The Concourse Archives - Chatswood News

Free Exhibition at The Concourse Explores Ukrainian Culture Through Bold Contemporary Works

A free art exhibition showcasing Ukrainian heritage through contemporary works will be on display at Art Space on The Concourse in Chatswood from 8 to 19 October.

Melbourne-based architect Maru Jarockyj presents Ukrainian DNA, a collection of acrylic paintings that blend modernist and neo-cubist styles with Ukrainian symbolism. The exhibition runs daily from 11am to 5pm at the gallery located at 409 Victoria Avenue, next to the Box Office.

**BANDURISTI, 2019, acrylic on canvas**
Photo Credit: Maru Jarockyj

Jarockyj’s works feature recurring motifs including the bandura, a traditional Ukrainian string instrument, and the trident, an ancient national symbol. One significant piece, Madonna of the Heavenly Hundred, pays tribute to the 100 Ukrainians killed during the 2014 Revolution of Dignity.

The artist’s architectural background influences her approach, with geometric forms and fragmented lines creating what she describes as visual expressions of cultural identity. Her work has taken on additional significance since February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.

“This exhibition is a strong message to the world – and to the brutal invader who has decided that 45 million Ukrainians have no right to exist and should be erased,” Jarockyj said. “It is a declaration that Ukrainian DNA is alive, thriving and unbreakable – even here in Australia.”

The exhibition aims to strengthen connections within multicultural communities, particularly resonating with Sydney’s Ukrainian-Australian population. Organisers say the works reflect themes of defiance, resilience, and hope that have become increasingly relevant for Ukrainians living in the diaspora.

Published 14-October-2025

New Artisan Market Connects Local Makers with Massive Chatswood Audience

Photo Credit: WilloughbyCouncil

Capitalising on the 40,000 people who walk through The Concourse daily, a new artisan market was organised to give local creators a powerful new sales platform in the commercial centre of Chatswood.

A Platform for Local Talent

The monthly market is designed to celebrate the region’s creative community by placing them directly in the path of the tens of thousands of people who pass through The Concourse precinct each day. The event will take place on the third Sunday of every month, operating from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It aims to enrich the central business district by offering high-quality, locally produced goods and entertainment, strengthening the connection between the community and its makers.

According to Mayor Tanya Taylor, the market is a welcome addition to Chatswood’s growing reputation as a hub for culture and creativity. She explained that the event gives residents and visitors a chance to explore unique items and meet the local creators behind them. The offerings are diverse, with vendors supplying everything from ceramics, jewellery, and fashion creations to soaps, eco-friendly items, and gourmet pre-packaged foods.

More Than Just Shopping

Beyond the stalls, the market is set to be a relaxing day out for friends and family. To create a friendly and vibrant atmosphere, the event will also feature live music and face painting.

Organisers see the market as a fantastic complement to the area’s other popular shopping spots, including the Chatswood Mall Market and Spring Street Market, further solidifying the suburb’s status as a premier destination for discovery and entertainment.

An Invitation for Creators

The council is encouraging more local makers to get involved. Applications are currently open for stallholders who specialise in premium art and craft, wellness products, and other handcrafted or sustainable goods. The initiative presents a significant opportunity for artisans to connect their work with both local businesses and a large, built-in customer base in one of Sydney’s busiest commercial centres.

Published Date 06-October-2025

Chatswood’s Musical SWING Returns to The Concourse for Community Fun

Photo Credit: Sarah Walker/Visit Chatswood

The heart of Chatswood is once again alive with music and movement, as a popular interactive swing set has returned to The Concourse, inviting locals to create melodies together through a simple, joyful swing.

A Bigger, Brighter Experience for Chatswood

The SWING installation is back at The Concourse’s Lower Podium Green, offering a giant, free and fun experience for everyone. First seen in Chatswood in 2022, SWING quickly became a favourite, blending play with live music as each swing triggers notes that build into a shared community melody.

*Photo Credit: Willoughby City Council/Facebook*

Created by Montreal studio Daily tous les jours, SWING supports Willoughby City Council’s push to activate public spaces through art, music and play. It forms part of Chatswood Culture Bites, the Council’s program bringing music, theatre, comedy and more to the CBD.

Open Access for All Abilities

Starting Friday 25 April, SWING is open during set times across the week, with no bookings required. Sessions run:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays from 11am to 2pm, then 3pm to 6pm.
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, 4.30pm to 7pm, and 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

SWING is wheelchair accessible with dedicated sessions for access groups. Seats hold up to 140 kilograms and the wheelchair platform up to 400 kilograms. Riders must be at least nine years old and 120 centimetres tall.

*Photo Credit: Sarah Walker/Visit Chatswood*

Late-night sessions pair the swing experience with Chatswood’s live comedy and vibrant night-time atmosphere, enhanced by a specially curated soundtrack.

Safety First: What You Need to Know

While SWING is designed for fun, safety rules apply. Riders should stay seated and those with heart conditions, injuries, recent surgeries or motion sickness are advised not to participate.

The Council has made it clear that these precautions ensure everyone can enjoy the experience safely, while reinforcing the community spirit that projects like SWING are designed to foster.

Chatswood’s Urban Spaces Come Alive

The return of SWING reflects Chatswood’s growing reputation as a vibrant urban centre where shopping, dining and culture blend. Through installations like SWING, Willoughby City Council continues to offer locals and visitors more reasons to stay, play and connect within the CBD.

By creating public spaces that are lively, inclusive and creative, Chatswood is leading the way in turning everyday city life into a fun, shared experience for everyone.

Published 28-April-2025

A Place to Call Home: Why Heritage Houses Matter

Photo Credit: Facebook / Drawn to Fashion Illustration by Marta Madison

In the heart of Chatswood, a unique exhibition is about to take place at Art Space on The Concourse. “A Place to Call Home: Why Heritage Houses Matter” is a collection of watercolour portraits of homes by Marta Madison.

Madison is not just an artist. She’s an author, a public speaker, and a lover of fashion. Her artistic journey took a turn in 2021 when she began painting homes. Not just any homes, but those built in Federation Queen and Arts and Crafts styles in NSW and Victoria.

The inspiration came from a simple walk around her neighbourhood. Crows Nest, Willoughby, and Cammeray. These places are home to some of the most beautiful heritage houses. Madison believes these houses are more than just buildings. They’re gathering places, symbols of our past, and a reflection of our identity.

“Houses are important gathering places, giving us a secure sense of where we are today and where we have come from,” says Madison. “We need to preserve these homes.”

The tradition of painting homes, known as limning, has been around for centuries. It was a way for landowners to show their status. Madison is keeping this tradition alive. Her exhibition will feature 25 artworks, each one a detailed portrait of a heritage house.

“When settlers arrived in Australia from the UK, they brought this tradition and it became an important source of income for many early NSW colonial artists,” Madison explains.

“These houses, primarily built in the Federation and Queen Anne styles, also reflect the tastes and talents of the tradespeople and architects from Europe who arrived here in the 1800s.”

The exhibition will be held at Art Space on The Concourse from 24 April to 05 May 2024. It’s open from 11 am to 5 pm, Wednesday to Sunday. For more information, you can email Madison at marta@drawntofashion.com.au or visit the Willoughby City Council website and the Australian Heritage Festival NSW page.

“I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation of heritage houses within the community and start a dialogue on why these houses matter.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the beauty of heritage houses through the eyes of Marta Madison. It’s a journey into the past, a celebration of the present, and a glimpse into the future of our homes.

Published 22-February-2024