THIS year’s Five Rivers Outback Festival may well be one of the biggest yet, with well-known artists to perform throughout the weekend.
Entertainers Kate DeAraugo, Murray Hartin and Wendy Matthews will perform at the three-day event, with local artists also set to take to the stage.
For the first time in the events history, the festival will not only cover the once thriving red gum industry, but also the significance of the wool industry in the local area.
Five Rivers Outback Festival committee chairperson Mia Zaffina said this year the event would not only bring people into the town, but would also place a focus on promoting local businesses.
“It will be a reunion of the people in the timber industry and the pastoral industry,” Ms Zaffina said.
“We wanted to do something specific for the Balranald area, they are the two industries that have sustained the area in the past.
“The basis of the festival this year will also focus on local businesses reaping the benefits of what the festival can provide.”
Part of the historical outline of the regions past with the wool industry will be presented through an overview of the major stations in the area.
The event is now in its third year, with organisers hoping for crowds of around 1500 to attend.
Ms Zaffina said people who have lived and worked in the Balranald area in both industries were expected to return to the town for the three-day festival.
“We’ve had a positive response from people in the timber industry, so there will be people from far and wide coming back to the area.”
This year’s celebrations will include a poetry competition, fashion parade and an Indigenous art exhibition along with timber and shearing demonstrations.
A 4WD muster, Yanga National Park tour and My Camp Oven Rules competition will also feature throughout the festival.
Celebrations will begin October 11.
