About Us

While the bushfires of 2024/25 were still not yet out, a group of locals, representing all parts of the community, forming a committee calling themselves "The Kitchen Cabinet" - today these volunteers are still working together to help the community recover. 

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Halls Gap Kitchen Cabinet is responding to an urgent need to support the Halls Gap community, which continues to struggle in the wake of devastating summer bushfires. Without immediate action, the town risks losing vital momentum in both tourism and local morale.

 

To revitalise the region during the traditionally quiet winter months, Halls Gap Kitchen Cabinet is producing “GLOW – Bringing Light To Halls Gap” - a winter festival that celebrates community, culture, art, wellbeing, gastronomy, and adventure. The festival aims to attract visitors and encourage them to stay and explore the stunning landscape of Gariwerd, injecting much-needed energy and economic support into the area.

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This is not just a festival — it's a critical act of regeneration for a town in need.

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The festival will transform the town with light installations, music, and public art, creating an inviting atmosphere for locals and tourists alike. The main street and central park will be lit up, forming the heart of the event, while individuals, businesses and community groups will be invited to host a diverse range of gatherings and activities that fill the festival calendar.

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A highlight of the program will be a major interactive art installation by ACT Natimuk, presented during the winter school holidays to draw family audiences and enhance community engagement

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The impact of this festival will go beyond tourism — it will help restore confidence, community pride, and creative expression. It will strengthen the region’s cultural identity and help reposition Halls Gap as a resilient, vibrant destination in the heart of Gariwerd. Most importantly, it brings people together after a period of isolation and challenge, offering healing through shared experience.

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Local businesses are not just backing the concept — they are actively contributing to its success. Every business in town is offering something: from hosting live performances, guest speakers, and wellbeing activities, to curating special menus, exhibitions, and community gatherings. Others are providing hands-on support, including the installation of lighting throughout the main street and park.

 

This is a truly collaborative effort, uniting the tourism, hospitality, arts, and wellbeing sectors under a common goal: to bring people back to Halls Gap and restore vitality to our community.