By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
The ‘Halloween on the Green,’ Ferny Creek Reserve’s highly anticipated event is back for its fifth year to give everyone ghoulish good times with Monbulk member Daniela De Martino opening the event and leading the Le Pine Funerals Welcome Parade dressed as the famous Harry Potter character ‘Professor McGonagall’.
The Monbulk member said it’s important to have events in the calendar that locals look forward to, and this is an event that’s loved by many.
“I’m really looking forward to the event, I hope we have fabulous weather so that as many people as possible can come out and enjoy what I believe is a spectacular highlight on the hills’ calendar. It’s an incredible opportunity for everyone to come together,” Ms De Martino said.
“Once you’re in the festival, apart from food and stalls, the rides are free – an unusual and generous offering, especially given the current cost-of-living pressures, I think it’s a real gift to the community.”
“Last year, when the event was cancelled, many people, myself included, felt disappointed, this year, there’s a real sense of anticipation because it truly brings the community together and it’s wonderful that we have something right here in the Hills that people don’t have to travel to the Showgrounds or leave the mountain to enjoy something like this – they can celebrate in their own backyard and take pride in our vibrant community.”
Ms De Martino will be going as the Hogwarts teacher Ms McGonagall – she even has the sorting hat sorted.
“I just love that people get into the spirit of dressing up for events like this,” she said.
“I’m incredibly grateful for all the hard work that The Philanthropic Collective puts into this because it’s not just about the festivities, but also what they represent.”
The annual fundraising festival on Mount Dandenong is organised by The Philanthropic Collective and this year, they’ve teamed up with B-Alternatives, an environmental social enterprise, to strengthen their focus on sustainability – attendees can expect initiatives that reduce waste, promote recycling, and offer eco-friendly alternatives throughout the festivities, ensuring a fun and environmentally conscious experience for everyone.
The Philanthropic Collective is a not-for-profit charitable organisation dedicated to supporting children and families facing adversity – it offers material assistance to students, family members, seniors, and schools on an individual basis.
The Philanthropic Collective’s treasurer Fabian Fillip Gautier said the festival, which was interrupted by COVID-19, was initially conceived to bring the community together, especially during challenging times like bushfire season and severe storms in recent years.
“It’s important for everyone to connect and enjoy a bit of fun, this event serves as a wonderful opportunity for locals, particularly children growing up in the area, to come together,” he said.
“We want to make sure the festival is accessible for families, which is why entry fee is only $8, on top of this great deal, kids can enjoy the rides for free.”
“We also provide tickets for community members who may struggle to pay the entry fee, ensuring that everyone can participate and have a great time.”
In addition to the usual food trucks, the event organisers will provide affordable and nutritious options to support families who may be facing financial difficulties.
Families are also encouraged to bring their own picnics.
“It’s a great family event because there’s no alcohol, and the atmosphere is calm and friendly,” the treasurer said.
This year, the event will not include the tradition of displaying images of pets or relatives who have passed away, a practice that has been part of previous festivals.
For those attending, parking will most certainly have its challenges on the day, because the the Ferny Creek Horticultural Societies will be having its flower show on at the same time.
A free minibus shuttle will operate from Burnham Beaches, allowing attendees to park there on a first-come, first-served basis – the shuttle will also transport people back and forth to the event, ensuring convenient access.
The event are still looking for volunteers on the day which can connect at, newbloodrecruits-hotg24@philanthropic.org.au
