June 26, 2013
Nanango businesswoman Cath Kenny has joined together with the Boots’n Bulldust committee to prove that the South Burnett still shines.
Ms Kenny, from Shortiez Country Fried Chicken, started musing on Facebook earlier this month about a way to mark the second anniversary of her business.
Her self-confessed “crazy idea” was a “car display, bike display, truck display, horse display, business display, home-based business display, farmers’ display, musicians, buskers and sporting display …”
“If it works I hope each town starts one,” she wrote. “If you are like me and work your butt off day after day and think something gotta give soon, this is our shot. I promise you an unforgettable day if you join in. With many more surprises. My crazy idea. But I love it.”
Now with the help of Boots’n Bulldust Inc – the organisers of the annual Boots’n Bulldust rodeo in Nanango and this year’s Spirit of the South Burnett flood recovery festival – Cath’s “crazy idea” is set to become a reality on August 24.
The day has been dubbed “South Burnett Shines” and will feature stalls, entertainment and … a world record attempt by a motorcycle stunt rider to jump over three helicopters.
It will be held at Pioneer Park in Nanango and at the Nanango Cultural Centre in George Street.
Festival co-ordinator Sandy Towell said Cath could see the toll that the economy, years of drought and floods and the political climate was taking on the area.
“She loves the area and wants it to thrive. However, she knows that the towns are looking and feeling a bit worn and the council can’t prioritise cosmetic and social improvements given the massive funding cuts that it has been given,” Mrs Towell said.
“Advertising costs money but is also one of the first things that businesses tend to let go of when times get tough.
“So Cath came up with an idea to promote the South Burnett, its businesses, tourism outlets, events and activities.
“After talking to some locals she realised she was onto something that people could really get behind but she needed help; this was going to be a massive undertaking.
“She popped over to discuss her plan with me and asked Boots’n Bulldust Inc to take on the management of the event, given our previous experience and the fact that there was going to be a fundraising component.”
Cath said most small business operators were struggling to keep their businesses afloat in extremely difficult economic conditions.
“Many have left their businesses altogether or moved from town premises and become home-based businesses because of the high cost of overheads,” she said.
“When times get tough like this, one of the first things to go is advertising but we need this to get more clients.
“With all we have been through in the South Burnett over the past couple of years, it’s time we got a break.
“I believe it is time that we borrow from an earlier time in our history and band together to make a difference. If we all open the lines of communication, come together for a common cause and just get in and do it for ourselves – we will make a difference to our businesses and our region.
“Things need to change if we are to survive.
“I made myself a promise that if I was still trading after two years, I would take a gamble and do something for my business, my town and my region.
“So I popped over and discussed my crazy idea with Sandy Towell and she agreed that, if anything is going to change, we definitely have to be the instigators of that change.
“We can’t rely on anyone else, especially government, to do it for us. So, under the auspices of Boots’n Bulldust Inc, we are going to give it a go.
“We all live in a beautiful region that has so many amazing places to visit, great events all year round and a wonderful diversity of lifestyle.
“But the region is fragmented; a hangover from pre-amalgamation and we act as if we are all in competition when we are actually all complementary to each other.
“It’s time to fix that breakdown in communication and attitudes and get our businesses, events, activities and our beautiful South Burnett on the map. South Burnett Shines is our chance to do that!
“We are inviting everyone with a business, event, activity or hobby to come together to show the world just what happens in the South Burnett.
“We are looking for traditional and home-based businesses, arts and crafts, handmade vendors, car clubs, sporting groups, event organizers, tourist venues, farmers who sell to the public, bike clubs and anyone else who wants to let people know what they do and sell some items.
“The size and success of this event will only be limited by your commitment to be involved.
“Because we believe in family, there will be lots of family fun games from the good old days as well as jumping castles, face painting and anything else we can think of to have a bit of fun. But wait, there’s more.
“David Russell, daredevil, will be make a world record attempt on the day to jump three helicopters at once – while their rotors are turning!
“As people are hearing about what we are trying to do, they are calling in and adding to the line-up of entertainment.
“We already have some sponsorship to kick this off and will be applying for more to keep costs down and profits up.
“Stallholders can sell their wares on the day or just promote their business or activities. Event co-ordinators are encouraged to promote their upcoming events.
“The event is for people within the region to get to know what is available here and it is also to promote the region further afield. Advertising will cover the south-east corner of Queensland.
“To encourage as many people as possible to participate, stalls will cost just $11 each.
“Funds raised from this day will be used to revitalise our region and will be administered through Boots’n Bulldust Inc – a not-for-profit organisation that has already shown its commitment to the South Burnett through its support of local people living with depression.
“So, there just remains one thing. We are putting ourselves on the line to make a difference to this community – one day, one chance; to take the gamble or not – that is the question. Will you join us in having a go?”
- For more information, contact Boots’n Bulldust on 0423-830-224.
