A review into Cowra’s Festival of International Understanding has recommended the creation of a Festival Review Committee by Cowra Council.
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At the last meeting of Council, councillors unanimously agreed to the formation of a committee to review the findings of report by the Stafford Group, which was presented to Council in June 2017. It was recommended the Section 355 committee comprise of:
- Three Councillors
- Festival coordinator
- A representative of the Cowra Business Chamber
- Two Council staff selected by the General Manager
- A representative staff member by the a Cowra school
- A representative from Cowra Tourism
- A representative from Cowra Youth Council
Cowra Councillor Bruce Miller said he did have some reservations about the number of Council representatives but said a committee was necessary.
“I think this is a good start. We really do need a committee,” Cr Miller said.
Councillor Judi Smith also noted that she had addressed the Youth Council about the idea and that they were “enthusiastic” to be included.
The review also recommended the Festival Review Committee present a report by November 30 for consideration that includes:
- Proposed Festival objectives
- Proposed Festival name
- Proposed length of Festival
- Proposed key stakeholders
- Proposed resources (financial and personnel required to deliver Festival
- Proposed implementation plan e.g. Year 1, Year 2, Year 3
General Manager Paul Devery said in his report to Council that this is the first significant review of the Festival in decades.
“The assessment generally supports the view that the festival, whilst not clear in its objectives, does have community support, is primarily a community event not a visitor attractor and there is a desire from the community to see it evolve, although into what is not itself clear,” Mr Devery said.
“A considered response is required that starts with the higher level thinking about the objectives of the Festival, what is it Council is trying to achieve? Only when there is clarity on these matters should consideration then then turns to the events or tools that might be implemented to achieve the objectives.”
Councillors Ruth Fagan, Michael Nobes and Judi Smith were proposed as the three potential Councillors on the committee.
