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General News

2 May, 2024

Goldfields Community Festival a resounding success for town

With a record breaking footfall of over 1500 people, the second Goldfields Community Festival could have cemented its future as Maryborough’s premier gathering. On April 27, the town’s Phillips Gardens opened its gates to an eager crowd of...

By Prealene Khera

Shaun Kircheiner and Kyden enjoyed a smoothie.
Shaun Kircheiner and Kyden enjoyed a smoothie.

With a record breaking footfall of over 1500 people, the second Goldfields Community Festival could have cemented its future as Maryborough’s premier gathering.

On April 27, the town’s Phillips Gardens opened its gates to an eager crowd of locals and tourists, for a day packed with free entertainment, activities and food.

A success by all measures, the event’s organisers said it was a great opportunity for people to come together, unimpeded by economical barriers.

“Everyone commented on how good the festival was,” Committee for Maryborough’s Kerrie Dowling said.

“Because the entire thing was free, there was no stress about what attendees could or could not do — they weren’t limited.

“I’m very pleased with how everything went.”

Among the stalls set up on the day were stands representing services and community organisations in the region.

“It was a great way for people to see all the things the Central Goldfields Shire and surrounds has to offer,” Ms Dowling said.

“One of the stalls belonged to Headspace from Bendigo, and they were so thrilled with the day and all the feedback they received about what Maryborough needs in terms of mental health.

“They spoke to a lot of local people and they wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity if it wasn’t for the festival.

“That’s true for other organisa-tions like the hospital as well — they were able to remind people about what was available.”

Bringing together entertainment and service providers for an event of this size requires significant funding and volunteers.

And according to Ms Dowling, if the festival was to make a return not only next year, but as a regular annual fixture, it needs the community’s support.

“We’re already getting excited about making it bigger again next year,” she said.

“But it is reliant on getting sponsors and on securing a number of volunteers — that’s always the hard bit.

“At the moment we’re looking for both those things, a big sponsor and people who can give us their time, to come along and help.

“The more help we can get, the more people we can cater to.”

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