Macedon Ranges Shire Council has removed a controversial barrier to Anzac Day support funding, but not without opposition.
Both Kyneton and Malmsbury were denied Anzac Day Commemorative Services Support Fund assistance for this year’s services due to conflict with the council’s Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy.
The policy came into effect last July and precludes activities in gaming venues from accessing council grants and those that receive sponsorships from gaming venues. Kyneton RSL is a gaming venue and also auspices the Malmsbury service.
Funding was intended to assist Anzac Day services with the cost of new state government mandated traffic management plans. For Kyneton, that extra expense was $4300 and was diverted from veteran funding.
Malmsbury’s $2500 plan for this year nearly spelt the end of the service until a generous community donor stepped in to help.
Last week, councillors adopted changes to the fund that give an exception to the Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy.
Cr Daniel Young pushed for the change to correct what he called “an unintended consequence of the policy”.
“The impact that it has had in some areas and for some community events has been pretty significant,” he said.
“The timing is unfortunate, that it has come so late, given that this issue was raised in the first iteration of this grant program. It could have been dealt with much earlier and now we have to wait until 2027 before organisations can get the help that they need.”
Both services are well-attended with about 200 people at Malmsbury each year and even more for Kyneton. Kyneton’s dawn service attracts 400-500 people and its service about 500-700 people as well as the 100-150 people marching.
However, the motion did not gain unanimous support, with some concerned about equity and going against policy.
Cr Cassie Borthwick felt the move represented a “material governance shift” and “set aside a core policy position”.
“We risk eroding the clarity and credibility of the framework over time,” she said.
“The Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy was never intended to be symbolic, it was adopted and to be applied consistently, transparently and equitably.”
Councillors voted 4-2 in favour of the changes to extend access to council funding. A division recorded those is support were Crs: Kendall, Pearce, Guthrie and Young. Those against were Crs Scanlon and Borthwick. Cr Joseph abstained from voting.
Cr Anderson could not vote due a conflict of interest and Cr Bonanno remains on leave.
‘VICTORY’ BUT DISAPPOINTMENT
Malmsbury Anzac Day coodinator Bill Bates described the move as a “high victory” but was disappointed to see some councillors not supportive.
He said being locked out of funding due to auspice arrangements with Kyneton RSL had caused upset in the Malmsbury community.
“We didn’t know if we would be able to continue this tradition. It really cut deep,” Mr Bates said.
“Our veterans fought for us and we have to now fight for them and to preserve their memory. We have had a victory but it has been a battle.”
Mr Bates said he hoped the councillors who didn’t support the move had time to reflect on their vote.
Kyneton RSL president Mike Gretton expressed the same feelings of victory and disappointment.
He said is was a “victory for common sense and for our veterans”.
Both Kyneton RSL and the Malmsbury Anzac Day service organisers are optimistic about grants for 2027.