Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The sack race saw some eager competitors. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
By Victoria Velton
Volunteers are being called on to keep Forrest Beach’s community events alive, as the Progress Association wraps up a successful year of markets and prepares for its upcoming Carols by the Sea.
This year saw the Progress Association introduce a series of themed markets throughout the year, including a Show and Shine in June, an emergency services theme in July, Spring into Fitness in August and a school holiday-focused market for the final event.
The final Forrest Beach market of the year attracted a strong crowd, with Event Coordinator Mr Scuderia saying the rides and games proved particularly popular with families, namely the sack races, jumping castles and carousel.
Mr Scuderia said that although he was sad to see the season close, the themed markets would return next year, with the association already planning another emergency services and Show and Shine market.
“It’s the last one for the year, so I’m always disappointed because I would like to see markets 12 months of the year here,” Mr Scuderia laughed.
“But we’re happy to recharge and start fresh next year.”
Now, the association is also preparing for its annual Carols by the Sea event, which will be held in partnership with the local lifesavers. The event will move from Progress Park to the lifesavers’ venue, with the association expecting a strong crowd following last year’s attendance of around 500 people.
The evening will feature local singers, food, popcorn and fireworks, with the carols beginning at 6pm and fireworks scheduled for 8.30pm. The new partnership will also allow alcohol to be sold within the lifesavers’ licensed area.
Looking further ahead, the Progress Association hopes to work with the lifesavers on reviving the Stinger Net opening event, potentially bringing back fashion parades and Battle of the Bands. Mr Scuderia said the lifesavers’ sloping lawn provided a natural amphitheatre for large community events.
The association has also continued working closely with the CWA, which is expected to co-lease the Progress Hall next year after leaving its current premises.
Despite the success of the year, Mr Scuderia highlighted a growing need for volunteers, with many community clubs and associations facing an ageing membership.
Mr Scuderia said without new members and volunteers, some organisations could eventually disappear, taking their markets, festivals and other community events with them.
Volunteering with the Progress Association offers opportunity to learn practical skills, handling money, serving customers, building connections and gaining valuable experience in a friendly and supportive environment.
The Progress Association thanked those who continue to volunteer their time and encouraged more people to put their hand up and help keep local community events running.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes. Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
