By Margaret Maccoll
“Overall it was a success,” a very pleased Noosa Alive president Andrew Squires said on Monday after the end of his first term at the helm of Noosa’s premiere 10 day arts and entertainment festival.
“We had sell out shows and we had great support from the local Council and businesses,” said the former committee member who was voted in to take on the volunteer role previously held by Johanne Wright who retired last year.
With a staff made up almost entirely of volunteers and limited resources delivering a very large festival is a challenge, he said.
The festival went through a number of changes this year although it’s core aim to deliver an arts and culture program to Noosa remains the same.
Andrew said the management team was restructured, producer Tim Loydell and an administration officer were employed and the program was reduced to a scale more manageable for the committee.
“Financially it was a good move. All indications are the festival was successful and there will be funds to continue for next year,” he said.
Andrew said a few items that were not so well supported had been dropped from the program, local entertainers engaged and in the future they were hoping to diversify a bit to better engage all ages in the community.
He said many people asked what had happened to the popular beach events which he hoped may be regained in some way next year.
Andrew said founding patrons David and Kristen Williamson continue their support of the festival and this year their son Rory Williamson came on board as a sponsor while a number of other businesses had expressed interest.
Anyone wanting to be involved in next years festival on the committee, as sponsors or volunteers can make contact through the website at www.noosaalive.com.au
