The laid back atmosphere of the inaugural Milbi at the Lighthouse festival attracted music lovers to take in the tunes, and also gave friends and families a chance to catch up.
With roving entertainment keeping the crowd amused, and a variety of delicious food on offer, community members were in their element at the family event.
Taking the opportunity to snap a photo with the Milbi mermaids, Fleur Supplice and her daughter Shyla Grogan said it was a fantastic way to spend their Saturday together.
Shyla, 11, said she was excited to be at the first Milbi at the Lighthouse festival and she looked forward to taking in the sunshine and enjoying time with her family.
“The mermaids are pretty cool – what a cool job,” she said.
“My uncle helps organise the River Nation Dancers, so I thought I’d come along but I am really looking forward to checking out all the stalls here too.”
River Nation Dancers put on a show as they welcomed the community, giving a brilliant insight into their culture with dance, before a variety of musicians took to the stage to entertain.
Gooreng Gooreng representative Everett Johnson welcomed the community to Country, introducing students from three local high schools that made up the River Nation Dancers, before the festivities really started to get underway.
Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey opened Milbi at the Lighthouse festival saying it was wonderful to see the community turn out to celebrate together.
“The Milbi Festival celebrates Indigenous culture, and all that’s great about our Bundaberg Region – the turtles, the environment and the amazing people,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“Our lifestyle, culture and being together as a community is really on show here.
“I would like to acknowledge Tourism and Events Queensland, as this festival is going to grow over the years, to attract people to our region.
“As they say from little things, big things grow, and certainly here at Milbi at the Lighthouse it is going to continue to grow.
“We have many community champions in our region, and they make events like this possible, so a big thank you to them.”
The Burnett Heads community is no stranger to fantastic festivals, and local community groups, including Burnett Heads Progress and Sports Association, Burnett Heads Rural Fire Brigade and Volunteer Marine Rescue pitched in to help make Milbi at the Lighthouse possible.
Burnett Head residents Jim and Sue Carty attended with long-time friends Peter and Neva Robinson who were visiting the Bundaberg Region from Sippy Downs.
“It’s only early, but such a terrific event already,” Sue said.
“We try to come along to all the festival that are held here – to support local, and it’s really good for the whole community – it brings us all together.”
Milbi at the Lighthouse wrapped up with tunes from local musicians along with headline artists Alex Lloyd and Busby Marou.
