led a New Orleans-inspired street procession along Commercial Street to launch the 2017
Fringe in Mount Gambier festivities.
Picture: BRITTANY DENTON
MOUNT Gambier City Council will contribute a further $15,000 towards next year’s Fringe in Mount Gambier Festival if the State Government commits $20,000 towards the event.
Council had previously allocated $20,000 cash and $5000 in-kind support in its 2018/19 budget to support the continued growth of the festival.
At this month’s meeting, councillors discussed writing to the State Government seeking $20,000.
Cr Frank Morello put forward an amendment to increase council’s contribution to the Fringe budget.
He said the current funding was “inadequate” and asked that a further $15,000 be contributed by council to the 2019 event.
“It (the Fringe) invigorated the city and showcased our town to a wider audience,” he said.
“The certainty of an extra $15,000 would make it possible to attract an extra three or four quality artists early on in the process.
“Ideally this event needs a $50,000 fund, but an extra $15,000 will certainly help.”
The amendment was carried, however Cr Steve Perryman put forward a second amendment.
He agreed with Cr Morello’s statement, but only if the State Government added its support to the cause.
“I am not questioning the success (of the event), I am just questioning the share of the dollars that council should contribute in comparison to others,” he said.
“Specifically the State Government, because it was their initiative.
“They sold it to council and we bought in as a partner, then they changed it.
“They are leaving us with the whole bill.”
Council passed the second amendment to contribute an extra $15,000 to the festival if the State Government supplies $20,000 funding towards the event.
The 2019 festival is scheduled for March 22 in the Cave Gardens precinct.
