Travel

Is This The Gold Coast’s Coolest New Event And Creative Space?

By Brooke Darling
22nd Jul 2016

For those of you who’ve already had the pleasure of gettin’ to know WAREHOUSE No. 5, you’ll know it as a ridiculously cool (and FREE!) co-workspace open to creatives, freelancers, start-ups, mum-preneurs, professionals, students… whoevs, five days a week.

WAREHOUSE No. 5 has been embraced by the local community for the past three months, and is an inspiring environment where personal and professional collaborations evolve, opportunities arise, and sparks fly. Though things are kicking into high gear of late, as the versatile venue starts to realise its full potential.

WAREHOUSE No. 5 is the brain child of savvy locals, Monique Pons and Andy Clark. Poised and articulate, Monique has a background in events management, her partner Andy in design and culture. While they adore welcoming in hard-working folk to their Co-Lab work meet and study space, the co-workspace was actually a by-product of their original vision. That being, to develop one of the Coast’s best local hubs for bespoke functions and events plus, most importantly, a platform to host creative and on-trend industry workshops of all varieties.

This is the kind of initiative that gives you warm and fuzzies about the next generation of local business owners…

Monique and Andy know first-hand that there’s an incredible wealth of talented individuals on the Gold Coast, a scene that’s bubbling away just below the surface and is changing the face of the GC as we know it. Yet, they also recognise there’s an even bigger pool of hungry yet-to-emerge-from-their-shell creatives and potential start-ups that just need a push in the right direction to uncover their true potential.

By acting as facilitators, the WAREHOUSE No. 5 team are bringing trailblazers in their various fields to their Burleigh Heads base. For a reasonable fee and sometimes, gasp, even completely FREE, Gold Coasters can participate in awesome hands-on workshops and thought-provoking industry events designed to enhance attendees lives professionally, creatively, and emotionally. Mixed in are some fun crafty workshops, ‘cause who doesn’t wanna learn how to macramé or build a terrarium?!

This is the kinda initiative that gives you warm and fuzzies about the next generation of local business owners, making it their mission to better the community around them.

As mentioned previously, if you’re a freelancer, start-up, student, or just need to escape the house from the distraction of kids, dogs, housework, the fridge… WAREHOUSE No. 5 is a kick-arse space to work alongside others in the same headspace. Inside is a rad little barista bar with Blackboard coffee, raw treats from Nourishing by Sally, delish loaded bagels and gourmet sandwiches for brain-fuel. Plus, fresh breezes, FREE high-speed wifi (naturally), free sparkling water, sick beats on the surround stereo, ping pong, lots of nooks to get comfortable, and sub-hireable spaces for meetings. We freakin’ love this place, we’re not gunna lie.

What’s more, modern and minimalist, WAREHOUSE No. 5 is a versatile 225sqm blank canvas for events of any variety. In a few short months of operation, Monique and Andy have hosted events from product launches (cars to fashion labels), craft workshops, training sessions, fashion shoots, corporate meetings, to engagement parties. In August, they’ll be welcoming their first ever wedding event (reception AND ceremony). We can’t wait for pictures!

We’ve already got our eyes on several workshops on the event calendar, and we strongly suggest you take a peek at what’s planned, too. Perhaps you’ll spot something that just might spur you to stop thumbing through Facebook and find a better version of yourself.

Here’s a select handful of the upcoming workshops you need to check out:

Freelance Careers (Photography) with Melody Davis | Thursday, July 28
Part of a series of targeted freelance career workshops, this event will be hosted by self-created professional freelance photographer, Melody Davis; detailing her steps to identifying your passion, building a brand, networking, while overcoming weaknesses and fears of judgement. Bring your portfolio or passion-fuelled idea for some direct mentor guidance. Free pizza and beer provided, hola!
Details: 7pm—9pm; tickets $65

Macramé Wall Hanging Workshop | Sunday, July 31
Have you ever drooled over those luxe pieces you can’t afford in GC homewares stores or had #homedécorenvy at your last dinner party? Macramé is the new knitting and you can learn the craft for yourself! Hosted by Home Vibe Macramé, you’ll create and walk away with your very own macramé wall hanging.
Details: 9am—2pm; tickets $170

Curating your Personal Brand with The Design Kids | Tuesday, August 2
This super cool FREE event will be hosted by insane local illustrator and designer, Kiel Tillman and The Design Kids, a worldwide creative community with monthly #TDKTuesdays meet-ups. Targeted to ANYONE in the creative arena (not just design), this particular event is focused on building your personal brand. Yummo Zicatela wood-fired Mexican will be onsite for purchases if you get #hangry.
Details: 7pm; FREE to attend

Ditch the Daily Grind and Leap into a Career You Love | Tuesday, August 23
WAREHOUSE No. 5 has collaborated with Melbourne-based mentor Rachel Service of The Happiness Concierge, together with a panel of well-respected industry leaders, to curate an inspiring evening event just for women. Designed for women at a crossroads in life, seeking to pull themselves out of a stressed and unsatisfying rut, and to pursue a career with passion and purpose. Ladies, we think this sounds like a seriously epic not-to-be-missed evening out.
Details: 6:15pm; early bird tickets $39 + BF

Brand You: How to Promote Yourself | Wednesday, August 24
An additional session with professional mentor Rachel Service, will give practical advice on developing a personal brand and climbing out of your shell when promoting yourself. From tactical tips on identifying and selling your story, pitching to industry media and new clients, to using LinkedIn to your advantage.
Details: 6:30pm—8:30pm; tickets $47.25

Nothing that jumps out at you this time around? Give the Facebook page a thumbs up with new events added regularly. At this point in time we can never underestimate the power of learning a new skill; or receiving the inspiration to ignite a fire inside that’s been smoking for far too long. Are you nodding in agreement yet?

If you’ve not had the pleasure, pop in for a coffee and a chat, and we promise you’ll be trying to figure out a way that you can incorporate WAREHOUSE No. 5 in your life. We sure as hell did.

Where: 87 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
Contact: 0402 833 313
Co-Lab workspace open: 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

 

Photo Credit: Brooke Darling for Metropolist

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