The closing date for organisations to express their interest to plan and manage two major events in Cootamundra and Gundagai is approaching.
Local organisations have been invited to host the popular Christmas on Sheridan Street Party in Gundagai and the Sparkling Streets Christmas Party in Cootamundra. Expressions of Interest (EOI) close on August 30, 2024.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) has been successful in receiving grant funding under the Open Streets Program led by Transport for NSW. With funding to the value of $121,600 to host four events across the LGA, these events will foster a sense of community spirit and togetherness, bringing neighbours, friends, and families together to celebrate and showcase local talent and the regions attractions. The four events included the Wattle Time Festival in Cootamundra and the Festival of Gundagai, both to be held in September.
Council has allocated $24,300 for the Christmas events. The funds will be administered to the successful organisations to be used as “seed funding”. The successful organisations will be required to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will cover the event objectives, roles and responsibilities, regulatory conditions, complying with the funding agreement, procurement procedures (with a strong LGA first focus) and financial arrangements. A specific budget will be provided for all aspects of the event organisations (in accordance with the grant application).
CGRC Tourism and Economic Development Officers, Ms Leah Sutherland and Ms Casey Polsen are excited that local organisations now have the opportunity to plan, manage and host these popular Christmas events.
“Christmas carnivals and street parties promote a local theme and encourage residents and visitors to shop locally. They are held to encourage people to support our local businesses whilst enjoying the Christmas theme,” Ms Sutherland said.
Ms Polsen added “the planning and managing these events can be very beneficial for local organisations particularly with fund raising, and promotion of their organisations goals and values”.
“Nobody knows our communities better than the local organisations who work within them, they are best placed to ensure these events are sustainable into the future, have the ability to grow and cement their places in the ethos of our communities,” Ms Sutherland said.
Expressions of Interest to host the two Christmas events close on 30 August 2024. All information can be found on the CGRC Website at the following link: https://www.cgrc.nsw.gov.au/festival-event-expressions-of-interest/
Photos and caption: The popular Christmas Carnivals in Cootamundra and Gundagai. Community organisations in Cootamundra and Gundagai are being encouraged to express interest in planning, managing and hosting the annual events.
