05 MARCH 2025 | ISSUE 567 | FREE
GOULBURN RIVER & RANGES
SUCCESSFUL NOW FESTIVAL CELEBRATES OPEN WATER SWIM DESPITE CHALLENGES
Photographed by Sassi Group
The annual Nagambie On Water (NOW) Festival captured the spirit of community and excitement around outdoor activities, highlighted by the much-anticipated Nagambie Waterways Club2Pub open water swim. This year’s event took place on the 22nd February, drawing a record number of 227 swimmers to the challenging waters, showcasing not only their competitive spirit but also a growing interest in the NOW festival’s open water swim for swimming enthusiasts.
The swim component stood out as the definitive highlight of the festival, galvanising participants and spectators alike. Under the capable coordination of John Hurley, who has been instrumental in elevating the swim on the open water swim calendar, swimmers competed in impressive fashion. In a fierce but friendly atmosphere, competitors navigated the distances of 600 metres and 1.1 kilometres, vying for glory amidst high winds and warm temperatures that added an extra layer of challenge to their efforts. The overall winner of the 1.1 k swim was Conor Hayes, who finished with an impressive time of 14 minutes and 27 seconds in the men's section. In the women's section, Taylah Watson recorded a strong time of 15 minutes and 15 seconds. Both athletes were delighted to take home $500 in cash to celebrate their success! You can find all the results at fastfinish.com.au A special acknowledgement must also go to the dedicated cochairs of the NOW Festival committee, Andrea Richards and Yvonne Dacey. Their tireless efforts, along with the invaluable
support from a passionate organising committee, ensured that the festival not only celebrated the community but thrived amid adversity. Their unwavering commitment reflects the heart and hard work of those who believe in the festival's mission and its importance to the Nagambie region.
in discussions about enhancing festival offerings, attracting more stallholders, and ensuring an even more inviting environment for future visitors. With rising costs and competition from other summer events, the need for strong community support is more essential than ever.
While the festival faced challenges such as strong winds that forced the cancellation of several inflatable activities, those involved in the swim component pushed through, demonstrating resilience along with a fierce community spirit. The enthusiasm and camaraderie among participants and their supporters created a vibrant and supportive environment, highlighting the swim as the true gem of the festival.
As we reflect on this year’s festival, it’s clear that the resilience of Nagambie shines through. The event serves as a testament to what we can achieve when we come together in celebration of water, culture, and community. The NOW Festival isn't just an event; it's a part of our collective identity, and as we look toward next year, we encourage everyone to step up and contribute. Volunteers are the backbone of this festival, and early involvement will ensure that we keep this important tradition alive and thriving for years to come. Let’s come together, stronger than ever, to once again celebrate our community and all that makes Nagambie a special place to live and play.
Moreover, a huge shout-out goes to the myriad of volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to making this festival an annual event. Their enthusiasm and willingness to lend a hand embody the volunteer spirit of our region, proving that together, we can navigate any challenges that arise. The festival would not be possible without the countless hours and unwavering dedication contributed by these individuals, and their hard work was evident throughout the event. Go Nagambie President Mark Washington was proud of the business community contribution to the festival, "We would like to extend our thanks to the local business community for their generous sponsorship of this year's festival. Their support not only provided vital funding and resources but also demonstrated their commitment to fostering community spirit and engagement. The participation of our sponsors was crucial in creating a vibrant atmosphere, and we are grateful for their partnership iand contribution to the NOW Festival." Although the festival was smaller this year, with an eye toward future improvements and growing participation, the NOW Festival committee remains optimistic. They are already engaging
If you are interested in being involved with the organising of the 2026 NOW Festival please contact hello.gonagambie@gmail.com