Hilltops Council is proud to celebrate the outstanding success of the 75th National Cherry Festival, which wrapped up over the weekend after drawing record crowds in excess of 20,000 people, strengthening international relationships, and delivering significant economic benefits across the region.
This year’s milestone festival not only attracted thousands of visitors to Young but also highlighted the Hilltops region’s growing profile on the global stage, particularly through the presence of a high-level delegation from the People’s Republic of China.
Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram warmly welcomed His Excellency Chinese Consul General Wang Yu, accompanied by Consul Ms Zhang Hong, Consul Mr Ye Wei, Consul Ms Zhang Han, Vice Consul Mr Ji Yang, and Vice Consul Mr Lu Ji. This visit was the Consul General’s first visit to a regional Australian area since his arrival in the country just over a year ago. The Hilltops region was showcased to our visitors, with fresh cherry pies and cherry wine delivered to dignitaries at Council Chambers by Cath Mullany, joined by business leaders including Jason Smith (Acting CEO, SWS Bank), Audrey Liu (Grove Estate Wines), and James Bowman (Barwang Wines; Chair, Hilltops Wine Association; Board Member, NSW Wine Association) amongst others.
Consul General Wang Yu emphasised the enduring historical and cultural bonds between China and the Hilltops region. During the visit, the Consul General presented gifts to the town of Young and the Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Garden, reinforcing the deep and respectful ties shared between our communities.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Hilltops Council was joined by representatives from all levels of government, including the Hon. Michael McCormack MP, Federal Member for Riverina; the Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, Minister for Multiculturalism, Jobs and Tourism, Lands and Property, and Sports; and local Member Steph Cooke MP, a long-time supporter of the festival.
The Hon. Minister Kamper, whose agency, Multicultural NSW, provided the $100,000 grant enabling Friday night’s spectacular Fiesta on Boorowa Street—officially opened the festival on Saturday afternoon. He later shared:
“My huge congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s fantastic 75th National Cherry Festival. I was delighted to join the festivities, meet with small-business owners, locals and tourists, and sample the delicious produce on offer.”
“It was another boost for Young’s small businesses, visitor economy and wider community, and I’m proud that my agency, Multicultural NSW, could support this year’s festival”
“It was a fantastic weekend for Young and regional NSW, and producers, business owners and visitors alike.”
Across the weekend, the region recorded exceptional visitation. Local producers, including Ballinaclash, saw more than 1,500 visitors by Saturday lunchtime alone, with visitors flocking to pick cherries, enjoy local wines, and savour the best of Hilltops produce.
The festival showcased the heritage, vibrancy, and diversity of Young and the wider Hilltops region, with the Multicultural Fiesta, community parade, live entertainment, food and produce stalls, and the tireless spirit of local volunteers drawing praise from all corners.
Hilltops Council extends sincere thanks to the many people who made the 75th festival such an overwhelming success:
Our wonderful Corporate & Community team and our Open Spaces crew for their dedication, passion and behind-the-scenes organisation.
Volunteers, entertainers, stallholders, and parade participants, whose energy brings the festival to life.
Sponsors and partners, including the NSW Government’s Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Program.
Local businesses, who showcased the very best of our region.
The 75th National Cherry Festival has reinforced the Hilltops region’s reputation as a premier tourism destination and an agricultural powerhouse, while also strengthening international friendships that we hope will grow well into the future.
Hilltops Council looks forward to building on this success as we continue to promote our region, our producers, and our community on the national and international stage.
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Media enquiries – Hilltops Council 1300 445 586