Russell Birdman Festival

It all started over a couple of beers between a few locals in 2007.

The idea was for us to have some fun in the winter time and in doing so generate some business during the quietest time of the year. Having planted the seed we threw the idea backwards and forwards between us, nurtured it over a week or so until it took hold and then, I can still see them now, Pania and Phil got together at the end of the wharf and with much talk (ninety to the dozen at least), arms being waved all over the place drawing imaginary scenes and a hum of excitement the idea well and truly blossomed. Within a day we had gone from convincing a few local characters to jump off the wharf to a week long winter festival!!!

With all this in mind we gathered our thoughts, streamlined our ideas, decided to concentrate on one really fabulous fun day and went to talk those who would be the ones to make it happen – the local community. We still continually remind ourselves of how lucky we are that we live in such an amazing place where the community really gets together and supports one another – however crazy the idea! Once we knew we had the support we got semi-serious and set a date, that’s when the lists started, logistics, safety, sponsors, volunteers and much, much more. Right from the start we made a strong team, each with our own unique point of view, balancing each other well – especially in that first year when there was no limit to the realms of possibility, before we truly realized we could fit only so much into a day!

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