By Tyler Wright
In an effort to raise funds for the Monbulk CFA Fire Brigade, the Monbulk Quilt Show is returning to the town’s Living and Learning Centre after a three-year hiatus.
For the first time on Saturday 1 October, Monbulk RSL will be home to trades tables for stallholders, helping avoid the elements and setting up marquees.
Event organiser Karen Martin, owner of Mrs Martin’s Quilt Shop in Emerald, said the show which she has run for 18 years is the “biggest” fundraiser in the year for the local CFA.
“The girls just come from near and far, they travel with their girlfriends, they always go up the street and support all the shops,” Karen said.
“I let the shops know there’s going to be a quilt show in town, and if they’re not open…maybe it’s worth their while.
Most shops are full in Monbulk now, and that hasn’t been like that for a very long time.”
Mrs Martin’s Quilt Shop staff will collect a $5 entry fee at the door, and use white gloves to handle the quilts and answer visitors’ questions.
Monbulk CFA will run The Quilt Cafe and a sausage sizzle next to the community hub, and attendees will be able to purchase a raffle ticket with donated hampers on offer for winners.
A Bendigo Bank cheque with the proceeds raised from the show will be given to Monbulk CFA on the day.
In 2019 the Monbulk Quilt Show raised $5,000 for the Monbulk CFA, and Karen hopes more locals will get involved this year to boost the donation.
“If it’s pouring rain, obviously you’ll get less [visitors], if it’s bushfires, they won’t come up… but I’m predicting a good one, because it’s been such a long time and we’re quite well known now for the show with the out of towners,” she said.
The CFA has used money raised in previous years to fund a mobile kitchen, helmets and lighting.
The Monbulk Living and Learning Centre is located at 21 Main Road, Monbulk 3796.
