Community
7 October, 2024
Machans festival shines
USUALLY a quiet beachside getaway, the Northern Cairns’ suburb of Machans Beach drew locals and visitors alike to the colourful Moon Over Machans festival at Keith Edward Park last Saturday.
Marking 20 years since the first Moon Over Machans event, the return of the popular day featured plenty of market stalls, such as the Machans Beach Community Association bric-a-brac and treasures stall, or the local school P&C stick-on tattoo booth, arts and crafts displays, food and drinks stands, acrobat workshops, and other exhibits.
As evening approached, the celebrations continued with kids’ novelty races, a kids talent quest, and performances from the Machans Beach State School orchestra, local duo Wind and Wood, a Taiko band, a local rock band and an amazing Latin dance troupe.
Moon Over Machans organiser Mark Herridge said the event was a great way for the community to recover after major flooding of the suburb in December last year.
“We understand that Cyclone Jasper affected people all over North Queensland,” Mr Herridge said. “There are still shells of houses in Machans today.”
Fittingly, Machans Beach’s local State Emergency Service team, whose headquarters are next to the park, made a happier appearance in the community with its own exhibit and stall at the market.
“(Residents) are ready for a celebration after the devastation caused by Jasper, which directly affected nearly half the community and indirectly affected us all.”
For more photos of the event, see our story online - www.cairnslocalnews.com.au
