Thousands expected at free festival
Asinger-songwriter inspiring a new generation of people to stand up and make a difference will be a special guest at this year’s Operation 19:14 event.
Levi Mcgrath will attend the festivities at Horsham’s Sawyer Park on Sunday to share stories of extreme poverty and the difference individuals can make in the world by looking out for others.
Operation 19:14 is a popular event on the Wimmera calendar, with hundreds of families attending each year.
Volunteers from Wimmera churches put in countless hours to ensure a free, action-packed day of entertainment and activities for families.
Committee member Yolande Grosser said this year’s event would be no exception, with plenty of plans in place.
She said organisers were thrilled to attract Mcgrath to the city’s soundshell.
“Following tours of Canada, the UK and Germany, the Indie International Songwriting Contest prize-winner is back in Australia and coming to Sawyer Park,” she said.
“Levi is assistant music director with Melbourne Street Choir Inc. and the School of Hard Knocks, but during his performance at Operation 19:14 he will use music, videos and photos to tell his story of going to Africa with World Vision, where he worked with former child soldiers in Uganda.”
Mrs Grosser said Mcgrath was passionate about bringing music to disadvantaged and isolated young people.
“He is currently involved in two projects, Instruments for The Outback – engaging with and providing opportunities for young indigenous musicians to perform, record and be mentored by professional musicians – and Instruments for Ethiopia – a similar project delivering traditional instruments and funding for teaching those instruments to homeless and marginalised street children in Addis Ababa.
“We at Operation 19:14 are thrilled to welcome Levi to our event and share his amazing talent and message with families in the region through our free family-fun day.”
Full schedule
Mrs Grosser said the event, which runs from noon to 4pm, would offer something for everyone.
She said animals would feature among the action, including Jamie and Kim’s Mobile Zoo, pony rides and a mechanical bull.
“For the creative we have woodwork and craft. For those who like to wear their art, we have face-painting, temporary tattoos and badge making, and most importantly, for those who like to eat their art, we have gingerbread men from The Oven Door to decorate… and eat,” she said.
Mrs Grosser said action fans would find plenty of movement thanks to train rides, gi- ant inflatables and zorb balls, alongside the challenges of rock-climbing, extreme air bungee and a mechanical surfboard for risk-takers. There will also be a ‘mega adult bouncy castle’ and human foosball.
“We don’t really know what to expect with some of these new rides and games, but we’re glad our first-aid officers are locked in and a couple of paramedics will be on site – casually deep frying hot jam donuts undercover – but ready to leap into action if duty calls,” Mrs Grosser said.
“We have had one Operation 19:14 baby in the past, with a visitor going into labour, but mainly there is only a call for the odd icepack or bandage.”
Children younger than five will have a special set of rides and there will be room to park prams, along with a nappy change and feeding area.
“To fuel all these exhausting activities, mainly aimed at primary school-aged children, there will be a sausage sizzle, fruit kebabs, hot jam donuts and popcorn. A cuppa and a piece of slice from the Salvos on the day will be most welcome as families pull up a bale of hay and enjoy the entertainment on centre stage,” Mrs Grosser said.
Wimmera showcase
Wimmera talent on show will include Horsham School of Music singers, the Voices of Wimmera singing group, Shake and Groove dancers and Horsham Primary School’s signing choir.
Mrs Grosser said more than 1500 children would receive a goodie bag and activity pass at registration. Each activity pass includes a lucky number, which will be in the running for one of seven Fitbit Aces, drawn at the end of the day.
“We will be launching our mobile app at this year’s event, with a map of the park included,” Mrs Grosser said.
People can visit www.operation1914.org for more information.