Cindy Smith and Dawn Holland have chosen the Memorial Hall in Healesville to launch Sista Fest.By Kath Gannaway
WARBURTON entrepreneurs Cindy Smith and Dawn Holland make up half of Sista Fest, a new group which will present its first festival event in Healesville on 8 March, International Women’s Day,
Over the past decade the women have been the driving force behind local festivals including Warburton Winterfest, the Hoddles Creek Music Festival the Draught Horse Festival and the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival.
With Merryn Tinkler and Jennifer Grinter, Cindy and Dawn founded Sista Fest, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at raising funds for women’s health and education within Australia and around the world by promoting women’s artistic expression.
Dawn said the seed for Sista Fest was sown last year when the women shared their grief at too many friends lost to diseases such as breast, cervical and ovarian cancers.
Sista Fest will be officially launched at the IWD Music Festival.
The women have secured an exciting line-up of female artists for their first event.
MC Wil Stracke will introduce an eclectic program of world, folk and indie music with Vardos, Susie Keynes, Tess McKenna, Emma Heeney and Pene Kingsford taking to the stage at Healesville Memorial Hall from 3pm on Saturday 8 March.
The evening will finish with dancing to the beats of DJs Twisted Sisters until midnight.
“Our aim is to run a number of events throughout the year – starting with International Women’s Day 2008,” said Ms Tinkler who is organising the Healesville event.
“We have many plans on the table, including the possibility of a three-day outdoor festival in the Yarra Valley in January. It’s a very exciting time for us.”
Dawn said the mid-afternoon starting time is designed to make the festival accessible to families … and, while it is a Women’s Day event, men are still welcome to join the fun.
Tickets are $38 pre-sale – phone 1300 366 123 or visit www.myspace.com/sista-fest, or $50 all day at the door. Phone for concession prices.
Ticket giveaway
To celebrate its first event, Sista Fest is giving away three double passes to the IWD Music Festival.
To enter the prize draw write to Mail Sista Fest Competition, PO Box 470, Healesville, 3777, with an explanation of what ‘IWD’ stands for.
Include your name, address and a contact phone number.
Entries close on Monday 3 March at 5pm.
