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.

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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.

Woodgate Community Events had the pleasure recently to provide local organisations who support our community with a donation of funds.

Committee members handed over a total of $5,000 to these deserving people who focus on helping others.

• The Biggest Morning Tea – $2,500 towards their fundraising efforts for cancer research
• Goodwood School – $1,000 towards the cost of their learn to swim program
• Woodgate Community Bus – $500 to help keep those wheels turning
• Woodgate RSL – $500 to help host Anzac Day, Vietnam Veterans Day and Remembrance Day services
• Forest View Bus – $500 towards costs to help get residents out and about.

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.

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!

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!