In short:
Wyndham Council has cancelled the State Rose & Garden Show and Winter Street Party, cutting two major community events. Locals are questioning why key celebrations are being removed.
Wyndham Council has opted to completely cancel the annual State Rose & Garden Show at the Victorian State Rose Garden in Werribee Park this year.
The popular two-day event attracts around 20,000 locals and tourists each year and is a key fundraising opportunity for the volunteers who maintain the heritage-listed garden. The show has long been regarded as one of Wyndham’s and Victoria’s most popular free and accessible attractions, drawing crowds to see the roses at their peak and enjoy a weekend of gardening displays, entertainment, and market stalls.
Wyndham City Director, Planning and Liveability, Eric Braslis, said Wyndham City has decided to pause the State Rose and Garden Show in 2025 as part of a review and refresh of the events calendar. “The Show has been a much-loved event for more than 10 years. This pause will allow us to reimagine the event and explore new opportunities for our community. In making this decision, Wyndham City has worked closely with the dedicated volunteer group who maintain the Rose Garden and we continue to support them.”
Mr Braslis said the garden is owned and operated by the State Government through Parks Victoria. “It is their asset, and we will continue to support them from a tourism perspective and work with them should they wish to continue promoting the garden. As the owners of the Werribee Park precinct and the custodians of the State Rose Garden, we want Parks Victoria and the State Government to begin to think of new ways to increase the exposure of their asset. The garden remains open to the public year-round, and we encourage everyone to visit and enjoy it.”
He said Wyndham is supporting the volunteers with a $15,000 grant, which is the equivalent to what they receive through gold coin donations at the State Rose Show.
The Victoria State Rose Garden Committee confirmed they were advised of the decision earlier this year. The announcement has sparked strong community backlash, with many residents questioning why such a significant tourism drawcard has been dropped.
Ella, a regular visitor to the event, said: “Apparently the useless Wyndham Council has now cancelled the annual Victorian State Rose Festival usually held in November. This is outrageous and disappointing. Could you please investigate and report on this terrible decision? Not enough money because it’s used on private security patrols?! Thank you in advance!”
Several residents have shared similar views online, describing the decision as “short-sighted” and “damaging to local tourism.” Others have questioned whether the funds could have been reallocated rather than cutting the event entirely.
The cancellation of the Rose Show follows another major change to the city’s events calendar — the removal of the Winter Street Party. For many Wyndham locals, last year’s street party was a defining moment of the season, attracting more than 12,000 people to Watton Street for a night of music, fire shows, food, and entertainment. It was one of the largest free public events ever held in the city, transforming the Werribee CBD into a glowing hub of activity with silent discos, roving performers, kids’ zones, live music, and more than 30 market stalls.
THE WINTER STREET PARTY HAS ALSO BEEN CANNED
With two of Wyndham’s most popular and well-attended events now removed from the calendar, questions are being raised over what is happening inside council and why such key community celebrations are being cut. Many residents say these events brought people together, boosted local business, and showcased the city at its best — and fear their loss will leave a significant gap in Wyndham’s cultural life.
The rose garden itself remains open most days of the year, with the main flush of blooms beginning in late October and continuing through November and December. Entry is free, but gold coin donations are encouraged to support the upkeep of the grounds.
The Victoria State Rose Garden Committee says late spring remains the most spectacular time to visit, with thousands of roses in bloom across the site.
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