Esk Garden Fair
Esk Garden Fair, 2025
EVENT STORY
Proudly presented by the Valley of the Lakes Garden Club, Esk Garden Fair began in 2016 and is a true community effort involving more than 100 volunteers. Located in the heart of Esk, the fair celebrates gardening through dozens of specialist nurseries, expert speakers and unique garden art, while raising funds for community legacy projects such as the Esk Mosaic Trail.
WHY THEY NEEDED OUR SUPPORT AND WHAT THEY WANTED TO GAIN
The committee sought to professionalise its operations and embrace technology to improve efficiency. Key goals included developing its first-ever strategic plan, improving marketing imagery, and establishing formal systems for delegation and succession planning.
WHAT THEY GAINED FROM PARTICIPATING
Delivered a highly successful 2025 event with positive financial results and an enhanced post-event review process.
Established a formal strategic plan and detailed committee job descriptions to support succession.
Recruited new volunteers.
Successfully implemented new technology, including online Google Forms for stallholders and an ATDW listing for the first time.
Secured a grant for new event elements and created a professional sponsorship proposal.
Became inspired to create a piece of public art each year from event profits, leaving a lasting legacy for the region.
Removed plastic tablecloths and explored other ways to improve environmental impact, such as repurposing coffee cups.
Created a volunteer business liaison position for the first time, resulting in greater buy-in from the community and local businesses.
TOP 3 LEARNINGS/OUTCOMES
The committee embraced technology and created a more professional approach. The shared drive was a game changer.
The process gave the committee more confidence in running the event and engaging with sponsors, council and the community.
The committee is now more diligent in recording processes to support succession planning and is embracing AI to help with this process.
As the organising team behind the Esk Garden Fair, we cannot speak highly enough of the support, structure, and strategic insight provided... This program has been a game-changer for us—elevating our planning, marketing, and execution to a whole new level.
