MOUNT Gambier City Council will contribute an additional $35,000 for the 2019 Mount Gambier Fringe Festival following a three-year recurrent funding pledge from the State Government.
Council chief executive Mark McShane welcomed Premier Steven Marshall’s announcement of a $10,000 funding boost after elected members voted to seek $20,000 from the State Government to support the next year’s event
Mr McShane said the funds, which will see $10,000 per year for three years provided to Country Arts SA to help council run the festival, ensured the future of the event was secure.
“The financial support will go a long way towards further developing the annual program for the benefit of our entire community,” he said.
“We thank Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell for lobbying to support this popular regional arts event.
“We look forward to working with local businesses, the arts community and other stakeholders to make the 2019 Fringe event the best yet.”
In addition to the funding, council will provide in-kind support to the value of $5000 to the event.
Arts South Australia will provide Country Arts SA with an additional $10,000 per year for three years to help council run the annual Mount Gambier Fringe.
The funds are in addition to the South Australian Tourism Commission’s (SATC) commitment in September to provide $10,000 towards the marketing of the event through the 2018/2019 Regional Events and Festivals Program.
The State Government’s financial support follows a resolution by council at its August meeting to seek $20,000 as a matter of urgency to support the festival in 2019.
