18 July 2019

A new major festival will be added to the shire’s calendar for the first time next year after Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah Jockey Club agreed to join forces for the Gunnedah Hay and Harvest Festival.

Councillors voted at the July meeting yesterday to endorse a request by the Gunnedah Jockey Club to combine plans for a new family event with the Hay and Harvest Festival.

It is hoped the festival, which is likely to be held in the first half of 2020, will attract approximately 3000 visitors in its first year.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said the festival would be yet another reason for people to spend time in Gunnedah.

“Both the Gunnedah Jockey Club event and the Gunnedah Hay and Harvest Festival shared a common vision – to present a great event that our community can be proud of,” Ms Hoddle said.

“The festival will celebrate and showcase our local growers and produce and will be a boost to our drought-affected community.

“It will show just how much we have to offer, and will introduce visitors to the warmth and the friendliness of the Gunnedah Shire.

“It is also expected to have significant economic benefits for the shire.”

The Gunnedah Hay and Harvest Festival will be a fun community day featuring fine food, fibre and wine set against a colourful bush and riverine backdrop.

It is expected to include music, art installations, market stalls and practical demonstrations.

The festival has received seed funding of $17,000 through the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund. This will now combine with the $20,000 Gunnedah Jockey Club has been awarded through the Back to the Track program for an event to carry on from the well-loved former Porchetta Day.

Ms Hoddle said the increased funding available for the festival would mean an even bigger, better event.

Councillors yesterday voted to form a working group for the festival, which will include two members from the Gunnedah Jockey Club, two councillors, one member of the Gunnedah and District Page 2 of 2
Chamber of Commerce, three community representatives and three council staff representatives to help deliver the festival.

“The partnership between Council and the Gunnedah Jockey Club to create the Gunnedah Hay and Harvest Festival is a unique and logical opportunity to establish and grow an event that will become a financially sustainable, high-quality food festival and a destination of choice on the regional event calendar,” Ms Hoddle said.

Gunnedah Shire Council will call for expressions of interest for the working group in the next few months.

Photo Caption: Crowds enjoy one of the Porchetta Days of past years.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.