Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Fest 2021

MITCHELL CREEK ROCK 'N' BLUES FEST 2021

Mitchell Creek Rock 'N' Blues Fest marks its 10th year in the Mary Valley as excitement grows and patrons are keen to enjoy a fresh air weekend of live music from 17-19 September.

Ideally positioned on 90 acres (Upper Kandanga), the festival is a leading model in the music industry with best practices to ensure zero environmental impact and reducing carbon footprint with thousands of trees being planted throughout the festival site as well as engaging in organic weed control methodology.

12 months ago Jimmy Budgen, pictured right December 2020, sat down to write the first COVID-Safe Event plan with Tracey Hammell, a Compliance specialist; and after eight weeks of producing risk assessments, rules and practices their diligence was thorough. This extract below from BASEQ – Blues Association of South East Queensland magazine, The Groove, 18 June, 2020:-

“Mitchell Creek Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest is the first music festival to be successfully awarded the COVID Clean Practicing Business Program certification and given the green light to go ahead this September, paving the way for other festivals to follow. With all the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, you may well be wondering how this magically came about. Well, I decided to pen this article because I felt it was important to let people in on what has gone into this, as I know Festival Director Jimmy Budgen is too humble a man to do it. It all started when Jimmy phoned me in the midst of the lockdown and said, “What do you know about compliance?”

I explained the type of work I’d done in my corporate roles. Jimmy said, “Great, we need a strategy to comply with government so the Mitchell Creek Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest can go ahead. I’m putting a team together. Are you in?” And so, I joined Jimmy’s team to roll up our sleeves to ensure the show could go on, and bring live music back to the people! When Australia was first touched by COVID-19 it had the precedents from overseas countries to watch and learn from. Yet when Australia and New Zealand became two of the first countries to flatten the curve, there were no precedents to follow to climb back out again. And so, our government has been pioneering new territory. The priority was given to essential services and a move to get people working again.

Some industries were told they would just need to wait for further instructions as the roadmaps were being constantly updated as decisions unfolded. Guidelines to help music festivals to go ahead, with thousands of people interacting safely, hadn’t even made it as far as the drawing board on the government’s agenda … “How do we manage volumes of people at large scale events? We are asking industry to help come up with ideas on how we can put controls in place and allow these types of events to happen”, was one such response from Queensland Health at a meeting between government and industry. And so, Jimmy Budgen took up the challenge. Weeks later, after wading through government documents, websites, webinars, meetings, commercial and social media opinions, we had ourselves a strategy and an initial proposal, along with the cooperation of contractors, sub-contractors, and stallholders, who also collaborated with us on ideas to make their own operations COVID-Safe at the festival.

Encouraged by the response we received from Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), and Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), the Mitchell Creek team set to work producing a risk assessment and mitigation plan, hygiene and physical distancing protocols, increased facilities, reams of workplace health and safety procedures, job safety analyses, updated roles and responsibilities for those working at the festival, and an accompanying business plan that we could lodge with QTIC and ATIC for their consideration, endorsement and support. Every possible concern and alternative was reviewed and covered, including setting up a First Aid station operated by fully qualified paramedics ready to assist anyone who becomes unwell for any reason.

Plenty of space in the great outdoors at Mitchell Creek Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest!

It was our aim that Mitchell Creek Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest become a pilot program that the government could use to base a new set of guidelines for running large events and festivals in the wake of COVID-19.

This could set the much-needed precedent to also help other festivals move forward. And that’s exactly what’s happened! QTIC has taken the Mitchell Creek Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest proposal forward to Griffith University as input to structuring a broader business planning solution for events, in conjunction with Queensland Health and other government agencies. On top of all the planning, activities and stresses that come with putting on the festival in a normal year, the grit and determination to keep going without even knowing if the festival would be able to go ahead is a credit to Jimmy Budgen. I can tell you he was a picture of resilience and never lost faith for a moment.

Throughout the time the team worked together on this project, Jimmy always had a joke and a smile at the ready, even when I knew it was all ticking over in his mind. We took time out to go gold fossicking in the hills, pick veges in the Mitchell Creek market garden, cook up some good tucker, share some home-made cumquat liqueurs, write songs and jam by the creek late into the night, and brainstorm endlessly to come up with a bucketful of ideas to answer that old chestnut, “What if?”, and then writing them up in a manner acceptable to the government.

Mitchell Creek Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest has now proudly been able to announce that the show will indeed go on! While patrons will be requested to comply with the new conditions of entry, including some pre-screening measures and observe physical distancing at the festival itself, the overwhelming response has seen a surge in ticket sales that could in fact make it the biggest and most popular year in the festival’s history!” � Ticket numbers have been capped. Also note in the event of a lockdown there is a full ticket refund (but doesn't include any online booking surcharges) so don’t stress – get your tickets now. www.mitchellcreekrocknbluesfest.com.au

KENILWORTH HISTORY

MEMORIES OF THE 1950s

Back - Jim Purdon; centre L-R Leonie Rodgers, Carol Purdon, John Rodgers. Bottom row L-R Wendy Rodgers, Colleen and Ross Purdon.

Recently the Museum received some communication from Jim Purdon following the passing of his brother Ross (Vale on page 13). Included in the various emails was the following from his cousin John Rodgers – son of Roy, grandson of Catherine and Frank Rodgers – the couple who ran the Kenilworth Post Office from 1924.:- “While we have not had contact with Ross for many years (my recollection is that our last contact was in the mid 1960’s). I have very vivid memories of exciting childhood adventures with Ross in Kenilworth in the early 1950’s. These include:- Recently the Museum received some communication from Jim Purdon following the passing of his brother Ross (Vale on page 13). Included in the various emails was the following from his cousin John Rodgers – son of Roy, grandson of Catherine and Frank Rodgers – the couple who ran the Kenilworth Post Office from 1924.:- “While we have not had contact with Ross for many years (my recollection is that our last contact was in the mid 1960’s). I have very vivid memories of exciting childhood adventures with Ross in Kenilworth in the early 1950’s. These include:- • swimming in the Mary River which was very challenging after heavy rain; • munching on freshly picked corn cobs “stolen” from a farm (which Trevor – John’s older brother – tells me was owned by the Pickering family) down near the river and; • riding with Ross in the back of a milk can collection truck driven by Ross’s uncle (Alan Purdon I think was his name) on a “milk run” in the Mary Valley; • after the milk run, Ross and I spent the remainder of the morning watching cheese being made at the cheese factory. I also recall visiting your father’s banana plantation with Ross where I was intrigued by the “flying fox” system used in the harvesting the banana crop. I also remember visiting the Lane’s hotel with Ross and being treated to a glass of sarsaparilla by Miss Lane. Also there was at least one occasion on which we had a few pennies to spend and had to decide between raspberry ice blocks or fresh buns from the Beattie’s bakery. I also recall being very worried and sad in the mid 1950’s about Ross’s health when we received news that he had contracted rheumatic fever. My mother (Ruth) told me that Ross’s condition was very serious and that he experienced great pain.” Historic note:- Ruth was formerly Ruth Hodges – a school teacher in Kenilworth. The farm of the stolen corn cobs was that owned by Dave Pickering fronting Mary Street. Rheumatic fever was prevalent in Kenilworth in the 1950’s. For those of us who grew up in the era – these are memories we all share. Lenore Meldrum, President, Kenilworth & District Historical Association Inc.

KENILWORTH ARTS COUNCIL THIS & THAT

Well, old COVID has done its tricks again! Sadly KAC and Gheerulla Hall committee have cancelled the French Night at Gheerulla Hall on 28 August. There are just too many uncertainties at present. Plans are well underway for the Kenilworth ArtsFest but we are ever mindful that anything can upset the applecart between now and 1 October. Visit our website for entry forms. • KAC membership fees for new members have been reduced to $10 a single and $15 a family, with those who had already paid at the old rate receiving membership for two years. • We have introduced a monthly Membership Lucky Draw with a meat tray from Alan Gitsham as the prize. The winner for August is Chris Barclay. • Don’t forget Art at the Movies at 2pm at Cinemaworks on 28 August, 30 September and 2pm 27 November. • Look for our KAC ladies up town who are selling raffle tickets (when permitted) in a beautiful original watercolour by Barry Green, a charming framed tapestry, a quality Egyptian cotton bath towel set and a voucher for $50 at Big Boss Chocolates. If you would like a ticket ($2 each or 3 for $5) but can’t get to town, please ph us on 0427 723 848 and we can arrange something. • Our “Singalong!” has been rolling along merrily every Friday morning at KAC with everyone enjoying singing just for fun. Venue is St Luke’s shed as the kitchen renovations have started. • Sign up for the 25-26 September workshop with well-known artist Stephen Cassettari who has been teaching Chinese brush painting for over 30 years. No previous experience needed. You will not only learn the basic strokes but get to produce your own Chinese brush painting artworks. During the workshop Stephen shares his knowledge of the philosophy of Zen Buddhism and Chinese painting. He has published several books and poems. Contact Sue Wolter 0439 130 158 and register your interest.

CHEERIO FROM THE CHURCHES

The COVID lockdown has meant our churches have been closed on some Sundays. However, St Luke’s parishioners have been able to access worship services from St George’s at Maleny via the wonders of Zoom. Services for normal times are Morning Prayer at 9am on Thursdays and Morning Prayer or Holy Communion at 9.15am on Sundays. All are welcome to join us for morning tea at 10.15am in St Luke’s shed. Come along for a “community cuppa and a chat” even if you don’t attend the church services. • We were sad to say farewell on 23 July to Beryl Laffey, a very devoted and much loved member of our St Luke’s community and a dedicated worker in the Kenilworth community for many years. A very big crowd attended Beryl’s funeral at St Luke’s. We extend to Beryl’s family our very sincere condolences. • Thanks to all those “nifty knitters” who have contributed knitted or crochet squares to be made into rugs. St Luke’s has sent several rugs to Anglicare in Nambour with more to come. There is a slight shift in our focus this year with our Helping Hands hampers. We will still be collecting donations of personal care items and small food items but this year the hampers will be distributed to homeless folk. • The new website for St Joseph’s Parish, Nambour is now up and running – nambourcatholics.net • St John Bosco community recently farewelled Buddy and Jan who became valued members of our community over the past four years. Buddy became well known for his barbeque skills and friendly greeting to all. • Sunday 8 August was feast day for Mary McKillop (now St Mary of the Cross). A stunning bronze sculpture of her by local artist, Elli Schlunke, can be viewed in the side garden at St John Bosco. It is worth coming to see. • Mass: third Sunday of the month at 10am. Liturgy of the Word: every other Sunday at 9am. Christian Meditation: Thursdays at 9.30am. For further church information: Anglican – Shirley on 0427 723 848 and Catholic – Sue on 0400 097 602.