Report from Applecross Rotary on the Applecross Rotary Jacaranda Festival JF22. JF22 was held 19th November 2022. This was the 22nd consecutive Applecross Rotary Jacaranda Festival. It was a great success, albeit momentarily dampened by a shower of rain.
Approximately 12,000 attendees; survey responses indicate 58% resident within the City of Melville. Demographics: 36% young adult, 24% young family and 39% older family. There was a 50/50 split between returning patrons and first-time visitors. More than 90% of survey respondents advised that they see the event as a “community event” run by volunteers. Brand recognition is well established across the Perth Metro area. However, communication about the role of Applecross Rotary, the City of Melville and other event sponsors can be improved. The event footprint was expanded into McDonald Street because of the building/carpark development at the NE corner of the event space. This was a successful move and will be required for any future events. Based on past feedback the event strived to provide additional public facilities at JF 22. However, the major item of public feedback was “more shelter, seats and tables”. Thus, additional infrastructure and space allocation will be needed. The new ‘quiet zone’ was a success, enhancing community diversity within the event. The waste management initiatives, funded by a grant obtained from the City of Melville, were very successful. Public education outcomes were evident, and the initiative was applauded in some of the public feedback. Applecross Rotary seek support from the City of Melville to replicate and to improve this important community initiative. Stall holder bump-in was significantly improved following input from Erin Madeley Consulting. This improvement was applauded by almost every stallholder who provided formal feedback. There were 152 individual stalls, including 8 NFP’s and 3 community organisations. Feedback from 59 stallholders (39% of the total) was overwhelmingly very positive. There were no reportable incidents during the event. Feedback from local neighbours indicated strong support for the expanded street closures. The flow of pedestrians approaching and leaving the event has improved and thus less risky. Food stalls were provided free access to an electrical supply. This reduced the noise/smell/risk from their generators. However, the supply provided was not sufficient and a larger generator will be required at future events. Volunteers donated 789 hours on the event day. This is in addition to the 540 hours donated by Applecross Rotary volunteers in the project team. After the event $17,910 was distributed to external volunteer groups and entertainers who supported the event on the day. The current 3-year funding support agreement from the City of Melville expired after JF22. Applecross Rotary’s objectives for the festival over the next 5 years are: - Build on the existing 22-year brand recognition to reinforce community volunteering, Melville amenity and civil life.
- Broaden public recognition of how the event is produced.
- Increase engagement so more local business be involved and support the event.
- Enhance community diversity and inclusion in the event attendees.
- Be an educational role model for waste management at a public event.
- Broaden the event footprint:
- Use MacDonald Steet to its best availability.
- A longer event time span to include evening entertainment/meals in a nearby location.
- Enable workers at local businesses to easily park near the event space.
Applecross Rotary seek a new 3 year funding agreement, requesting $25,000 per annum. Prepared by Chris Whelan JF22 Event Coordinator 11th Feb. 2023 |