In a changing world, small businesses continue to be the glue that binds communities like Sunbury together, the team behind the third annual StreetLife festival believes.
This Sunday’s showcase of small businesses will include 120 stalls, live entertainment, a rock climbing wall and miniature train rides in O’Shanassy and Brook streets.
Yarn-bombed trees and bright pom-poms created by primary school pupils will add colour to the streets.
Spokeswoman Sharyn Snook says the team of four volunteers behind the festival have worked hard to put on an event designed to increase awareness of local businesses and promote lasting connections.
‘‘That’s really important these days,’’ spokeswoman Sharyn Snook says.
‘‘We all live and work differently than we used to.
‘‘It’s really important to have those times to remind ourselves that, even though Sunbury is getting bigger, we need to keep that community spirit, so that when you go down the street, people are always asking you how you’re doing,” she says. ‘‘After all, that’s what we all love.’’
Ms Snook says despite what many people think, small businesses can often provide goods and services for less than the major chains.
‘‘I have nothing against big shopping centres, but there’s a lot you can get here in town and it doesn’t have to cost more,’’ she says.
‘‘Another thing is that you have people who take an interest in you. Most of them know you, know what your kids are into, and I don’t think you get that at many bigger stores. It’s that feeling that you’re important.’’
Ms Snook says StreetLife aims to remind people of the benefits of ‘‘buying local’’ where possible.
‘‘I would encourage people to think about it, because the more money that’s spent in our local community, the more money goes back into it. If each person spent $20 extra a week locally … imagine the benefit that would bring to the town.’’
Proceeds from this year’s festival will go to Sunbury Rotary’s community kitchen and Wesley Mission Victoria.
StreetLife is from 10am until 3pm. For more details about the festival phone 0418 403 346.
