PRESS RELEASE: Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals Tradition Continues

The series of Avon Descent Festivals held their annual celebrations last weekend, where Lotterywest were a major supporter. The Festivals were packed with music, food vendors, market stalls and kids entertainment while complimenting the riverbanks filled with paddlers and power boats taking on the water, the Avon Descent Race.

Commencing the Festivities on Friday, 9 August were held by the Shire of Northam, The Bilya Festival. This Festival showcased an urban farming display and their ever-popular street parade. The Shire of Toodyay was host to the International Food Fest, which had mouth’s watering with a huge display of cuisines being served alongside groovy beats and vibrant stalls.

The City of Swan’s Avon Descent Festival and the City of Bayswater’s Finish Line Festival provided grand entertainment, rides, and markets for the finale of the weekend, on Sunday 11 August. Each of the Festival events provided opportunity for all ages to get together to celebrate their communities while cheering on the Avon Descent participants.

The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC), on behalf of the participating Councils; Shires of Toodyay, Northam and Cities of Swan and Bayswater, received $128,300 in Lotterywest grant support for the 2024 Avon Descent Festivals. The Minister for Culture and the Arts; Sport and Recreation; International Education; Heritage, Hon. David Templeman MLA presented the grant on behalf of Lotterywest at the Shire of Northam Bilya Festival.
“The Avon Descent is a terrific sporting event in its own right, with hundreds of competitors and thousands more watching on.

“The community festivals are always a highlight, and the State Government is proud to support them for another year.
“With great food, music and other community initiatives, they really do offer something for everyone, especially families and young people.” the Minster commented.
The WA Government, through Lotterywest, supports community projects and events like this one, to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing for all West Australians through funding and support, helping to build a better WA together. Lotterywest celebrated returns to the Western Australian community in 2023-24, with over $1 billion provided in grants and lottery prizes.

The Festivals enhanced the community experience of the Avon Descent through improved access and viewing opportunities, commentary, big screens and seating. The Festivals were shaped to highlight and unite cultural significance and communities along the Avon and Swan Rivers. They also created opportunities for local businesses, active lifestyles and appreciation for Perth’s surrounding natural environment.

The EMRC CEO Marcus Geisler said, ‘Our collaborative model and regional approach continue to demonstrate success, delivering tangible benefits to the Eastern Region and its community. Thanks to the generous support from Lotterywest grants, we are making significant strides in improving the festivals, enhancing free entertainment offerings, and ensuring event safety services. We look forward to witnessing these community benefits in action.’
Lotterywest’s grant enabled communities in the Cities and Shires to come together for connection, recreation and to enjoy free and low-cost activities, entertainment and food at the Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals. The Festivals are developed with sustainable activities and ecofriendly principals.
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Notes to Editors:
Founded in 1983, the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) is a forward-thinking regional local government representing the interests of four-member Councils located in Perth’s Eastern Region: Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan.
The EMRC provides a broad range of services across the region including waste management and education, resource recovery and sustainability initiatives-. Working in partnership with its member Councils and other stakeholders, the EMRC delivers local and regional scale projects across each of these areas for the benefit of the region.

Media Contact:
Sara Toppi
Communications Coordinator
Email: [email protected]