Commercial and not for profit event organisers who stage events within the Northern Grampians Shire will have new framework to work towards after councillors voted to adopt a new policy at its September meeting on Monday.
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Outlined in the police objectives, Council said it recognised the role events play in uplifting the community's economic wellbeing and quality of life.
Cr Kevin Erwin moved the motion to accept the recommendation of adopting the new policy.
"Events have been a major part of our municipality," he said.
"We've had some large events which has struggled under COVID-19 (restrictions). Some of the feedback we've had is that they (the policies) are a bit onerous to fill out for some organisations - especially when they only have small events.
"The updated policy is to help assist groups, both large and small, along the policy guidelines.
"Hopefully, in 2022, events can get back on to the stage although we have had the odd event in between COVID-19 lockdowns, but it has been difficult.
"I'm sure organisations will need some assistance when they run events, particularly our sporting events which have been severely impacted by COVID-19.
Cr Erwin said events went hand in had with tourism for the region.
"The sooner we can get events up and running again under this new policy the community will be better off," he said.
"The policy does update everything. Hopefully users will find this relatively easy to use."
Cr Tony Driscoll seconded the motion, and also spoke about the importance of events for the region.
"The timing of tidying up this process comes with the frustration of lack of events but it gives opportunity for our community groups to regroup," he said.
"For our community this is critical and I think it's rather timely we're tidying this up now. I think it's a great initiative by all."
In the policy, there are outlines of Council's role when it comes to events within the shire.
The role of council in the delivery and support of events is identified by:
Event Support for Community and Tourism Events
- Provide in-kind support via advice, information and planning tools to community groups and event organisers.
- Provide financial support through council's annual event grants programs and sponsorship opportunities.
- Provide support and guidance to event organisers to achieve compliance and legislative requirements.
- Marketing and promotional support may be provided in the way of but not limited to listing an event on council's event calendar.
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