It’s full steam ahead for the Jarrahdale Log Chop with this year’s celebration scheduled for October 1.
Preparations for the 2023 event were given a boost last Thursday when Member for Darling Range Hugh Jones MLA presented the Serpentine Jarrahdale Lions Club with a $10,000 Lotterywest grant.
It’s been the highlight of the town’s social calendar for four decades and, as organisers, the Serpentine Jarrahdale Lions Club will be excited to see the crowds back after last year’s event was cancelled.
“It’s a magical thing in Jarrahdale, and it’s a free event, and that’s why we apply for the grants, so we can keep it free,” Lions Club Secretary Sandra Hawkins said.
“In 2021 we had over 15,000 people attend – we didn’t expect it to be that big – I was run off my feet, but it was amazing to see.”
Hugh Jones, a club member since 2022, said it is the hard work of organisers that makes the Log Chop so successful.
“The Lions Club does a fantastic job putting on the iconic event that draws people from all over Western Australia to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale,” Mr Jones said.
“The sub-committee of four people tirelessly volunteer their services to ensure that the event goes off smoothly, so our local community gets to experience a traditional country atmosphere. I am proud to call myself a Lion.”
With arrangements for the opening well under way, Ms Hawkins said this year’s Jarrahdale Log Chop and SJ Lions Country Fair will feature over a dozen food outlets, along with fairground rides, animal activities, face painting, entertainment and a range of community information stalls – as well as the iconic Log Chop, showcasing this year’s Australian 275mm Standing Block Championship.
“When you speak to people about it, they say it’s the happy atmosphere, there is no pressure to buy, it’s a day out in the country for many who travel out from the city, and of course the log chop,” Ms Hawkins said.
“The Serpentine Volunteer Bushfire Brigade is manning the carpark at the top of the oval – they do it every year – the Jarrahdale Volunteer Bushfire Brigade are running their sausage sizzle there, and the Byford Scouts are doing the rubbish pick-ups. It’s a real community event.”
Last year saw the third consecutive year of record-breaking returns to the Western Australian community delivered by Lotterywest, with $1.05 billion provided in grants and lottery prizes.
There were 438 WA not-for-profit groups and local governments that benefited from 489 direct Lotterywest grants, totalling $130.5 million.
