IF the people of Warrnambool really want a music festival to call their own, then it’s time to stand up and be counted.
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That’s the message ahead of a public meeting on Tuesday about the next phase in getting the Warrnambool Music Festival up and running.
Steering committee member Russ Goodear said a lot of the groundwork had been done, but it needed people to put their hands up to be involved and get the festival off the ground.
“This is a really important meeting,” he said.
“People say they’d love a festival.
‘‘But we need people to step up to be on the committee and the board and be volunteers.
“We need all hands on deck. If we don’t get the people, with their skill sets, whether it’s a builder or an accountant or a musician, it will be difficult to get the festival off the ground.”
He said all successful regional music festivals, such as the events run in Meredith, Apollo Bay and Port Fairy, were built from and driven by the community.
“The ones that are constructed artificially tend to die,” Goodear said.
“The ones that come from the people, that are connected to their culture and heritage ... that’s when you can make it work.
“Port Fairy Folk Festival is an outstanding example where the town is involved and it works brilliantly.”
He said the business plan, general concept, and financial structure were already in place, thanks to government funding and assistance from Shipwreck Coast Marketing and Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism.
The initial plans involve the festival being dedicated entirely to Australian music.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday from 5.30pm at Deakin on Timor, located next to the Warrnambool Civic Green.
mneal@fairfaxmedia.com.au