​VCB gives startup funds for two new events

Central Otago is likely to see the return of the once iconic Goldrush multi-sport event, and a new start-up event, the Clyde Classic.

The Vincent Community Board (VCB) received seven strong applications for the Central Otago District Council’s promotions grant application 2024-25 round, each with merit for the community and alignment with the Central Otago Destination Management Plan.

At the VCB meeting at Alexandra yesterday (Tuesday 30 April 2024), the grant application from Dare 2 Sweat Events proposed to re-establish the Goldrush after a long hiatus. The organisers requested $20,000. After discussion, it was decided to grant the Goldrush $10,000, towards revival of the event, which is set to be staged 22-23 March 2025, over the Otago Anniversary weekend.

The community board also granted $5,000 to the Clyde Classic, which requested $7,500, towards a new walking/running event, to get it off the ground.

With the granting of funds to two new events, the Board agreed on the merit of supporting projects that had a plan for becoming financially self-sustaining, which was in line with the Council's grant policy.

Given funding limitations ($50,000 in the pot), the community board was making decisions to ensure funding would be applied to best effect, VCB chair Tamah Alley said.

The Alexandra Blossom Festival asked for $24,500 and was granted $20,000. Discussion around this application acknowledged that the event was highly valued by the community and the community board. The VCB recognised the festival’s longevity (65-plus years) and the efforts of the committee, which had resulted in having healthy reserves.

Cr Alley said this warranted a discussion between the Board and the blossom festival committee towards greater financial sustainability in the future.

She highlighted that while other events, including the iconic Christchurch Show, have struggled to remain financially viable, the Board was committed to working alongside the blossom festival committee to ensure the festival remained a highlight in the event calendar for the next 65 years.

"Given the challenging times faced by our communities, it is not possible to fund every event. We want to ensure good governance of our grant process, and also that the policy we operate under is fit for purpose. This will be reviewed as we head into the Long-term Plan next year."

Six out of the seven applicants received funding:

$20,000 Alexandra Blossom Festival

$0 (Declined) Dare 2 Sweat Events – Spirited Women

$5,000 Alexandra Musical Society – blossom festival production

$8,500 WoolOn

$1,500 St Bathans Fete

$5,000 Clyde Classic Event

$10,000 Dare 2 Sweat Events – Goldrush.