Despite the disruptions of the past two years, and thanks to previous fundraising efforts, the Woombye Community Business Association (WCBA) and Woombye and Community Bendigo Bank are well placed to begin planning an annual event to celebrate the town.

“The WCBA wants to acknowledge and thank Narelle Kither from Woombye Rural Supplies and her team, for the successful delivery of several Heritage Festival events, including two dinner dances at the School of Arts,” said WCBA Vice President, Grant Palethorpe. “A third sold out dinner dance was to occur last year but was cancelled due to uncertainty around Covid lockdowns, and all presold tickets were refunded in full.

“It is a testament to the passion for our town that these events were staged entirely by volunteers, all of whom are busy people. On behalf of the WCBA, I would like to thank Narelle, Adam, Suzie, Dawn, David, Angela and many others for their tireless efforts.”

“We have fantastic community spirit in Woombye,” said Narelle Kither. “And there are so many great people who pitch in to help. Many of them are behind the scenes, but none of the events would be possible without them.”

The dedicated volunteers put together a Cobb’s Camp Revival Party in August 2018, a Casablanca Dinner Dance in August 2019 and unfortunately, the proposed Hillbilly Hoedown for September 2021 had to be cancelled due to restrictions.

“In reality, it has been a fantastic way to get the community together to have a great time and raise money,” said Narelle.

“It is a lot of work, but also a lot of fun and the Heritage Committee now has funds in the bank to be used for a future festival, which I think many people would love to see take place.”

Woombye Bendigo Bank Director, Stephen Marshall agrees. “Woombye deserves the kind of event that brings the community together to celebrate,” he said.

“While an annual festival would come under the auspices of the WCBA, the bank is committed to making a contribution as well.

“The idea is that we would start with something small, and that it would grow to involve some of our incredible community groups and organisations like the Heritage Committee, the 2nd Light Horse Regiment Woombye Troop, the Woombye State School, Fire Brigade, Scouts, Veteran Cars and private businesses,” he said.

“The Heritage Committee had $8,700 and gifted $3,000 to the Light Horse, leaving $5,700. The Community Bank Woombye has contributed $5,000 which brought the balance to $10,700 and I believe there has been another significant contribution since,” said Mr Marshall.

“So now there are some funds ready to put towards an event that we hope to hold in August 2023. That gives us plenty of time to garner support and pull it together.”

To find out more or register your interest, please contact Stephen Marshall at woombyecommunity@gmail.com