Gympie feels the Rush thanks to cultural festival
11 October 2018
GYMPIE FEELS THE RUSH THANKS TO CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Gympie residents will celebrate the region’s art and creative culture this week with the 2018 Rush Festival kicking off today.
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the Liberal and Nationals Government is pleased to support the exciting initiative under its $641 million Building Better Regions Fund.
“We’re delighted to bring this signature cultural and historical festival to the Gympie area, increasing tourism, boosting the local arts scene and stimulating economic activity to the benefit of local businesses,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Rush Festival will foster a sense of community pride in the region’s unique cultural offerings through a range of music, dance, comedy and film events.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Coalition Government’s investment in the festival has delivered a strategic, business and marketing plan to revitalise the historic Gympie Gold Rush Festival.
“As well as developing the Gympie region’s cultural identity, this project is making a direct economic contribution in the form of tourism dollars and direct employment,” Mr McCormack said.
“The festival will support 14 direct jobs and dozens more in tourism and associated industries over the coming years. It’s a great example of the real difference this Government is making to regional communities nationwide through our investments.”
Gympie Regional Council Mayor Mick Curran said the annual event has something for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re really pleased to be bringing Rush to the Gympie region again in 2018 with the support of the Australian Government via the Building Better Regions Fund,” Cr Curran said.
“This year’s festival has a community, all-ages focus and will celebrate the heritage of our region. We will be reviving the once very popular billy cart race, which began in the gold rush era of the 1800s. The Rush festival honours the local arts, cultural and music community and I’m really excited to see it kick off again this October.”
The Australian Government and Gympie Regional Council each contributed $75,000 to fund the festival.
More information is available at http://rushfestival.com.au.
ENDS
