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.
Many would have considered this unassuming suburb as just somewhere you zipped through on your way to the airport a few years ago, but oh my, how things have changed. Now, overflowing with the kind of beachside village vibes that are highly sought after these days — and a decent collection of cafes, eateries and other reasons to part with your hard-earned cash — Tugun has well and truly come into its own. And we think you deserve to be in on this action.
So, whether you live near or far, we encourage you to give this locale some devoted time. To assist you in doing this, our gathering of reasons locals love Tugun should be more than enough incentive to make your way to this quiet and much-loved corner of our Coast.
Craft House Restaurant & Bar
Beer is the star attraction at the Craft House — the reason being there are a whopping 20 on tap. You’ll find a kaleidoscope of beer variety at your fingertips, with some exciting and not so often found guest ales displaying interesting flavours and sizeable ABVs! The relaxed pub atmosphere is the perfect spot to while away an evening with live music and great share style plates.
Where: 445 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Niche & Co
If you’re a fan of acai bowls in any shape or form, then we implore you to take a visit to this oh-so-cute hole-in-the-wall-style café. We don’t mind saying it — these guys dish up some of the best bowls on the Coast. Period. Not just this, the precious little space boasts healthy and delicious meals, cold press coffee, raw and vegan treats. Get in there for good vibes and Insta-opportunities stat.
Where: Shop 4/449 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Good Day Coffee
It’s always a good day when you’ve got a Good Day Coffee in your hand! Starting out as the prime pit-stop-grab-coffee and go kind of spot, locals now flock habitually here to caffeinate themselves for a big day ahead. You can expect all of the lip-licking goods — particularly their toasted-to-perfection toasties and one-of-a-kind Bacon & Egg Smashes — if you know, you know.
Where: 2/476 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun
Found Furniture
If vintage furniture and funky interiors are your things (and we know they are), look no further than Found. They specialise in imported Danish and mid-century furniture as well as one-off collectables and some contemporary homewares thrown in for good measure. We say pop in if you’re in the market for a piece that’s certain to make you the envy of all your friends.
Where: Shop 2, 471 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
House of Hubert
Sustainable, seasonable and farm to fork are words that usually describe a restaurant that produces culinary gold — and House of Hubert is no exception. Chefs take only the best local produce to create nourishing, tasty eats that are an absolute must-try. When it comes to coffee, they consistently pour the goods —always served with a smile. And as for the space, it kind of feels like home (but with better food).
Where: 5 Toolona Street, Tugun
The Welcome to the Gold Coast mural
Mural art is finding itself a steadily growing home here on the Gold Coast. Iconic pieces are helping nurture an identity beyond theme parks and beaches — and we’re all here for it. Renowned creative and mural artist Kiel Tillman is behind this wonderous heaven-sent artwork on the side of Tugun Supermarket. His skills have created a bold and iconic piece: greeting tourists arriving from the airport and something the locals are proud of.
Where: Tugun Fruit Market, Gold Coast Highway, Tugun
Made Barber & Barista
Finding a great cup of joe beyond noon can sometimes be an impossible feat. Well, no more. Find yourself in Tugun and Made Barber & Barista is the place to pop into up until 3pm on weekdays for a guaranteed stellar cup of jitter juice and a chance to catch your breath. Being a barbershop set up as well, if you’re a guy out there who feels like their hair needs some love, then you’ve found the best place to receive it. Let the talented Britt do her magic on your locks — you won’t look back!
Where: 2B/417 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Tugun Fruit & Flowers
If you’re yet to experience the sensory extravaganza that is Tugun Fruit & Flowers, you might want to rectify that quick smart my friend. The space has been making Tugun smell pretty since 1975 by offering the very best in beautiful flower arrangements along with a plethora of fresh juices, acai bowls, and other gift-style goods you will simply want to get your hands on.
Where: 4/467 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Sticky Rice
First things first — when you decide to visit this den of divine food, we suggest you book a table. It’s so popular should you walk in and expect a table, you are likely going to be sorely disappointed. The Thai menu offers all the classics but with an ever-so-slight Australian twist, meaning all the authentic, fresh fragrant flavours are there along with local ingredients and plentiful servings. One aspect you shouldn’t overlook at this venue is their capacity to make first-rate cocktails. A Thai restaurant that makes terrific cocktails?! Yes, we know — must try!
Where: Shop 7, 443 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
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
