Massive win: Jury is in on the story of Coffs Harbour
Published on 02 October 2024
From big fish and bigger boats to bananas – and all ports in between – the eclectic story of Coffs Harbour has captured the imagination of the community and visitors alike, and now a major internationally-assessed award.
The exhibition design for Yaamanga Around Here at Yarilla Arts and Museum (YAM) has received a prestigious Good Design Award Winner Accolade in the Architectural Design category for exceptional design and innovation.
More than 1000 distinguished guests from design, architecture, engineering and the business world attended the 2024 Australian Good Design Awards in Sydney where Yaamanga Around Here was feted as a standout project.
Commissioned by the City of Coffs Harbour, Thylacine Design was awarded the honour for its work on the permanent exhibition at YAM which traces local history and brings it to life.
“The visitation numbers at YAM across the first 12 months since the opening of Yarrila Place reflect the community’s interest and appreciation in the new museum and art gallery,” City of Coffs Harbour Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said.
The Australian Good Design Awards highlighted how design not only enhances functionality and aesthetics but also contributes significantly to business success and societal advancement.
This year's entries were rigorously evaluated by more than 80 distinguished jurors from around the globe, including designers, engineers, architects, and industry leaders.
“Yaamanga Around Here celebrates the quirky and vibrant identity of the Coffs Harbour coast through community, place, and belonging themes. The exhibition combines unique objects from the museum’s collection with interactive media and graphical storytelling to create a playful tribute to local history,” the awards’ jury found.
“The jury commends the team (Thylacine) for producing an engaging and joyful installation that uniquely showcases the region’s heritage. This exhibition stands out for its fun exploration of local history and community spirit.”
The 2024 Awards highlighted excellence across 12 design disciplines, covering more than 32 categories.
“This year’s Awards reflect the profound ripple effects that exceptional design can have on people, place and planet,” Good Design Australia Managing Director Rachel Wye said.
“The projects honoured in these Awards exemplify how thoughtful design can drive meaningful change, not only enhancing user experiences and the way people interact with the world, but also contributing to a more sustainable and more prosperous future.”
With its roots dating back to 1958, the Australian Good Design Awards is the country’s most prestigious international accolade for design and innovation.
Photo: Yaamanga Around Here.