Season Two: Behind the Scenes of The Hills Carnivale with Vanessa Jones

Season Two: Behind the Scenes of The Hills Carnivale with Vanessa Jones

Author: Echo News May 16, 2025 Duration: 17:33

In this episode of Talk of the Town, Von sits down with Vanessa Jones, the lead Event Coordinator for The Hills Carnivale, to go behind the scenes of one of Moreton Bay’s most beloved community events. Vanessa shares how the team brings the event to life each year - from logistics and planning to programming and community involvement. Listeners get the inside scoop on what to expect at this year’s Carnivale, including live entertainment, market stalls, multicultural food, amusement rides, kids’ activities, and of course, the grand finale fireworks.


Vanessa also talks about her favourite Carnivale moments, the importance of community collaboration, and how the event supports local performers, businesses, and families. Whether you're a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, this episode will have you excited for a fun-filled day at George Willmore Park on Saturday, 31 May.


Vanessa Jones is the Lead Event Coordinator for the Hills Carnivale and a key figure in delivering some of the Moreton Bay region’s most vibrant community events. With a background in large-scale event planning and a passion for community engagement, Vanessa plays a central role in orchestrating all the moving parts behind beloved festivals like the Hills Carnivale. Her work ensures these events are not just fun and safe, but also inclusive, family-friendly, and locally enriching.


MBRIT stands for Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism. It’s a not-for-profit organization that partners with the City of Moreton Bay to promote tourism, drive economic development, and support community engagement across the region.


MBRIT is responsible for delivering major public events such as:

  • Hills Carnivale
  • Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run
  • Redcliffe KiteFest


Their mission is to position Moreton Bay as a premier destination for tourism, business, and lifestyle—supporting local businesses, attracting visitors, and creating vibrant experiences for residents.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


There’s a particular rhythm to life in Brisbane’s north-west suburbs, and Talk of the Town by Echo News captures it perfectly. Hosted by Von and Steve, this weekly conversation feels less like a broadcast and more like catching up with well-informed neighbors who have a knack for finding fascinating stories right around the corner. The focus here is on the texture of the community itself-the new bakery shaping a high street, the artist turning a local landmark into a canvas, or the quiet efforts of individuals whose work strengthens the area’s social fabric. By weaving together elements of arts, business, and culture, each episode offers a nuanced look at what’s happening and why it matters. You’ll hear genuine interviews that go beyond simple announcements, exploring the challenges and triumphs behind local news. This podcast from Echo News serves as an essential, grounded companion for anyone curious about the forces-both economic and creative-that define their surroundings. It’s for residents who believe understanding your own suburb, from its community events to its emerging enterprises, is key to feeling truly connected. Tune in for a thoughtful, consistently engaging take on locality, where every discussion underscores the idea that the most compelling narratives are often unfolding just down the street.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 40

Talk of the Town by Echo News
Podcast Episodes
08: Amber Riddell, Teralba Park Honey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:22
Joining us in this week’s episode is the queen bee of Teralba Park Honey, Amber Riddell. Amber talks all things beekeeping, turning your hobbies into a thriving business and how to tap into community support along the wa…
07: Rob Hopkinson, Founder of Run with Rob [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:45
This week we hear the story behind 'Run with Rob' - a community running and fundraising group. We chat with founder Rob Hopkinson - a father, community advocate and a man with a big heart and an incredible ability to bri…
05:  Easter School Holiday Fun [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:34
In this week's episode we chat about all things EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN - helping you make the most of down time with your kids. We profile local events and activities that won’t break the bank and will ensure you have…
04: Tony Yan from TerryWhite Chemmart Upper Kedron [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:15
In this week's episode we talk with Tony Yan from Terry White Chemmart Upper Kedron about Pharmaself24 - a game-changer in prescription collection! We also introduce our new weekly segments including 'What's hot, what's…
03: Local Destination Spotlight - Bullocky Rest (Lake Samsonvale) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:12
In this episode Steve shares about great local destination, Bullocky Rest at Lake Samsonvale and we chat about some local events coming up.A scenic picnic location, Bullocky Rest overlooks the picturesque surrounds of th…
02: Meet Your Hosts - Von and Steve! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:05
Meet Your Talk of the Town Podcast Hosts!Von is a local, born and raised in North Brisbane. She now lives in Albany Creek with her husband and three children. She loves painting, decluttering, exploring local thrift shop…
01: Welcome to Talk of the Town (by Echo News) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:27
In this podcast, hosts (Von and Steve) give a little tease as to what you'll find on this podcast. Join us each week as we break down the ‘Talk of the Town’ and shine a light on the stories that matter most in the North-…