Shellharbour City Council's magical light and soundscape experience, 'The Enchanted Forest', has received national recognition, winning the award for Best Small Regional Event at the 2023 Australian Event Awards and Symposium.
The Australian Event Awards and Symposium is the national awards program and conference for the Australian events industry. It provides Australian event professionals the opportunity to compete and establishes the best events and event-related goods, services and innovations.
The 'Best Small Regional Event' award recognises an event delivered within a budget of $350,000 that makes an outstanding contribution to a region or community outside of a major population centre.
The Enchanted Forest was delivered in partnership with LASERVISION, the world's leading creator and producer of light, water and sound shows. Together they transformed the beautiful setting of Blackbutt Forest into an enchanted wonderland of vibrant installations, laser effects, magical holograms and soundscapes.
The family-friendly event was held over 23 executive nights, from Friday 13 May to Sunday 11 June, and during this time attracted 66,000 plus visitors from the Illawarra and surrounds.
It proudly funded by the Regional Events Acceleration Fund, Regional NSW in association with Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said he was thrilled that The Enchanted Forest had won the prestigious industry award.
"I am so proud of the Council staff who delivered this event. It was a unique and unforgettable experience for people of all ages," Mayor Homer said.
"To have the event recognised on the national stage is wonderful. Feedback from our community was extremely positive, with many attendees travelling from outside the Shellharbour local government area to enjoy the amazing light and laser installations and soundscapes.
"Hosting 66,200 people over a three-week period was a mammoth effort on behalf of all involved. The response we had exceeded our expectations, which were already high.
"The overwhelming success of The Enchanted Forest has truly helped put Shellharbour City on the map as an event destination," he said.
LASERVISION CEO Shannon Brooks said the LASERVISION team was "ecstatic" with the win, as well as the community's reaction to the event.
"This recognition from people within the industry, particularly a body like the Australian Event Awards, knowing you're doing something fantastic, something new and innovative for regional areas is wonderful," Mr Brooks said.
"With The Enchanted Forest, we sought to bring something to the community that they perhaps don't traditionally see anywhere, let alone in their backyard. It was fantastic partnering with Shellharbour City Council in delivering this event," he said.
Council is exploring opportunities to continue the Enchanted Forest in 2024.
(Photo credit: Waymark Productions)
