Tara Murray
The return of festivals and events are much needed in helping Brimbank recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to council.
Brimbank council released its draft festival and events policy and strategy 2022-25 at a recent council meeting, which defines the council’s role and ways it will support a program of festival and events.
The report states that the council has four distinct roles in relation to festival and events, patron and partner, enabler, producer and monitor and regulator.
The council will seek opportunities to partner with signature Melbourne or regional based festivals and events.
It will continue community grants to help groups run events, promote events and develop a program of skills based training and information to support festival and event organisers.
The council will also investigate new sites and platforms for holding festivals and events.
Cr Thuy Dang said the pandemic has severely impacted community events throughout the past two years.
“Now as we are emerging from lockdown, we need to be delivering events differently and follow new guidelines,” she said.
“The strategy reminds us that festivals and events and is important to stimulate the local community.
“We need our festivals and events back to help communities feel connected and feel proud about where they live.”
Cr Virginia Tachos said the council needed to ensure event and festival organisers were getting the support they needed to run festivals.
She also suggested that they look to run festivals in precincts like Deer Park Shopping centre and Keilor Downs.
“It’s something I’ve received a lot of feedback about,” she said.
Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen said the council is committed to supporting communities in Brimbank to deliver inclusive, well managed and safe festivals and events.
“Festivals and events are also important to stimulate local economic activity, showcasing our great places and attractions, and helping to place Brimbank on the map as a visitor destination.”
Details: yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au
