The Maroondah Festival has been running for nineteen years. Over this time thousands of people have enjoyed and participated in an entertaining, fun and informative day.

Every year after the event, a detailed evaluation is undertaken and over the last few years’ considerable feedback has been received about the timing of the event in regard to the hot weather and that it is too soon after the Christmas break for many groups and schools to be involved. In addition, visitors to the Festival provided feedback about the increase in the number of commercial activities on the day and in general identified a need for change. As a result Council developed a further consultation project called “Bringing the Festival Back to the Community” that was implemented during the 2008 Maroondah Festival and over the following months. The project included a Community Listening Post on site at the Festival, telephone interviews with past community and business group participants and interviews with key stakeholders to the event
(eg; sponsors, staff, local schools).

The results identified the need to change the current format of the Maroondah Festival and also to increase the opportunities for community participation. Using the feedback, suggestions and information gained from the “Bringing the Festival Back to the Community” project, Council has endorsed that the Maroondah Festival will undergo significant changes, including a different date, a revitalised program and a new location. Although the detail is still to be developed, here’s what we know:

New Date: The event will be held annually on the Sunday after Melbourne Cup Day in November. Next year the event will be held on Sunday 8th November 2009.

Duration: 10am – 5pm

New Venue: The Maroondah Festival is returning to its original location - Town Park, Croydon and will incorporate the surrounding community facilities.

Vision: The Maroondah Festival will be a bright & colourful, interactive event with a stronger community focus. Taking advantage of the natural shade in Town Park the event will meander among the trees and have a relaxed feel for all of the family to enjoy.

The Maroondah Festival is Council’s largest community event and as such we are keen to involve our community in further developing the new look Festival.

Workshops are being held from 7th – 9th October 2008 and we would really like your involvement at one of the sessions. Please download the attached flyer for further information.

To oversee the transition from old to new, Council has appointed a Senior Project Management Officer, Lyndal Mackintosh. Lyndal has over 12 years experience with the Maroondah Festival and will be working closely with the community over the next 8 months to develop the format for the new event. Lyndal can be contacted on 9298 4431 or alternatively you can email her at lyndal.mackintosh@maroondah.vic.gov.au.

Council is extremely excited about developing the new look Maroondah Festival and we encourage you to come along to the workshops in October and together we can make Festival 2009 a vibrant and inclusive community event.