| The name BRIGHT was officially used on survey maps back in 1862. To celebrate the past 150 years of Bright & District a calendar of events took place from January to August 2012.
Find the Bright 150th program here.
150 Calendar
The special 150 Celebration Calendar included historical events, exhibitions and community gatherings. Existing events and festivals such as the Autumn Festival and others were incorporated into the historical 150 theme.
Official Launch
The official 150 Celebration Launch took place on Saturday, 21 January at 11am (approx 30 mins) during the monthly Make it, Bake it, Grow it Market in Howitt Park. The launch included an entertaining snapshot of what to expect during the years celebrations, a live performance by Stuart Biggins and his song for Bright and official dignitaries.
5 Eras Concept
The 150 years was split into 5 eras over the 8 months, with other events taking place in between these eras. There were five separate weeks designated to celebrate a block of three decades or 30 years.
6 12 February 1860 1890 - Gold, pioneering, first vineyards, common schools established, arrival of railway to Bright, tourism developed rapidly
21 27 May - 1890 1920 - WWI, first pine plantings, roaring 20s, opening Buffalo Chalet
11 17 June - 1920 1950 - Great depression, WWII, swing and big bands, tobacco, Bright Pine Mill
9 15 July - 1950 1980 - Rock n Roll, Vietnam War, flower power, disco, gold dredging ceases, post war immigration
13 19 August - 1980 Present day - Shoulder pads, internet, social media, tobacco production ceased, formation of Alpine Shire.
History
The name of Bright was first officially used in early 1862 when it appeared on the survey map for the town prepared by Acting District Surveyor John Darbyshire. Darbyshire was in charge of the official auction of blocks of land, held on August 29, 1862. It is generally accepted that the name Bright was selected by the Minister for Lands at the time, Charles Gavan Duffy, whose name is perpetuated in Gavan Street, originally called Gavan Duffy Street, now part of the Great Alpine Road. The name Bright honored English politician John Bright who consistently fought for the rights of working men. He was born on November 16, 1811, in Lancashire, so in November this year it will be the 200th anniversary of his birth.
Community Support
A number of business and community members volunteered to join the three sub-groups that helped to manage, promote and fund the celebrations. The three groups were: the Operational Sub-Group, the Administration and Finance Group and the Marketing Group.
Council Support
Council was involved in supporting the celebrations through providing two Council officers on the working committee as well as by providing funding. The 2011/2012 Council budget saw money allocated to the celebrations which was used for marketing activities amongst other things.
Updates
The celebrations were promoted through social media channels: Facebook - Bright150; and Twitter @Bright150
| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |