Spyfest organisers won’t be leaving town anytime soon with the profits from this year’s event.
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The modest dividend will be ploughed back into next year’s festival, organisation of which is already underway.
Co-organiser Wendy Antony was quietly chuffed that the inaugural event turned a profit at all.
“I think we did really well to have the entertainment we did and to bring (James Bond star) George Lazenby here and to break even,” she said.
“It was down to the hard work of a handful, local business that sponsored us and all the helpers.”
The committee has already locked in September 16, 17 and 18 for next year’s SpyFest. Lazenby, who hails from Goulburn, is keen to return but everything hangs on his schedule.
“It all started because of George and while he’ll be honoured, we understand we have to keep things fresh every year and inject some variety,” Mrs Antony said.
Organisers are talking to several artists and entertainers but are staying tight lipped at this stage.
However the gala dinner, likely to be held again at Veolia Arena, and the street parade will be mainstays.
At Deputy Mayor Bob Kirk’s instigation, committee members and the council’s marketing and events manager Sarah Ruberto met with organisers of the Parkes Elvis Festival in that town three weeks ago.
The event has been running for 25 years and both council representatives and the committee stressed the need for variety each year.
“Their structure and funding has changed many times over the years, and there are still many challenges to address,” Ms Ruberto reported.
“Many of the issues raised apply to SpyFest and will be considered by the committee as to how they can be best addressed and managed to ensure the long term success and viability of SpyFest.”
She said council support was a major factor in the Elvis Festival’s success. As such, councillors at the most recent meeting endorsed her recommendation that the council back next year’s SpyFest to the tune of $7500, including use of the Veolia Arena and Belmore Park.
The council sponsored the same amount this year on the proviso that if the event turned a profit, the $7500 would be repaid by the committee.
Given the meagre return, the council waived this condition and allowed the committee to keep the money.
A report stated that Council contributed more in terms of staff time, but this was not costed.
While originally asking for audited financial statements from the committee, councillors also dropped this condition because SpyFest was not an Incorporated Association and wasn’t required to provide these. Instead, they tendered a balance sheet.
It revealed $60,088 in income, $35,804 for the gala dinner, and $59,997 in expenses. Mrs Antony said in the interests of transparency, a council representative would join their committee.
“We were absolutely thrilled with the council support,’ she told the Post.
“It was all in-kind but we couldn’t have done it without them or our sponsors.
They took a leap of faith because it was an unproven event.”
Meantime, the council is congratulating organisers on the festival’s success.
A report to last week’s meeting praised the widespread media coverage, the strong crowds and organisation of the gala dinner.
“The level of support and community participation indicates the potential of this festival and the growth it can expect to see over the years,” the report stated.
Council general manager Warwick Bennett said the city owed the committee “a great debt of gratitude.”
“It was such a huge success and a magnificent economic boost for Goulburn,” he said.
“We benefited by millions of dollars so the contribution by council is essential. They did exceptionally well.”
Cr Kirk admitted he initially doubted the event.
“It’s not often a councillor stands up and says he’s wrong,” he said.
“I was involved in initial discussions with the group...and I was concerned about the short timeframe and the lack of organisation around the Veolia Arena and that the acoustics and atmosphere might not be up to scratch. But I’m glad to say I was wrong.”