General News
8 September, 2022
Gold Rush Festival creates a buzz in Dunolly, returning for first time in 16 years
Dunolly Today Tomorrow president Brian Phillips said it was important the festival involved as much of the community as possible. “We’ve tried to involve as many clubs and community members as possible in bringing this together because this...
For the first time in 16 years Dunolly’s Gold Rush Festival will make its return next month, bringing with it hundreds of visitors to the region in what’s expected to be a boost for local businesses and tourism.
Originally starting in 1971, the previously annual festival did its last dash in 2006 however for the past three years, Dunolly Today Tomorrow have been working to bring the event back in all its glory.
The two-day festival will feature live music and a host of activities and demonstrations in Dunolly’s Gordon Gardens, ranging from sporting displays to events themed around the gold rush.
Dunolly Today Tomorrow secretary John Tully said the festival is an opportunity to bring the community together and support local businesses and traders.
“The Gold Rush Festival is a chance to boost tourism to Dunolly and showcase all our town has to offer,” he said.
“The events at Gordon Gardens will include a jumping castle, old cars and motorbikes, historic small engines, barefoot bowling, music at the rotunda by the Goldfields Music Club, prizes and lots more.”
The festival will unofficially kick off with the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria hosting their AGM in Dunolly on October 22, with more than 200 people expected to attend.
The festival incorporates a number of local clubs, groups and organisations including the Dunolly Football Netball Club, local bowling club, archery club, the golf club, Dunolly Fire Brigade and the Dunolly Arts Hub.
Dunolly Today Tomorrow president Brian Phillips said it was important the festival involved as much of the community as possible.
“We’ve tried to involve as many clubs and community members as possible in bringing this together because this festival is about community,” he said.
“The event is proudly presented by the Dunolly community and it’s the community that is benefitting from it — it’s going to be a really big thing for our town.”
Mr Phillips admitted he’s both excited and nervous for the upcoming event, which is looking to be successful.
“This is something I’m both excited and nervous for, we’re all really wanting this to be a big hit with the community,” he said.
“We’re not sure how many people will come, we were hoping for 200 or 300 people on both Saturday and Sunday but the momentum is building which is great, we could see even more people.
“The financial support we’ve received from council, the Bendigo Bank and the Highland Society has been really great — we’re all systems go.”
Central Goldfields Shire councillor Liesbeth Long has been elected as ambassador for the festival and said she’s been blown away by the work of the volunteer committee in creating an exciting weekend of events.
“The passion and enthusiasm of the group of volunteers of the Gold Rush Festival is incredible,” she said.
“This will be the first time since 2006 that the festival will be taking place and the whole town is abuzz with excitement.
“There will are plenty of activities planned, there will be food stalls, demonstrations, historic selfies, gold panning and a raffle with some amazing prizes up for grabs.
“Everyone in town has got behind this — all the traders will be displaying specially designed flags for the festival. All the merchandise has been printed locally as well.
“This will be a family-friendly event and the perfect way to spend some time in Dunolly.”
The two-day festival is set to get underway with the Dunolly Music Festival on Saturday, October 22 at the Dunolly Golf Club from 4 until 10 pm where Bebop-alula, Grim Fawkner, Chenai Boucher, Devils Brew and The Groove Dudes will take to the stage. Entry is $25.
A full day of activities are planned on Sunday, October 23 at Dunolly’s Gordon Gardens, including prospecting demonstrations, archery displays, woodwork demonstrations and historic selfies at the Dunolly Courthouse, plus lots more with free entry.
For more information and updates ahead of the festival, search Dunolly Gold Rush Festival on Facebook.