Murwillumbah’s Art Deco treasure

By Jonathon Howard

STRATEGICALLY LOCATED on the corner of Commercial Road and Wollumbin Street at the entrance to Murwillumbah, you can’t miss one of the finest examples of art deco architecture in the Tweed Valley at 15 Commercial Road. Built in 1935 by Con Vlismas, no expense or detail was spared to enhance the majestic Austral Building that proudly hosts local businesses including MANA Real Estate.

With striking large windows wrapping around the corner and an elegant art deco glass strip highlighting the windows, it certainly makes a statement.

It was described upon its launch by the Tweed Daily News as “one of the finest constructions on the north coast”.

The building has a fascinating history. Thomas and Mary Tong were the first tenants in the building, opening Tong’s General Store on the ground floor in 1935.

Here they sold groceries, produce, mercery, drapery, quilts, cushion covers and mats.

In the early years, it was a family-run business, but during World War II when two of Thomas and Mary’s sons were conscripted, the Tong’s employed additional staff, with up to 12 people working there.

One local, June Dwyer, was employed from 1942 to 1952 and used to ride her bike around town to collect customer orders, and after returning to the store to fill the orders, June would drive the delivery truck to personally deliver the orders in the afternoon.

Tong’s General Store became a Murwillumbah institution and locals used to call it ‘Tong’s

Corner’. The ground floor is now occupied by MANA real estate, who moved into the site during 2019.

“We couldn’t resist the opportunity to move into such a prime location. We are the first thing you see as you come off the bridge into Murwillumbah,” MANA founder and principal

Julie-Ann Manahan said.

Stepping over patterned tiles, you enter the space through the art deco double doors.

It’s a grand historical entrance. You can’t help but wonder how many people have walked through those doors since 1935.

“We wanted to honour and enhance the original features, rather than detract from them,” Julie-Ann said.

“The space is so light and bright, however when we moved in it was a drab grey throughout.

“We painted it white, with our signature orange, black and white branding on the back wall.”

The window displays are eyecatching and are designed to create interest and intrigue.

There’s a glass divider near the reception desk which lets natural light stream through to the back of the office.

“It’s important we are always available and visible to the street,” Julie-Ann said.

“We often have locals stop by for a chat, pick up a copy of The Weekly or wander in to enquire about a property.

“That’s what we love about being in a central location, we feel a part of the community.”

This prime position on Commercial Road has historically continue for years to come.

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