The vibrant Moore Park Beach Arts Festival has been named Community Event of the Year at the Bundaberg Region’s 2024 Australia Day Awards.
The much-loved festival has been convened by the current Moore Park Beach Arts Inc. management committee for the last three annual events.
Featuring over 100 market stalls, 20 food vendors, youth-focused activities, and a showcase of performing arts, the festival attractions have delighted all ages.
An event highlight is the art awards which gives artists, including school children, the opportunity and venue to display their talents and love of art with the community.
Increased tourism and promotion of Moore Park Beach are one of the many positive festival outcomes and contributes to the economy of the area.
Moore Park Beach Arts Inc. Vice President Heather Vanderwaal said Moore Park Beach residents had been enjoying the annual arts festival for over 20 years now.
“The number of art entries has increased each of the three years this committee has been organising the festival,” Heather said.
“Market stall holders and food vendors have been very happy with their participation at the festival, and it is a great venue to showcase the artistic flair that is flourishing in Moore Park Beach and surrounds.”
The Moore Park Beach Arts Inc. committee liaise with other local not for profit groups and encourage their involvement in the festival.
This gives organisations the opportunity to showcase their activities to the community and hold a stall to help raise much needed funds.
“The free event brings the whole community and visitors from surrounding areas together to enjoy a fun day out,” Heather said.
“All of our committee members are residents, and we love being able to provide an event which enhances and promotes our area.
“Positive comments and congratulations encourage us to continue to provide an event where every member of the family can find something they are interested in.”
Moore Park Beach Arts Inc. acknowledge the contribution from the Bundaberg Region community and Heather said they could not provide the arts festival if not for the support of their financial contributors.
“Our local businesspeople are amazing with the support they give our committee whether it is outright financial, in-kind or donations of products,” Heather said.
“Their dedication towards the presentation of the festival each year is unwavering and so gratefully appreciated.
Heather said Moore Park Beach Arts Inc. acknowledged all the work that went in to organising the Australia Day Awards presentation afternoon.
“It is a wonderful way to showcase just how many exceptional people we have in the Bundaberg area who give selflessly of their time and energies to enhance the lives of others,” Heather said.
“Our whole team are elated to receive the award for best community event of the year.”
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