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25 YEAR
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CHINCHILLA
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FESTIV L 14-17 February 2019
www.melonfest.com.au 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival
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Introduction
How it all started
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In 1994, with the Chinchilla community suffering from long-term drought, it was realized the spirit of the stricken district needed a boost of confidence. A small band of dedicated volunteers formed a committee to promote Chinchilla’s dominant contribution to the Australian Melon Industry. The first festival attracted about 2500 visitors to the town and surrounding areas. By 2017 — the last festival — the crowd had swelled to around 14,000 with the fun and exciting events drawing revellers from far and wide. Through sheer hard yakka and unswerving dedication, the townspeople of Chinchilla and its committee have built an impressive family-fun festival around its famous watermelon. That’s why it appeals to so many national and international travellers. The 2019 Festival is the 14th to be held and also celebrates a remarkable 25 years since that small beginning. The committee and the Chinchilla District look forward to your participation in what is promising to be the biggest and best festival yet.
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Saturday, Monday events
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....................................... Trivia Night ................................................................ SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY
Chinchilla Cultural Centre CHINCHILLA STATE HIGH SCHOOL P & C EVENT
80-86 Heeney Street Doors open at 6pm | First round at 7pm $20 per person | Tables to provide own nibbles Licenced bar operating 1st prize $500, 2nd prize $300, 3rd prize $100 Enquiries: 0408 205 750
....................................... Art Gallery Art Show Preview.... MONDAY 11 FEBRUARY
Lapunyah Art Gallery LAPUNYAH ART GALLERY EVENT
6pm at the Lapunyah Art Gallery Wine & Cheese evening | 80-86 Heeney Street Announcement of the winners of the 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival Art Competition. FREE EVENT | Enquiries: 4668 9908
2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival
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Wednesday, Thursday events
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....................................... Social Bowls Day ........................................... WEDNESDAY 13 FEBRUARY
Chinchilla Bowls Club CHINCHILLA BOWLS CLUB EVENT
Wednesday Mixed Social Bowls Names in by 12.30pm | Play at 1pm Everyone welcome | Enquiries: 0477 019 682
....................................... Melon Farm Tours ........................................ THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY
Catch the bus to the local Melon Farm Tour 1: Depart 8.30 to 11am Tour 2: Depart 1pm to 3.30pm Pickup: Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre Chinchilla Street (Warrego Highway) $30 | TICKETS: trybooking.com | 0488 737 060
....................................... Origin of Gas Tour .......................................... THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY
Discover what happens behind the scenes at the Condabri Central gas plant Tour 1: Board bus 8.15am for 8.30am sharp departure Tour 2: Board bus 12.45pm for 1pm sharp departure Pickup: Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre BOOKINGS: trybooking.com FREE EVENT | Enquiries: 1800 526 369
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Thursday events
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....................................... Come 4 Lunch ....................................................... THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY
Chinchilla Cultural Centre CHINCHILLA UNITING CHURCH EVENT
11am for pre-lunch drinks | Main auditorium open at 11.45am | 80-86 Heeney Street Special guest speaker: Ruby Slipperz 3-course sit down luncheon | Licenced bar operating $60 per head — all tickets to be pre-purchased TICKETS: trybooking.com | 0499 045 611
....................................... Movie Premiere ................................................. THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY
proudly sponsored by
Chinchilla Cinema 6pm | Green Book movie starts 7pm 80-86 Heeney Street $25 per head | Nibbles & wine included TICKETS: trybooking.com | 0488 737 060
Specialising in Rural Earthworks
....................................... Melon Big Bash T20 ................................. THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY
Recreation Grounds 20/20 match CHINCHILLA & DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION EVENT
QLD Bulls Masters vs Chinchilla & District Watermelons Gates open 4.30pm | Match starts at 6pm Bar open 5.30 to 11pm | Music/DJ until 11pm ENTRY: $5 | Under 16 FREE | Canteen & BBQ available Enquiries: 0438 841 292 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival
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Friday events
....................................... Melon Farm Tours ........................................ FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Catch the bus to the local Melon Farm Tour 1: Depart 8.30 to 11am Tour 2: Depart 9am to 11.30am Pickup: Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre Chinchilla Street (Warrego Highway) $30 | TICKETS: trybooking.com | 0488 737 060
....................................... Golf Day ........................................................................ FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Chinchilla Golf Club CHINCHILLA GOLF CLUB EVENT
1pm for a 1.30pm start 3 ball Ambrose | $60 per team Test your skills on the golf course Enquiries: 0419 668 849
Proudly sponsored by
...... Big Melon Weigh-In -- Kids Competition ..... FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Big Melon Weigh In — Kids Competition In 2019 a Kids Competition is being held for the first time to celebrate 25 years of the Chinchilla Melon Festival. Come along and watch the kids present their melon for the Kids Weigh-In. 3pm to 4pm | Primary School Oval, Middle Street Proudly sponsored by 6
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Friday events
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....................................... Big Melon Weigh-In ................................. FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Big Melon Weigh-In & Most Marketable Melons 3pm to 4pm | Primary School Oval, Middle Street Check out the biggest/heaviest melon.
Previous Big Melon Winners Proudly sponsored by
1994
Dennis & Jan Dickman (Chinchilla) 66.2kg
1995
Roger & Cathy Madder (Chinchilla) 55kg
1997
Ross Olm (non melon grower) (Chinchilla) 57.5kg
1999
Dennis & Jan Dickman (Chinchilla) 82.2kg
2001
Garry Marsden (Bundaberg grower) 72.25kg
2003
Dennis & Jan Dickman (Chinchilla) 63.6kg
2005
DK & CD Reed (Kingaroy) 83.6kg
2007
Bernie & Matt Davies (Chinchilla) 87.5kg
2009
Bernie & Matt Davies (Chinchilla) 70.6kg
2011
Kyron Sturgess (Chinchilla) 56kg
2013
Kyron Sturgess (Chinchilla) 86kg
2015
Chris Davies (Chinchilla) 63.5kg
2017
Kyron & Bec Sturgess (Chinchilla) 75kg
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Friday events
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....................................... Beach Party ........................................................... FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Club Hotel CLUB HOTEL EVENT
5pm to 2am
Entertainment Outside: Mick Lindsay supported by JEDIAH Inside: Stage-Dive DJs, DJ Damo, DJ Tyla, DJ Paypay TICKETS: $25 Eventbrite | $25 at the door Enquiries: 4669 1100
....................................... Melon Rodeo ........................................................... FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Chinchilla Showgrounds CHINCHILLA A&P ASSOCIATION EVENT
Zeller Street Gates open 5pm | Rodeo kicks off at 6pm ENTRY: $15 Adults | Children 8-17 $5 | Under 8 free Tickets purchased at the gate | Enquiries: 4662 7194 8
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Friday events
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....................................... Friday Festival Feast ................................ FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Primary School Oval, ‘The Cage’ Marquee open air dining | relaxed atmosphere 6pm to 11pm | Colamba Street $45 per head for a hearty 3 course meal $20 per 10 years old and under (under 3 free) Entertainment by local Chinchilla girl Jane Zerbst TICKETS: trybooking.com | 0414 901 158 pre-purchase Proudly sponsored by
....................................... Kids' Movie Night ............................................. FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Chinchilla Primary School Grounds WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL EVENT
All children must have a parent or guardian’s supervision for the duration of the evening.
Chinchilla State School Primary School, Front Oval Grab a sausage sizzle from 6pm, movie to commence approx 7pm Gather the kids for some lighthearted entertainment on the Friday night with “Trolls” featuring on the big screen under the stars. FREE EVENT: Evening will conclude by 9.45pm
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Saturday events
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....................................... Poet's Breakfast ................................................ SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
proudly sponsored by
Fuller Place 7am to 9am 80-86 Heeney Street Enjoy a hearty bacon and egg breakfast cooked by the Queensland Cancer Fund Chinchilla branch, while having a laugh with three of Australia’s top performing bush poets: Gary Fogarty, Melanie Hall, and Susie Carcary. Breakfast $12
....................................... Market Stalls ......................................................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Chinchilla CBD 7.30am to 3.30pm | Heeney Street Check out all the market stalls — more than 150 — for quality crafts, fashion and food markets!
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Saturday events
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....................................... Melon Face Painter ..................................... NEW VENT E
SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Chinchilla Cultural Centre Auditorium 9am to 3pm | 80-86 Heeney Street FREE KIDS FACE PAINTING proudly sponsored by
....................................... Chef - Matt Golinski ....................................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Cultural Centre Wattle Room 4 sessions: 9.30am | 11.30am | 1.30pm | 2.30pm 80-86 Heeney Street proudly sponsored by Matt Golinski is a highly regarded, professional chef with a passion for creating cuisine using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. FREE DEMONSTRATIONS
....................................... "Street Entertainment" ............................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Memphis Moovers — Music on the Moove! 10am to 3pm | Entertainers are roving Chinchilla CBD Moovin’ Music! That’s what proudly sponsored by the Memphis Movers do! The Memphis Moovers will surprise you when they appear, roving in one of their cute novelty cars. 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival
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Saturday events
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....................................... Melon Procession ........................................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Starting top of Heeney Street Theme — Silver, 25 years and all things Melon Starting 10.30am Proudly sponsored by Be entertained by colourful floats, buskers & street entertainment.
....................................... "The Cage" ..................................................................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Chinchilla Primary School Oval 11am to midnight | Colamba Street Entertainment in the bar after the concert: Eight Second Ride. ENTRY: $5 per person (over 18s) proudly sponsored by
....................................... Melon Dash for Cash .............................. SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
proudly sponsored by
Heeney Street 12 noon | Register from 11am: Shell’s QGC Registration tent on the School Oval Test your fitness in a mad dash for cash while carrying a whole melon the whole way. You must wear enclosed footwear and have a registration band to enter. 12
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Saturday events
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....................................... Melon Time Story Telling .................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Chinchilla Cultural Centre Foyer 3 sessions: 12pm | 2pm | 3pm
....................................... Classic Car Show ............................................ SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Middle Street outside Anglican church 12 noon to 4pm Take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane by wandering among a fabulous display of classic cars to admire. Hosted by the Chinchilla Auto & Motor Group.
....................................... Bike n Blend ............................................................. NEW T SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
EVEN
School Oval 12 noon to 4pm Create your own peddlepowered smoothies — fun and delicious exercise.
Proudly sponsored by
....................................... Fuller Place Entertainment ............ SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Fuller Place 12pm to 3pm. Sit back and enjoy all the amazing talent. 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival
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Saturday events
MELON SHOP
63 Heeney Street 4-8 Feb: M-F 9-5pm 11-15 Feb: M-F 9-5pm Saturday 9 Feb: 9am - 12noon Saturday 16 Feb: 7am - 5pm
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REGISTRATION FORMS FOR ARENA
Registration Forms are required to be completed before you can participate in any ARENA events. Shell’s QGC Registration Tent is located at top north-east corner of the Arena. Once registration forms have been completed and signed, an armband will be placed on your arm to allow you to participate. If under 18, your parent/guardian must sign form.
............. Shell's QGC Arena of Melon Events .............
SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
School Oval 12.30pm to 5pm Watch all the Melon Events in the Shell QGC Arena. proudly sponsored by
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Saturday events
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....................................... Melon Skiing ........................................................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Arena 12.30pm to 4pm Requires one person skiing on melon skins. Squish your feet into a pair of water melons and ski all the way down the course. proudly sponsored by
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Saturday events
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....................................... Melon Bungy .......................................................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
proudly sponsored by
Arena 12.30pm to 4pm Heats: 12.30pm to 3pm Champion of Champions at 3pm Requires four people — all attached to a bungy rope on a slippery mat covered with melon. The aim is to reach and retrieve your melon!
....................................... Melon Pip Spitting ......................................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
School Oval
proudly sponsored by
Step up for the ‘spit-tacular’ Pip Spitting Competition in the CS Energy marquee on the oval. Must register at Shell’s QGC registration tent. Heats from 12.30pm | Final at 3.30pm An open and junior championship event (junior 13 years and under) 16
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Saturday events
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....................................... Slip, Dip and Pull ......................................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Arena
proudly sponsored by
12.30pm to 4pm See who the strongest team is in the slippery tug-o-war.
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Saturday events
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.... Miss Melon "Love" 2019 Pinup Pageant .... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
School Assembly Building
NEW
1pm Pin Up Pageant with up to 15 beautiful ladies.
EVENT
....................................... Kid's Entertainment ..................................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY ........ Chinchilla Cultural proudly sponsored by
Centre Auditorium
1pm to 4pm Moovin’ Balloonin’ Fun Balloon School and Uke for Kids (Uke Workshops throughout the day — fun for 20 minutes).
....................................... Showtime F M X Team ......................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Middle Street 3 events: 1pm | 3pm | 5pm FMX Stunt Show, with rider photo and autograph session, plus interactive bike displays.
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proudly sponsored by
Chinchilla
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Saturday events
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....................................... Free Melon Feast ............................................. SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Under the Big Tree
proudly sponsored by
3pm Try a refreshing slice of delicious melon near the arena under the Big Tree.
....................................... Celebrity Melon Eating ........................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Arena
proudly sponsored by
3pm The festival wouldn’t happen without the generous sponsors — watch our sponsors eat as much melon as they can without using their hands.
NEW ....................................... Kids Rocky Roll ................................................. EVENT SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Fuller Place
proudly sponsored by
3pm Primary School aged kids Watch the little kids roll the rockmelon to see who’s melon will go the furthest! 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival
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Saturday events
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....................................... Melon Chariot Race ....................................
SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
proudly sponsored by
Arena Assemble at 4pm | Start 4.30pm Register team at Shell’s QGC registration tent from 11am CHINCHILLA Chariots to be made from melon packing cartons, pallets and readymade axles. Race is held in the Arena. Participants must wear enclosed footwear. Aim is to race the entire lap and not fall off!
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Saturday events
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....................................... Melon Iron Man / Woman .......... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Arena
proudly sponsored by
Assemble 4pm | Start 4.30pm Register team at Shell’s QGC registration tent from 11am Requires two participants per team. Maximum of 20 male teams and 20 female teams. Ironman circuit contains obstacles, challenges and tasks to showcase the physicality of the Melon Industry. Aim to complete the circuit with an intact melon in the fastest time.
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Saturday events
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....................................... Free Family Concert ...................................
SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Primary School Oval
Mental As Anything
6pm till late Sit back and relax and enjoy the free family-friendly entertainment. Main act: Mental As Anything supported by Ban Solo, Eight Second Ride and Wakka Wakka Dancers.
Ban Solo
Eight Second Ride
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Wakka Wakka Dancers
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Saturday events
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....................................... Laser Light Show .......................................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Primary School Oval
proudly sponsored by
6pm till late Look to the skies as the laser show lights up Chinchilla!
....................................... Beer Garden Party ..................................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Commercial Hotel Chinchilla COMMERCIAL HOTEL CHINCHILLA EVENT
6pm to 2am Some Blond supported by DJ Tyla Enquiries: 4662 7524
....................................... Beach Party Recovery .......................... SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Club Hotel Chinchilla CLUB HOTEL EVENT
8pm till late | Heeney Street JEDIAH supported by DJ Damo Enquiries: 4669 1100 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival
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Sunday events
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....................................... Melon Fest Sunday Markets ......... SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY
Melon Fest Sunday Markets
NEW
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7am to 12pm | St Joseph’s School Oval Enjoy relaxed Sunday morning browsing through hand-crafts, bric-a-brac and souvenirs Enquiries: 4662 7850
....................................... Poet's Breakfast ................................................ proudly sponsored by
SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY
Chinchilla Museum 7.30am to 9.30am Villiers Street | Please bring your own chair Walk up poets welcome Breakfast available from Qld Cancer Council: $12 Mini train rides on the day: $2 per ride
....................................... Melon Bowls Day .......................................... SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY
Chinchilla Bowls Club CHINCHILLA BOWLS CLUB EVENT
Names in by 12pm | 1pm start Park Street Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of social bowls Enquiries: 0477 019 682
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A message from our sponsor
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Sponsor’s message Shell’s QGC Business is proud to once again be a major supporter of the Chinchilla Melon Festival in 2019. We recognise the significant contributions which this event provides to Chinchilla and the Western Downs region. We appreciate the chance to participate in this iconic community festival. Shell’s QGC Business acknowledges the support that the Western Downs region has provided us as we continue with our operations. Our people join in the life of local social, civic and sporting clubs that vitalise regional communities. This way, Shell becomes part of the community and the community becomes part of Shell. Our staff are delighted to again support the renowned Melon Games Arena, so come by and say hello. We'll be keen to help out, give you directions or just hear how you are enjoying the day. We are sure this year's festival will once again be a huge success and showcase what makes Chinchilla and the Western Downs Region such a great place to live. From the whole team at Shell’s QGC Business. 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival
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Acknowledgement & Sponsors
Thank You
A big thank you to all our volunteers, Chinchilla community and our melon growers who have been so much a part of this festival and the previous 13 festivals. Thanks to all businesses who advertised via newspaper, radio and television in conjunction with the CHINCHILLA MELON FESTIVAL.
Watch all the action on the...
Origin Big Screen
MEDIA SPONSORS Toowoomba
INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERS
David McKay & Gary Aspden
Clyde Osborne
ANNOUNCER: Aaron Ryan 26
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E R E F U N G R OW S W HWest
Warrego Highway
East
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Town Map
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Railway St Club Hotel Central Motor Inn
Mayne St
ATM
NAB Bank
Post Office
CBA Bank Amusement Rides
Market Stalls ANZ Bank
Chinchilla State Primary School
Police
WDRC Chinchilla Customer Service Centre Fuller Place Gallery
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Ambulance
Middle St
T
T
Market Stalls
Westpac Bank
Entry
Big Tree Information Stall
Market Stalls
Theatre St
ARENA See page 28
Water Tower
Villiers St
T Entry T
Showtime FMX Team
ATM
Heeney St
Melon Shop
RSL Club ATM
QCWA
Mitre 10
Market Stalls
Colamba St
Woolworths
Market Stalls
FEAST STREET ~ All Food Stalls
Bell St
Cultural Centre & Cinema
Toilets ATM ATM
Market Stalls
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School Hall
Legend:
Chinchilla Central
CAR PARK
Map not to scale
Hypatia St 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival
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Site Map
Market stalls
grandstands
entry
grandstands
Market stalls
Information Stall
Market stalls
School Hall
toilets Market stalls
registration
Arena Games
bar entry Middle Street
first aid post
entry emergency exit
Big Tree
P&C BBQ
to Melon Shop
stage
entry toilets LET S
Heeney Street
Market stalls
School Assembly Building
toilets
amusement rides
water tower
toilets Showtime FMX Team Map not to scale
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2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival
Colamba Street
Bell Street
FEAST STREET ~ All Food Stalls
Market stalls