Council
16 August, 2023
Cash boost for events
TWENTY-six events and festivals across the district will share in more than $117,000 in council funding.
Warrnambool City Council has announced the recipients of its 2023/24 festivals and events grants program, which includes 10 brand new events, or events being held in Warrnambool for the first time.
“It’s an exciting mix of events, including arts, culture, sport, music, community, tourism and some fantastic annual events that are staples on the events calendar,” Warrnambool mayor Cr Debbie Arnott said.
“Warrnambool is an events city, and a diverse range of events is a big part of what makes our city a fun and engaging place to live, bringing us together while encouraging tourism.
“Congratulations to all of the successful applicants. You are all playing your part in creating a vibrant, happy community.”
Warrnambool City Council director city growth Luke Coughlan said that council had simplified the way in which groups can apply for funding, with multiple funding streams rolled into the one program.
“By having one source of funding at the start of the financial year, it means we have a better understanding of our events calendar over a longer period of time, and we can assess how it aligns with our overall events strategy – which aims to create a diverse calendar of events throughout the year,” he said.
“For event organisers, it also gives them more surety. Their event might not be until next year, but they know that they have council support secured, so they can plan with more confidence.
“Within this single funding stream, it’s important to have different categories for events that meet different goals. For example, we have our Activate Warrnambool category which provides seed funding for new events in off-peak times.”
For the first time, the program has this year included a separate category for business events and conferences – and the council would like to support more of these events in the coming years.
Of the events to receive funding, both the Warrnambool Showgrounds Reserve (for Rodeo 2023) and Premier Speedway Club (Victorian Speedway sedans title double) each received $10,000.
Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative was allocated $6,800 for its Maar Day Out (subject to change) and Bodyboarding Victoria (Victoria Pro) received $5,850.
Groups to receive $5,000 each included the Australian Light Horse Association (ALHA Parade and Jericho Cup State Challenge), Allansford Football Netball Club (Surf T Surf fun run/walk), Dennington Community Association (Carols by the Merri), Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club (Warrnambool Lawn Open 2024) and the Warrnambool Multicultural Association (festival).
Also allocated $5,000 was the Warrnambool Athletic Club (2023 running festival), Warrnambool Agricultural Society (2023 show), Warrnambool Presbyterian Church (Carols on the Green) and the Warrnambool Tri Club (Foreshore Tri 2024).
Convict Class (Ignite Festival 2023) was allocated $4,957 while Warrnambool Community Garden (afternoon in the quarry) received $4,900, Australian Classic Events (Targa Classica) received $4,740 and Deakin University (25th biennial conference) $4,236.
Other recipients were: Warrnambool Gift Incorporated (athletics) $3,745; Warrnambool RSL sub-branch (Walking off the war within) $3,140; Warrnambool and District Easter Arts Festival $3,047; Warrnambool District Country Music Group (country music spectacular) $2,700; Warrnambool City Pickleball Incorp.
(open tournament) $2,580; Triumph Sports Owners Association (national rally) $2,349; Warrnambool Legacy Club (centenary torch relay) $1,832; Warrnambool and District Orchid Society (orchid show 2023) $990 and Community Radio (Hank Williams tribute night) $500.