The National Grid
The National Grid (TNG) is a multiple award-winning creative thinking and design company that’s been based in Brookvale for nearly two decades.
Established in 2006 by boss lady @laraallport and co-founder @simonbarrett, they’ve been delivering results and winning awards in the branding, marketing, design and illustration worlds ever since TNG has provided design expertise for a wide range of businesses including Apple, CommSec, Aqualand, EG Funds, Patron, Coca-Cola, Intel, Philips, Samsung and Westpac plus many more…with everything from brand identity, illustration and advertising to app design, socials and content creation. Lara’s roles involve contributing to and overseeing the creative process as well as business development, management and administration, which is why they call her ‘boss lady’.
As a business owner and mother of two boys, Lara doesn't have a great deal of free time, but when she does, she enjoys painting and has exhibited her work in Australia, Miami, Detroit, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Lara is Vice President of BAD and when asked why she loves Brookvale:
“John, Miguel and myself met in 2017 and set up Brookvale Arts District (BAD) is an Incorporated Association (Not for Profit) the year afterwards. We are dedicated to fostering business, artistic and cultural growth within our amazing community.
As a local business owner, my goal in creating the BAD website is purely centred around driving awareness to both my business and other entities within this remarkable post code. There is no ulterior motive or personal agenda; rather, I am committed to supporting the prosperity and mutual benefits of all stakeholders involved.
By promoting the diverse range of talents, arts, and cultural offerings present in the district, we aim to create a vibrant and thriving community that encourages collaboration, enhances local businesses, and celebrates the richness of our shared heritage. Through this platform, we aspire to contribute to the collective growth and prosperity of all involved, fostering a dynamic and flourishing arts scene that becomes a source of pride for everyone in the Brookvale Arts District.”
‘TNG has been an anchor tenant in Brookvale over the past two decades and I’ve watched this beautiful suburb emerge from a grungy industrial district, known more for its brothels and smash repair shops, to a place of cutting-edge engineering and innovation, fashion houses, galleries, ceramics workshops, breweries, distilleries, a night club and an awesome music scene.
Having been here for so long, I’ve very much become a custodian of this community and have met some of the most incredible people here over the years. I would love to see Brookvale continue its trajectory of awesomeness, and not suffer the displacement that’s happened in Dee Why. There are ways to allow for much needed residential, whilst protecting and enhancing the industrial and cultural fabric of Brookvale … and I will do all that I can to help make his happen. Brookvale has the potential to become a global example of urban renewal – done right – whilst maintaining it's cultural, industrial, innovation and creative history.’