Fireworks will return to Raymond Terrace in 2017 for the first time in decades with a brand new festival, bringing together the entire community to celebrate the past, present and future of Boomerang Park.

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Illuminate Boomerang Park will be a family-friendly event for all Port Stephens residents and visitors, featuring lantern-making, night skateboarding, an exhibition of the park’s history, and a glow room, with an exciting fireworks finale.

Penny Amberg, Council’s Integrated Strategic Planning Manager, says this is a significant community event for Raymond Terrace and Port Stephens.

“Council identified the opportunity for a free, fun, family-focused event for the whole community that showcases all the assets of beautiful Boomerang Park, including its rich heritage and history”, she said.

“Illuminate is a true participatory event, with opportunities for everyone to get involved from now right up to the festival in November. There are free lantern-making workshops happening across the region and we’re calling on the community to provide us with their memories of the park to help us uncover its secrets and stories.

“We’re also encouraging local businesses to support the event by displaying a handmade Illuminate lantern in their stores”, Ms Amberg continued.

“With their continued support and that of our wonderful principal sponsor, Greater Bank, and partner McDonald Jones Homes, Illuminate has the potential to grow into a regional tourism event for our region.”

Greater Bank’s Raymond Terrace Branch Manager, Chris Baguley, said they were delighted to be involved with such a significant event that will bring together the entire Raymond Terrace community.

“Greater Bank has had a strong presence in the area for many years and it’s fantastic to provide support to a community that has long supported us”, Mr Baguley said.

“Our support if this event though is more than just financial. Greater Bank staff from our four Port Stephens branches will be involved in the lantern-making classes with school children across the area.

“It’s a fantastic event for the whole community and we are very much looking forward to being part of it in 2017″, Mr Baguley said.

Bill McDonald, founder of Illuminate partner sponsor McDonald Jones Homes, said the event was in line with his company’s values.

“Community is at the heart of everything that we do at McDonald Jones. People are our passion and this year as we celebrate our 30th Birthday we’re delighted to support this wonderful event which will bring families from Port Stephens and the Hunter Region together.”

Victor Jones, Raymond Terrace RSL Sub-Branch President, says the festival will also celebrate the history and significance of the park to Raymond Terrace.

“Illuminate is a great opportunity for the community to reconnect with Boomerang Park. It’s a wonderful community asset which has played a significant role in the history of our town for over a century,” he said.

Media are invited to attend the official launch of Illuminate from 11:30am Thursday 31 August 2017 at the Men’s Shed in Boomerang Park, Irrawang Street Raymond Terrace.

There will be photo opportunities with representatives from principal sponsor Greater Bank, as well as McDonald Jones Homes, Port Stephens Council, community group spokespeople, lanterns for sale and on display, and a free BBQ lunch.