Proposal for Christmas festival’s return to the streets

Gunnedah’s Christmas Festival could be set to rise from the ashes.

Less than six months after the popular street event was cancelled indefinitely, Gunnedah Shire Council is investigating the feasibility of hosting the event in 2025.

It follows an announcement earlier this year by former festival hosts, Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, that it would not stage an event this year amid spiralling operating costs.

The chamber president had previously said preparation and financial costs involved in the Christmas Festival were upwards of $25,000.

In a mayoral minute to councillor colleagues this week, Gunnedah shire mayor Colleen Fuller said the community should have the opportunity to experience the festival again.

Speaking to the Gunnedah Times, Cr Fuller said the community is backing the festival’s restart.

“I believe we can do it and do it well,” she said.

“I feel we will have the community behind us.”

Cost remains the biggest impediment to the council’s renewed push to get the event off the ground. But Cr Fuller said an event could be held at a “reasonable (financial) rate” to council.

Cr Fuller reminded council about the organisation’s agreed position to strive to achieve almost $1 million in savings in light of the recently approved special rate variation.

She also highlighted how last year’s mayoral Christmas party was substantially “cut back” in light of the extra savings required.

Cr Fuller’s original mayoral minute proposed that funds for the new Christmas Fair be drawn from the existing budget in economic development – a revenue source previously used to support the chamber of commerce as the festival host.

A revised and shortened resolution determined that council would investigate holding an event in 2025.

The mayor was confident that a “common sense” approach could be reached to stage the festival in Gunnedah and again celebrate Christmas spirit with the community.

“Remember this is about getting together in our community, celebrating with our families and friends,” she said.

A report will be presented to a future council meeting about the possibility of staging the festival.