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Media Release 9 July 2024

It’s GREAT for Gilgandra!

Exciting Events Added to the Region’s Calendar

Successful Applicants Announced

Gilgandra Shire Council (Council) has allocated $50,000 towards the It’s GREAT program, to assist with investment into community events in the Gilgandra Region. Local events contribute to the vibrancy and energy of our town and region, and through this program, a diverse range of community events will be hosted in the Gilgandra Region.

The initial funding round was oversubscribed with applications from local businesses and community groups totalling over $73,000 requested, with an estimated $47,000 in co-contributions from applicants.

Mayor, Cr Doug Batten says it been encouraging to see the enthusiasm towards the first round of the It’s GREAT Program.

“It was great to see businesses and community groups eager to apply and host events in the Region. The program will see the Gilgandra Region showcasing events from primary industries, sporting and musical, through to a literary festival. This diverse range of events offers something for everyone.”

Adding,

“The delivery of events in our community is critical to drive the economic growth and competitive advantage of the Gilgandra Region. The successful events are complementary to our Community Strategic Plan, and we encourage the community to get on board in supporting these events as they arise, and capitalise on the opportunities being brought to the Region.”

All eligible applications went through a thorough assessment process to ensure they met the objectives and Terms and Conditions of the grant program. From this process eight projects were endorsed and recommended for funding at Council’s June Ordinary Meeting. The It’s GREAT Program has the following objectives:

• To encourage events that complement our Community Strategic plan and our Regions activation and revitalisation projects including the Gilgandra Activation Blueprint
• Develop a culture and infrastructure that supports and grows a vibrant events calendar in the Gilgandra Region
• Maximise the contribution events make to tourism and economic development in the Gilgandra Region
• Recognise the contribution events make to the social and cultural development of residents and visitors to the Gilgandra Region
• To promote the Gilgandra Region as an attractive place to Live > Enjoy > Grow

The It’s GREAT program forms part of the overall Activate Gilgandra Program, including Grow Gilgandra Program (Shop Local, #LocalLegends, business workshops, training and signage), The BIG Ideas Program and the promotion of the Gilgandra Region.

We encourage the community to stay tuned and support these events. A complete list of the successful businesses and community groups, and their upcoming events can be found in Table 1 below.

Table 1: It’s GREAT Successful Applicants