About The Fair
A community gathering shaped by creativity, place and people.
Like many good ideas in small communities, Bushy Creek Makers’ Fair
began with a conversation.
The Fair’s Origin Story
The 2024 Festival of Flowers, organised by the Let’s Grow Julatten and Mt Molloy group, rekindled a vibrant spirit of community in the region, drawing residents, artisans, growers and visitors from across the Mareeba Shire and beyond.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with strong encouragement from the community and Mareeba Shire Council to continue the momentum.
From those conversations, the idea grew into the Bushy Creek Makers’ Fair — an event designed to extend and expand the legacy of the Festival of Flowers.
What the Fair is becoming
Bushy Creek Makers’ Fair is a two-day grassroots festival celebrating community life and the creative talent of the region.
Across the weekend you can expect local food and food trucks, live music, theatre and performers, art exhibitions, creative workshops, artisan markets, a flower show, campfire singalongs, a dinner and dance, and the chance to camp under the stars.
More than an event, the fair aims to create a welcoming space where creativity, connection and collaboration can flourish -celebrating not only the talents of local makers, but also the strong bonds that tie the Mt Molloy and Julatten communities together.
Why Bushy Creek
Bushy Creek is more than a place name — it is a familiar presence in the life of the region.
In the wet season, locals often ask a simple question:
“Is Bushy open?”
The creek becomes a marker of movement, connection and resilience, reflecting the rhythms and realities of rural life.
Like the creek itself, the Fair is intended as a meeting place - somewhere people can gather, share ideas and celebrate the creativity that flows through the community.
The Bushy Creek Makers’ Fair draws on that same grounded, practical spirit. Inclusive by nature, the fair belongs to everyone and brings the community together
At the heart of the Fair
At its heart, Bushy Creek Makers’ Fair is shaped by three simple ideas.
Connect
Neighbours meet, conversations begin and community grows.
Create
Makers, artists and growers share their craft, knowledge and creativity.
Celebrate
Music, food and shared experiences bring people together.
Initial Support
Bushy Creek Makers’ Fair received a planning grant through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council supporting local arts and culture in regional communities.
The grant is auspiced by JAMARR — the Julatten and Molloy Association of Ratepayers and Residents, whose work supports community initiatives across the region.
This early support helped turn the idea of the fair into a project that could begin to take shape.
As the fair grows, we welcome the support of organisations and businesses who share a commitment to strengthening community life in the region.
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
The People behind the Fair
Bushy Creek Makers’ Fair is brought to life by a small group of local volunteers who care deeply about this community and the creativity that lives here.
Each person brings different skills - from arts and music to community organising - but all share the belief that small communities thrive when people come together to create and celebrate.
Bianca — Project Lead
Ying — Program Development
Lyn — Stallholder Community
Vicki — Sustainability & Waste
Ruth — JIG, Kids & Youth
Suzen — Wellness
Crystal — Writers & Authors
Reece — Julatten Men’s Shed and Fire Brigade
Lionel — Julatten Edna Head Library & Community Tech
Many more volunteers, makers and neighbours are already contributing their time and ideas to help bring the fair to life.
Get in Touch
Bushy Creek Makers’ Fair is built by the community.
If you have a question, would like to get involved, or simply want to learn more about the fair, we’d love to hear from you.