“There’s a perception you have to be on the committee to have say,” said Linda Tillman, director of Tilma Management, the firm contracted to manage the festival.

“This festival is about Junee – you don’t have to be on Junee Business and Trades (JBT) or the committee.

“If you want to say something come to a meeting or contact a committee member or go to JBT and say it.”

Mrs Tillman said several public meetings had been held to hear from residents.

She acknowledged the move to Broadway and the introduction of paid ticketing could be seen as a threat.

“Rhythm ‘n’ Rail is not set up or designed to benefit individual business. It’s actually set up to benefit Junee,” Mrs Tillman said

Mrs Tillman said the overall goal of the event was about promoting and showcasing Junee and attracting visitors.

“It’s up to individual businesses to see how they can benefit,” she said.

“Get involved, understand what’s on and do what you can to make sure people come to your business.”

Mrs Tillman said businesses that took the initiative and started something unique would get the most from the festival.

“We want to see the festival go for another 10 to 20 years, we want to see it grow to become like the Parks Elvis Festival or the Deni Ute Muster,” Mrs Tillman said.

“Rhythm ‘n’ Rail is still a baby, at this stage, we have to trial new things and push the boundaries ... what is going to be the perfect model and what is going to ensure sustainability.”

One of the reasons the festival is only now introducing an entry fee is growth, according to the organisers.

With a positive financial return in 2013 and 2014, it’s allowed organisers to build on the event.

Mrs Tillman said organisers were planning a worthy line-up for visitors to enjoy during the day and the entry fee also covered all day rides for children.

Festival co-ordinator Lisa Cameron said plenty of other events charged an entry fee.

“Our mission is to ensure people have a good time and see value,” Ms Cameron said.

The growth of the festival, however, would not have been possible without professional management.

While a volunteer committee does a lot of work, having someone with specialist skills helps keep the momentum going.

“The services we provide allow the event to grow and be sustainable,” Mrs Tillman said.

She said it helped prevent burnout from volunteers.

“We aren’t just there booking market stalls or the audio-visual guy, we’re behind the scenes setting up structures and operating systems so the festival can run successfully and reach the point of Parkes Elvis Festival,” she said.

The behind-the-scene work includes marketing, obtaining state government funds, creating databases and completing award nomination paperwork.

CHARGING an entry fee for the Rhythm ‘n’ Rail Festival has allowed the event to grow, says festival organising committee chairman Neil Smith.

“Junee is coming of age and as our venues develop, our festival just gets better,” Mr Smith said. 

Mr Smith said he was delighted with the increase in festival activities around the entire town as well as within the new Broadway precinct.

“Because we are charging a small gate fee this year we have been able to value add within the precinct,” he said.

“Junee Business and Trades has also come on board, providing a massive amount of help in terms on on-ground manpower as well as providing a new kids’ activities area.

“Every pub in town, the Railway Cafe and the Licorice and Chocolate Factory are providing entertainment.

“It is truly a town-wide festival.”

Among the festival features returning this year are main stage music, Museum Memories, The Silver Fox Barber Shop Quartet, Lions Club kiddy train, Tin Hares, hop-on hop-off buses, poet’s breakfast and market stalls.

New activities include ukulele workshops and demonstrations, dog spike shot put contest, best-dressed bike competition and a kids’ activities and rides area.

Junee Railway Cafe proprietor Debbie Daley said it was nice to see the festival expanding with activities on both sides of the railway line.

“There’s lots happening on both Broadway and Railway Square,” Ms Daley said.

“The festival is an opportunity for the whole town to showcase what we do.”

The festival will be held from Friday, March 6, to Sunday, March 8.

People are encouraged to bring a fold-up chair or picnic rug to sit on.

Editorial note: The printed version of this story in the Southern Cross incorrectly said Neil Druce was Rhythym 'n' Rail Festival chairman. The Southern Cross apologises for the reporting error.

VOLUNTEERS are needed for the Rhythm ‘n’ Rail Festival at its new location in the Broadway Gardens.

Volunteer co-ordinator for the festival Kerrie Holmes said help was needed to supervise gates, put up signs, direct traffic and “myriad of other tasks”.

“People can just let me know when they are available, whether it’s for an hour or a day, and I’ll pop them on the roster,” Ms Holmes said.

“I always find it’s nice to buddy up with a friend, so if two people want to work together let me know and we’ll try to accommodate them.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can phone Ms Holmes on 0449 137 920 or email martykerryholmes@hotmail.com.

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