The Connections That Bring Us Back

George | Glenreagh Progress Association

Some people come to the Glenreagh Timber Festival for the woodchopping.

Others come for the markets, machinery displays or entertainment.

And then there are those who come back year after year because of the people.

For George, that’s what the festival has always been about.

A long-time member of the Glenreagh Progress Association, George has been involved with the Glenreagh Timber Festival almost since its beginning. Over the years, he’s watched it grow from a modest community event into one of the region’s most recognised celebrations of timber heritage and country life.

“It’s gone from very humble beginnings to where it is now,” he reflects.

And few people have had a front-row seat to that journey quite like George.

Growing Alongside Glenreagh

The Glenreagh Timber Festival emerged in the years following the town’s centenary celebrations.

Back then, the recreation grounds looked very different, and the festival itself was a much smaller affair.

But what it lacked in size, it made up for in community spirit.

George remembers being there from those early days, helping wherever he could and supporting the event through his involvement with the Glenreagh Progress Association.

The association has long played an important role in the town, working with council, advocating for local issues and helping drive projects that benefit the community.

“If it wasn’t for the Progress Association, nothing would happen,” George says with a smile.

It’s the kind of quiet volunteer work that often goes unnoticed but forms the backbone of small communities like Glenreagh.

The Man Behind the Breakfast Barbecue

If you’ve attended the Glenreagh Timber Festival, chances are you’ve crossed paths with George.

You just may not have realised it.

While others are watching demonstrations or enjoying the entertainment, George is usually found behind one of the Lions Club barbecues.

Cooking eggs.

Lots of eggs.

Alongside fellow volunteers, he’s helped serve countless bacon and egg rolls to festival-goers over the years, making sure visitors start their day with a good country breakfast before exploring everything the festival has to offer.

It’s a simple role, but one that reflects the volunteer spirit that keeps the festival running.

More Than a Festival

When asked about his favourite memory, George doesn’t point to a particular attraction or event.

Instead, he remembers a moment that perfectly captures the festival’s true purpose.

Years ago, while serving food, he looked out across the grounds and noticed a group of older residents gathered around a table together.

Many had returned to Glenreagh for the festival.

They were sharing stories, catching up with old friends and reconnecting with the community they had once called home.

“It’s just great to be able to facilitate that,” George says.

For him, that’s what the festival does best.

It brings people together.

A Place for Every Generation

One of the things George values most about the Glenreagh Timber Festival is its ability to connect people across generations.

From young children experiencing the excitement of woodchopping for the first time to older residents returning to revisit memories, the festival creates opportunities for people of all ages to share in something meaningful.

“It’s right across the board,” George says.

Over the years, the event has grown beyond Glenreagh itself, attracting visitors from Grafton, Coffs Harbour and across the region.

Yet despite its growth, the festival has never lost sight of its roots.

At its heart, it remains a celebration of community, heritage and connection.

Looking to the Future

As the Glenreagh Timber Festival approaches its twentieth year, George believes its future is as important as its past.

The festival preserves local stories, celebrates the region’s timber history and creates opportunities for people to reconnect with Glenreagh and with one another.

For many, it’s a day out.

For George, it’s something more.

It’s a reminder that communities are built through relationships, shared experiences and the willingness of people to contribute their time for the benefit of others.

And whether he’s cooking breakfast behind the barbecue or catching up with familiar faces around the grounds, George knows exactly why people keep coming back.

Because sometimes the most important part of a festival isn’t what’s happening on stage.

George | Glenreagh Progress Association