A VIVID-like light display and other festive-themed arrangements have been proposed as alternatives to the traditional Christmas Fair in Gunnedah.
The Conadilly Street event with market stalls and carnival rides has been a regular part of Gunnedah’s community Christmas celebrations.
In recent years, however, the fair has faced increasing financial overheads costing tens of thousands of dollars.
Gunnedah Shire Council said it engaged contractors with more than $25,000 in grant funding to deliver its most recent event.
Council also said the event required the “expensive and time-consuming process” of closing Conadilly Street to vehicle traffic for two blocks.
Additionally, it was noted that main street businesses were not necessarily set up to support night-time activities and most stalls and activities were provided by out-of-town vendors.
But rather than dump the event altogether, council has proposed smaller, less expensive options such as light installations to a suitable scale but in the vein of Sydney’s VIVID.
It was suggested this could include illuminated arches to walk through or lighting on and around trees.
Council acknowledged the hot, early-summer timing of the event and the lateness of the hour for the lights to be effective, could impact family attendance.
Other options were also proposed such as a “Santa’s grotto” or an opportunity for family photos could be considered.
Council said grant funding would be sought to cover these costs but if applications were unsuccessful, an estimated budget of $10,000 would be required. Council added the lighting expense could be offset by use in future Christmas events, assuming they were not stolen or vandalised.
It was the proposed the Christmas display would coincide with the lighting of Gunnedah’s Community Christmas Tree in early December, and could remain in situ for some weeks prior to Christmas to provide a summer’s night family activity for the community.
Council voted and unanimously agreed to support a $10,000 allocation from the General Fund Unrestricted Cash for the proposal.
Gunnedah shire councillor Cameron Moore said the expense was worth it considering the wider community benefit.
“This is not about making money, it’s about bringing people together,” he said.
No submissions received
Not one submission was received by Gunnedah Shire Council for a separate ‘Christmas on Conadilly’ proposal.
Earlier this year council called for expressions of interest from the community for a “collaborative community project seeking to showcase local talent and handmade works and foster a positive community spirit, enhance visitation and tourism, and boost local business”.
The EOI invited community groups to contribute to decorating Conadilly Street and the shire villages for the festive season.
Council advertised the proposal in a letter, newspaper advertisement, and through social media while EOIs were open from April to June but it appears there was almost zero interest in the idea.
“No expressions of interest were received. One local organisation indicated they would be interested in operating a stall for any community activity,” the report to council stated.
