So, at 430 last Friday afternoon I opened an email from 'Tenth and Gibson' that revealed they are being shut down by Council for various violations of local zoning:

And so... to cut a long story short, we've been ringing around a range of other pub/warehouse/cafe spaces in the central area ever since!

Yesterday we secured a VERY EXCELLENT replacement venue - we will now be located in a 3rd floor space at the
​new FEAST HUB, at 'The Raj' on 54 Hyde St. City.

It's a large airy l-shaped room with space for bar, DJ and dress-ups. Hanging will be tricky as there is currently no specialised picture rail or lighting... however we have additional time to 'bump in' so I'm confident it can work...

There are some down sides. Firstly, it's not wheel chair accessible. This is a real drama and one that many of the other b-plan options also shared. I'm not sure whether I can do anything about this one...

Secondly, they're not open on the Sunday. However we can re-schedule the artists' talk component for the Saturday afternoon when there are other events and forums in the building. Potentially this will bring more visitors our way! And offer other things for our visitors to do when they're finished with us!

Parking is a bit tricky so walking and public transport options are best. Today I'm contacting our speakers to let them know about the change of venue and I'll firm up best time for the artists' talk on Saturday. Then it's back to the list... printing press and photo lab, framing shop (again). caterers, make up artists'... etc!

We've got some great exhibition and website launch updates to share...

• we have a DJ, catering and bar all lined up for the launch!
• we have an acknowledgment of country from Harry Coulthard-Dare, and Jenny Scott, Natalya Giffney and Tammy Franks MLC will say a few words at around 630pm
• we have some volunteer stylists/make-over artists to help with 'dress-ups'... hence we need some clothing/accessories donations (that will come back to you) ranging from comfy to fancy...
• we're getting a bunch of unframed prints back this afternoon and we're 'framing up' for a working bee this Sunday from 1-3pm 
• raffle will be on the night at around 730-8 and items include a case of sparkling shiraz, pre-loved books, feast ticket give aways, a range of artworks, some cool fabric 'patches' from Berlin, some Ikea mirrors, and of course the 2 Samsung tablets...
• the zine is nearly finished and we'll probably get it printed next week!
• some exhibitor/storytellers will be joining us from Mt Gambier and Pt. Lincoln (the raffle is to raise money to get them here)

If you yourself are a workshop participant/exhibitor/ website contributor here is your 'to do' list...

• check that your 'about me' is up to date on your blog on 'Stories Beyond Gender'. I'm going to pinch and use those words for a few of you (who haven't submitted a 'bio' for the exhibitors' section...
• check whether you've sent me a thumbnail image that represents you - also for exhibitors' section
• check whether you are available to help hang on the day of the 28th October
• check the roster for Saturday to see if you can do 1-2 hour shift in teams of 2?
• check whether you're available to be involved in the artists' talk on Sunday 30th Oct afternoon 3-5pm?
• have you nominated yourself or another exhibitor/workshop participant/website contributor, to go in the running for the iPadAir 2? Can you DM me and I'll start tallying : )

We're getting excited! Please come... and invite lots of mates and allies!