When Gold Coast entrepreneur Cindy Jensen took 12 months leave from her stable job to put on a free event for her Currumbin community, she figured her efforts would be for a one off event. Five years on, she is proudly the founder and event director of Australia’s largest busking festival, Buskers By The Creek.
Held at the picturesque creekside location that is Winders Park, Currumbin, the community and cultural event attracts more than 300 buskers each year with more than 20,000 Gold Coast locals and visitors gathering by the creek over two days for an unforgettable weekend of live entertainment. Dedicated to giving back to her local Currumbin community, Ms Jensen says Buskers By The Creek is about providing something for everyone. “It’s about bringing together the local and wider community for a fun, free family-friendly event,” says Ms Jensen.
Utilising her diverse experience ranging from graphic design and small business ownership to marketing, communications and event management, Ms Jensen has successfully built the event to have not only Australian wide recognition, but international credibility with contenders from all over the world sending through applications to perform at the event. With her entrepreneurial spirit and strong community commitment, the mother of two has gained the support of not only the wider Gold Coast community but local businesses, who contribute financially to ensure the event is viable. “It’s about my community, and the economic and social impacts that this event harbours makes it all the more worthwhile,” says Ms Jensen. “Most importantly, this is a team effort and the contributions our Council, local businesses, my friends and family make each year to help bring Buskers by the Creek to life is very much appreciated.”
This year’s event will see a total of 16 stages sprawled through the creekside park, fostering a carnival atmosphere with a Brazilian theme complete with entertaining Brazilian acts alongside dazzling roaming dancers, sequins and Brazilian bling. Buskers By The Creek is proudly supported by a host of local businesses including Coast Creek Country Realty, City of Gold Coast, and Gold Coast Airport.
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