MARGIE MURPHY FESTIVAL CHAIR

The dynamic leader of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, Margie is a passionate and dedicated event organiser who brings with her a wealth of knowledge in the industry.

Joining the committee in 2009, Margie has been the driving force behind the festival’s direction, constantly moving it forward with her clear vision of how the arts meets the reef and the community.

When she became Festival Chair almost a decade ago, Margie was catapulted from volunteer to organiser, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Some of her highlights include bringing Timomatic to the festival for the opening of the Main Street, where thousands of people gath- ered to celebrate.

Another key moment for Margie has been finding the ‘festival home’, centralising the event on the Foreshore at Fairy Tree Park.

A large part of this was the introduction of Immerse Art Installation which was Margie’s vision for connecting the three pillars of the festival.

“I’ve always had a passion for the arts, music, culture and of course parties!’ she said.

“Creating Immerse has been a huge highlight over the years and it’s been fabulous to see it all come together so well.”

Of course, Margie is not just the vision for the festival, she is also a hardworking and dedicated mem-

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ber of the team.

From sourcing funding opportunities, chasing sponsorship and organising permits, she is at the pulse of all things Festival.

“I’ve always been able to communicate really well with a lot of different people,” said Margie.

What is your favourite part of the festival:

The opening night and the Fireworks at the Foreshore – it is the moment that everything is set-up and everyone is going ‘wow!’

What does the festival mean to you?

Giving all my energy into creating something that the community enjoys and can be proud of.