Community brainstorms for festival’s future

SEASONAL celebrations, cycling events and street art could all become a part of a future Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival.

Organisers and residents came together last week to discuss how the festival could stay relevant in a post-pandemic world.

Only two events were held this year, the dahlia spectacular and a family day in March.

Festival spokesperson Peter Cox said after more than 50 years, the event needed to be refreshed and a new wave of organisers needed to make their mark.

“Eaglehawk is changing, it’s much more diversified, we’ve got more people coming in to live in Eaglehawk and therefore they’ve got different ideas,” he said.

Last week’s discussions followed a community forum and survey in November, with the consultation aimed at developing new events and possibilities for the festival.

“People are thinking about a festival that might go over a year rather than just a two-week period in March,” Mr Cox said.

“Certainly, there was general agreement that people liked the idea of the procession and regular activities on one weekend, but what came through was that people put their environment or the facilities to their ideas.

“One of the ideas that came up was a big wheels weekend because Eaglehawk is blessed with a BMX park, the skate park and we’re famous for the Mulga Bill story.

“New events will reach out to different people.”

Organisers will develop a business plan for the festival over the next few months, to be presented at a community meeting in August.

“There are lots of possibilities but to make them a reality we have to get more organised, and I think a business plan will help us do that,” Mr Cox said.

“If you’ve got an idea, share it with somebody and get in touch. Things look very hopeful for the future.”