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2025 Catalpa Festival Sponsorship Proposal

THE PROPOSAL

Introduction

The Catalpa Festival is the telling of the the true historical story of one of the most successful prison breaks in Australia's history: the escape, and rescue, of six Fenian political prisoners from their incarceration by the British at Fremantle Prison in 1876.

This iconic event, The Rockingham Catalpa Adventure, is named after the Catalpa, an American owned ship that picked up the escapees off Rockingham Beach, evaded pursuit by the British, and carried the prisoners to freedom The Catalpa Adventure Festival event was conceived by dedicated members of the Rockingham community and was

About Us

We are seeking sponsorship support for the delivery of a 2-day festival over the weekend of 28-30 March 2025 celebrating the true story of one of the most successful prison breaks in Australia's history: the escape, and rescue, of six Fenian political prisoners from their incarceration by the British at Fremantle Prison in 1876.

This iconic event, The Catalpa Festival, is named after the Catalpa, an American-owned ship that picked up the escapees off Rockingham Beach, evaded pursuit by the British, and carried the prisoners to freedom. The Catalpa Festival event was conceived by dedicated members of the Rockingham community. The inaugural event was conducted in 2023 and expanded in 2024 To assist with the growth of the festival as an ICONIC event for Rockingham, the experienced Catalpa Committee has partnered with Not-for-Profit ‘Partnerships with Purpose (WA) Inc’ (PwP) as its Auspicing Organisation to stage the much-anticipated 2025 Catalpa Festival. Becoming a sub-committee of PwP, provides the necessary governance, financial and project accountability and oversight to deliver and achieve its objectives for 2025 and preparing for the larger 2026, 150th Anniversary event

The Catalpa Festival 2025 will be a dress rehearsal for the sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary of this historic event in 2026 marking 150 years since the famous escape on Easter Monday. 2025-26 will see a co-ordinated multi-city celebration delivered by the twin cities of Fremantle and Rockingham The celebration will include the ship Leeuwin and Lissa representing the Catalpa and Georgette 2026 will also see one week before Easter, a celebration in Bunbury, where in 1874 John Boyle O'Reilly escaped to Boston and planned for the rescue two years later.

Planning has begun inviting families and visitors from USA and Ireland and will be promoted through the US and Irish Tourism Committees The WA Government has expressed a willingness to partner with the event in readiness for the overseas tourism boost in 2026 The economic benefit to Rockingham, Fremantle and Bunbury through marketing of the Catalpa Festival by way of the Irish, Australian and American Ambassadors, social media and television will occur leading up to April 2026. Planning is well underway with the highly experienced repertory company Studio 180 will partner with our festival with a rendition of the famous escape in 2026

Vision

To create an ICONIC WA event telling the historical story of the Catalpa breakout

To create an opportunity to educate and engage the WA communuity in historical story-telling and imagination

To solidify the legacy of Catalpa in the WA psyche

Mission

Our mission is to increase the number of festival attendees and visitors to the Rockingham region in order to maximise the festival atmosphere, sense of community and participate in an immersive experience

About The Event

Event Highlights

SATURDAY

Afternoon of Gaelic Football on the Village Green

Hurling Display

On-going free children and family activities

Food & Drinks Vendors

The project’s vision is to continue to build awareness and enthusiasm of the Catalpa story, by hosting a VIP Sponsors Reception (pre-event) and 2 days of community activities, music, storytelling and historical display of artefacts and storyboards, illustrating Rockingham's significance in this incredible historical story The stage show will feature excerpts of the tale, to raise awareness of this intriguing chapter in our colonial history, one involving four nations, with Rockingham being the most significant West Australian location It is a festival that will involve ships, horses, wagons (traps) and cannons; actors and media personalities; live musicians; and local community groups, providing an authentic immersive experience

The Catalpa Festival’s aim is to make the citizens of Western Australia aware of this rich history, creating a sense of belonging for Rockingham residents and pride in their city, raising the profile of Rockingham whilst delivering economic and tourism benefits to the City.

Evening: Free Screening of The Catalpa Rescue Australian Navy Band performing at Churchill Park

SUNDAY

Fremantle Prison Breakout

Breakfast

Catalpa Cycling Dash To Rockingham

Rockingham Beach Historic Displays

Live performance, reenactment of Catalpa Rescue Irish Music & Dancing, Performers

Event Schedule

Fremantle Port VIP Sponsors Event 28 MAR

Rockingham Foreshore

29 30 MAR SEP

Approx 1pm - 8pm (timings indicative only)

Afternoon of Gaelic Football on the Village Green

Hurling Display

On-going free children and family activities

Food & Drinks Vendors

Evening: Free Screening of The Catalpa Rescue

Australian Navy Band performing at Churchill Park

Location: Churchill Park, Rockingham

Approx 9am - 5pm (timings indicative only)

Fremantle Prison Breakout Breakfast

Catalpa Cycling Dash To Rockingham

Live performance, re-enactment of Catalpa Rescue

Food & Drinks Vendors

Irish Music & Dancing,

Roaming & Stage Performances

Location : Fremantle Jail to Rockingham Foreshore

Benefits for Sponsors

Sponsorship of Community Events like the Catalpa Festival will provide your company with a combination of visibility, community goodwill and audience engagement making this kind of regional event sponsorship a compelling way to create reach and depth in your targeted messaging

Brand Visibility & Recognition

By sponsoring the Catalpa Festival your brand will be positioned in front of a large, diverse audience, increasing brand visibility. This event has previously attracted media coverage, creating opportunities for sponsors to gain exposure through various channels like social media, local news, and word of mouth, associating your brand with a positive, community-centred experiences, reinforcing positive brand recognition

Strengthen Multi-cultural Community Relationships & Corporate Social Responsibility

Sponsoring a regional iconic event like Catalpa allows your company to demonstrate its commitment to the WA & local communities, strengthening relationships with customers and stakeholders. It’s a way to showcase your companies values and invest in the well-being and cultural vibrancy of the region This enhances the company ' s reputation as a socially responsible entity, improving public perception and customer loyalty

Targeted Audience Engagement and Networking Opportunities

Due to the historical significance and cultural Irish heritage of the Catalpa Story it has the ability to draw specific demographics or interest groups. This could allow your company to directly engage with these target audiences through on-site activations, VIP experiences, or exclusive offers These events also provide networking opportunities with other sponsors, local influencers, and community leaders, fostering relationships that could lead to future partnerships or business opportunities.

Sponsorship Packages

Premier Sponsor Platinum Sponsor

Premier sponsorship of festival

Full Media Package - Logo prominently displayed on all marketing materials (posters, social media, website, radio and TV, signage including pre-promotion

Stage signage at major festival areas & calls from all stage areas

Priority access to interviews or media coverage

Full page ad in festival program & on-stage recognition at all events

Opportunity for branded giveaway merchandise

VIP access and exclusive hospitality for clients over three days

$25,000

Prominent Branding across select areas eg, VIP Lounge, high-traffic zone, stage etc

Prominent logo placement on marketing materials (social media, website, print, and merchandise)

On-stage recognition

Recognition in festival program and website

Full page ad in festival program & on-stage recognition at all events

Opportunity for branded giveaway merchandise