HVO supports Cessnock’s Our Bushland Festival

People from Cessnock and surrounding towns of all ages can enjoy loads of fun and nature themed activities for free at Cessnock City Council’s popular Our Bushland Festival from September 6 to 8, 2024.

Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) is supporting this event through a HVO community grant.

Event details

The festivities will start on Friday September 6 with Twilight Tales – a new outdoor cinema event from 5 to 7.30pm at the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre. 

On Saturday September 7, people will get to explore the magic of local bushland after dark and the night sky at Spotlights and Stars. Local ecologists will take people to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. This year’s event will include a captivating stargazing talk.

On Sunday September 8 the festival moves to Poppethead Park in Kitchener for an action-packed day of fun, food and adventure from 9.30am to 3pm. Highlights include:

• guided bushwalks
• mini workshops
• animal talks featuring reptiles and Tassie Devils
• a range of kids’ activities
• live music performances by Isaac Compton, Trinity Woodhouse, Mackenzie Lee, Dirt Road Tribute, Chain Daisy, and Sandy Summers.

Cessnock Mayor, Cr Jay Suvaal, said Council is excited to bring this wonderful festival back for its third year to celebrate Cessnock’s unique flora and fauna.

HVO General Manager David Foster said HVO is a first time supporter of Cessnock Council’s Our Bushland Festival.

“It’s shaping up to be bigger and better than ever with an expanded array of events and activities that highlight the natural beauty and biodiversity of our region,” Cr Suvaal said.

“One of our community grants program themes is supporting projects that enhance our region’s environment,” Dave said. 

“This is a great program that connects residents with their local environment in a fun way. Some of our employees and their families live in the Cessnock LGA,” he said.

“The Our Bushland Festival raises awareness of the importance, uniqueness and diversity of bushland in Cessnock and Kurri. It encourages and provides information on how everyone can play a part in caring for and protecting their local bush.”

HVO Community Grants

HVO’s community grant to support the festival is one of 20 given out in 2024. HVO has provided almost $500,000 to more than 110 projects since 2018. This is in addition to its other charity partnerships and workplace giving programs. The grants support smaller scale projects of not for profit organisations in the Muswellbrook, Singleton, Cessnock, Maitland and Upper Hunter local government areas. To find out more visit www.hvo.com.au/community.

More information

While all 2024 Our Bushland Festival events are free, people need to book spaces for Twilight Tales and Spotlights and Stars. To book and for more information, visit the Our Bushland Festival website.