Koonya Garlic Festival: 2024 event cancelled due to ‘unexpected challenges’, committee says

One of southern Tasmania’s most beloved festivals will take a year off in 2024 – but the committee behind the event has vowed to return in the future.

Geoff Dugan and Lesley Fraser garlic growers and committee members of the Koonya Garlic Festival. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The organisers of the Koonya Garlic Festival have been forced to cancel the 2024 event due to “unexpected challenges”, including a lack of committee members.

It would have been the 10th anniversary of the festival, which was first held in 2014.

In a statement posted on the Koonya Garlic Festival Facebook page earlier this month, the committee behind the event said they shared the news with “heavy hearts”.

“Due to unexpected challenges and a shortage of committee members, we regret to announce the cancellation of the 2024 festival,” the statement said.

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“Despite our best efforts to bolster our committee numbers, we currently lack the people power needed for a safe and successful event.”

The committee said it was “actively working to overcome challenges but need your help”.

“If you’re interested in supporting the festival in 2025, we’d love to have you on board. The more hands on deck, the easier it becomes,” the statement said.

Despite the cancellation of the festival, the 2024 Koonya Garlic Competition will still go ahead on February 23.

Open to both professional and amateur garlic growers of all ages, the competition includes categories such as silverskin, artichoke, turban, standard purple stripe, Creole, elephant/Russian, and plaited garlic.

White garlic bulbs from Geoff Dugan’s farm at Koonya for a farm feature. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place in each group.

“Although a private affair, we’ll be increasing online coverage for you to enjoy. Post-competition, all our efforts will be dedicated to making the 2025 festival extraordinary,” the committee said.

Entries for the competition can be lodged at a range of locations, including Elite Appliances on Bathurst St, Bendigo Bank Nubeena branch, Koonya Hall, and PCYC on Liverpool St. Alternatively you can post or drop off an entry to Geoff Dugan at 728 Nubeena Back Rd, Koonya 7187 before 11am on February 23.

To offer your assistance to the Koonya Garlic Festival Committee, send an email to [e-mail].

Originally published as Koonya Garlic Festival: 2024 event cancelled due to ‘unexpected challenges’, committee says