Silver service for Fish Creek’s Tea Cosy committee

ORGANISERS of Fish Creek’s famous Tea Cosy Festival have been treated to high tea and a tour of State Parliament as special guests of the Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath.

Ms Bath said after two years of COVID-19 restrictions, the Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival steamed its way back to life in May 2022, thanks to the hard work of dedicated community volunteers.

“Fish Creek’s Tea Cosy Festival, born in 2013, quickly became legendary across Gippsland, with word spreading across the nation and then worldwide,” Ms Bath said.

“This enchanting weeklong event highlights the incredible creativity of participants and the community spirit of the town.

“The festival is Fish Creek’s nod to a begone era when the teapot graced our kitchen tables and has seen a renaissance of the humble tea cosy.

“I was delighted to open this year’s festival and witness how the event is keeping traditional crafts alive and as well as giving joy to the thousands who attended.”

The theme for the Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival this year was ‘Seasons’ which challenged exhibitors creative endeavours. Ms Bath said the festival organisers organised tea tastings and talks, craft workshops, Devonshire Teas, a market day with food and craft stalls, live music and children’s entertainment.

“The grand finale event was a scrumptious High Tea prepared by the South Gippsland Hospital Auxiliary, so it was only fitting I thanked the volunteers with a high tea parliament house style,” said Ms Bath.

“The festival was an outstanding success, President Marge Arnup and the volunteer committee worked tireless to create a unique event that attracted so many visitors into South Gippsland.

“As an MP one of the greatest pleasures is to give back to those who give so much to our communities, and I hope the volunteers enjoyed their day.

“At the special parliament house high tea, Mrs Arnup presented Parliament’s catering manager Jacquie Doolan with a touch of Fish Creek, leaving a special tea cosy as a memento of their visit.

“The Fish Creek Tea Festival attracted a plethora of visitors to beautiful Fish Creek, which local traders really appreciated especially after two years of restricted trade.

“For those who missed this year’s festival, don’t despair, the Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival Committee assure me it will return in 2024.”