Cherry Festival Disappointment

The Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival has been one the largest events in the region for many years, anticipated by locals, visitors and vendors. It has been hugely successful at bringing significant economic and tourism benefits to the area, highlighting and showcasing the horticultural industry and helping to cement our place as the food bowl of WA.

Shire President Paul Omodei, who has been patron of the event since its inception more than 20 years ago, expressed his shock and disappointment at the event not going ahead this year, “It is extremely disappointing that the Committee has been forced to this unquestionably hard decision. The diligence and hard work of this committee over the past 21 years has been outstanding. These are a small group of volunteers that have put in an enormous amount of time and effort to bring a hugely successful event to the region year after year”.

The idea for the festival was initially instigated in 2001 in an effort to lift the community spirit and rectify the damaging affects of the State Government's then decision to end logging of old growth forests.

“The Cherry Festival committee has been under stress for a number of years and while the festival has grown immensely the committee and its resources haven’t. We will be having an indepth conversation at the next Council meeting to explore options to help recover the festival and the possibility of seeking State Government assistance” Mr Omodei added.

If you would like to join the committee or assist in any fundraising ventures, please contact them via email at secretary@cherryfestival.com.au

-ENDS-

Authorised by Brian Robinson, Temporary Chief Executive Officer
Contact: Sheri Laba, Public Relations Officer

Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President
Contact: 0448 810 773