Latrobe City Council Mayor, Kellie O'Callaghan joined friends of the Morwell Rose Garden in launching this year's International Rose Garden Festival Morwell.
Now in its sixth year, this free community event has become a highlight on the events calendar, attracting people from all walks of life who enjoy taking a stroll and enjoying the wonders of the garden's 4000 roses.
The annual event, held on November 11- 12, attracts thousands of visitors to the region and plays an important role in increasing the region's local tourism offering, providing economic stimulus over the weekend.
Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming festival.
"We are thrilled to launch the Rose Garden Festival Morwell, showcasing the beauty of roses from around the world. This festival will be a feast for the senses, uniting horticultural enthusiasts, families and visitors in celebration of nature's most cherished flower," said the Mayor.
"The Rose Garden Festival offers an opportunity for community and visitors to immerse themselves in the splendour of the Morwell Rose Garden, which is renowned for its meticulously manicured and exquisite rose collection.
"The volunteers have been busy pruning the garden's roses in readiness for them to be at their blooming best come November. The Friends of the Rose Garden volunteers play a key role in ensuring the gardens are expertly maintained and presented, allowing them to be enjoyed by all."
It is not just the roses which take centre stage during the two day event, the much-loved Night Light Show returns, bigger and brighter thanks to the ongoing support of AGL Loy Yang.
"We're excited to be bringing this beautiful garden to life after dark again this year. Our community partnerships throughout the Latrobe Valley are a significant part of AGL Loy Yang's operations, and I know that our large workforce is proud that we play a leading role in an event of this calibre," said Christo van Niekerk, General Manager AGL Loy Yang.
"We have increased our investment this year in the festival's Night Lights display, and we're very much looking forward to seeing the local community and visitors enjoying an illuminated garden and new entertainment."
Community and visitors are invited to enjoy all that the two day event has to offer, including special guest ABC Gardening Australia host and crowd favourite Costa Georgiadis along with new event attractions An Evening with Costa and the option to travel to the event on the Saturday by Heritage Steam Train from Melbourne or Pakenham.
Take the time to smell the roses as you enjoy the stunning displays of exquisite rose varieties, enjoy live music performances amidst the picturesque gardens, children's activities including Sunday's live performance 'The Grubby Bucket Show' with Costa the Gnome and scrapboy from dirtgirlworld, food stalls, delicious treats from the Country Women's Association Morwell Branch and the night light display in the gardens.
Entry to the festival is free, ensuring accessibility to all members of the community. Visitors are encouraged to explore Morwell and its surrounding attractions, making it a weekend of discovery and leisure.
Keep up to date by visiting the International Rose Garden Festival Morwell website www.irgfm.com.au and subscribe to the Festival newsletter. Tickets are now on sale for the Festival Steam Train via the Festival website.
The event has been made possible thanks to the support of the Victorian Government's Regional Event Fund and AGL Loy Yang.
