Published: 1 January 2016

In two separate funding announcements, future events in the Eurobodalla - both big and small - have had a boost thanks to financial support from the Eurobodalla Council and NSW Government.

The River of Art Festival and Narooma Oyster Festival each received Council funding of $20,000 per year, in a three-year agreement.

Tourism events coordinator Oliver Batten said both festivals were significant large-scale events for the shire, offering distinctive experiences and attracted huge numbers of tourists.

“Council’s funding offers organisers a solid base and a show of confidence from which to continue their quests for funding and sponsorship to run these growing events.”

“It’s fantastic to see our hallmark events flourishing this year with Narooma Oyster Festival smashing record numbers and River of Art recently delivering the spectacular Luminous: Art After Dark event,” Mr Batten said.

Mr Batten commended volunteer committees behind the events, saying their efforts cannot go unrecognised.

“Their commitment to showcasing Eurobodalla as a vibrant, diverse and fun place to live and visit is incredibly important,” he said.

“It’s a pleasure to work collaboratively with the committees on these annual events.”

Mayor Mathew Hatcher was pleased to announce the hallmark funding at the River of Art festival launch earlier this month.

“These events create a sense of local pride through highlighting the unique produce, arts and culture of Eurobodalla to the thousands of visitors who attend,” Mayor Hatcher said.

“The three-year funding agreement gives these events long-term surety of council support.”

In other news, Council has secured $287,582 from the state government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program.

The funding has been allocated to six community events which will be held between October 2022 and March 2023.

Three events will be run by Council’s community development and arts departments. This includes a series of creative arts events, a celebration of children and families, and an all-abilities festival.

The Bay Pavilions will run a community events program comprising eight separate marquee events.

In March, Adventure Junkie will host an adventure race with kayaking, trekking and mountain biking in Batemans Bay and Mogo areas.

Tourism company Southbound Escapes will offer ‘Connection to Country’, involving First Nations experiences for locals and visitors.

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