After the stresses of the past few years on both businesses and residents, Council’s CEO Jane Stroud is looking forward to putting on a series of events and activities designed to get locals out and about.

With a $240,000 grant from the State Government’s Reconnection Regional Communities Events Program boosting Council’s events budget, and a windfall $92,000 profit from the skating at the Ignite festival, she’s after ideas that will be loved by locals.

“We are looking for things that can really activate our community by promoting and celebrating what we have right here,” she says.

“I want to see local talent and local produce promoted.

“I really want to see us work very closely with local businesses and local experts in events and event delivery, as we don’t have the resources in-house.

“I don’t have all the answers so I have put together a working group of local experts and I’m hoping they all have some really exciting ideas.”

Rather than events aimed solely at bringing more visitors into the area, Ms Stroud is keen to focus to on locals.

“If tourists attend that is a real boon for us, but the most important thing is about creating events and activities that locals will enjoy, that will add to their experience of living here,” she says.

Profit from the Ignite skating rink will help fund new events

She is aware that some will think the spending is rash given the financial problems Council is facing, but emphasises the money isn’t coming out of Council’s budget.

“I don’t think we need to apologise for doing something that will be able to provide a real boost for local businesses that have been doing it hard,” says Ms Stroud.

The money is available up until the end of March, and there will be a number of rounds for the grants.

The first round of Destination Kiama Event Funding was approved at the August Meeting of Council. It gives the following:

• Folk by the Sea – $3000 + $2000 in-kind
• Red Hot Summer Tour – $5000 + $2450 in-kind
• Jamberoo Car Show & Family Day – $3000 + $320 in-kind
• Kiama Sevens – $7,500 + $7,500 in-kind
• Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival – $6000 in addition to the previously committed $14,000.

Applications for round two of Destination Event Funding close Wed 26 October. Details at www.kiama.com.au/events-resources

Email ideas for local events to [email protected]