Bigger and better than ever

THE Tarwin District Community Lifestyle and Automotive Festival returned with a triumphant comeback this year, showcasing an impressive expansion from its humble beginnings.

The festival brought together the local community and visitors for a day of fun and entertainment. Fortunately, the weather gods smiled upon the event, blessing the day with clear skies, and typical South Gippsland wind.

“It’s a third bigger this year,” Mike Gardner explained. 

The festival grounds were a bustling hub of excitement, offering a wide array of attractions for all ages. From classic cars, roaring motorcycles, and monstrous trucks to heartwarming pony rides and a petting zoo for the little ones, there was something for everyone. The Ferris wheel added an extra layer of thrill, providing panoramic views of the entire festival.

In spite of the wind causing the cancellation of the jumping castle, the day was far from short of action. Stationary engines and tractor enthusiasts were in their element, with a tractor pulling show and demonstrations that delighted the crowd. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the festival even offered army tank rides throughout the day.

The festival wasn’t just about entertainment; it was an opportunity for the community to appreciate the dedication of emergency service providers. The State Emergency Service (SES), Country Fire Authority (CFA), and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) demonstrated their capabilities with a road crash rescue demonstration, emphasising the importance of their roles in safeguarding the community.

Stalls and food vendors dotted the festival grounds, offering delectable treats and unique finds for the attendees to enjoy.

The success of this year’s festival was made possible through the hard work of dedicated volunteers who put in countless hours.

“There has been a big build up this year and we are very thankful to our dedicated volunteers who assisted with grounds preparation, fencing, bunting, cleaning and tidying in preparation – many hours were put in and their contributions were invaluable.”

Hosted by Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower Men’s Shed in concert with the Tarwin Automotive Club, the festival has its sights set on becoming an annual tradition for the community, and with the support of grants in its initial years, it’s on a promising path to sustainability. 

“Sales from last years gate meant we were able to put on today’s event, we are hopeful that the same will go for this event for next year.”

Any surplus funds from this year’s event will be generously donated to charity, underscoring the true spirit of a community-driven festival that gives back and celebrates the strong bonds that hold the Tarwin District together.