the surface, not only the personal stories and memories of the participating veterans, it also highlighted the need for ongoing support for our Veterans and their families and the recognition of past and present services to our country.” - Leasha Craig
Keith Mitchell has been working with dogs for 26 years, he was a police dog handler/trainer in the New Zealand Police Force. He studied canine behavioural science through Massey University. He also won the prestigious Commissioners Cup twice for his expert dog training skills. Since leaving the Police force in 2007 Keith has ran his own company for the past 13 years training civilian dogs. Now, with the assistance of ISDA, Keith is working towards becoming an accredited Assistance Dog Trainer. Part of this process for Keith is working with the two Veterans nominated, training the dogs and the handlers with the goal of both dogs successfully undertaking the Public Access Test (PAT).
“Having been a first responder for 18 years with the New Zealand Police, the last 13 of those as a dog handler/trainer, I fully understand the pressures and highly stressful situations that Scott and Luke have been put in during their time in the military. To have people like Leasha go above and beyond to raise money to fund a program that allows these guys to have assistance dogs is truly invaluable. It is my job to assist with the training of both dogs and handlers. All have progressed well to the point where it will not be long before they are assessed by way of a Public Access Test. These dogs are a great asset to the handlers and the difference in the teams since day one is very noticeable and also pleasing to be part of.” - Keith Mitchell
Central Coast Afghanistan Veteran, Scott, and Assistance Dog in training, Digger, were united 4 weeks ago. Digger, a reclassified Labrador, was sourced from ISDA. Both Scott and Digger are settling in nicely getting to know one another and developing a bond. Luke, an East Timor Veteran, is working with his own dog Rollo, a 5-year-old Australian Shepherd. Their bond is already in place, Rollo is now learning his new role as a working dog, not the family pet.
Scott, Digger, Luke and Rollo are currently in training with Keith, learning both the basic and advanced skills required to achieve the Assistance Dog status. ISDA training program takes approximately 6-12 months to complete. The program has been designed to ensure that Veterans and First Responders successfully achieve their goals, while strengthening the team bond.
“Having my dog trained as an Assistance Dog will help me in many ways. Not only will my dog assist me at home by keeping me company, but he will also be able to assist me in the community when shopping or other crowded situations. Keith from Top Dog training is providing the training and Integra Dogs are supporting this process. Special thanks to Leasha for giving me the opportunity to have my dog trained as an assistance dog. Already there has been a big difference to the quality of my life." - Luke
“I’m an Afghanistan Veteran who has been trying for an Assistance Dog for 5 years till I was put into contact with Integra Service Dogs Australia, who have provided me with a companion named Digger. I now have the reassurance of feeling safe, not alone and a great distraction from my PTSD symptoms. He is not a dog he is my mate, who helps me get out of bed everyday and become more active. Just being able to do normal family things with him by my side, or at home not working, playing with my kids.” - Scott
Integra Service Dogs Australia works with Veterans and First Responders and their families suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by enriching lives through highly trained canine guardians. They are a private not for profit organisation. They are not government funded and all funding raised from corporate Australia and public donations go to the delivery of exceptional Labrador Assistance Dogs for Veterans and First Responders. If you would like to contribute to this worthy cause, please visit their website - isda.com.au
Art Studios Co-operative would like to thank everyone involved throughout the 4 years of the Australian Spirit Project and the concluding event. This project is a fine example of what can be accomplished and the empowering nature of collaborative community events.
Further Information Contacts:
Art Studios Co-operative/ Australian Spirit Project
Leasha Craig
email: [email protected]
m: 0406 539 407
www.australian-spirit.com
Integra Service Dogs Australia
Ben Johnson
email: [email protected]
m: 0412547889
www.isda.com.au
Topdog Training School
Keith Mitchell
email: [email protected]
m: 0448087592
www.topdogtrainingschool.com
AUSTRALIAN SPIRIT LEGACY
Art Studios Co-operative is very proud to announce that due to the overwhelming success of the Australian Spirit Project and its concluding event, we have secured an Assistance Dog for a Central Coast Veteran and are assisting another Veteran to elevate his own dog to Assistance Dog status.
A pilot program has been put in place, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Ben Johnson - Integra Service Dogs Australia (ISDA), Keith Mitchell - Topdog Training School, and Leasha Craig - Art Studios Co-operative/Australian Spirit Project. This program will provide the means for the services provided by Integra Service Dogs Australia to become more accessible for both our Veterans and First Responders suffering from PTSD on the Central Coast.
“This is a great achievement and is the result of the generous in-kind and financial support that Central Coast businesses, community groups, creatives, Veteran Associations, Central Coast Council, Central Coast and Regional Veteran communities RSL Sub Branches and their affiliated clubs have shown throughout the 4 years of the Australian Spirit Project.The project brought many things to the surface, not only the personal stories and memories of the participating veterans, it also highlighted the need for ongoing support for our Veterans and their families and the recognition of past and present services to our country.” - Leasha Craig
Keith Mitchell has been working with dogs for 26 years, he was a police dog handler/trainer in the New Zealand Police Force. He studied canine behavioural science through Massey University. He also won the prestigious Commissioners Cup twice for his expert dog training skills. Since leaving the Police force in 2007 Keith has ran his own company for the past 13 years training civilian dogs. Now, with the assistance of ISDA, Keith is working towards becoming an accredited Assistance Dog Trainer. Part of this process for Keith is working with the two Veterans nominated, training the dogs and the handlers with the goal of both dogs successfully undertaking the Public Access Test (PAT).
“Having been a first responder for 18 years with the New Zealand Police, the last 13 of those as a dog handler/trainer, I fully understand the pressures and highly stressful situations that Scott and Luke have been put in during their time in the military. To have people like Leasha go above and beyond to raise money to fund a program that allows these guys to have assistance dogs is truly invaluable. It is my job to assist with the training of both dogs and handlers. All have progressed well to the point where it will not be long before they are assessed by way of a Public Access Test. These dogs are a great asset to the handlers and the difference in the teams since day one is very noticeable and also pleasing to be part of.” - Keith Mitchell
Central Coast Afghanistan Veteran, Scott, and Assistance Dog in training, Digger, were united 4 weeks ago. Digger, a reclassified Labrador, was sourced from ISDA. Both Scott and Digger are settling in nicely getting to know one another and developing a bond. Luke, an East Timor Veteran, is working with his own dog Rollo, a 5-year-old Australian Shepherd. Their bond is already in place, Rollo is now learning his new role as a working dog, not the family pet.
Scott, Digger, Luke and Rollo are currently in training with Keith, learning both the basic and advanced skills required to achieve the Assistance Dog status. ISDA training program takes approximately 6-12 months to complete. The program has been designed to ensure that Veterans and First Responders successfully achieve their goals, while strengthening the team bond.
“Having my dog trained as an Assistance Dog will help me in many ways. Not only will my dog assist me at home by keeping me company, but he will also be able to assist me in the community when shopping or other crowded situations. Keith from Top Dog training is providing the training and Integra Dogs are supporting this process. Special thanks to Leasha for giving me the opportunity to have my dog trained as an assistance dog. Already there has been a big difference to the quality of my life." - Luke
“I’m an Afghanistan Veteran who has been trying for an Assistance Dog for 5 years till I was put into contact with Integra Service Dogs Australia, who have provided me with a companion named Digger. I now have the reassurance of feeling safe, not alone and a great distraction from my PTSD symptoms. He is not a dog he is my mate, who helps me get out of bed everyday and become more active. Just being able to do normal family things with him by my side, or at home not working, playing with my kids.” - Scott
Integra Service Dogs Australia works with Veterans and First Responders and their families suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by enriching lives through highly trained canine guardians. They are a private not for profit organisation. They are not government funded and all funding raised from corporate Australia and public donations go to the delivery of exceptional Labrador Assistance Dogs for Veterans and First Responders. If you would like to contribute to this worthy cause, please visit their website - isda.com.au
Art Studios Co-operative would like to thank everyone involved throughout the 4 years of the Australian Spirit Project and the concluding event. This project is a fine example of what can be accomplished and the empowering nature of collaborative community events.
Further Information Contacts:
Art Studios Co-operative/ Australian Spirit Project
Leasha Craig
email: [email protected]
m: 0406 539 407
www.australian-spirit.com
Integra Service Dogs Australia
Ben Johnson
email: [email protected]
m: 0412547889
www.isda.com.au
Topdog Training School
Keith Mitchell
email: [email protected]
m: 0448087592
www.topdogtrainingschool.com