Harfest success: a joyous celebration of harvest and community

What a fantastic day we had at Harfest 2025! On Saturday 15 March, over 500 friends and families came together in the quarry at Warrnambool Community Garden to celebrate the harvest with good food, great music, and plenty of fun. We couldn’t be happier with how everything went - and it’s all thanks to the amazing community spirit that made it happen.

A huge thank you

We want to send a big, heartfelt THANK YOU to all the local businesses and community groups who chipped in. Whether you lent us a stage, a van, an eftpos machine, or a marquee, or donated potatoes, carrots, and soft drinks - your support made a massive difference. We’re so grateful for your generosity and kindness. This fundraiser was our best one yet because of you!

Fun for all

The garden was buzzing with energy all afternoon. The kids’ zone was a real hit, full of classic games like parachute, hopscotch, and playdough. We had a fun twist on Mr. Potato Head with a Make Your Marrow Pet Parade - thanks so much to Volcano Produce Tower Hill for donating the potatoes and carrots for this creative activity. For those who wanted to take it a bit slower, the weaving circle with Gilgar Gunditj artists Sandra and Melissa Aitken was a beautiful spot to listen, learn, and create.

And the music?

Absolutely top-notch! We a range of rhythms with Warrnambool and District Pipe Band opening the show marching down the hill, The Southern Ocean Sea Band with their shanties, Seal Prince and the Roof Rats got people up, André Elhay’s Afro-Cuban Adventure had people grooving and had local DJs spinning tunes to keep everyone dancing as the sun set over the quarry-local legend Naomy Paddon, plus DJ Jack_4ss fresh from Freeza’s DJ workshops.

Learning and growing together

Harfest wasn’t just about having fun - it was also the finish line for a 6-week event management course run by Worn Gundidj. Participants learned everything from event planning to budgeting and marketing, then got to put those skills into action by helping make Harfest happen. Big thanks to Workforce Australia Local Jobs South Coast, Worn Gundidj Nursery, are-able, Sureway Employment & Training and ACFE for supporting this program. It’s great to see how the garden is a place for learning and growing in every sense.

More than just a garden

The Warrnambool Community Garden is so much more than a spot to grow veggies - it’s a real community hub. With over 200 members, plenty of projects, and spaces like the quarry amphitheatre and sensory gardens, it’s a place where people come together to share, learn, and celebrate.

Can’t wait for Harfest 2026!

We’re already looking forward to next year’s Harfest. If you missed out this time, make sure you come along on Saturday 14 March 2026 - it’s a day full of good vibes, community, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.