Events win funding boost

Published on 16 December 2013

Event organisers around Loddon Shire have been cheered with news this month that Council has approved a further $10,400 in funding support to cover the first half of next year.

This brings to $21,400 the amount advanced during this financial year to help community groups with their plans.

Two funding categories are available to such groups within the municipality – major events (those of regional or state significance) and minor events (of local and sub-regional significance).

The first can attract grants of $1,000, while the other qualifies for $400 to help with promotion and marketing.

In all, 16 applications were received for events to be held before 30 June 2014.

Last weekend’s Wedderburn Pacing Cup received a $1,000 grant, as did Bridgewater Water Ski Club (for the Australian Masters Championship), Bridgewater Football Club (Bridgewater Triathlon), Wedderburn Tourism (Minelab Detector Jamboree), Boort Harness Racing Club (Boort Cup) and the Rheola Charity Carnival.

Among the recipients in the Minor Events category were Calivil Bowling Club (New Year’s Day Tournament), Wedderburn Band Cricket Club (Six-a-Side Tournament), Boort Lawn Tennis Club (Easter Tournament), Dingee Progress Association (Family Fun Day) and Inglewood Bowling Club (Charlie Catto Memorial Fours).

Council’s Manager Community and Recreation, Allan Stobaus, said the aim of the scheme was to help promote events held in the Shire.
“The hope is this funding will help to attract more participants and spectators to these events,” Mr Stobaus said.

“Economic benefits should flow from lifting numbers of visitors to Loddon and it’s good to promote the Shire’s organisations and clubs, both locally and to wider areas.”

Since it began in 1999, Loddon Shire’s Events Sponsorship Scheme has seen more than $182,000 allocated to community groups to promote events held within the municipality.