Published on Friday, 2 December 2022 at 1:13:34 PM
In Spring 2023, the Shire of Gingin will hold its inaugural “Flavours of Gingin Festival” as a more inclusive, economically viable annual event to replace its triathlons.
The Shire of Gingin has made the decision to replace its triathlon event with a new annual festival that will celebrate the best of the region’s food, beverage, and artisan industries.
The concept has been welcomed by Council following Gingin’s highly successful 150th Anniversary event last year which drew thousands of visitors into Gingin. Integral to the 150th event’s success were the popular Flavours of Gingin Pavilion, Market City, and Gin Garden which gave local and visiting producers a platform to showcase their goods and gave attendees a gastronomic and cultural experience unique to the Shire of Gingin.
“The number-one comment we received from the public after the 150th was: ‘You should do this every year’,” said Shire President Wayne Fewster. “So, when it came time for Council to review the Shire’s events for 2023 we had this feedback in the back of our minds.
“We also considered how well it aligned with Shire strategic objectives for attracting visitors to the area, supporting tourism and local businesses, as well as being an event that appealed to local community and was accessible to all ages and abilities – it ticked all the boxes for us. The triathlons in contrast, while terrific events, tend to appeal to a select demographic, aren’t as inclusive, and don’t attract high numbers of visitors to the region.
“The other consideration has been the cost, and while triathlons encourage physical activity and the benefits of fitness, the impacts across the community in a broader sense has been limited. When we weighed everything up, it was clear we needed to replace the triathlons with something that would attract and include more people, benefit the local economy, and provide the best value for money.”
The Flavours of Gingin Festival will start its life as a scaled-down version of the 150th Anniversary formula and will include market stalls, activities for families, food trucks, live music, and fireworks.
For Lancelin it is proposed that the Lancelin Arts Festival be the replacement event to the triathlon in 2024, with expanded options to include all ages and abilities.
“On behalf of Council and the Shire, I’d like to sincerely thank all the sponsors and supporters of the Gingin and Lancelin Triathlons these past eight years,” said Cr Fewster. “While we are sad to see the triathlons go, we are excited about the new festival in Gingin as well as growing the one in Lancelin. We are looking forward to welcoming sponsors and partners for both events, as well as more people into the Shire to experience the best it has to offer.”
More information on the Flavours of Gingin Festival, including sponsorship opportunities and how to get involved, will be publicised in the new year.
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For further media details please contact:
Meredith Taylor
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING OFFICER
T: (08) 9575 5150
E: meredith.taylor@gingin.wa.gov.au
Pictured below: the success of the Gingin 150th Anniversary Celebration event in October 2021 has provided a formula for the new annual Flavours of Gingin Festival.
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