Central Coast Councillor, Epicentre member and ‘Mumma Goat’, Ms Jillian Hogan, has reflected on 20 years of the San Remo based, community music festival, GOATS. Over 150 young performers graced three stages to entertain family, friends and fans at the 2018 GOATS Festival.
Clr Hogan started the festival 20 years ago as a way for young people to showcase their talents and remembers the early years fondly. “Who would have thought that from that first year, with two bands on the back of a truck, that the festival would grow to such huge proportions,” she said.
“I’m so proud of the Central Coast’s young people, they not only have exceptional talents performing on stage, but they’re also responsible for a lot of the organising behind the scenes, as well as being stage managers and announcers on the day,” she continued. This year, special guests were invited to join the celebrations, including, Mark Gable, from the Choirboys, the Coast’s very own, Fletcher Pilon, plus old time GOATS performers from years ago, Greg Gould, October Rage and Ella Roberts.
All of these more experienced artists mingled with the crowd and connected with the younger performers. In addition to the music, special awards were presented to young people who had volunteered throughout the year, acknowledging their dedication to the community. Community stalls connected with families to inform them about their services. There were also rides, and food and market stalls completed the festival atmosphere.
“As an all ages event, GOATS (Going Off At the Swamp) Festival is a testament to the fact that intergenerational activities in a drug and alcohol free environment is not only a fun day out but also an effective platform on which to support our young people and establish valuable long-term community connections,” Clr Hogan said. “The event could not have happened without the support of so many volunteers and our sponsors: Central Coast Council, Delta Electricity, the Iris Foundation, AMP Employment Services, Sea FM, Sorensen, LIONS and Community Drug Action Team,” Clr Hogan concluded.
Source: Media release, Apr 30 Jillian Hogan, Central Coast Councillor