The group might have been small but there were enough people who cared about the Lilac City Festival’s future to turn up at a meeting on Thursday night.
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It gave some heart that this long-running event can survive, despite the challenges. One attendant injected a note of realism, suggesting that the festival be cut because there were enough organisations holding events. It is true that Goulburn is a much more vibrant city, with events such as the annual show, Pictures and Popcorn in the Park, SpyFest, night food markets, History Week, and much more.
But one thing remains the same; Goulburn and district people love coming together for a celebration. Just cast your mind back to the city’s 150th celebrations in 2013.
Many of the newer events pull in huge crowds because they involve people with new ideas and energy. The Show, for example, stays fresh by injecting something new every year. President Jacki Waugh is a dynamo, who is also putting her hand up to help the Lilac Festival.
This event still evokes a great deal of fondness and nostalgia among Goulburn people and there is no doubt it draws decent numbers from the region. It does not have to be cut, but must also embrace new ideas.
Coordinator Heather Landow appears open to this, given the setback this year with main organiser, Yvonne Neale’s passing, and financial challenges.
Some great ideas emerged at the meeting. Former Goulburn tourism marketing team leader Paige Penning’s suggestion to encourage groups and businesses to hold related activities, is a great one. It would help the event to become self sustaining and not involve huge expense. Likewise, the Youth Council’s proposed Saturday night concert will draw a new demographic.
It is clear that what remains of the Lilac committee need help and a refresh. This should involve reaching out to the council and putting bad blood behind them.
There also needs to be greater transparency in decision making and finances. This has been a problem in the past, with the council demanding audited statements before it would give any assistance. In the end, the council withdrew help. Mrs Landow revealed on Thursday she paid for last year’s fireworks out of her own pocket. This should not be the case.
Enough forward thinking and openness to change can ensure this old Goulburn favourite’s survival in a new era.
