CREATE Festival: Inspired by Dreams, Ignited by Creativity
Welcome to CREATE Festival 2025, a celebration of community, creativity, and innovation, hosted by the Narrabri Shire Council.
Over 16 days, our Shire will transform into a living canvas, inviting you to explore the endless possibilities of the theme ‘Dream’.
This year, we want you to dream beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in the beauty and imagination that surrounds us as we celebrate the vibrant culture and limitless creativity of our community.
From inspiring workshops to captivating performances, experience the magic that happens when local artists, innovators, and dreamers unite. Engage with hidden talents, be inspired by collective imagination, and let your own dreams take flight on this unforgettable journey of creativity and connection.
OPENING NIGHT
These tickets will go fast!
There’s no better way to get into the mood for CREATE than going to the Opening Night Bash. With a glass of bubbly in your hand, exquisite canapes, and a group of friends it will be so easy to get lost among the artworks.
Set amongst the main exhibition at The Crossing Theatre, there will be an installation titled, ‘In Your Wildest Dreams’ in the main auditorium. This interactive installation takes you through an alternate reality dreamscape.
The very first exhibition showcasing artworks from local artists living with disabilities, ‘Through the Windows of Imagination’, which is an artistic lens or perspective of how differently artists see the world. The artists in this exhibition are living with many types of disabilities – from mild to severe – with a huge variety of outcomes.
The biggest dreamcatcher the northwest has ever seen, dream themed multi-medium artworks from local Namoi Women’s Shed.
The biggest dreamcatcher the northwest has ever seen, dream themed multi-medium artworks from local Namoi Women’s Shed.
To offset the atmosphere of this visual feast we have an exceptional musical backdrop provided by Lake Kelly.
Location: The Crossing Theatre, 117 Tibbereena St, Narrabri
Date: 28 Feb 2025
Time: 7pm
Price: Adult $55 – includes live music, canapes and two glasses of sparkling wine, beer or soft drink
EXHIBITIONS
NARRABRI – THE CROSSING THEATRE
There are three exhibition spaces showcasing the works of over 20 artists.
The theme ‘Dream’ invites you to explore the limitless possibility of creativity.
“In Your Wildest Dreams” is not just an installation; it’s an odyssey into the depths of your imagination.
And the dedicated exhibition, “Through the Windows of Imagination”, is the first showcase of works from local artists living with disability.
Location: The Crossing Theatre, 117 Tibbereena St, Narrabri
Date: 28 Feb – 11 March 2025
Time: 10am to 3pm daily
Free entry, although a gold coin donation would go a long way in helping to ensure CREATE grows on a yearly basis.
IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS
An ET and LD Production
Step into a realm where reality blends seamlessly with fantasy.
“In Your Wildest Dreams” is not just an installation; it’s an odyssey into the depths of your imagination.
Every corner of the auditorium is alive with vivid illusions and sensory wonders. The boundaries of the physical world dissolve as you find yourself wandering through enchanting landscapes and surreal visions.
Prepare to be dazzled by a symphony of colours, lights, and sounds that dance around you, creating a dreamscape that captivates the senses and stirs the soul.
Prepare to be dazzled by a symphony of colours, lights, and sounds that dance around you, creating a dreamscape that captivates the senses and stirs the soul.
Delight in the unexpected as you journey through this magical experience, where the extraordinary becomes the norm and every moment is a fantastical adventure.
THROUGH THE WINDOWS OF IMAGINATION
Local artists living with disability
This exhibition invites you to experience the world through the unique perspectives of local artists living with disabilities.
Each artwork serves as a window into their imagination, offering a glimpse into how they perceive and interact with the world around them.
For these artists, creativity is not just an expression, but a powerful tool for communication, transformation, and connection.
From different backgrounds and abilities, these artists bring their visions to life, expanding our understanding of what is possible. Join us in celebrating their creativity and the beauty of seeing the world through a different lens.
Palmer Pop-Up Gallery
‘A Country Dream’
An Exhibition by Deb Michell-Smith, Pip Donaldson and Tilla Winston-Smith
Join award winning landscape artist Deb Michell-Smith, country-themed watercolour artist Pip Donaldson, and local flower grower and photographer Tilla Winston-Smith for the opening of A Country Dream, a special group exhibition celebrating the beauty and spirit of country life.
The exhibition will feature a stunning collection of works that explore rural landscapes, country themes, and the delicate beauty of flowers captured through photography and art.
Official Opening: 27th Feb 2025
Time: 6pm
Price: Free
Exhibition Dates: 28 Feb – 14 March 2025
Open daily from 9.00am – 1:00pm and some evenings.
Location: The Palmer Room, Tourist Hotel, Narrabri
Join us for opening night on Thursday, 27 Feb at 6:00pm.
WEE WAA COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURAL CENTRE
A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes
Join us as we celebrate the WWCA&CC’s 3rd Birthday Behind the Yellow Door at the opening night of “A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes”.
The shop, gallery and workroom will be open throughout the exhibition.
Ticket price includes live entertainment, complimentary canapes and drinks throughout the evening, and a take-home illustration for guests.
Official Opening: Fri, 7 March
Location: Wee Waa Community Arts & Cultural Centre, 22 George Street, Wee Waa 2388
Time: 6.00pm
Price: $35 bookings essential
Enquires 0487 030 069
Exhibition Dates: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 7 – 16 Mar.
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
FREE ENTRY TO EXHIBITION
Exhibition Dates: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 7 – 16 Mar.
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Exhibition Dates: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 7 – 16 Mar.
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
FREE ENTRY TO EXHIBITION
NARRABRI ART & CRAFT SOCIETY INC
In Your Dreams
Narrabri Art & Craft Society welcomes you to our place where members have crafted, created and painted their individual experiences and dreams.
The shop, gallery and workroom will be open throughout the showing of the exhibition.
Refreshments will be served and the prestigious Betty Berriman award for best work will be presented.
Official Opening: 11.00 am Saturday, 8th March
Time: 6pm
Price: Free
Enquires: 0487 030 069
Location: Narrabri Art & Craft Society Gallery, 35 Dangar St, Narrabri
Exhibition Dates: 8 -16 March
Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm daily.
LISA MARPLE SOLO EXHIBITION
‘Dreamweaver’
This Exhibition by artist Lisa Marple explores myths and legends of nature and their symbolic imagery.
Plan your day out in Baan Baa and attend Lisa’s Floral and Feather Headband Making Workshop in the morning, head to the Baan Baa pub for a pizza, then come back and view this magical solo exhibition.
Exhibition Date: 8 March 2025
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Location: The Baan Baa Community Hall, Baan Baa.
Price: FREE
WORKSHOPS
PILLIGA POTTERY CLAY WORKSHOPS
Ballie Bowl workshop
Suitable for ages 8+
This is a fun class where you create a little bowl made up of lots of rolled up balls. You can even give your bowl some quirky upgrades such as legs and feet and/or heads and tails!
Suitable for ages 8+
45 minutes
Location: Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre
Date: 1 March 2025
Time: 11am – 12pm
Price: $40.00
Location: Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre
Date: 2 March 2025
Time: 11am – 12pm
Price: $40.00
Adults’ Treasure Dish Workshop
This workshop teaches you to make your very own treasure dish! Let your imagination run wild by shaping and decorating it however you like. Can also be used as a snack dish. Fun for all ages.
45 minutes
Location: Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre
Date: 1 March 2025
Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Price: $35.00
Location: Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre
Date: 2 March 2025
Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Price: $35.00
Kids’ Treasure Dish Workshop
Suitable for ages 6+
This workshop teaches you to make your very own treasure dish! Let your imagination run wild by shaping and decorating it however you like. Can also be used as a snack dish. Fun for all ages.
45 minutes
Location: Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre
Date: 1 March 2025
Time: 9.30am – 10.30am
Price: $35.00
Location: Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre
Date: 2 March 2025
Time: 9.30pm – 10.30pm
Price: $35.00
CHALK DREAMS
Join this fun workshop using the humble medium that is chalk! Learn different methods such as water brushing, spraying and blending etc from tutor Jo Hannaford. Unleash your inner storyteller to help bring the traditional story of The Rainbow Serpent to life!
Cost is free and all materials are provided, bookings are essential. This workshop will be held in three different locations over the region. (Bring water, a hat and sunscreen).
Location: Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre
Date: 1 March 2025
Time: 10am – 12pm
Price: FREE
Location: Boggabri Art Trail
Date: 8 March 2025
Time: 10am – 12pm
Price: FREE
Location: Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre
Date: 15 March 2025
Time: 10am – 12pm
Price: FREE
ADULTS & KIDS MOSAIC WORKSHOPS
This workshop is designed for everyone to make a lovely a piece mosaic work for the inside your home. Modern mosaic work now uses many different tesserae from glass, bottle caps, beads, to different types of ceramic tiles to broken crockery.
It helps if you already have an idea when you arrive that way it can be transferred onto the substrate.
There will tiles and other tesserae available however it is always good to bring in some crockery of your choice as this makes your mosaic individual but it also allows you to have your own colour palette, it is suggested that you choose pieces of the same thickness.
Please be aware the glue requires a minimum of 10 hours to dry so grouting cannot be done on the day of the Saturday workshop.
I will show students the grouting process so that they can either take their pieces home to grout or leave mosaic work to be grouted and pick up the following Saturday.
Morning Tea will be provided
See booking page for details on appropriate clothing and what students need to bring
Location: Namoi Women’s Shed, 2 Dewhurst Street, Narrabri
Date: Sun, 2 March 2025
Time: 10am to 3pm
Price: $120
Location: Boggabri Women’s Shed, Uniting Church Hall
Date: Sun, 9 March 2025
Time: 10am to 3pm
Price: $120
LEGO LIBRARY WORKSHOPS
Ignite your child’s imagination with CREATE with LEGO After School Workshops!
In these fun, hands-on sessions, kids explore endless possibilities through building and creating with LEGO.
From crafting unique characters to designing exciting structures, every workshop sparks creativity and encourages storytelling, collaboration, and innovative thinking.
Perfect for young artists and inventors, these workshops offer a playful environment where ideas come to life!
FREE ENTRY
Location: Narrabri Shire Library, 8 Doyle Street, Narrabri
Date: Mon, 3 March 2025
Time: 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Location: Wee Waa Library, 106 Rose Street Wee Waa
Date: Tues, 4 March 2025
Time: 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Location: Boggabri Library, 82 Wee Waa Street, Boggabri
Date: Sat, 8 March 2025
Time: 9.30am to 12pm
BUNNINGS PAINT POUR WORKSHOP
Bring the kids down to Bunnings Narrabri to explore the dreamy abstract art of paint flow.
By creating fluid arts using acrylic paint they will create their very own tray and piece of art that they get to take home.
All materials will be provided in this free workshop.
Please note, you will get dirty so wear appropriate clothing.
Please note, you will get dirty so wear appropriate clothing.
Location: Bunnings Narrabri
Date: 6 March 2025
Time: 2 sessions available
4.00pm to 5.00pm
5.00pm to 6.00pm
Price: Free
COMMUNITY DREAM WEAVING WORKSHOP
Kate Briggs
Weaving is a skill for life, this traditional art is found in most indigenous cultures around the world.
Weaving has been kept alive by being passed down through generations.
Weaving is not only about the product but also the people you meet the skills and stories you learn and share.
There is something meditative about a weaving article that leaves you feeling calm, connected, and accomplished
Coil weaving for beginners will provide you with new skills to weave your own unique piece.
Learn the skills to make a small basket, neck or head piece.
Raffia, emu feathers, assorted native seeds and other
Non-traditional materials will be available to add your own uniqueness to your piece.
You will be provided with a beginner’s pack to weave your own unique piece.
Take home a range of materials and information to get your weave on.
Location: Riverside Room, The Crossing Theatre, Narrabri
Date: 8 March 2025
Time: 12.00pm to 3.00pm
Price: $80.00
MAX: 20 people
EXPLORING LINO PRINTING & EMBOSSING, CARD MAKING & STITCH
Explore a range of options for lino block printing, printing with and without a press, chine colle, printing on a variety of printed papers, hand coloured prints, lino print editioning and how to incorporate stitch into your prints.
Participants will design and carve a small lino block, emboss their design on paper and print a variety of papers and on fabric. Finished prints can be made into cards, embellished and framed for display.
Location: Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre
Date: 8 March 2025
Time: 10.00am to 4pm
Price:
Members: $125
Non Members: $135
MAX: 12 people
VIVA LA FRIDA FLORAL & FEATHER HEADBAND & ACCESSORY MAKING WORKSHOP
Express your inner self just like the surrealist goddess dream queen Frida Kahlo by creating your own unique hair or body adornment accessory! In this newly released workshop with limited spaces you will design and create your own unique hair accessory. You will make a unique hair comb, hair band or hair clip to your individual specifications.
You will learn how to:
Utilise the elements of design to create a hairpiece which contains a focal point and complementary elements
Make individual feather flowers to be assembled into a larger piece
How to combine individual feather and bead elements to complete your overall design.
Location: Baan Baa Hall
Date: 8 March 2025
Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm
Price: $80.00
MAX: 15 people
Students will be provided with:
A hair comb, band or clip on which to attach your unique feather piece
An assortment of natural, hand dyed and painted feathers
PVA glue, a paintbrush and the use of a hot glue gun
Felt backing
Several crystal beads
A pair of disposable gloves
A take-away container in which to keep your feather piece after completing the workshop as it will require 24 hours to be completely dry.
DRAWING, COLOURING AND TEXT WITH THE SEWING MACHINE
In this one day workshop participants will explore the possibilities that free machine embroidery offers using a domestic sewing machine.
We will draw, colour and write text with our sewing machines on a range of substrates including fabric and paper. Participants will experiment and make a small machine embroidered brooch or stitched picture for framing.
This workshop is suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers.
Location: Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre
Date: 9 March 2025
Time: 10.00am to 4pm
Price:
Members: $125
Non Members: $135
MAX: 12 people
THE ALIGNMENT PROJECT -KATE KAHL
CREATE Your Vision. Align Your Energy. Live Your “Why.”
The Alignment Project offers you the opportunity to press pause, reflect, and gain crystal-clear clarity on your personal “why,” your core values, and what you want to achieve in 2024.
Through guided exercises and kinesiology techniques, you’ll connect with your deepest intentions and bring them to life by creating personalised mood boards that visually represent your goals across key areas of your life.
Together, we’ll then energetically align you with this vision through a transformative group balancing session as well as with a personalised remedy, ensuring your goals resonate deeply on every level. Using cutting-edge AI, we’ll also create a tailored action plan to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
This is more than just a workshop—it’s your chance to reset, recharge, and step boldly into the life you’re meant to create.
To Bring: Laptop or phone, pen and paper, water bottle
Are you ready to uncover what truly drives you and create a vision for your life that feels authentically you?
Morning Tea included.
Location: Riverside Room, Crossing Theatre Narrabri
Date: 9 March 2025
Time: 9.00am to 12.00pm
Price: $60.00 BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
30 people max
LEAP OF FAITH DISABILITY WORKSHOP
We will paint, draw and print dreams and imaginings.
Art for fun and friendship.
To create these pictures will take a leap of faith. Artists and supporters will guide participants through several exciting art making processes.
Refreshments and snacks provided
Location: Narrabri Art & Craft Society workroom, 35 Dangar St., Narrabri
Date: 13 March 2025
Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm
Price: Free
Bookings Essential: 0487030069
DREAM JOURNAL
Create your own handmade book in which you can express your innermost dreams and thoughts.
You will learn how to:
Utilise the elements of design and mixed media approaches to create a handmade book which incorporates both accordion and handstitched book construction styles
Hand dye, paint, collage and stitch individual elements of artist quality watercolour, handmade and rice papers into your own unique art book piece
Complete your overall design with vintage paper ephemera reflective of your own personal style
Workshop participants will be provided with a handmade book making kit which includes:
Stonehenge artist quality mixed media paper, rice paper, handmade papers, vintage paper ephemera, ribbon/leather, cane, needle and thread which is required to construct one handmade dream journal.
Access to professional artist grade watercolour and ink palettes, chalk pastels and embroidery threads.
Location: Wee Waa Community Arts & Cultural Centre, Wee Waa
Date: 15 March 2025
Time: 12.00pm to 2.00pm
Price: $110.00
MIXED MEDIA SURREALISM COLLAGE WORKSHOP
Join local artist Deb Michell-Smith for a hands-on, creative
workshop where you’ll explore the exciting world of mixed media
surrealism and collage. In this fun, relaxed class, you’ll learn how
to layer, image transfer, and print onto your collage while
exploring composition, colour theory, and glueing techniques.
Starting with the theme “Dream,” you’ll gather materials, perfect
your technique, and create a unique A3 artwork to take home.
Whether you come with a friend or meet new ones, it’s all about embracing creativity and
experimenting with new ideas.
Location: Arts and Craft Gallery
Date: 15 March 2025
Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm
Price: $30.00
Max: 12 people
What you’ll get:
Expert guidance from Deb Michell-Smith
Your own A3 mixed media collage
A wide range of materials, including books, magazines, glue, and scissors
What to bring:
Your creativity and enthusiasm
Feel free to bring your own food and drinks
This workshop is perfect for all skill levels, and all materials and tools are provided. Tea, coffee,
and snacks will be available to keep your creative energy flowing.
ANNABELLE GUEST
Get ready to unleash your CREAT-ivity with native flowers.
Join Annabelle Guest, the amazing founder of Narrabri Native Flowers, and create a stunning native flower arrangement which is yours to keep.
Location: Multi-purpose room Aquatic Centre, Narrabri
Date: 16 March 2025
Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm
Price: $80.00 – all materials supplied
MAX 15 people
NarraBRIGHT
NarraBRIGHT is an annual street party of light, music, art and food, and a highlight of the CREATE Festival.
Returning in 2025 for its fifth year, the colourful spectacle has become a highly anticipated all of community event, attracting many regional visitors.
Location: Maitland St, Narrabri
Date: 14 March 2025
Time: 6pm to 11pm
Free
THERE IS SO MUCH TO ENJOY DURING NarraBRIGHT THAT YOU WILL NEED TO FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW FOR THE FULL PROGRAM
AS USUAL WE WILL BE RAISING $$ FOR THE WESTPAC RESCUE HELICOPTER SERVICE
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service was established in 1975 and through community support and fundraising it has become a critical service that operates four AW139 helicopters from three bases in Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore. The Service, in partnership with NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, delivers aeromedical search, rescue and inter-hospital transfers to care for communities from north of the Hawkesbury River through to the Queensland border and throughout the New England North West.
Along with the Pilot and Aircrew Officer, every prehospital emergency response mission launches with a dedicated NSW Ambulance Critical Care Paramedic, NSW Health Doctor and depending on the needs of each patient the team may include specialist nursing professionals.
The Community, Business Partners and the NSW Government through NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, provide the funds to ensure the Westpac Rescue Helicopter continues to save lives across Northern NSW.
SPONSORS
Cotton Seed Distributors proud to support CREATE 2024.
CSD’s core mantra continues to be the development and supply of quality cotton seed to Australian growers.
CSD is continuously investing in the research and development of new cotton seed varieties, developing agronomic tools and digital applications to support growers,
CSD partners with leading global companies and institutions to ensure Australian growers have timely access to the world’s best technologies. Their processing, R&D, farming, and head office facilities are based at Wee Waa in Northwest NSW.
It’s a pleasure to continue to support CREATE. Arts festivals like this are so important for celebrating and encouraging artistic endeavour as well as strengthening community connectedness and collaboration.
KR Property is passionate about supporting creative and innovative achievements of the arts and cultural sector in Narrabri. Art is one of the main contributing factors to consider when styling and presenting properties for sale. Not only does CREATE increase engagement and social interaction but adds to the already strong Calendar of Events in our region.
Namoi Logistics is proud to, once again, support CREATE. We hope to see this wonderful festival become one of the main drawcards for the Narrabri Shire Local Government area.
Port of Newcastle is proud to support Narrabri’s CREATE 2024, with Port of Newcastle having a long tradition of supporting events in communities our business is directly associated with. CREATE is directly aligned with the Port’s values of community engagement and celebrating innovation and we hope our contribution will assist in ensuring a successful event.
A proudly Australian company, Santos is Australia’s biggest domestic gas supplier. We’ve been working with regional communities for more than 65 years, providing jobs and business opportunities, and safely and sustainably developing Australia’s natural gas resources. Santos is proud to be part of the Narrabri community with the Narrabri Gas Project helping to fuel New South Wales
Whitehaven Coal takes great pride in our long-standing links with the Narrabri community and we are pleased to support a range of charities and community organisations. Whitehaven Coal aims to see the benefits of our operations extend beyond our direct workforce and beyond the life of any single mine.
Brought to you by Narrabri Shire Council