Help Keep a Community Legacy Alive and Win a Stunning Artwork
Were you one of the lucky ones who experienced the reading of the Ash Wednesday play at this year's Mountain Festival? Or did you miss out and hope to catch the next performance?
The overwhelming response to the play has been humbling, with so many expressing immense interest and support for its continued performances—both here and further afield.
An Opportunity to Support Ash Wednesday
The Mountain Festival is excited to share an opportunity to secure the future of Ash Wednesday, a great play that honours the resilient spirit of our community during the 1983 Macedon bushfires.
Acclaimed artist and Doug Moran and Archibald Prize finalist Daniel Butterworth has generously donated a stunning painting to be raffled. All proceeds will go directly toward ensuring this important local story continues to be performed and shared.
About the Play: Courage, Connection, and Community
Commissioned in 2022 and written by Kate Rice, Ash Wednesday brings to life the courage and connection of the hundreds who sought refuge on that unforgettable night.
“The Ash Wednesday play” was commissioned by the festival in 2022 to explore a deeply personal local story that embodies the themesof the Mountain Festival - place, story, and nature. Inspired by the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires in Macedon, the play reimagines the night hundreds sought refuge at the Macedon Railway Hotel, just 200 meters from our festival hub.
Drawing from survivor interviews and extensive research, the play features fictional characters that honour the shared experiences of this devastating event, allowing us to explore broader themes of community resilience and disaster response.
Every dollar raised through the raffle helps ensure this moving story is preserved and shared with future generations.
Raffle Details
- Opens: Wednesday, 23 January
- Closes: 4.00 pm, Sunday, 16 February
- Tickets: $20 each | 3 for $50 | 7 for $100
- Eligible Residents: VIC, QLD, SA, NSW, and TAS
- Draw: 7.30 pm Online - winner will be notified within 48 hours
The Painting: A Unique Artwork Up for Grabs
The donated artwork by celebrated artist Daniel Butterworth is:
- Size: 160cm x 115cm
- Beautifully framed and ready for display
- Available for pickup in Macedon or can be freighted anywhere in Australia (up to $500 freight included).
Be Part of This Legacy
By purchasing a raffle ticket, you’re directly contributing to the continuation of a story that has touched so many lives. Don’t miss your chance to win this extraordinary artwork and preserve a meaningful local legacy.
Secure your tickets today!
