History of the Festival | Volunteering

History of the Festival

• Began in March 1977 after the opening of Cherry Lake, under the name Operation Recreation, by a group of local residents keen to promote recreational opportunities offered by sporting clubs, groups and service clubs within the City of Altona. (now known as Hobsons Bay).

• It was a sub committee of Altona City Council with support from the Municipal Recreation Officer and Councillor Steve Clement who held the Youth, Sport and Recreation portfolio. Steve is still a member of the festival committee.

• After council amalgamations in 1994 it became an incorporated body known as Operation Recreation Inc. trading as Bayside Festival.

• It is run now by a volunteer committee of local residents with support from the City of Hobsons Bay’s events Officer. A part time volunteer administrator assists with the festival organisation.

Volunteering

• The committee works as a team and relies heavily on long serving members and the expertise of those within the community (Volunteers managing Volunteers). Hobsons Bay City Council Events and Tourism Manager assists with communications between Committee and Council.  Sub-committees are form – to plan and budget individual sections, eg. Hands On Hand Made, Blokes Stuff, Street Parade and various activities. Each sub-committee  reports back to Main Committee to collate ideas, information and bring the festival together.

• Advertising and editorials are printed in Local Papers encouraging community support and membership.

• Education is through support of other Committee members.

• Recognition is received through a Sponsors presentation night where we invite Sponsors, to celebrate our success for a Festival well done.