Tiny town to show its resilience

The tiny Gippsland hilltop community of Mirboo North is bouncing back after the disastrous storm that hit the town in February.

The town's resilience will be on show when the Mirboo North Winterfest is held across the weekend of August 3-4.

The storm saw thousands of trees lost, the local pool destroyed and the Strzelecki Ranges community was without power for over a week and more than 30 families are still unable to live in their homes.

The Winterfest has grown into a major event on the Gippsland calendar as a celebration of food, arts and culture to brighten darkest winter days.

Launched in 2022 as a reimagining of the town’s long-running Arty Gras event, the 2024 festivities kick off on August 3 with food and drink stalls in Baromi Park from 4pm, serving throughout the afternoon and evening.

Stars of the Gippsland drinks scene in Sailors Grave Brewing, Gurneys Cider and South Gippsland Gin Co, will be slinging drinks alongside a bevy of food trucks.

Events will include drumming and dance workshops, a lantern parade and live music from Ally Row.

From 8:45pm on Saturday night the Mirboo North Shire Hall will be hopping to a music from Skazz - who blend ska and jazz.

The Sunday will showcase an Artisans Market from 9am-2pm and there will once again be live music and food stalls.

# Mirboo North Winterfest is a Mirboo Country Development Inc (MCDI) event, supported by Regional Development Victoria, Events Gippsland, South Gippsland Shire Council, Mirboo North and District Community Foundation and the Community Bank Mirboo North & District.

Mirboo North is 150km east of Melbourne and has a population of around 1700.

 

See https://www.mirboonorthwinterfest.com.au/

Image: NIcky Cawood