Council to fund biggest ever community events calendar in 2022-23 Budget

There will be a Council-sponsored party somewhere in the Moreton Bay Region almost every week, with a new jam-packed events calendar to be unveiled as part of what’s expected to be a record Council Budget tomorrow, June 17.

Council will deliver 43 free community events in partnership with Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) this financial year, on top of signature events such as Moreton Bay Food Wine Festival, KiteFest and Jetty 2 Jetty.

Mayor Peter Flannery says it is an enormous investment in vibrancy and a direct response to calls from locals for more festivals and activities in their suburbs and neighbourhoods, meaning residents won’t need to leave Moreton Bay to have fun.

“The past two years have been difficult to plan and execute events but we’re expecting to have a full suite of events ready to roll for the 2022-23 financial year to put COVID behind us and put bring the party back to Moreton Bay,” he says.

“We’re launching all-new festivities like ‘Jazz and Shiraz’ on Bribie Island, a ‘Pooches in the Park’ event in Kallangur and a Street Fair through Margate.

“We’re also introducing an Under 8s Splash and Play at our award-winning free water park at The Mill at Moreton Bay in Petrie.

“And I’m excited to say that family favourites like ‘Music in the Park’ and ‘Movie in the Park’ will be rolled out around the region, so these will be coming to Burpengary, Albany Creek, Sandstone Point, Griffin and many more.

“Of course, one of the highlights of the community events program are the Teddy Bears Picnic events at Pine Rivers Park and John Oxley Reserve, so I’m excited to announce they will remain.

“The events that have been able to go ahead since COVID have been absolutely packed to the rafters with local families and the feedback was amazing, so we’re coming back bigger and better than ever before.

“Having fun with the family shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, and Council wants to ensure there’s a free or low-cost activity on somewhere in our region almost every weekend.”

Enjoy events across the region

Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism CEO Shane Newcombe says his team is really excited about the expanded events program, particularly the smaller community events.

“We’re thrilled to be delivering the largest calendar of events ever in our region and more than 90 per cent of events in our new calendar are free to attend.”

“These community events will be staged in smaller locations, in the heart of communities. They will be an opportunity to grab the family, go for a walk and enjoy an event in their own neighbourhood,” Mr Newcombe says.

“It’s about bringing communities together. We’ll be working with community groups and local businesses to stage these events.”

Mayor Flannery says it is a major investment in liveability, and real point of difference in lifestyle compared to anywhere else in South East Queensland.

“You’re going to be spoiled for choice by the sheer number of free or low-cost events that families can attend throughout the week and on weekends,” he says.

“Mums, dads and their kids love these and they’re a huge part of what makes Moreton Bay such a great place to live.

“The overall events calendar will include many more business, tourism and signature community events so keep your eyes peeled for the release and mark the events in your calendar.”