2003 Bass Coast Community Event Of The Year (l-r) Cr John Gains – Mayor, Mark Rowe – Sportsperson of the Year, Anwyn Martin – Citizen of the Year, Shawn Cosgrove – Australia Day Ambassador, Rees Quilford – Young Citizen of the Year. The Kilcunda Lobster Festival was today presented with the 2003 Bass Coast Community Event of the Year Award By Carol McCormack - 3rd February 2003 - Back to News The Kilcunda Lobster Festival was today presented with the 2003 Bass Coast Community Event of the Year Award. The event was nominated for the way it has benefited the local community both financially as well as by showcasing local produce and community groups.
"The Kilcunda Lobster Festival, and especially the many local people who volunteer their time to make it a success, really deserves this recognition," said Cr John Gains, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council. "The Festival is now in its nineteenth year and attracts visitors from as far away as Queensland."
The Kilcunda Lobster Festival is held annually in January. It is planned and operated by volunteers from Kilcunda and the local district. One of the biggest drawcards is the local lobsters that are sold throughout the Festival. The Festival also includes a variety of stalls, displays by local groups and emergency services, plus amusements. It is an event that has something for everyone, regardless of age.
Last year’s Festival attracted the largest crowd yet. This year’s Festival, which is held today, looks like attracting another bumper crowd.
The Festival was initiated 19 years ago by the Kilcunda Community Development Association. The Association’s aim is to provide social, recreation, and economic support for the local community. The Association started the Festival as a way of raising funds so they could build a public hall for the Kilcunda community.
The Hall has since been built and is heavily utilised by many different groups such as the Carpet Bowls Group and Tai Chi Group. A toy library and playgroup also make use of the hall. Businesses hold training session and seminars there. It is also used for weddings, birthday and funerals. In short, it has become a focus point for the Kilcunda community thanks to the funds raised through the Kilcunda Lobster Festival.
Now that the hall has been fully paid for, funds that are raised through the Lobster Festival are donated to community groups. This has included the local SES, Fire Brigade, Netball Club, Football Club, Kilcunda Cemetery Trust and the Foreshore Committee. According to the nomination submitted by the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi, the Lobster Festival has made a significant contribution to the local community and the economy of the wider Bass Coast Shire over the past 19 years.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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