My island home: Headlands Chalet revisited
Headlands Chalet on Straddie was once a haven for artists and its importance to creatives is being celebrated in a new exhibition at Redland Art Gallery.
Headlands Chalet, located on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) from 1989 to 2015 was an oasis for arts communities, artist-run initiatives and queer arts collectives. Anyone involved in the arts in Brisbane, in particular, will have been familiar with it whether they stayed there or not.
It was a refuge, a bolt hole, a place for respite and reflection in a gorgeous setting. It was often just referred to as “Marshall’s place”. Under Marshall Malouf’s 26-year custodianship the modest 13-cabin complex on Mooloomba Rd, Point Lookout, evolved into an affordable retreat and studio space – becoming a living artwork in itself.
Now it is the subject of an exhibition celebrating joyful history, colourful characters and creative significance. Headlands Revisited will open at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland, on June 15.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell says the exhibition was envisioned as a form of collaborative reminiscence, where memory, artworks and overlapping histories co-occur.
“This exhibition is a fitting tribute to Marshall Malouf for his vital contribution to the diversity, eloquence and queerness of creative expression in Queensland and Australian artist communities,” says Mitchell.
“Redland City is proud to showcase the creativity of many of the artists who frequented Headlands Chalet, including Paul Andrew, Di Ball, Leonard Brown, Jo Fay Duncan, the Easton Pearson duo (Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson), Lisa Iselin, Colin Millar, Simon McLean, Nick Olsen, Rosslynd Piggott, Barbara Piscitelli, Ian Quiller Orchardson, Luke Roberts and Bronwyn Searle, as part of this exhibition.
Nick Olsen’s Morning Glory, 2025.
“Headlands Chalet existed as an island within an island – a holiday home to a rare mix of artists, actors, writers, scholars, fashionistas, drama queens, social outcasts and other bohemians. This unique haven hosted a constant stream of people, all seeking a different tropical experience away from the tyranny of everyday life.”
Marshall Malouf died in 2015. Deeply appreciated by its many visitors, Headlands Chalet is now being honoured and remembered for its exceptional contribution to the creative and cultural history of Minjerribah.
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“We strongly encourage visitors not only to experience the exhibition but also to share their personal stories and memories of Headlands Chalet, helping us capture the rich creative spirit of Marshall’s legacy,” says Mitchell.
The community is invited to attend the official opening from noon on Sunday, June 15, and to revisit and celebrate this place of significance.
Roundtable Readings will be held there on June 22, bringing together creatives and community members linked to the exhibition to share readings and memories of Marshall Malouf and Headlands Chalet.
Headlands Revisited continues until August 26.