General News
14 November, 2022
Energy Breakthrough ready to ride from Wednesday
Maryborough’s Energy Breakthrough (EB) will make its return tomorrow, bringing thousands of students and spectators to town for the five-day event — and closing some local roads. EB will see more than 5000 students from over 110 schools across...
Maryborough’s Energy Breakthrough (EB) will make its return tomorrow, bringing thousands of students and spectators to town for the five-day event — and closing some local roads.
EB will see more than 5000 students from over 110 schools across the state descend on town in what is Maryborough’s largest annual event.
The first time the event has run since 2019 due to the pandemic, EB will again be supported by volunteers, with organisers putting the call out for anyone interested in lending a hand to come forward.
Local resident Brian Johns has been involved in the event as a volunteer for 28 years and as a retired teacher, said that seeing the benefit it had for students and the community was reason enough to get involved.
“I watched the first event and was fascinated so I volunteered in presentation judging in the second year and started helping out with camping on Jubilee Oval and I’m still there,” he said.
“I do enjoy it, I’m retired now but I was a teacher and I see what this does for kids.
“This event is good for the community and it’s grown over the years.”
He’s one of more than 1000 volunteers who help make EB possible each year, working in communications, social media, judging for display and presentations, design and construction and as track marshalls.
Volunteers also contribute through local community groups who provide support through site set up and pack down and provision of food.
Central Goldfields Shire councillor and Energy Breakthrough governance group chairperson Liesbeth Long said the event wouldn’t be possible without volunteer contributions.
“We are so grateful to all the fabulous volunteers who donate their time to making Energy Breakthrough so fantastic,” she said.
“We have volunteers of all ages who help out — many of whom have been volunteering for the event for decades.
“It’s a really fun atmosphere and sense of camaraderie among our volunteers and that’s probably why so many of them come back and help year after year.”
Cr Long said there was still time for community members interested in helping out to put their hands up and volunteer.
“It’s not too late to put your hand up as volunteers are still needed and welcomed for the 2022 event,” she said.
“Putting your name down as an EB volunteer doesn’t mean you have to make yourself available every day of the five-day event.
“Volunteers are welcomed even if you can only contribute a morning, afternoon or one full day.
“Not only will you have a lot of fun being part of our shire’s biggest events, you’ll also be given breaks, complimentary snacks and a meal to say thanks.”
Energy Breakthrough will run from tomorrow, Wednesday, November 16 through to Sunday, November 20.
During the five-day event there will be road closures in place. This will mean that from tomorrow until Sunday, the following roads will be closed:
• Park Road (between Holyrood and Nightingale streets as well as Holyrood and Gladstone streets)
• Holyrood Street (between Park Road and Burns Street)
• Burns Street (between Christian Street and Lake Road and Lake Road and Holyrood Street)
• Napier Street and Lake Road (from Christian Street)
• Christian Street (between Burns and Napier streets).
To find out more about road closures contact the Central Goldfields Shire Council on 54610-610.
To find out more about volunteering and to register your interest, head to www.eb.org.au/volunteer/ or email enquiries@eb.org.au or phone 0408 326 157.