Team warms to Winterfest

By Ed Merrison
WINTERFEST in Warburton is here to stay, and the new committee vows to make it better than ever.
Cindy Smith has been elected president – although, consistent with Ms Smith’s modest, communitydriven approach, that title will change to events manager to move away from the hierarchical structure.
And she is pleased with the energy and makeup of her team.
“We’re very excited by the new committee, a group of very passionate people with really good ideas,” Ms Smith said.
Next year’s Winterfest will take place on the first weekend of June and will be called Our Place, My Place, Your Place, a title that celebrates the region and its significance for everybody.
“The title is inclusive of people who live here, work here and visit our area. It’s open to interpretation but expresses the diverse and wonderful area in which we live,” Ms Smith said.
The nine members of this year’s Winterfest committee held the AGM in late August with 30 in the audience.
“People wanted Winterfest to stay, that was the overwhelming thing,” Ms Smith said.
“We’re trying to keep Winterfest relevant to the community. Although we have support from the Shire of Yarra Ranges, we’re a community festival with strong links to dance groups, musical groups, bands, circus groups and sports groups.”
After her role at the Warburton Film Festival, and working for eight years at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre during which time she has been involved in Winterfest Ms Smith brings to the position lots of experience and an equal dose of enthusiasm. “I love community festivals because they’re great at bringing people together.
“I love the feeling of a successful festival when everyone is out and having fun, and I like seeing projects come to fruition,” Ms Smith said.
Ms Smith takes the place of former president Ian De La Rue, who was president of Winterfest for four years before his death from cancer earlier this year.
Ms Smith was full of praise for Mr De La Rue’s contribution over a long period of time, but was also confident her committee could deliver the goods.
“He was a real dynamo and a tough act to follow, but I learned from the master. We’ve got a really good team and everyone’s really looking forward to Winterfest 2006,” she said.
Anyone interested in performing in or contributing to Winterfest should call Cindy Smith on 5966 5238.