Festivals highlight community unity

In a strong display of unity, three upcoming local festivals have combined to produce advertisements to be displayed in bus shelters around the area.

Northern Illawarra Online director Scott Smith, who secured the redundant advertising space from the RTA, said the decision by organisers of the Otford Country Fair, Helensburgh Village Fair and Stanwell Park Festival of Flight showed “an amazing new level of collaboration”.

“It will raise greater awareness of these events and create a glimpse of solidarity that will echo for years to come,” said Scott.

He said the three bus shelters in Helensburgh and Otford had not been used for advertising previously as they had not been equipped with frames.

The Otford Public School P&C, Helensburgh Lions Club and Festival of Flight committee members have agreed to cover the cost of installation of two signs per bus shelter to promote their upcoming events.

After 13 November, all six spaces will become available to the wider community to promote local events without any of the high rental costs usually incurred.

“The only expense for community groups would be for the minimal outlay for the manufacturing of the signs,” Scott said.

For further information, visit www.nio.net.au/community or send submissions to NiO at PO Box 200 Helensburgh 2508.