THIS year’s nominees for South Gippsland Shire Council’s Australia Day Community Events Awards are Mirboo North Italian Festa, Poowong’s 150th Anniversary, Commemorate Flags Marking Veterans Graves, 2024 Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival and 40th Anniversary Meeniyan Tavern Nights.
The winner will be announced on Wednesday, January 15 at an awards ceremony at Meeniyan Hall from 6.30pm.
Mirboo North Italian Festa
as a vibrant celebration of Italian heritage,
bringing food, music, and joy to thousands while
strengthening community resilience.
The Mirboo North Italian Festa is a vibrant celebration of the Italian heritage that enriches the Mirboo North community and attracts thousands of visitors from across Australia and beyond. This one-day event showcases the dedication of local volunteers who create a high-quality experience filled with Italian food, dance, music, and family-friendly activities like grape stomping and market stalls.
Despite operating on a tight budget, this year’s Festa not only provided joy and entertainment but also played a crucial role in supporting the community following the devastating February storm event. Surplus sponsorship funds were directed to assist those affected, demonstrating the event's commitment to the community.
Economically, the Festa boosts local businesses as visitors stay and spend in Mirboo North and the greater South Gippsland area, fostering return visits long after the event concludes.
The collaborative effort required to run the Festa strengthens community bonds, as residents come together to staff stalls, manage parking and host activities. This teamwork cultivated a sense of friendship and camaraderie that enhanced community resilience.
The true impact of the Festa became evident in the aftermath of the storm. With power and communication disrupted, the connections forged during the event allowed residents to support one another. Many rallied to provide essential supplies and assistance, reducing the need for emergency services and helping those in greater need.
The Mirboo North Italian Festa is more than just a day of celebration; it embodies the spirit of community, resilience, and support. It has become a cornerstone of local identity, proving that the bonds formed through food, friendship and shared experiences can have lasting effects, especially in times of crisis.
Poowong 150th Anniversary
honouring 150 years of Poowong's rich
heritage and community spirit
The 150th anniversary celebration of the settlement of Poowong, was a weekend event that brought the community together in a vibrant display of history and camaraderie. Organised by a dedicated committee of ten over 18 months, the festivities included a variety of activities that catered to all ages and interests.
The celebration kicked off with an old-time dance, setting a joyful tone for the weekend. The following day featured thrilling football and netball games against arch-rival Nyora for the coveted "Demon Cup," drawing significant attendance and fostering local pride. Community hubs like the CFA, Community Garden and Poowong Library opened their doors, inviting visitors to explore and engage with local organisations.
A highlight was the BYO Basket Dinner at the Poowong Public Hall, where the commemorative book, ‘Since We Were a Century 1999-2024’, was launched, capturing the rich history of the area. The event also included the unveiling of a new community artwork, symbolising the town's heritage. The cutting of the anniversary cake by local 96-year-old Margaret Monk added a heartfelt touch to the celebration.
On the final day, a flag-raising ceremony and a combined church service united the community in remembrance and reflection. The weekend attracted approximately 500 visitors, significantly benefiting local businesses and fostering a sense of unity among residents.
This event not only celebrated Poowong's history but also strengthened community ties, showcased local talent and provided a platform for various organisations to collaborate and raise funds for the community. The success of this celebration exemplified the rich spirit of Poowong.
and unity through the symbolic display of flags
on their graves in Foster, Toora and Welshpool has been
nominated for this year's community event award.
Commemorate Flags Marking Veterans Graves
Each year, in a heartfelt tribute to our veterans, the cemeteries of Foster, Toora, and Welshpool come alive with colourful flags marking the graves of those who served their country. This annual event, held for a week before and after Anzac Day, honours the sacrifices made by these brave individuals across various conflicts, including World Wars, the Korean War, and Vietnam War.
Since its inception in 2015, this initiative has involved extensive research to identify local veteran graves, resulting in over 400 flags being displayed. Many flags are sponsored by family members, while others are provided by the Foster RSL and the Historical Society for those whose families could not be identified. This act of remembrance not only beautifies the cemeteries but also serves as a tender reminder of the service and sacrifice of these individuals.
Community engagement is a vital aspect of this event. Families return to pay their respects and high school students actively participate in raising and lowering the flags, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for their heritage. The event encourages younger generations to connect with their history, as many express pride in seeing their relatives honoured in this way.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond remembrance; it strengthens community bonds and raises awareness of the contributions made by veterans. The cemetery trusts and local RSL’s play a crucial role in organising this event, ensuring its success year after year.
This annual flag-raising ceremony not only commemorates those who served but also enriches the community. It embodies the spirit of remembrance, unity, and respect for our veterans, reminding us of the sacrifices made for our freedom.
2024 Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival
boosted the economy, and drew in thousands of visitors.
The Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival is a bi-annual event that took place last year from May 18 to 26. The nine-day affair was a vibrant celebration of creativity and community spirit, showcasing the unique hospitality of the Fish Creek area. The festival featured a delightful competition for tea cosy designs, attracting nearly 200 entries from across Australia and beyond. Judged by local artist Sarah Parkes, the exhibition drew 6759 visitors, highlighting the event's broad appeal.
The festival was more than just a competition, it included a variety of engaging activities such as high tea events, workshops on crafting and art, and a market day filled with local food and music. Notable highlights included Jazz Night and a Short Film Festival, which celebrated local contributions to horticulture and environmental improvement. The community came together, with the help from over 80 volunteers who supported the event, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration.
Financially, the festival made a significant impact, raising funds for local organisations, including $3500 for the Fish Creek Football Netball Club and $1000 for the Fish Creek CFA.
Local businesses thrived, with a reported 300 per cent increase in sales for some traders during the festival. The total economic benefit to the community was substantial, with $170,953 spent in local businesses, showcasing the festival's role in boosting the local economy.
This event not only celebrated creativity but also supported local initiatives and attracted visitors from across Australia and internationally. The Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival puts South Gippsland on the map whilst fostering creativity, hospitality and economic growth.
40th Anniversary Meeniyan Tavern Nights
at the 40th Anniversary of Meeniyan Tavern Nights.
The Tavern Nights in Meeniyan have been a cherished tradition for 40 years, celebrating the community's vibrant spirit and providing a platform for local talent. September 14, marked the events special milestone, showcasing the diverse entertainment that has flourished over the decades.
Originally starting in the early 1980s with a small group of friends sharing songs and poems in the Meeniyan Hall supper room, these gatherings quickly grew in popularity. As the audience expanded, the events moved to the main hall, thanks in part to the efforts of local music enthusiast Eric Mould, who tirelessly sought out performers. Over the years, Tavern Nights have evolved into a well-organised showcase featuring a wide array of acts, from solo instrumentalists to lively dance performances, all performed free of charge.
This year’s anniversary event drew 210 attendees, a testament to its enduring appeal. The planning, led by Tarnya Wilson and Jane Coker, involved meticulous coordination to ensure a varied lineup and a beautifully decorated venue. The proceeds from these nights not only provide affordable entertainment – typically just $10 per ticket – but also support the Meeniyan Progress Association’s community initiatives.
The Tavern Nights foster a sense of belonging, bringing together residents and visitors. They offer young performers their first stage experience, nurturing local talent and creating lasting memories. The skills and friendships developed through organising these events have proven invaluable, especially in times of need, such as during recent community challenges.
In essence, the Tavern Nights are more than just a concert; they are a celebration of community resilience, creativity, and connection.
