CHERRY HARMONY FESTIVAL
By Dave Roberts
This coming weekend, especially Saturday, it’s worth a trip to get down to Manjimup and see a small community turn on a celebration, showcasing themselves and the life that you can have in the South West, if you choose to build it. They make it look easy.
If you were from outside WA right now and you saw the media reports of WA, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there is a blanket of wealth and prosperity that covers us all, courtesy of the resources industry. It’s true, there are all sorts of benefits flowing into the state and employment is up, as are prices for all sorts of things.
The good times probably soften other problems too, but some communities have been blessed a little more lightly than others in the boom that’s covering much of the South West. |
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One community that felt the sting of it’s major industry taking a backward step was Manjimup. The native forests in the South West have produced Jarrah, Karri, and a range of less common species of hardwood for decades, and indeed the first major export from WA was called “Swan River Mahogany”, which we’ve come to know as Jarrah. I’m told that a lot of streets in London and Berlin were paved with it at one time, but I can’t confirm that. Some years ago, the state decided that we could no longer cut the forests at the rate we were, or soon there’d be none left. Given that the forests have an impact on water levels and quality, wildlife habitat, air quality, and any number of other important matters, it was an inescapable decision. Sadly, people in Manjimup paid with their security, and as happens, it seemed less than fair.
Time after time we see evidence of people who know things are not fair, but instead of whingeing about it, they get on and do something to benefit themselves and their towns. Discussions with Pam Bodsworth from the organising committee of the Cherry Harmony Festival in Manjimup take me back to August 2002, when Timber Communities Australia held a seminar in the town, and it was noted that “people weren’t really smiling too much”. The simple outcome was that a “few dedicated people got together, and between August and December, we organised a festival with no money”.
The 2002 festival was a one day affair, and highlighted the joys of living in the South West. The focus seemed to be the produce of the area and the strength of the people. Coming up on the 2007 festival, momentum has gathered, but the outline seems very similar.
Friday night 7 December there will be a youth concert, featuring the Flairz. The bulk of the festival will take place on Saturday 8 December. There will be stalls to acquire local produce, and there will be tasting so you get a sense of what’s coming out of the area. I’m always happy with a wine tasting, but there is also a chance to taste the fine olive oil of the district, and TRUFFLES! I’ve no idea what a truffle tastes like, and getting to know that could be the highlight of my weekend, I’m probably showing my ignorance, but I don’t care and it’s always good to learn something.
Festivals bring out a local flavour, and there will be a final of the pip spitting competition. Heats have been on around the region, and spits in excess of 12 metres have been recorded. Last year’s winner will, by the time you read this be in New Zealand with the aim of asserting Aussie Dominance in this exciting international sport. The festival is indeed your chance to see international level spitting.
Things of wonder come out of Aussie sheds.... and one of them is home brew. Last year was the first of the home brew competitions, and more than 70 bottles were tasted. At least as many are entered this year and they’re spread over 9 categories. It’s serious competition and across 9 categories there are some very enthusiastic amateurs who are eager to show their passion for the fluid. Hotly contested is the category for cherry beer, signature for the festival, and another thing I’ll need to experience before I can say more.
Saturday will wind up with a family evening in the Timber Heritage Park, a great concert which will culminate in an outing by legendary “Mental as Anything”, how does a tiny town like Manji come up with this stuff? Are they really still on the back foot?
Sunday is starting to look like the classic, easy morning after. Breakfast in the park, antique and collectibles fair, local entertainers outdoors, all quiet and enjoyable by the sound of it, but worth considering the overnight, especially if Saturday is a big one for you.
If there is more you need to know, have a look at www.cherryfestival.com.au .
Manjimup, like a few other inland towns, has faced some difficult moments and I’ve been in such a town and seen how it affects people. The way forward isn’t obvious sometimes. Those few dedicated souls who decided that there was joy to be had and they were going to have it must be commended. They’ve not only looked after themselves, but the town now appears in finalist lists like of things like the Regional Achievement Awards and the Community of the Year. And people from outside the town are able to wander on down and get a bit of a sample. Check it out.
December 2007
