To the people who make it happen
IF THERE is anything this region does really well, it's put on a cracking good festival.
You name the theme and there is an event to honour it. During the next few weeks, we have the Captain Cook Festival at the Discovery Coast, The Boyne-Tannum HookUp, The Observer Home and Leisure Expo, Ecofest, Mount Larcom Show and the Old Station Fly In and Heritage Show at Raglan.
That's not to mention the annual Blues and Roots Festival, Gladstone Harbour Festival, Playgroup Day, Botanic to Bridge, Relay for Life - the list goes on.
The amazing depth and spirit of our community is on display for everyone to see at each and every one of these events.
It's what we are all about. We're proud of our region, we love living here and we are not afraid to make a song and dance about it - sometimes, literally!
The old saying goes: "Work hard, play hard."
Well we certainly know how to do that. And it's little wonder - given the hours of work and the amount of hard work everyone in this region puts in - that we love nothing more than a great festival or party. Speaking of hard work, though, these events don't put themselves together. It's thanks to a dedicated and driven group of organisers and volunteer supporters that our festivals go from being a concept - a dream - to fruition.
Right here in this region there is a plethora of talent.
We are blessed not only to have people who know what to do and who to contact, but who are willing to generously give of their time and expertise to make this stuff happen.
So next time you're enjoying the sights, sounds and general fabulousness of one of our region's festivals, stop for a moment and consider the work behind the scenes, the people who make it happen and the fact it all started with a single bright idea.
