Community Meeting Thursday 19 February 2026 | 6:30pm | Elsie Austin Pavilion
the community's festival since 2008
The Whim Festival is Mount Helena’s much-loved community celebration. Since 2008, it has brought together locals and visitors for a vibrant day filled with live music, market stalls, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages.
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Now attracting over 5,000 attendees, the Whim Festival has grown into a premiere event on the Shire of Mundaring’s Event Calendar, a true showcase of the Perth Hills' community spirit and creativity.
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In 2025, we’re proud to present the 10th Whim Festival — a milestone event celebrating everything that makes Mount Helena special.
Come along and be part of this unforgettable day!
music & entertainment
A full day of live tunes, local talent, and unforgettable performances!
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The Eastern Hills Concert Bands and Guitar ensemble
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Mount Helena Primary School Choir
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Ben Bulla
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Fenton
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BluesConfusion
+ more to come soon!
food hub
Our great line up of food and beverage stalls will keep you refreshed during the day!
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Hillbellies
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Hungry Dragon
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Presto Panini
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The Little Phap
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Simon Says
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Eastern Hills Scouts BBQ
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Juice Station
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Steep Hill Coffee
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Hillz Soft Serve
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OMG Donuts
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Northern Valley Fruit Pops
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Redmile Coffee Roasters
market central
Shop local treasures, handmade crafts, and unique festival finds.
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Backyard Staples
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Beaded Beauty
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Blazing Sun Designs
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Country Star
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Cowgirl Empire
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Elvelly Herbal Clinic
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ElMackery Collection
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Fuzzy Wonders / Green Pea Toyz
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Grace Belle Handmade Designs
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Maryann Treasured Memories
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Perth Corrective Orthotics
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REGAL GLOW
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Snuggly Monkey
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Tismeshelley
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TouchingSoles
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Zoabelle
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Cosmic Crystals
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Jenny Johnson's Plants
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+ more to come soon!
fun zone
Non-stop games, rides, and kid-friendly activities for all ages!
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Miriam Gaulton Art
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Bloom Face Painting
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Eastern Hills Community Kindy
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Fiona's Fancies Cards
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Henna Florals
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Patterned Pages
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Shire of Mundaring Youth Services
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Mount Helena Volunteer Bushfire Brigade
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Midland Career Fire and Rescue Service
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Bushfire Volunteers WA
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+ more still to come!
connecting community
Come together with local groups, causes, and conversations that matter.
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Adam Hort MLA, Member for Kalamunda
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Mundaring Community Bank - Bendigo
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KinderPark
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Mount Helena Sport and Recreation Association Inc.
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Mount Helena Family Vet Clinic
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Mount Helena Residents and Ratepayers Progress Association
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Stoneville-Parkerville Progress Association
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Mundaring Residents and Ratepayers Progress Association
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Sawyers Valley Resident and Ratepayers Association
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Eastern Hills Community Pantry
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Jane Brook Catchment Group
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Shire of Mundaring
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Mount Helena Primary School
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+ more still to come!
By Lost Mundaring & Surroundings Local History Museum
history zone
Learn more about our rich history and reconnect with old friends!
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We invite long standing and former residents to join us to reconnect with old friends and for current residents to join us to learn more about the area’s history.
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The main feature of the History Zone will be an exhibition interpreting the history of Mount Helena.
​Featuring:
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Mundaring Travelling Museum
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Mundaring & Hills Historical Society
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AWC - Whim Display
Still Want to Be Part of the Whim Festival?
Good news — there are still stallholder spaces available!
​​Showcase your products, creations, or community group at one of the Shire’s premiere events.
📧 Email: mthelenaratepayers@yahoo.com
to apply or find out more.
What is a WHIM?
The Whim was used for log haulage in the early days of the South-west timber industry including the Perth Hills.
The whim axle was manoeuvred midway over a felled log. With the aid of a swampers spoon, the chain was passed under the lof and hooked onto the axle. The whim beam, as a lever, was pulled down using horses and secured to the log, thus raising the axle and the log for easier haulage. A team of eight horses then hauled the raised log to the steam saw mill. The whim revolutionised the early timber industry and was used until the advent of motorised tractors.
The whim has been honoured and recognised by the Mount Helena Residents and Ratepayers Progress Association as a part of their logo and name of our biannual 'Whim' Festival.
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Photo: BULLOCK TEAM; LION MILL, MT HELENA, c.1882 - 1898 -
Shire of Toodyay’s Photographic Collection