MEMBER for Mount Gambier Troy Bell will call on the State Government to award Generations in Jazz major event status in a parliamentary motion next month.
The independent MP moved a five-part motion in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, indicating he will seek State Government recognition Generations in Jazz is the largest jazz festival in the southern hemisphere.
In his motion, which will be discussed on June 4, Mr Bell will also call on Premier Steven Marshall to invite prominent arts journalists as his guests to next year’s festival to promote the event and South Australia, both nationally and internationally.
Mr Bell will also call on the State Government to congratulate the festival’s board and volunteers for their efforts in facilitating this year’s events, as well as recognise the financial contribution the event makes to South Australia.
“This is a world event and we need to make sure we get the recognition it deserves for our community,” he said.
“This event can continue to grow tourism in the South East and we need to maximise the opportunities and also the funding opportunities that come with national recognition.
“If it gets major event status it attracts additional funding.
“It enables the growth of Generations of Jazz to continue and the event is not a cheap event to put on.”
Generations in Jazz event organiser Nethanel Sutton welcomed Mr Bell’s support, saying additional media exposure would increase the event’s visibility and put “regional Australia under the spotlight”.
Mr Sutton said government support and funding would assist in stimulating the growth of the festival.
“Generations in Jazz has grown for three decades with no federal or state government support, solely relying on the generosity of donations, sponsorship and thousands of volunteer hours,” he said.
“Government funding would assist in so many ways, whether it is securing artists for student workshops, appointing a more permanent event management team, improving upon our infrastructure or further expanding the festival.
“There is tremendous community collaboration and involvement in this event.
“We welcome up to 6000 visitors from all over Australia and even overseas to our region for this three-day festival and our aim is to deliver an experience beyond their expectations, but community goodwill can only go so far.”
Mr Sutton said a Mount Gambier City Council report estimated the festival delivered an economic benefit of $1.4m solely in accommodation bookings over three days in Mount Gambier alone.
“It also serves as a major fundraiser for sporting clubs, schools and charity groups who provide accommodation, catering, cleaning and other services,” he said.
“We also have businesses supplying buses and cars to transport the crowds, sound and video production companies, graphic design and print houses, tent hire, lighting hire, linen suppliers, first aid and security officers.
“It is a very long list.
“Then of course there are the flow-on effects that are also really pleasing, with shops, supermarkets, fuel stations, cafes, restaurants and take-away outlets also enjoying a roaring trade.”
