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Huge online raffle brings SpringFest to life

September 3, 2020 BY

Partnership: Rotary Club of Ballarat’s Wes McKnight, Ballarat Connected Communities’ David Sproules and Phoenix P-12 Community College assistant principal Grant Luscombe. Photo: EDWINA WILLIAMS

WHILE 2020’s SpringFest Market Sunday won’t run due to COVID-19, the Rotary Club of Ballarat has reimagined the event so its community partners will still financially benefit.

Events coordinator, Nicole Bartlett said the organising committee is launching the 2020 Ultimate SpringFest Online Raffle so the “iconic” annual event remains part of the city’s spring calendar, albeit in a different capacity.

“We wanted to continue to showcase our stall holders, stay connected with the community and put a pep in our step over the usual SpringFest time period, which resulted in the move to adapt and launch the raffle, due to go live on Thursday, 1 October,” she said.

“There will be 100 prize packs to be won, giving everyone a chance to have a little bit of SpringFest in their own home.

“All prizes have been donated by stall holders and sponsors of SpringFest, which was a wonderful way to stay connected to our supporters, and in turn, provide them with exposure as we lead up to the raffle draw.”

Funds raised will be shared by the event’s community partners; Ballarat Chinese Dragon Boat Club, Bungaree Primary School, Miners Rest Primary School and Kindergarten, Mount Egerton Primary School, and Phoenix P-12 Community College.

Money will also be directed towards local and international initiatives of the Rotary Club of Ballarat.

“We really encourage the public to get behind the online raffle when it launches,” Ms Bartlett said.

“The total prize pool is over $18,000, with donations from 150 stallholders and sponsors. The top three prizes are all valued over $1000.

“The top prize is valued at $3050; a $2000 gift voucher to DecoGlaze glass splashbacks, a $1000 voucher to italktravel & Cruise Ballarat, and a $50 gift voucher to Tim’s Toasties. Tim Bone is our SpringFest ambassador.”

Phoenix P-12 Community College assistant principal, Grant Luscombe said staff and students are “stoked” to be involved for another year.

“Although it’s looking different, it’s a great opportunity for our students to be involved with the community, give back and serve as well, so we think it’s a benefit to SpringFest and to us, for the students to work with such a great organisation,” he said.

In reimagining SpringFest 2020, Ms Bartlett said community support has “overwhelmed” the organising committee, including a project grant from Ballarat Connected Communities.

BCC board member, David Sproules said his team are proud to support the event and community partners like Phoenix College, keeping the initiative moving in 2020.

“We see SpringFest as a very important part of the calendar in Ballarat and it’s great to see they have been able to show some real creativity and innovation to keep this part of Ballarat alive,” he said.

Small Dog Design are currently developing a brand-new website for SpringFest to show their support.

Visit ballaratspringfest.com.au for more information.