As the new events coordinator for Tourism Southern Highlands, the annual festival will be Mr Farrugia’s primary focus, and he’s looking for anyone and everyone to get involved.

“I’ve spent all my life in Sydney and never had the chance to experience Tulip Time before so I’m definitely looking forward to it,” he said. “I want to learn as much about the area as possible.”

“I want to showcase every aspect of the Highlands, and really focus on the community at a grassroots level, so I encourage people to contact me at the Visitors Information Centre and share their stories and ideas.”

Mr Farrugia has spent the past 10 years working in event management, primarily through Blacktown Council, where he organised a variety of events including the Blacktown City Festival.

He has also spent four years teaching HSC students event management at Nirimba TAFE.

“I loved teaching and am proud to say none of my students failed,” he said.

“The course was restructured just before this position became available so I seized the opportunity to get out of the city and into the beautiful Southern Highlands.”

The basic outline for the 2009 Tulip Time was in place before Mr Farrugia arrived but he still has plenty of tough months ahead of him.

This year’s event will be all about children, with Batman and Superman shaped flowerbeds, rainbows, Bandaged Bear, and author Bryce Courtenay as Tulip Time Ambassador.

Proceeds will be shared between the BDCU Children’s Foundation and Westmead Children’s Hospital.

“This year will be a chance for me to see how the festival goes together, then after an evaluation process I’ll determine how we can make it even better for the 50th year in 2010,” Mr Farrugia said.

To contact Mr Farrugia about Tulip Time or other tourism events, phone the Visitor’s Information Centre on 4871 2888.