MOUNT Gambier City Council will deliberate on whether to withdraw funding for the annual 2018 New Year’s Eve celebration at Vansittart Park following a sub-committee recommendation to “respectfully decline” any contribution.
At last Tuesday morning’s operational standing committee meeting, elected members supported a motion moved by Councillor Steve Perryman not to provide $15,000 cash and in-kind support to Mount Gambier Community Events to stage the event.
In a funding application to council, the not-for-profit group requested $10,000 for a number of activities, including the fireworks display.
An additional $5000 worth of in-kind support for rubbish bins, tiered seating, bunting and safety flags, labour and signage was also requested.
A staff report recommended the consideration of funding was to be determined at the meeting, noting last year’s “significant challenges” and the unlikelihood of ongoing financial support from the council.
It further noted while the events themselves were well attended, the committee was consistently challenged each year with securing adequate sponsorship and volunteer support to deliver the event.
Speaking on the motion, Cr Perryman said the “nature of the event” made it difficult for the organising committee to seek additional funding streams.
Cr Ian von Stanke acknowledged the likelihood the event’s firework display, held at 9pm and midnight, would “drop off” as a result of the funding withdrawal, but ultimately supported the motion.
Mayor Andrew Lee and Cr Des Mutton were apologies, while Cr Christian Greco has been granted a leave of absence.
According to a staff report, council has been a major sponsor of the event since its inception in 2011, with annual sponsorship traditionally in the vicinity of $10,000 to $12,000 cash and in-kind support up to the value of $5000.
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.
In a letter accompanying the 2018 funding application, Mount Gambier Community Events chair Steve Toope conceded the 2017 event was a struggle, citing issues around committee membership, volunteers and raising funds.
The letter, dated January 2, 2018, said the event’s organising committee made it clear the 2017 celebration could be the last unless further assistance was offered.
At the time, he said he “firmly believed” the event would be staged as a number of people had indicated assistance and support.
Mr Toope told The Border Watch council’s committee recommendation was “not unexpected or a surprise”.
“It was half expected this was going to happen from what happened last year,” he said.
“We will have to wait and see what happens in the council meeting.”
The funding allocation will be discussed at council’s general meeting on Tuesday evening.
