The Big Book on Ferguson Street, between Healeys Lane and Macquarie Street, was closed and unloved for many years. Mountains of books filled the shelves inside and threatened to spill all over the floor.
Enter Navina Honey with a vision of what the space could become. Navina bought the Big Book in September 2024 and has worked tirelessly to convert it into the Desert Moon Creative Art Space. Navina has a background in event management (Maitland Council) and in her time in Broken Hill, ran art classes and Paint and Sips.
Phase one of the transformation opened on 1st May this year. There are still books in shelves, but nothing like the mountain of books initially there. Much to her distress, Navina was forced to throw books away because they were too wet or mouldy to rescue. She also held book sales every weekend for months to the delight of bibliophiles in Glen Innes and surrounds. Bags of books at a great price were lapped up by the book lovers. Navina also donated over 100,000 books.
So now, she’s in a position to use the space for a range of creative activities. The first Paint and Sip was sold out well in advance, and the second one has also been filled. Navina will be starting after school workshops, and hoping to host author talks, live music and has a Mad Hatter’s High Tea and Trivia event planned for 6th June.
Navina is one of those people with seemingly endless energy. In addition to the above, she teaches at the local High School, runs a food van, and is supporting food tech students by offering work experience opportunities. Navina is also donating $1 out of every coffee sold from the van to help the Jacaranda Highland Dancers fund their trip to Scotland. Once that happens, she hopes to redirect funding to another worthy cause.
Navina sees the development of the shed that is now the Desert Moon Creative Art Space as ongoing, with plans to landscape the outdoor area (and to keep dispersing the books!).
Navina can be contacted on 0424 343 837. Desert Moon Creative Art Space is located at 211 Ferguson Street, Glen Innes. Updates and upcoming event info can be found at the Desert Moon Facebook page.
