“This year’s entries in the NSW Country Awards, which have been running for more than half a century now, range from finely crafted small scale projects to large, complex commercial and public buildings,” said Ashley Dunn, Jury Chair and co-director of Dunn & Hillam Architects.

Bellingen-based Fisher Design and Architecture have three entries in the awards this year – the Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club Refurbishment, Jetty4Shore Revitalisation Project, and the Jetty4Shores Stage.

The proposed Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club Refurbishment by Fisher Design and Architecture provides much needed revitalisation of the existing surf club building, transforming a landmark beachside destination and an iconic public building.

The Jetty4Shore Revitalisation Project is the result of collaboration with local design professionals, artists and the community. A precinct rich in local history and highly valued by residents and tourists, the precinct has been revitalised through integrating landscape, art and built form to create places for people to live and engage with each other.

The Jetty4Shores Stage is a key part of the Coffs Harbour Jetty4Shores Revitalisation Project.  Reflecting the ‘flight of the wedge-tailed shearwater’ the structure is dynamic in form and responds to the coastal environment and the site’s history, and connects visually with neighbouring structures and shelters.

An environmentally sustainable design project in Bellingen by Tricia Helyar Architect is also competing in the Affordable Housing category.

The William Street Lane House involved repurposing an established garage to provide increased diversity in the housing available in Bellingen.

NSW Chapter President Andrew Nimmo said, “Across NSW our distinctive coastal and country landscapes provide challenges but also endless opportunities for truly inspiring architectural design. This year’s award entries demonstrate highly attentive responses to landscape as well as innovation and excellence in creative solutions achieved in many cases within constrained budgets.”

These projects are among 28 competing in 12 award categories. The final category is to be decided by members of the public who can show their support for a local, or favourite, project by voting in the People’s Choice Award before midday on Thursday October 4. You can cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award at https://nationalarchitecture.awardsplatform.com/entry/vote/gyLPYXyZ

The award winners will be announced at the awards presentation night to be held as part of the NSW Country Division’s Annual Conference on October 4.