Yes, it's official: this will definitely be the 25th JacFest hosted but Applecross Rotary, from the early beginnings at Heathcote in 2000 and 2001.
Not many of our current members were involved back then, but certainly George would recall it only too well. From little things, big things (can) grow, and certainly they have.
As I recall initially we had but a few stalls of a limited variety, but it did set the wind in the sails for Jacaranda Festivals to come.
We decided to move the event to the jacarandas of Ardross St Applecross shopping village in 2002, working hard to engage with the village retailers for their support. It was by no means unanimous but there was enough to get things underway, with more stalls and greater variety.
We did everything: all the planning, the stall holder engagement, gazebo ups and downs... ran the BBQ's... set up and tidy up, and for the first few years it was more about community engagement rather than fund raising.
I think it was the 2nd Village Festival we had to cancel due to lack of Rotary Public Liability Insurance following the 9/11 terrorist attack on the US.
I recall our early approaches to Lotterywest and the City of Melville for funding support to help underwrite the costs of the event, and how we have built this over the years as a cornerstone of our financial planning.
I also recall windy mornings setting up for the day when the gazebos blew down and across Ardross St before we could get them secured. We also had an unfortunate burglary when borrowed sound equipment was stolen from a shop where we had it housed! What a bummer!
Back then, the after party was held on the street, with cold left over sausages and the odd beverage to wash down the success of the day. Exhausted and happy.... who ever mentioned street drinking???
So many members who are no longer with us were key contributors to the building, and success of this event: Greg McKenzie, Peter Banks, John Hosking, Ralph Fardon and Dean Lawrence to name a few.
For a number of years the main entertainment marquee was set up on Ardross St, near where the Rotunda is now located. It certainly made a difference to the crowds watching, but did make access thru Ardross St all but impossible.
The current general layout has developed over the years, as has the family based format, and we now take in McDonald Rd and extra parking areas. In order to stay relevant to the fickle demands of our audience, and the event competition, it is essential that we continue to evolve and offer something new and different from year to year.
The weather is always the big unknown with only one wet day, a few windy/late showers, and some real stinking hot ones! Extra shade has always been part of the planning but when the temperature gets into the high 30's and up, often without much warning, it certainly tests everyone's resolve and impacts on the days success.
A few highlights stand out in my mind.
- each year we approach the organising with a very 'project management' zeal, and ensure that nothing is left to chance. We run one of the best Festival's in Perth, and our core project team is second to none! They do need all the help that can be mustered.
- our 4 Club Sponsors, The Good Grocer, Mont Realty, Pharmacy777 and Ross North Homes have now been with us for 10 years this year, and over that time contributed $160K to our community 'give back'. We make sure that we take them with us each year and never take their support for granted.
- event Sponsors Lotterywest and the City of Melville have been wonderful ongoing supporters, with the CoM increasing its contribution to help cover the contracted management expenses for Market Life, and on the day initiatives such as plastic free, waste management and bulk drinking water supplies.
- the fact that we were one of the very few public events to be held in 2019 when Covid intervened and planning for and gaining regulatory approval made it all but impossible!
- the unbelievable 'volunteer' support we generate on the day, with so many local groups turning up and joining in. Of course, by making it 'worth their while' financially to their group helps, but most really enjoy the busy community event. Over 600 voluntary hours are given directly to each event day.
- for Applecross Rotary, it is our defining community engagement piece, and is also a signature event for the bigger Rotary picture. The City of Melville also claim it as one of the community's premier events. We, as Applecross Rotary should never underestimate its role in maintaining our community relevance.
So yes, 25 years old, or young, depending how you look at it, and certainly something worth celebrating for the success of Applecross Rotary.
- May there be many many more!!
