MEMBER for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh visited Korumburra last week to tell Friends of Coal Creek volunteers about $30,000 in funding for the Southern Lights Festival at Korumburra, which will be held in June this year. 

“The Southern Lights Festival has been a wonderful event when it’s been held previously, selling out in 2023, and this support will allow it to go ahead again this year in June,” said Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh.

“Local businesses will also benefit from the increased tourism for these events.” 

Mr McIntosh also announced $175,000 for South Gippsland Shire’s new three day Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland event scheduled for October, 2025. 

Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland will showcase local food and drink offerings, with local producers holding a feature event on the Saturday of the event.  

The Eat, Drink day event will centre around locals and tourists tasting and sampling local products, while engaging directly with the makers. 

High profile music acts will play at the same festival site as part of the Play night event. 

The Southern Lights Festival will have its third event, after starting in Korumburra in 2019 – with a First Nations Stories of Place interactive installation taking centre stage for one day only.  

Live music and children’s activities will also be running at the same time. 

The site will be open every night, so locals and visitors can view the art experience, with immersive light and sound installations.

“We’re extremely excited to have received the funding, it will ensure we can continue to go ahead and hold our 2025 event,” said Southern Lights Festival Event Organiser Shirley Arestia.  

“We’re looking forward to holding the event and welcoming visitors from all across Victoria.”