NORTHERN Grampians Shire has signed a $112,000 sponsorship agreement for the 2016 Stawell Gift.
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The agreement, confirmed with the Stawell Athletics Club last night, includes a $25,000 cash contribution and a total of $87,000 of in kind work and support.
Mayor Murray Emerson said the sponsorship deal confirmed the community’s ongoing support of the iconic foot race.
“It’s no secret that cash is tight in local government at the moment so $87,000 of staff and equipment and $25,000 in untied cash is a great deal of money for us to allocate on behalf of our ratepayers,” Cr Emerson said.
“We continue to contribute this significant sum each year because we truly believe in the importance of this event to our community and we know the economic and social benefit that comes along with it.
“Stawell comes alive each and every Easter because of this event. We can’t underestimate the boost that it gives the town, particularly in tough times like the current drought and after bushfires, floods and landslides in the past.”
Chief executive Justine Linley said she was proud of the contribution council continues to make the gift.
“Our staff put in a massive effort to make each Easter successful and this year has been no different.,” Ms Linley said.
“This week we’ve had no less than seven staff completely dedicated to getting Central Park ready for the gift, at a value of around $13,580.
“These staff are world class. They are award-winning parks and gardens and engineering experts who take a huge amount of pride in the work that they do.
“You can guarantee that when they stand back and look at the completed track come Friday, they will have given their all to achieve a perfect result.”
In addition to the event sponsorship, council contributed an additional $25,000 to the installation of plaques recognising winners of the women’s gift in lower Main Street.
The Stawell Gift kicks off with the calcutta and call of the card at the Stawell Entertainment Centre from 6pm on Good Friday.
Action will begin on the track on Easter Saturday and conclude with finals on Easter Monday.
