Corefest rocks 400

By Rebecca Trott. Warrnambool Standard 11th Dec. 2000 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard

DESPITE a low turnout at Camperdown's biggest youth event yet, the young people who attended the first Corefest made the most of the sunny day. Featuring top Australian acts Magic Dirt, Mach Pelican, The Fauves and Another Race performing alongside young south-west bands, the Corefest music festival attracted about 400 people to the town, 67km north-east of Warrnambool. Run by the Corangamite Shire and a committee of youths from surrounding areas, the Corefest event was expected to attract up to 2000 people. Despite the poor turnout, organisers were encouraged by the enthusiasm of those who supported the event. Corangamite Shire cultural development officer Catherine O'Flynn said the young people had enjoyed themselves. "It's the first time we've run a major event for youth like this, so it can only get better," she said. The shire's recreation, culture and community facilities manger, Andrew Crowley, said the event would take time to build up. "The kids that have been involved in the organising were keen to make sure there were good numbers and they would have liked to have seen more turn up I think," he said.However, Mr Crowley said the event had achieved what it was designed to do - provide entertainment for the shire's youth and give young bands the opportunity to play alongside some of Australia's top performers. "It's been an exciting experience for some of the bands and they've clearly enjoyed being around the major bands," he said. Joe McPhee, of Cobden band Electric Grease Nipples, said he had enjoyed sharing a gig with the popular Australian acts. "Playing with national bands is fantastic," he said. "I've never done anything like this before, so it's a big thing for us." Corefest committee member Belinda Moloney said she was happy with the turnout at the concert. "I think it's been a great day and I think it was a good turnout and everyone's really having fun and sitting back and having a good time," she said. "And everyone's getting up and supporting the local bands, which is what it's all about." Toshi Maeda, a member of Melbourne-based Japanese trio Mach Pelican, said the festival was a great idea for south-west Victoria's youth. "It's been quiet, not many people are jumping around, but it's good for a Sunday afternoon," he said. "It's good to have these kinds of festivals without alcohol and because in country towns there's not many things to do."Port Campbell resident Kellie Johns, 16, said she had a great time at the Corefest concert. "It's been really good but there's not enough people here. But it's good to have some entertainment around here because we don't have enough of it," she said. Warrnambool's Stephen Adams, 19, said he had also enjoyed the festival. "It hasn't been too bad. The sound could have been better but it's been good. Mach Pelican was really good," he said.