Sunbury StreetLife Festival
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Sunbury StreetLife Festival

With the warm weather well on its way, there’s no better time for a street festival. Next month, Sunbury StreetLife Festival is back with more than 100 stalls featuring local businesses, an abundance of food, kids activities, live performances on stage and hands-on workshops – including African drumming! Forté chat with festival organiser Sharyn Snook.

Hi Sharyn, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte Magazine, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
I am well – though with four weeks to go until Sunbury StreetLife Festival we are busy collecting raffle prizes, packing over 100 jute bags with samples and freebies, and laying down the map with over 120 different businesses. It’s the hectic part of the year!

Beginning as a girls night promoting small business and raising money for charity, how long ago was that and how has the process been getting it to this point of a large community event?

My business partner Hannah and I ran our first event ‘The Girls Night In’ in October 2012 in a local church hall. It was a success so we thought we would increase the size a year later. I posted on a local community page looking for more local small businesses to participate, then we were approached by the local council and business association to consider running the event on the street in 2013. Since then, we have almost tripled in size.

You guys won the 2014 Australia Day Award Winners ‘Best Community Event’. How was that and did that influence any future changes?
It was fantastic to win an award that focused on the community so early on. I think it made us feel like the idea was one of merit, and that we were on the right track. We learn something new with every one of the events we run. I think it’s important to enjoy the day but with a critical eye to build and grow an event that draws people to it. We want people to feel like it’s a fun and friendly festival with something for everyone.

As a festival which supports local charities, are there any particular charities you raise money for, do you choose the same ones every year?
We actually change charities each year! It’s been amazing to learn about so many different groups and their passion for making their world a better place. We love to find charities that really support the local community in practical ways. This year we are raising money for Youth Projects who tackle tough problems in the front line: youth unemployment, homelessness, mental health, alcohol and drug use, apprenticeships, training, counselling, free medical clinic, drink/drive assessment, needle syringe program, HIV/AIDS, and provide for everyday needs like showers, laundry, internet.

Why is it so important for communities to have these sorts of events?

Our towns and cities are growing. People are busier and we don’t always seem to know our neighbours and local small businesses these days. Community festivals, markets, and other events are great ways to re-connect with the people that we walk past every day. It’s a great way to connect with the small business owners who are struggling to compete against online shopping, and large overseas corporations. It’s a reminder that despite our differences, we are all the same.

When & Where: Sunbury StreetLife Festival, Sunbury – November 20