The Victorian Government is supporting two more major events in South Gippsland in 2025. 

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh visited Korumburra this week to tell Friends of Coal Creek Volunteer Kevin Crook about $30,000 in funding for the Southern Lights Festival at Korumburra, held from June 7-22 this year. 

Mr McIntosh also announced $175,000 for South Gippsland Shire’s new three day Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland event scheduled between October 17-19. 

Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland will showcase local food and drink offerings, with local producers holding a feature event on the Saturday of the event.  

The Eat, Drink day event will centre around locals and tourists tasting and sampling local products, while engaging directly with the makers. 

High profile music acts will play at the same festival site as part of the Play night event. 

The Southern Lights Festival will have its third event, after starting in Korumburra in 2019 – with a First Nations Stories of Place interactive installation taking centre stage for one day only.  

Live music and children’s activities will also be running at the same time. 

The site will be open every night, so locals and visitors can view the art experience, with immersive light and sound installations. 

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh 

“The Southern Lights Festival has been a wonderful event when it’s been held previously, selling out in 2023, and this support will allow it to go ahead again this year in June.” 

“Local businesses will also benefit from the increased tourism for both of these events.” 

Quotes attributable to Southern Lights Festival Event Organiser Shirley Arestias 

"We're extremely excited to have received the funding, it will ensure we can continue to go ahead and hold our 2025 event." 

"We're looking forward to holding the event and welcoming visitors from all across Victoria."