Woodgate is set to come alive this October long weekend as the Woodgate Community Centre and park transform into a vibrant celebration of art, music, and community spirit. Running from 4 to 7 October, the annual Woodgate Arts Spring Festival promises an exciting array of activities that will make the coastal town buzz with energy and creativity. Kicking off with eleganceThe festivities begin on Friday with the highly anticipated Gala opening. Glam up for an evening of celebration featuring a curated art exhibition showcasing stunning fine art pieces available for sale throughout the weekend. The Gala will include an art auction with a standout work by Kelly Hazzard, along with captivating performances by Al Davies and a mesmerizing fire performer. To top it all off, savour plenty of delicious canapés crafted by Trevor Green, ensuring a memorable start to the festival. Family fun and entertainmentSaturday is packed with family-friendly activities. Visit the art exhibition and the Youth Art exhibition and vote for the People’s Choice, then check out the art in the park, cultural displays and face painting from 10 am to 4 pm. Enjoy a tasty barbecue and live music from 3pm, the incredible Abigail Williams, Lachlan Grant, and the Abby Skye Band are set to shine with powerful performances set to impress. Don’t forget to bring a picnic rug and grab a steak burger from the Community BBQ! On Sunday, take a peaceful break with art and yoga session and guided nature walks along the picturesque Banksia Boardwalk, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Woodgate Beach. Visit the art exhibition and the Youth Art exhibition and vote for the People’s Choice, then activities continue in the park with a variety of art and cultural displays, face painting and a tasty sausage sizzle from 10 am to 4 pm. Beachside market marvelsThe festival wraps up on Monday morning with a bustling beachside market and Vintage car display by the Bundaberg Vintage Vehicle Club. Discover an array of delicious food and unique treasures as you explore the stalls and experience the magic of Woodgate firsthand. Join us this October long weekend for a celebration that highlights the best of Woodgate. From artistic marvels and live entertainment to nature walks and vibrant markets, there’s something for everyone at the Woodgate Arts in Spring Festival. Don’t miss out on this spectacular community event.
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But, what is there to do in Woodgate? #5
Line Dancing Boot ‘scootin gained popularity in 1990s and continues to attract enthusiasts across the country. Community Events’ President, Lesley Christensen scooted along to the Community Hall to learn a few moves with the Woodgate Line Dancers. Line Dancing has been active at Woodgate beginning in 1995, with Lorelle Mattson leading the dancers through their steps. The group enjoys performing old favourites along with learning a new dances each year. Lorelle says line dancing is for all ages and fitness levels, whether experienced boot-scooters or not. Beginners are catered for with the first couple of routines being easy to get you in the swing, then more moves are added to polish your skills. Lorelle says so long as you stay on your feet and have a go, you will get the moves! I have to say the dancers were really having a good time enjoying every minute even when moves went a little astray! Once a month the group follow up their dance session with a coffee and chat or lunch at a local cafe. Even if you think you have two left feet, line dancing is worth a try for the fun factor and you might surprise yourself! Scoot down to the Community Hall on Friday mornings from 9:30 am and have a go. Cost is $6.
But, what is there to do in Woodgate? #4
Tai Chi Tai Chi has been on offer in Woodgate for the past six years, thanks to Di Buckley and current instructor, Glenda Campbell. Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art but it is also a gentle form of exercise for all ages that can benefit physical and mental wellbeing. Tai Chi can improve mobility, strength and flexibility, as well as teach techniques to release tension and promote relaxation. Glenda is a qualified and experienced instructor running classes twice a week – Tuesday and Friday mornings from 7:30-8:30 am – at the Community Hall. All are welcome to come along. It’s the best $3 you’ll ever spend!
Woodgate Fair Fantastic
The Easter@ Woodgate Fair 2024 is shaping up to be a monster market day. Event organisers Woodgate Community Events have already booked 180 stall holders to attend this year. President Lesley Christensen said this exceeds last year’s markets, which attracted a crowd of between 8,500 and 9,000 people. “The fair last year was one of our biggest in terms of number of stall holders,” she said. “This year, we already have 180 stall holders booked and we’re running out of space! “We’ve got a huge variety of vendors coming along – plants, home decor, gourmet foods, jewellery, garden decor, clothing – and so much more. “It’s going to be a bumper day! You’re sure to find something to interest you,” Lesley said. Along with the markets, the Fair features rides for the kids thanks to Rides N Slides, a vintage car display, live music and demonstrations from local emergency services. All of your market food favourites will be there plus Woodgate Community Events’ fresh burgers and tea room for a quiet sit down and, the Men’s Shed popular sausage sizzle. If that’s not enough, once you have browsed, shopped and eaten, you can spend the rest of the day enjoying the best beach in the region! The Fair is one of the biggest held in the local area, attracting thousands of visitors since 1997, supported by the Woodgate community. “Once again, a big thank you to our supporters and sponsors,” Ms Christensen said. “Every year, our local businesses turn out to support our events and we can’t express our appreciation enough. “Woodgate Realty is once again a main supporter, so drop in and see them at the Fair,” Lesley said. Hop down to the sports oval and community hall at Seventh Avenue between 7:30 am and 2 pm on Easter Monday, 1 April. On-street parking only; please be considerate of residences and the environment. Event sponsors & supporters:
But, what is there to do in Woodgate? #3
The Men’s Shed The Woodgate Men’s Shed Inc. was established in 2013 with the “shed” officially opening in March 2013. For those not familiar, Men’s Sheds were established to provide a safe, friendly environment for blokes to meet up for a chat, pass on skills and knowledge and, feel OK about talking about personal issues that they otherwise wouldn’t discuss. Many Sheds offer projects like furniture making, restoration projects, toy-making and gardening along with the opportunity to just have a tinker or participate in fundraising activities. President, Rob Perves gave Woodgate Community Events a tour of their fantastic shed which hosts areas for woodworking, metal work and a plant nursery, plus a gym and recycling area for the collection of bottles and cans. The 65 members also enjoy regular talks on men’s health and wellbeing topics of interest from organisations like Brave Brothers Ltd. Membership is $50 per year, which provides access to all activities and insurance. New members are always welcome. If you’ve recently retired (and are sick of fishing or walking on the beach), pop in to the Shed on Acacia Street (at the bottom of the sports oval) and check it out. Doesn’t matter if you are hopeless at metal work, aren’t that handy or have a black thumb, there’s more to the Men’s Shed and you may just find a new hobby and good bunch of new mates. The Shed is open for members Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 am-12 pm with morning tea/coffee at 9:30 am. PS: The Men’s Shed will be hosting a plant sale at the Shed nursery during the Easter@Woodgate Fair as well as a fundraiser sausage sizzle!
But, what is there to do in Woodgate? #2
The second blog in this “what is there to do” series … Tennis! Have you been inspired by the Australian Open? Think you’d like to give tennis a go? Well you can. The Woodgate Tennis Club is a dedicated group of players who meet twice a week for a social game of tennis and have been doing so for over forty years! Join club members for a game on Tuesday or Thursday mornings, from 7-9 am or hire the court for your own hit out with family and friends. Tennis Club membership is $20 per year, with a Pickleball Club membership included. Cost per game is $4 for members, $6.00 non members. The public, Council-owned courts are located on Seventh Avenue. You can hire the courts at the General Store (on the Esplanade). A great way to spend a morning among a group of friendly welcoming players. Photos: Lesley Christensen
But, what is there to do in Woodgate?
A new resident to Woodgate recently remarked that he was leaving Woodgate as there was nothing to do once you were over fishing and beach walking! He said he had made no friends, no one came to visit, and had no near neighbours as both sides of him were holiday rentals. Moving to a small town can be isolating – and maybe you’re the loner type and that’s OK – but Woodgate boasts a host of community groups, clubs, sports and social groups you can try out if you’re looking for a little engagement. Woodgate Community Events is going to profile some of these, so here we go… What is there to do in Woodgate #1? Pickleball Pickleball is an American sport and one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Enjoyed by young and old and the skilled and not so skilled, it is a net sport which uses paddles and a plastic ball. Visit Pickleball Australia for more info. The Woodgate Pickleball Club started just over 12 months ago and are having a blast enjoying this new sport. If you’d like to check it out, head to the courts on Seventh Avenue on Saturdays from 7-9 am or Sundays from 4:30-6 pm. Club Membership is $20 per year adults, $15 children under 15 years (pickleball & tennis). Cost per game is $4 for members, $6.00 non members. All are welcome to come along and join the fun, always someone to teach you how to play the game. What else is there to do in Woodgate? Scroll up! Photos: Lesley Christensen
Australia Day 2024
Woodgate Community Events and Bundaberg Regional Council announced Woodgate’s 2024 Australia Day Awards recipients at a BBQ breakfast. Ms Glenda Campbell was awarded Citizen of Year in recognition of her tireless volunteer work with emergency services and numerous community groups and clubs. Glenda wears many hats as an active member and Treasurer of the Woodgate Rural Fire Brigade, member of Woodate Weed Busters and Woodgate Readers, Secretary of the Tennis Club and Pickleball Club, member of the Woodgate & District Residents Association, and local volunteer Tai Chi instructor. Just Books was name Group of the Year for their charitable fundraising via monthly second-hand book sales. The group, led by Di Henderson, have raised more than $20,000 over the years, donating funds to the Woodgate Community Bus. The Woodgate Community Bus provides a vital transport link for residents who cannot drive to access out-of-town appointments, shopping and social opportunities. Congratulations to all recipients and nominees! Communities like Woodgate could not thrive without the many hours of volunteer work and many helping hands . Woodgate Community Events would like to acknowledge the financial assistance given to us by the Bundaberg Regional Council to stage this event. Photos: Ken Smith
Fundraising role supports locals
Eight local community organisations have shared in $10,000 raised by Woodgate Community Events this year. Funds raised by Woodgate Community Events during the Easter fair have been distributed to local emergency medical and transport services, wildlife carers and veterans’ and cancer support. Woodgate Community Events president Lesley Christensen says one of the core values of the organisation is to support those who care for and support the local community. “Woodgate Community Events proudly organises three key events for our community to enjoy each year, and we take the fundraising role of our events seriously. “While we do seek financial support via our event sponsors and the Bundaberg Regional Council to run these events, our fundraising efforts are for the direct benefit of the community. “Up to 10,000 people attended the Easter@Woodgate Fair this year – a fantastic turnout – and our fundraiser raffles and food stalls were generously supported. “We are very happy to be able to pass this generosity onto some vital and very much appreciated services. “All of the recipient organisations are essential in our small community, whether they provide frontline care or raise awareness about issues affecting our lives and community,” Lesley said. The Arts in Spring festival is next on the Woodgate Community Events calendar. Held over the October long weekend, the annual arts-based festival offers a taste of fine art alongside fun-art, markets and music. “We’d love to see a big crowd come along to experience our curated art exhibition this year. The artists and creative talent on display will surprise and delight. “You can mingle at the exhibition gala opening or bring the family and join in our activities in the park and markets over the weekend,” Lesley said. “Of course, don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket or a hamburger at the Community Events marquees and help support our community.” Donations were provided to: Woodgate Community Bus Inc committee members Kev Finnigan (left), Margaret Featherstone, Lynne Beresford (centre) and Sharon Davies (right) were presented with a cheque from Woodgate Community Events’ Marion Woodland and Lesley Christensen. First Responders Barb Liddell and Dorothea Calder take the cash from Lesley Christensen and Raeleen Cahill. Norman Anderson from Forest View Childers Inc. accepted a cheque from Lucy Smith and Lesley Christensen. The funds will to go towards their fundraising for a bus. Woodgate Community Events’ Beth Clarke-Coolle and Lesley Christensen with Mothers’ Day Classic organisers Rosemarie Kirby and Jenni Cole. Wildlife warrior, Tammy Florager accepted the cheque on behalf of Woodgate and Surrounds Wildlife Rescue. Community Events Committee members from left Beth, Raeleen, Anne, Lesley and Gail (seated) handed over $2,500 to Suzanne Weir, organiser of Wodogate’s Biggest Morning Tea.
Why Easter at Woodgate is special
The annual Easter holiday to Woodgate is a long-held tradition for many families. Generations of locals and those who found our beachside village by chance alike make the trek back each year. Woodgate has that appeal. It’s the kind of place that cheers; a place where people gather to reconnect with grandparents, cousins, siblings, uncles and aunts, and where childhood memories are made and cherished. We’ve asked a few people to tell us why they believe Easter in Woodgate is special. Kyra Green brings her young family from the Gold Coast to Woodgate to visit family in Childers. Kyra’s family on both sides go back generations in the District and she and her sisters have great memories of mucking around on the coast at Woodgate and Buxton. “We have good memories of exploring the beach and national park and wanted the kids to experience this too and show them where their family comes from. “Woodgate is great for kids because the water is calm, it’s not crowded and you can explore miles of beach. “A trip to Woodgate at Easter is digging for pippies, throwing in a hand line and fish and chips,” Kyra said. It’s no surprise that Woodgate Community Events president Lesley Christensen nominates the Easter@Woodgate Fair as her top Easter-time drawcard. “Easter@Woodgate Fair of course! The Easter fair has been around in one form or another for more than 20 years,” she says. “It’s a fabulous event and a great excuse to get the family out for a day at the beach on Easter Monday. “We came here by accident 35 years ago. The children loved it, we loved it so we came back every year and eventually purchased a property and have now retired here. “We love the quiet life, the people, the three B’s – beach, bowls, beautiful place. Couldn’t ask for more!” The Itzstein family has been making the Easter pilgrimage to Woodgate for 31 years. Maree Itzstein explained as they found it difficult to get the family together for Christmas, Easter was better timing and Woodgate became their go-to destination. “Woodgate is such a beautiful place and it was easy for the family to get here from Brisbane,” she said. “We started coming here 30 years ago and it became the place for our family to gather. Our kids and their kids now make the trip; we have 30-40 family members who come along,” Maree said. Woodgate is so beloved by the Itzstein clan they also have a family memorial in place along the beach. Pauline Greer, President of Woodgate & District Residents Association and Woodgate’s 2023 Citizen of the Year, says she loves the Easter vibe at Woodgate. “It’s simple. It’s families gathering and having fun on the beach and in the water. Getting together and sharing good times…and the Easter@Woodgate Fair.” Why do you keep coming back to Woodgate for Easter? If you’re just starting your Woodgate tradition, jump over to our About Woodgate section for some info on what to see and do, or pick up a Welcome to Woodgate info sheet around town.