Power behind the

Yakkerboo is synonymous with tireless volunteers, hard workers and, of course, Pakenham.
It was no wonder then Joan Upton felt compelled to become involved with the town’s hallowed festival.
The now dedicated Yakkerboo organiser moved to Pakenham in 1994 and sought an interesting hobby.
When she found Yakkerboo, Joan knew the search was over.
This year is Joan’s 10th on the Yakkerboo committee and it rounds out a decade of preparing, organising and enjoying Pakenham’s premier entertainment event.
Joan proudly described her position on the Yakkerboo committee as a ‘gofer’ but says the short title comes with a long list of responsibilities.
“There is always plenty to do, especially with Yakkerboo celebrating 30 years this year,” she said.
“I organise the art show, catering and help set up the market stalls, plus many odd jobs.”
The selfconfessed Yakkerbooer said the biggest challenge faced by the event committee was to continue changing and adapting to the times.
“We face two challenges every year.
“To continue being innovative and give people what they want, and trying to find local youth to join the committee and give us ideas,” Joan said.
The days of the local fete complete with jam and sponge cake competitions are long gone, according to Joan.
“As time goes on, expectations change,” she said.
“Those things have been replaced by fireworks and amusement rides.”
In an attempt to lure more youth to this year’s Yakkerboo, a search for a star competition named Yakkerboo Idol has been organised.
Entrants have to register before the event to allow screening of contestants and ensure a high standard of performance.
“This is a genuine signing contest. The calibre of entrants will be impressive,” Joan said.
As Pakenham’s population continues to boom, Joan said Yakkerboo didn’t necessarily have to get bigger, but did need to move with the times.
“We’re looking for more excitement and a way to grab people’s attention,” she said.
Hoping to hitch a ride to success, this year’s Yakkerboo festival theme will be based on the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and countless hours of preparation have ensured that this year’s Yakkerboo has every chance of winning gold.
Joan said that organisation for the annual festival begins in November of the year before.
“That is when we find out how much funding we receive from the Cardinia Shire.
“The funding is never something we take for granted so we start preparing very early on to make sure everything is organised.”
Joan said the incentive to keep improving Yakkerboo year after year was driven by the chance that the funding may disappear.
“You never know, so we always think that it could be the last year.
“It makes you work that little bit harder,” Joan said.
This Friday night the Yakkerboo committee is hosting a dinner for all the past queens and princesses of the festival.
Joan said she had never had the privilege of being a Yakkerboo Queen, but had experienced a similar position in England.
“It was a local English carnival, called the Redditch Carnival,” she explained.
“I was the deputy queen, that was a great experience.”
Pakenham barber Graham Treloar has collated scrapbook memories of the Yakkerboo festival for many years and will present his collection to all those in attendance on Friday night.
The reunion will be held at the Pakenham Racing Club Committee Room.
All former Yakkerboo royalty should first dust off their tiaras and crowns then call Joan Vogels on 5940 1926 or 0410 029 738 to book a seat.