Goulburn Options art studio group members (back from left) Amy Forcier, Rob Wales, Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall, Many Gloede; (front) Hannah Challis, Judy Bowdidge, Tahlia Butcher and Lucinda Wales with their creative lanterns.
Victorian towns including Geelong, Ballarat, Mildura and Swan Hill have winter sound and light shows.
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And as of last weekend, so does Seymour.
The weather turned mild and dry, and crowds of people braved the cold winter’s night on Saturday, June 20, to enjoy the Mitchell Shire-sponsored Lights on the Goulburn event at Goulburn Park.
Hundreds of locals rugged up and made the most of the evening and, going by the response of many families, it was well worth it.
Macy and Paddy Allan had a great time at Lights on the Goulburn.
Attendees were amazed how the park came to life with colourful illuminations on the soundshell and surrounds.
The soundshell has been in Goulburn Park since about 1971 and has hosted many community events, but this night was something quite different as light projections shone upon it, as well as the rotunda and toilet block.
The park and soundshell have been hit quite a few times by floods, but the mural painted in 1993 for the Seymour 150th celebrations has stood the test of time, although it was restored in 2015 and touched up in 2021.
Even the Goulburn Park toilet block looked spectacular, lit up for Lights on the Goulburn. Photo: Simon Ruppert.
Mural designer and artist Diane Grant was pleased to see the park and soundshell lit up so spectacularly.
“I felt it was the appropriate place for a community event to be held and lit up for the night for many locals to enjoy,” she said.
“Many locals are to be congratulated for making their handmade lanterns and also wearing some costumes to highlight their creations.”
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall was at the event, which saw a lantern parade meander down the street to the soundshell with emergency vehicles following.
He welcomed everyone and said he hoped Lights on the Goulburn offered a meaningful opportunity for the community to gather after a challenging period.
Baby Skylah Manning in the pram with Ruth Halle, Kelly Coyle and Jimmy Manning take part in the lantern parade.
The event came about from an idea staff at the shire conceived, with Serena Bridges of the community development office being chief organiser for the night.
The free light show was developed by council as a one-off event to support community connection, recovery and shared experience following recent natural disasters.
Cr Dougall thanked members of the local emergency services including SES, CFA, police and the recovery teams who gave up their time to support their communities in difficult times
Soundshell mural designer Diane Grant presents Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall with a Seymour 150th anniversary book.
“It is designed to bring people together in a warm, welcoming and creative way after the impacts of recent flood and bushfire events,” Cr Dougall said.
“This event gives our community a chance to reconnect, reflect and enjoy a shared moment of light and celebrations.”
Cr Dougal also spoke on the strength, resilience, generosity and recovery of the community after being tested, and how local people come away from these disasters stronger.
Robbie Sartori with his family Isabelle, Isla, Dion and Karla enjoying Lights on the Goulburn.
He said he was pleased Seymour residents had retained that famous Aussie spirit.
The crowd was well catered for with food trucks and fun activities like the lantern parade, lively music and disco dancing in the old swimming pool.
“Thanks to Mitchell Shire Council, the light and sound technicians and entertainment groups that made it an exciting and memorable event for the locals, their families and visitors to the park,” Ms Grant said.
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