East Gippsland Winter Festival
East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
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An All-hazards-approach: An emergent festival contributing to recovery in response to Australia’s “Black Summer”
East Gippsland is a large region in southeastern Australia, characterized by its many small and remote communities. The East Gippsland Winter Festival (EGWF) is hosted annually over three weeks, serving as a collaborative platform where attendees can engage with friendly locals and creative communities. The festival features a variety of pop-up events and winter feasts, art installations, lantern parades, tours, and workshops, with many events offered for free.
Origins and evolution
The festival was initially conceived in response to the unprecedented Australian wildfires of 2019, known as the Black Summer*. However, the festival's launch was delayed due to the unexpected emergence of COVID-19. While originally designed to aid in community recovery from one disaster, the EGWF has evolved into an ongoing platform for community resilience. The region has faced not only devastating wildfires and pandemic closures but also floods, droughts, and locust infestations over the past decade.
Impact of Black Summer
The 2019-2020 bushfires, commonly referred to as the Black Summer, were widespread and traumatic for many people across the region. Lives were lost, and property was destroyed. Although the festival's aim is not specifically focused on fire education or emergency preparedness, several festival events are closely tied to experiences of wildfire disasters. For example, bonfires were thoughtfully integrated into events, and a fire performance taught children that fire is not inherently bad.
An all-hazards approach to community resilience and recovery
The East Gippsland Winter Festival provides the community with a much-needed reprieve from various disasters by offering collective respite. The festival serves as an oasis for processing disaster experiences, and the time, space, and participation in the event help build resilience and contribute to recovery. The events also provide opportunities for bridging the arts and agricultural communities, allowing artists to express themselves and link with different organizations. The shared disaster experiences foster the growth of networks that contribute to resilience.
The East Gippsland Winter Festival is a testament to the power of community and creativity in the face of adversity. By bringing people together and providing a platform for expression and connection, the festival not only aids in recovery but also strengthens the community's ability to withstand future challenges. This case study highlights the importance of such events in fostering resilience and community spirit.
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