Splendour in a class of its own

Monday 17 July 2006

Floristry students from TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute’s Wollongbar Campus are showcasing their floral skills in this year’s Splendour in the Grass Window Dressing competition at Byron Bay.

“This year’s theme is Sunflowers and Music, which is a great theme for floristry students to put their first year of training to the test,” says TAFE part-time teacher Margaret Purcell.

Ms Purcell, who teaches Floristry at Wollongbar Campus, says that she encouraged students to take part as it was not only a great opportunity to test their artistic flair and design skills in a competition, but also to be viewed by many local and visiting patrons within a cultural environment.

The students will be dressing the window of local giftware and produce retailer Byron Arthouse. Glenda Kypriadis, Manager of Byron Arthouse has dressed many windows to appeal to tourists and visitors of festivals and events. 

“It’s great to support the local community and show some real promotional spirit to travellers,” said Ms Kypriadis. “We live in a unique place and supporting the artistic flair within this region sends a positive message. Allowing our TAFE students this creative outlet shows that there are great career opportunities for young people in the Northern Rivers region.”

Teacher Margaret Purcell second from left with students (from left) Tracey Scarrobelotti, Elizabeth Disson,Karen Nurthen, Vicki Gray, and Alison Elford