THE National Cartoon Gallery is excited to announce the completion of the Coffs Coast’s newest and most unique cultural attraction.

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As a result of funding from the NSW Government and thanks to an incredible display of community spirit, generosity, and a team of dedicated volunteers the gallery will open the doors of the grand extension for the first time this February.

To open the new exhibition space, the gallery will exhibit works from the late Bill Leak, a ‘master of non-politically correct satire’ and his son Johannes Leak, who is following in his father’s footsteps as a cartoonist for The Australian.

This fantastic collection of cartoons and caricatures cover the political and social life of Australia over the past 30 years.

In Bill’s words, “Freedom of speech is the freedom to offend and that means the freedom to offend anyone.”

The growth of both the gallery and visitor numbers has highlighted the need for more volunteers to join the team.

The Cartoon Galleries Shelley Brauer said, “This is an exciting time to be part of the gallery family, to help run and grow this unique attraction into its full potential.

“We welcome anyone who is keen to spare a few hours each week as a volunteer, it’s fun, it’s community and it’s an opportunity to make new friends!”

Exhibition opening night will mark the first of a series of celebrations on Friday 5 February at 6pm.

All are welcome for nibbles, drinks and a laugh (or gasping) as they explore the exhibition and the new premises, which will soon include a cafe, cinema, community room and more than double the original exhibition space.

In accompaniment, the highly regarded Rotary Cartoon Awards will be on display with the best of this year’s entries in the Bunker, with the special category ‘Crisis, Which Crisis?’ paying tribute to the year of hardship for everyone.

To find out more about volunteering, opening night tickets, general visitation and the next stage of development visit nationalcartoongallery.com.au.

By David TUNE