WILDFLOWERS are starting to blossom which is a reminder that Hidden Treasures of the Great Southern’s (HTGS) annual Bloom Festival, presented by Act-Belong-Commit, is just around the corner.
From September 15 to October 15, a record number of 79 events will be spread out across 22 communities and nine shires of the Great Southern region.
Towns and localities that will host the festivities include Katanning, Mt Barker, Porongurup, Pingrup, Nyabing, Tambellup, Broomehill, Kojonup, Frankland River, Kojonup, Tenterden, Cranbrook, Nyabing, Ongerup, Woodanilling, Gnowangerup and Bremer Bay.
The 2017 Bloom Festival program includes community events, music, wildflower displays and tours; nature and bush tucker walks; displays of homemade arts and crafts; photography and painting exhibitions; markets; lunches and a high tea.
This year’s festival has a strong family focus with lots of activities for kids and most of the events are free, or only require a small donation or cost.
Unique to this year is the launch of the festival with the Flowers Feathers Family Fun Fair – a free family-friendly event which will have fun things to see and do including arts and crafts, live music and other entertainment, farmers markets and a chook auction.
It coincides with EcoWeek in Katanning where there will be many displays and presentations about sustainability, and is one of the main events that will kick off the festival.
The fun and frolicking of the Bloom Festival will finish with Bye Bye Bloomin’ Good Bye in Mt Barker – a fun afternoon filled with treats, activities for all ages, entertainment and of course, wildflower blooms.
Hidden in many of the local nature reserves and pockets of natural wonders, you will find a wonderful array of wildflowers and orchids – many of which are rare and endemic to the Great Southern region.
The month-long festival is expected to attract more than 15,000 people and will showcase the community’s native wildflowers, wildlife and produce of the region, which will be great for the local economy.
State Tourism Minister Paul Papalia and Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said in a welcome address for the event, that tourism was a key aspect of the State government’s plan to diversify the economy and the Bloom Festival was important for making the Great Southern an exciting place to visit and live.
It presents the opportunity to discover the value of the true beauty of the area and its cultural and historical significances.
HTGS chairperson Vicki Brown said the event appealed to a wide demographic and was about celebrating the Great Southern region.
“We know there is something for everyone to enjoy in our beautiful region, man-made or provided by nature, and we hope everyone has a ‘blooming’ good time,” Ms Brown said.
Events span across many different landscapes, from the Stirling Ranges, towering forests, stunning beaches, open paddocks of pasture, thriving crops, fertile vineyards and spectacular and rare wildflowers – creating an array of natural wonders for punters to explore.
There are many activities for all interests, ages, backgrounds and taste – whether it be a nature walk among the native forests, learning about native plants and wildlife, creating your own artistic master piece or trying the local treats and produce.
The Hidden Treasures region is not to be left unexplored and the Bloom Festival is the best time of the year to do it.
Bloom Festival co-ordinator Katy Shekell said apart from enjoying spring and being entertained, there was a strong mental health focus this year.
“Given that the festival falls over Mental Health Week, from October 7-14, and one of our major sponsors is Act-Belong-Commit, we want to really emphasise that getting out into nature and seeing the blooms can have mental health benefits,” Ms Shekell said.
“We hope to remind people of the beauty in nature and in the simple things, and that being outside and active can allow you to clear your mind and de-stress.”
The 2017 Bloom Festival is proudly supported by the State government through the Great Southern Development Commission, Tourism WA’s Regional Events Scheme, Lotterywest, Healthway and the Road Safety Commission, with sponsorship from the CBH Group, Southern Ports, Regional Development Australia Great Southern and media sponsors Great Southern Weekender, GWN7 and Triple M.
Get involved on social media by sharing your photos with the hashtags #2017BloomFestival, #WAWildflowers, #HiddenTreasuresGreatSouthern,
#justanotherdayinWA,
#actbelongcommit and
#getinvolved.
To enjoy the Hidden Treasures of the Great Southern region at any time of the year, grab a copy of the Hidden Treasures Tourist Guide from one of the Visitor Centres or Community Resource Centres in any of the associated towns, or email info@hiddentreasures.com.au
