A bloomin’ marvellous time was on the cards for Goodna with historic jacaranda trees blanketing the suburb in purple, signalling the community was all set for the annual Jacaranda Festival.
Deputy Mayor and Division two Councillor Nicole Jonic said the three-day Goodna Jacaranda Festival held from 25 to 27 October at Evan Marginson Park, was a celebration of community.
“The Goodna Jacaranda Festival is an absolute icon in this community, drawing not just nearby residents but people from far and wide,” Deputy Mayor Jonic said.
“Council has been a proud long-time supporter of this important community event and this year has provided $5,000 through its Community Events Funding program as well as $9,800 worth of in-kind support to help with bins and toilets.
“This year’s festival was an exciting celebration of our region’s culture, music and talent.”
This 2024 Goodna Jacaranda Festival program includes sideshow alley, performances by local artists and school students as well as food trucks, market and community stalls and fireworks.
Division Two Councillor Paul Tully said the suburb’s historic jacaranda trees had heralded the coming of the festival.
“When the trees bloom, the community knows the festival is just around the corner,” Cr Tully said.
“Goodna has a wonderful mix of heritage trees alongside newer trees that were planted in recent years.
“The trees along Brisbane Terrace date back to 1932 when work gangs planted them during the Great Depression, and they are a testament to the resilience and strength of the Goodna community.
“Many of the trees have stood strong through the floods of 1955, 1974 and 2011.
“In recent years, council installed a plaque commemorating the heritage trees and planted 100 new jacaranda trees throughout the suburb to ensure that as the historic trees age the community will continue to be blanketed in purple each spring.”
Goodna Jacaranda Festival president Mathew Taylor said the community appreciated council’s support.
“The Goodna Jacaranda Festival is a true community event and it’s wonderful to have council’s support,” Mr Taylor said.
“The focus since the festival returned following an absence during the COVID years has been on returning the festival to its pre-COVID glory and growing it for generations to come.
“This year was all about returning to the festival’s traditional roots through community performances and we can’t wait to see the community there.”
