A review of Queanbeyan events and the Queanbeyan Gift will see the establishment of a flagship event for the city and street parties in Braidwood and Bungendore.
An Events Review was undertaken by the former Queanbeyan City Council prior to the merger with Palerang councils and showed that Council was a lead organiser in 43 events, played a significant role in another 26 events and invested considerably in funding, staff support and services.
Alongside the Events Review, was an economic evaluation of the Queanbeyan Gift. The Gift review found that it was not generating any additional economic returns to the Queanbeyan community and was not well supported and attended by the Queanbeyan community.
Recommendations include in the two reports include:
* Community consultation to develop a concept, marketing and strategic plans for a flagship event
* Family Fun Day be move from November to June-August period as a trial
* A dedicated Civic Events position be created
* A rationalisation of events that are not delivering the required outcomes
* Council continue to support the Queanbeyan Gift for 2016/17 to a value of $30,000, but not run the event
* Remaining Queanbeyan Gift budget fund two additional street parties in Bungendore and Braidwood and tourism promotion
“The Events Review and evaluation of the Queanbeyan Gift were undertaken by staff over a number of months and involved community and staff input and the evaluation of extensive data,” Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Administrator, Mr Tim Overall said.
“The number of events Council was running was not seen as sustainable and was not delivering the best value for money for ratepayers. The realignment of the Queanbeyan Gift budget will allow Council to build on the success of the very successful Queanbeyan street party with similar events in Braidwood and Bungendore and deliver some much needed tourism planning and promotion for the region.”
