Bumper Beachside Easter Markets

This Easter Monday hop down to Woodgate for one of the Bundaberg region’s biggest markets and a great day out at one of its best beaches. Crowds of up 9,000 people enjoy the Easter@Woodgate Fair every year with market stalls, food vendors and entertainment filling the town oval and community park. Event organisers, Woodgate Community Events, are looking forward to another bumper market this year.President Lesley Christensen says they aim to curate a diverse range of stalls and displays to provide visitors with an engaging and fun experience. “We’re expecting up to 200 stall holders and food vendors, will have fun for the kids, the big book sale and live music,” President Lesley Christensen said. “You’ll find many stall holders from the local region showcasing handmade goods including jewellery, skincare, gourmet food products, crafts, homewares and much more,” she said. The Fair is also a much valued fundraiser for the town providing opportunity for local groups to raise awareness. Woodgate’s Rural Fire Brigade, First Responders and SES will be there with displays and demonstrations.“These volunteer services are critical to our community, so make sure you stop by and say thanks and put a few coins in the donation tin,” Lesley said. “Drop by our sponsors too. Every year our fantastic local businesses generously support this event. “This year Amy, Mat and the team at Woodgate Post Office, Lotto & Specialty Lines have joined us a major sponsor.“And we’re grateful to have the continued support of Woodgate Realty, Woodgate Termite & Pest Control, Woodgate First National Real Estate, Woodgate Beach Club and A1 Realty. “It’s a really nice day out for the family. Visit the markets, shop a little, grab something to eat – we do great burgers – and then relax on the beach,” Lesley said. Proceeds generated by Woodgate Community Events are donated to community organisations that support Woodgate residents. On-street parking only; please be considerate of residences and the environment.https://woodgate.events/events/easterwoodgate-fair/ Hop down to the sports oval and Community Hall at Seventh Avenue between 7:30 am and 2 pm on Easter Monday, 6 April.

Arts Festival of Fun

Woodgate’s annual Arts in Spring Festival is set to roll out over the October long weekend. The popular annual arts-based event offers a program of fine art, creative demonstrations and family activities, and artisan markets. Organisers, Woodgate Community Events launch the event on the Friday night with a gala opening the festival’s curated fine art exhibition – known to be Woodgate’s most refined night out! “The festival has evolved over the years to include a broader range of creative activities, however the art exhibition remains at its heart,” President Lesley Christensen says. “The opening gala is a highlight. We get to see the beautiful exhibits for the first time and glam up for a night of art, food and classical music. “Our exhibition curator Emma Woodbright has secured some exciting new artists including potters, jewellery designers and textile artists,” Lesley said. The festival’s Youth Art Exhibition is back for a second year. This addition to the program aims to encourage young people across the region to explore their creativity. Saturday’s program will offer a mix of experiences for creative minds and bodies suitable for all ages. Popular cartoonist Shane Foley is back, along with Ol Meri Wantok Traditional Weavers and the Conroi Crafters Guild join in the fun for the first time demonstrating medieval weaving and spinning techniques. Young kids can enjoy some messy art-play with Scoop Sensory and put on a creative face with Nuzz Face Painting. For those who are inspired by the artistry of nature, the popular guided walks in Banksia Park are a delight and Yoga in the Park is a great way to ease into your weekend. Monday is market day with a select range of stalls offering handmade art, craft, home decor and more.

Community donations

Woodgate Community Events has donated $5,000 to organisations that support the Woodgate district. Funds raised at the annual Easter@Woodgate Fair by Woodgate Community Events are distributed to services and organisations that support our residents and community. Donations this year included $2,500 to the Woodgate Bowls Club Ladies Division towards their Biggest Morning Tea in May. The Club, who were awarded Community Group of the Year at this year’s Australia Day acknowledgements, has been fundraising for cancer research for more than 25 years. This year’s Biggest Morning Tea raised just over $11,000, bringing their total to more than $100,000 – an amazing result for a small community! Goodwood School, Woodgate Community Bus, Forest View Childers Bus and Woodgate RSL have also benefited from the proceeds from the Fair. Woodgate Community Events President, Lesley Christensen (left) with Jacquie Rogerson, Woodgate Bowls Club Ladies Division.

Woodgate festival a time to celebrate

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.

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!

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