MOUNT Gambier City Council has voted against a sub-committee recommendation to withdraw funding for the annual 2018 New Year’s Eve event celebration, retaining its contribution contingent on other sponsorship.
At a recent operational standing committee meeting, councillors Steve Perryman, Ian Von Stanke and chair Mark Lovett voted against granting the event $15,000 cash and in-kind support.
The not-for-profit committee requested $10,000 from council for a number of activities, including the fireworks display.
An additional $5000 for in-kind support was sought for the provision of rubbish bins, tiered seating, bunting and safety flags, labour and signage.
The recommendation was not adopted by elected members at council’s general monthly meeting, with Cr Hanna Persello moving a motion to provide $5000 cash and $3000 in-kind support.
“I believe it is a key event for our community,” Cr Persello said.
“The fireworks are actually enjoyed by the community as a whole from different locations.
“The committee are working hard at the moment to maintain the event.”
Cr Persello added she felt it should be conditional on the Mount Gambier Community Events gaining additional funding streams.
Councillors Sonia Mezinec and Penny Richardson spoke in support of the amendment, including the conditional component of funding.
In a vote, the amendment was supported by the trio, while councillors Ian Von Stanke and Steve Perryman, who spoke in support of discontinuing the council contribution at the organisational standing committee, voting against granting the funding.
However, Cr Von Stanke voted with councillors Mezinec, Richardson and Persello to adopt the motion.
A staff report said council had traditionally provided sponsorship in the vicinity of $10,000 to $12,000
Last year, council approved a one-off sponsorship increase of $5000 cash and $500 in-kind support for the event in a bid to assist with escalating costs.
Mount Gambier Community Events chair Steve Toope said he understood council’s rationale, adding the group would work with the conditions and the funds in an attempt to stage the event.
“I understand there are a whole range of things council has got to support and they have to divide the bucket up,” he said.
“If that is what we have got to work with, that is what we will work with.
“At the end of the day if you want something to happen, you have to do the hard yards and get it done.”
