Solstice Sizzles in Boambee East

THE Boambee Winter Solstice Family Festival, organised by the Boambee East Community Centre, was held on Saturday 20 June, drawing well over 2,000 people to the Boambee community precinct for a full day and night of free entertainment, food and celebration.

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams, opened the event, helping to welcome the community and encouraging everyone to enjoy the festivities as the day unfolded into night, following a heartfelt Welcome to Country by Aunty Bea Ballangarry.

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, occurring when one of Earth’s poles is tilted furthest away from the Sun.

In the Southern Hemisphere, it falls around June 20–21. From this point onward, daylight hours gradually begin to increase again, a shift often associated with renewal and hope.

Now in its 10th year, the festival has grown from a small community gathering of around 100 people into one of the region’s most anticipated annual events.

Organisers Sue Butler and Grace Hamey were on site throughout the day and evening, supported by a large volunteer team who ensured the event ran smoothly from setup through to the final glow of the bonfire.

Sue Butler said the atmosphere across the entire event was outstanding, describing it as a highlight of the community calendar.

“The evening was truly incredible, we would have had well over 2,000, maybe more people from our community attend throughout the day. It was amazing,” she said, adding it was “wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying the atmosphere, entertainment and the warmth of the bonfire.”

She also thanked a wide range of performers and contributors, including Kel’s 80s Mixtape (Master of Ceremonies), Boambee Public School Choir, Attitude Dance, Fire and Flow, Lilly’s Sacred Fire Flow, All Nesian Whanau, Ryan Martin, BMNAC, Coffs Coast Pipes and Drums and Tyler the Impossible, noting that both the daytime and evening free entertainment thrilled crowds as per usual and gave everyone an amazing day out.

A key feature of the evening program was a performance by Karma and Jesse from Fire and Flow, which drew strong crowds as the night progressed.

David from Boambee RFS said the brigade played an important role in the event’s safety and community education each year, stating, “Boambee RFS start and maintain the fire every year to make sure it all happens safely and have their trucks on display to educate the community about fire safety.”

The Boambee East Community Centre (BECC), a not-for-profit organisation, provides programs and services aimed at strengthening social connection, wellbeing and resilience in the local community.

Sue said she was proud of the volunteer team behind the event, describing them as working “like a well-oiled machine” behind the scenes and said the sense of community created throughout the day and night was “truly amazing.”

Grace Hamey, who now volunteers for the festival after previously working as a project manager at the centre, said the event holds strong personal meaning.

“I find this event incredibly rewarding to organise and see come to life,” she said, adding it provided a valuable opportunity to use her skills in event management to give back to the community and see families connecting and enjoying themselves.

Across the day, families enjoyed free entertainment, children’s activities, face painting, school performances and a popular silent disco for younger kids and those with diverse sensory needs.

As evening approached, the focus shifted toward live performances and community gathering spaces, with food stalls and a barbecue run by Marine Rescue offering affordable meals throughout the event.

The festival was supported by sponsors including Sawtell Kitchens, Mission Australia and Wesley Youth Services, helping ensure a range of activities remained free or low-cost for families.

As night fell, the bonfire became the centrepiece of the celebration, drawing crowds together as the festival transitioned from daytime activities into a warm, communal evening atmosphere.

With strong attendance, growing support and a focus on accessibility and connection, the Boambee Winter Solstice Family Festival continues to be a standout event on the local calendar.

By Kate PYE