Published on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 1:25:56 PM
A new community event named after an endemic marsupial drew hundreds of festivalgoers to Kendenup at the weekend.
The inaugural Quenda Festival, delivered by the Shire of Plantagenet in partnership with the Kendenup Progress Association, Kendenup Town Hall Committee and Kendenup Community & Men's Shed Inc. transformed the Kendenup Town Hall and surrounds on Saturday 24 October.
Shire President Len Handasyde said some wet weather did little to dampen the spirits of the Kendenup community and visitors.
“It was great to see plenty of people ‘snout and about’ digging into all that was on offer,” Cr Handasyde said.
“From market stalls, art and craft workshops, community group displays, live music, a chill-out tent, youth bike skills sessions, Veteran and Classic Car Display, Cycling Without Age Plantagenet trishaw rides, open gardens and exhibitions, and even a gumboot throwing competition, there was plenty of family-friendly fun for everyone.”
“The Quenda Treasure Hunt was a big hit, and I’d like to thank the Kendenup Community & Men’s Shed for their efforts producing all the plywood quendas that were decorated and hidden throughout the festival grounds and the Kendenup Progress Association for coordinating the treasure hunt and competition.
“Congratulations to the People’s Choice award winners, Anne Bateman who won the adult category, and Penny and Ashton Vermeulen who won the children’s category.”
The Quenda Festival coincided with the Wild Gravel cycling and running event’s only spectator point, and aimed to attract more supporters to Kendenup’s main street to cheer participants on.
“Thank you to our sponsors, Southern Ports and Community Bank Mount Barker, and partners, Kendenup Progress Association, Kendenup Town Hall Committee and Kendenup Community & Men's Shed Inc. for their energy and enthusiasm bringing an quend-essential community festival to our annual event program.”
To view more festival images and stay up to date for future Shire events, follow our Facebook page.
For further information, contact the Shire Community Events and Initiatives Coordinator on [email protected] or 9892 1111.
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