Peter Henderson – Hendersons The Gas People
I am very disappointed that the Macedon Ranges Shire Council has decided that no funding is to be allocated to the iconic Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival which has been operating continuously for 46 years.
This festival brings in many tourists and locals alike and attracts wide attention, such as last year’s nationwide coverage in the metropolitan newspapers and television of the popular ferret racing and the Grand Parade.
Events such as Kyneton’s Festival of One Act Plays, the Antique and Vintage Fair, ferret racing, buskers, open gardens, scarecrow displays, the Spring Flower Show and the recently added Kyneton Dog Dash appeal to a wide variety of people of all ages, and that is why the 10-day festival has stood the test of time and is still running strong.
The festival operates purely via volunteer and community groups, who work tirelessly over the full 12 months, raising money by selling daffodil bulbs, wood raffles and with support of many wonderful local business sponsorships and advertising.
Last year the festival received a grant from council for $6000, but paid $5862 back to the council for rental of the shire hall, KMI and Bluestone Theatre. Is this fair? I don’t think so.
As a supporter and sponsor of the festival, I am appalled and disappointed at council’s lack of involvement and support for this great 10-day festival.
