Location
Bairnsdale is located on the south-east coast of Australia. It is a large country city (pop. 12,000 approx.) and is part of the East Gippsland Shire.
The area is known as the 'Riviera' due to its mild climate and it is in the centre of the Gippsland Lakes, an internationally known waterway famous for its natural attributes and facilities for recreational use. The waterway stretches for some 60 nautical mile with three major lakes providing relatively sheltered waters and making it a mecca for boating enthusiasts of all types.
Bairnsdale is about a three hour drive from Melbourne and seven hours from Sydney. The nearest neighbouring bands are one hours' travel to the south, three hours to the north and four hours to the west. Being the only Brass Band in the Shire of East Gippsland it is heavily committed to community events, especially in the summer months.
Bairnsdale Citizens' Band does not just operate in Gippsland alone, though. Each year it travels for six hours over the mountains to the Corowa Federation Festival to participate in the massed marches, Battle of the Bands and other events. The band also travels as far as Omeo which is about one and a half hours' drive away ( but still within the East Gippsland Shire ) to perform at engagements.
The Band Room is a building next to Picnic Point Hall in West Bairnsdale with players coming from as far as Lakes Entrance ( 30 minutes travel ). As well as the specially constructed rehearsal room, the building has a small room set up as a library and store and the kitchen facilties at the hall are also available for social occasions.
