Frank Brennan, a seasoned leader in local governance, has been appointed as the coordinator for the upcoming 2026 Beachport Crayfish Festival. His extensive background includes serving as the chief executive of both the Wattle Range Council and the Millicent District Council, along with over a decade of experience running his consultancy, Frank Brennan Consulting Services, based in Beachport.
Brennan’s leadership experience extends beyond council positions. He has held various roles, including secretary of the Millicent Football Club and chairman of the Mid South Eastern Football League Junior Committee. Additionally, he has served as the presiding member for the South East Water Conservation and Drainage Board and the now-defunct South East Natural Resources Management Board. Currently, he is a Justice of the Peace and an independent director with the Limestone Coast Fishermen’s Cooperative.
Planning Underway for Festival Success
The coordination of the Beachport Crayfish Festival involves a dedicated organizing committee comprising over 30 members, all working under Brennan’s leadership. Meetings are conducted via Skype to facilitate collaboration on various aspects of the festival, including sponsorship, programming, catering, logistics, market organization, funding, and media outreach.
Scheduled for February 28, 2026, this year’s festival promises to celebrate the best of the lobster industry in the Limestone Coast region. Attendees can expect a diverse array of locally produced food and wines, along with a vibrant program featuring art, music, and activities designed for children.
The first iteration of this festival was launched in 2022 and received a warm welcome from both local residents and visitors. Following the success of the 2024 festival, which generated approximately $23,000 for local groups and charities, including funding for the Beachport New Year’s Eve fireworks, expectations are high for the upcoming event.
A Legacy of Community Engagement
The Beachport Crayfish Festival aims to foster community spirit and support local businesses. Given its origins as the Beachport Festival By The Sea, which attracted significant crowds in the early 2000s, the festival has a history of engaging the community. The 2000 event culminated in a free outdoor concert featuring 60 members of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, showcasing the region’s cultural offerings.
With Brennan at the helm, the 2026 Beachport Crayfish Festival is set to build on past successes, creating a platform for local producers and artists while drawing visitors from far and wide. The collaborative efforts of the organizing committee and Brennan’s leadership are expected to ensure a remarkable celebration of the region’s lobster industry and community spirit.
