Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Since beginning three years ago, the New England Garden Festival has grown, and Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has delivered funding which will ensure the festival will continue to flourish.
A $13,000 grant from the Community Building Partnership program was delivered to the New England Garden Festival to purchase gazebos and digital equipment which will come in handy at their coming event this weekend (1 and 2 November).
Mr Moylan said the festival is an important event on the Northern Tablelands calendar and it is important to support it for its continued success.
“The New England Garden Festival brings large numbers of people of all ages to the Armidale and wider areas, such as Glen Innes and Tenterfield, and shows what a spectacular part of the world our region is,” he said.
“From that, the entire region benefits.
“Motels fill up, businesses, restaurants, cafés and pubs all benefit from people coming to town and spending money locally.
“It is an entirely volunteer-run event and raises important funds for local charities and organisations.
“Last year’s event built on the tremendous success of the first festival, and I am looking forward to see it get even bigger again.”
New England Garden Festival committee member Susie Coventry said the new gazebos will assist with shade in the warm spring weather and the digital devices will help with ticketing and collecting data to better future events.
“The funds raised through the festival are more than just money – they represent an ongoing investment in our community,” she said.
“Every dollar helps local charities, and volunteer organisations, to continue their essential work supporting families, improving mental health, and creating opportunities for connection and growth in our community.”
Ms Coventry also said more than 100 volunteers contribute to the success of the festival.
“Volunteers are the heart and hands of community events like the New England Garden Festival,” she said.
New England Garden Festival secretary Kathryn Hogan said highlighted the importance of the fundraising which goes back into the local community.
“Ultimately the New England Garden Festival Raises money for local charities,” she said.
“All the money raised is invested in each town in our region.
“This year we intend to distribute the funds raised to a wider variety of organisations to address their specific material needs.
“We are aiming to exceed the $40,000 donated in 2024.
“The committee would like to extend its appreciation to Brendan for supporting our application for the Community Building Partnerships Program.
“The funding enables our organisation to invest in activities that will generate positive social impacts in our New England communities.”
MEDIA: Electorate Office 6772 5552
Photo caption: Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan (second from right) with New England Garden Festival committee members Kay Pell, Kathryn Hogan, Ros Noakes and Margaret Watts.