Gateway opens

By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE businesswoman Pauline Hansford is looking to revive the Gateway Festival for Healesville.
The last festival was held in 2001 after 10 years as a highlight of Healesville’s community event calendar.
Ms Hansford was elected chairperson of the Healesville Gateway Festival Committee at a set-up meeting on Wednesday night.
She said it was time for Healesville to get together and a festival was a great way to do that.
Ms Hansford who owns Panache Instyle Living in the main street said seeing the way the community had come together after the bushfires had provided the impetus for the revival.
“The idea behind the festival is to provide an event to improve the connection between various groups in the community, and as a way to stimulate economic growth in the town in retail, accommodation, food and wine,” Ms Hansford said.
“Our aim is to do this by increasing tourism through the festival.”
She said a committee had been formed and was working with the Shire of Yarra Ranges but added that for the festival to get off the ground and be successful they needed as many people as possible from all areas of the community to get involved.
The festival is planned for the Saturday of Melbourne Cup weekend when there are a number of events being held in the Yarra Valley which would complement a festival.
“Healesville hasn’t seen a festival for eight years and there’s never been a better time than this year to bring it back,” Ms Hansford said.
The next two meetings will be held at Panache Instyle Living at 6.30pm on Wednesday, 1 April and the following Wednesday.
“People can call in here, phone me on 5962 5910, or just come along to the meetings,” Ms Hansford said.