20/09/2024
On behalf of the Bribie Retreat and Recreation Centre Board of Management and the Bribie ‘OPA’ Greek Festival Committee, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all involved in the Festival for 2024.
To the tireless organising committee; the day simply would not exist without this small group of amazing people who do all they do because they believe in the cultural significance that the event provides for the local and regional community. The preparations for this event started 12 months in advance, with many late-night meetings, and an extraordinary number of hours spent as volunteers in addition to their already busy personal work commitments and schedules. This isn't a 1-day event for the committee - the majority invest 4 days on-site in preparation, delivery and clean-up after the event; without fanfare or acknowledgement.
To our general volunteers, donors, dancers, exhibitors, partners and service providers; this event would not proceed from concept to actuality without the couple of hundred people who uproot from their own commitments to work steadfastly throughout the day (and often many days before and after the event). The majority of our volunteers hail from our Greek Orthodox Parishes in Taigum, Brisbane, Mt Gravatt, Gold Coast and even Cairns. A high percentage of these volunteers are our ever-wise, senior generation who work well beyond standard expectations to provide the best possible experience of Greek Culture for our visitors.
To all levels of Government who provide both material support and in attendance on the day to their already hectic schedules:
Councillor Peter Flannery - Mayor, and the City of Moreton Bay and our Division One Councillor Brooke Savige who generously provide funding support, Marquees, Waste Bins and advertising support.
State Member for Pumicestone, Ali King MP, who provided Funding Support (via Multicultural Affairs Queensland) and provision of Marquees.
Federal Member for Longman, Terry Young MP, who also provided provision of Marquee and advertising support.
To the almost 3,000 people who attended on the day, we say Thank you.
All of the preparation and coordination of volunteers is for nothing if the community don't support the event. We appreciate you choosing to spend your time to be actively involved in our event. My personal favourite moment of the day is watching the general crowd assimilate with the Dancing groups and Band to create what ‘OPA’ is intended to provide...a rare moment where we can pause...be present...and celebrate your inner Greek with family and community.
We also apologise where we fell short. We certainly don't intend to make mistakes and spend countless hours in preparation to try and make this the best possible community event as we can. We ran into some key hurdles such as providers pulling out with late notice, food and coffee queues, skeleton volunteer base and equipment failure. These are reasons but ultimately, we accept that these aren't excuses and we live and learn for the next time.
OPA Bribie!
