ORGANISERS behind Mount Gambier’s New Year’s Eve community event are nearing their fundraising target, with City Council endorsing a $10,000 contribution, with a further $5000 of in-kind support.
Event committee deputy chairperson Jason Newman said the committee was closing in on its target of $50,000, with a $5000 Federal Government grant also secured.
The support has been welcomed by the organising committee, which was overhauled following last year’s event to attract fresh ideas and keep the event viable.
“We are starting to talk with people around adding a market onto the event as well as including other activities such as a silent disco,” Mr Newman said.
Mr Newman said a dump tank, which would allow community members to test their aim with a target throw to “dump” water over a host of local identities, was also being considered.
With increased entertainment for both children and teenagers as the committee’s aim this year, Mr Newman said the new committee looked forward to hosting its first event.
“We are trying to minimise the waiting time for kids and the rides but also keep them entertained while they are waiting,” Mr Newman said.
“Last year we had a lot of trouble with the face paint line-up so we are trying to figure out ways around that.”
Organisers have also met with the city’s Youth Advisory Group to address entertainment options for teenagers, including a “chill out area” and a series of games.
“Things like little races, ring toss just small things like that where we can put them in heats and have the finals later on in the night,” Mr Newman said.
“It keeps the families there for longer and it keeps the older kids engaged and entertained.”
The committee will continue to fundraise in the lead up to the 2019 event.
