Councillor for Recreation and Events Mark Eckel has heaped praise on local event organisers for the crucial role they continue to play in the region's events-led recovery from the Murray River flood event.
"As we approach the traditionally busy Easter long weekend in just a few weeks' time and the plethora of events planned, it really shines a light on the amazing work of our region's local event organisers and clubs," Cr Eckel said.
"We're so fortunate in our region to boast such a broad range of clubs and groups that in many cases have been successfully delivering state and national-calibre events for decades.
"It's our region, our economy and our community that ultimately benefit from their tireless work, which in almost all cases is performed by hard-working volunteers who simply have a passion for their club or event and are willing to dedicate hundreds of hours of their own time."
Cr Eckel said Council has provided more than $40,700 in financial support to four events this Easter.
"While it's these passionate and innovative groups that have made Easter at Mildura an annual pilgrimage for tens of thousands of visitors for decades, I'm also proud of the role we at Council can play in supporting their brilliant efforts," he said.
"When you consider the millions of dollars visitors inject into our local economy over the Easter long weekend each year, this is a very generous return on ratepayers' investment to support these amazing local people, groups and clubs."
These events include:
- Mildura Ski Club – Mildura 100 Ski Race
- Mildura City Heart – Good Friday Show and Shine
- Mildura Rowing Club – 100th Easter Rowing Regatta
- Mildura Speedway Drivers Club – Easter Powersports Weekend
Quotes from event organisers
"MCH start planning for the Show and Shine from January, working closely with the four powersports clubs.
"We work really well together to make this event happen, remembering the powersport club representatives are all volunteers. They are amazing to work with and go above and beyond to make each year a success.
"On event day, we work like a well-oiled machine thanks to all the volunteers, including the powersport club members and community groups such as the Rotary Club of Mildura Deakin volunteers.
"There's no way my small team could possibly run events like this without the incredible support of these volunteers who do it because they love their region and love helping to put on these iconic events."
Danielle Hobbs - Mildura City Heart Manager
"Since the Mildura Ski Club's inception well over 60 years ago our focus has been on providing an outlet for locals and visitors alike to enjoy their passion for getting out on the river, whether it be socialising, competing or simply social skiing.
"Through the work of hundreds of volunteers, both on the ground and at committee level, the Mildura 100 has evolved throughout that time to become one of the biggest ski races on the national calendar, attracting over 600 competitors annually.
"We're proud of the role our event and our dedicated members, along with the other clubs and organisations we work alongside, have played over the years to make the Easter long weekend such a success for our community."
Geoff Thomson – Mildura Ski Club President
"Like all of the other clubs that contribute to the Easter long weekend, we rely 100 percent on volunteers, not just to run the event, but to do all the planning and work beforehand to make it happen.
"We all do it because we love it and it's great to see the benefits that flow from that to the local businesses, the caravan parks, the restaurants and other sectors as a result of the number of visitors our events attract.
"Our events over Easter will bring 80 competitors from outside the area, all of whom will have their crews and family members as well, plus the spectators from outside the area that come to watch speedway."
Jarod Waters – Mildura Speedway Drivers Club Project Manager
"There's a lot of work that goes into each event behind the scenes, starting before Christmas, including planning the course out, getting the medals made, working through planning permits, making sure we have boat officials and lifesavers, there's a lot involved.
"But we're fortunate to have a lot of volunteer members and a great committee at the moment with Russell Cornwall as Captain.
"It's great to have made it to our 100th event, and it's certainly evolved over the years. Back in the old days, when it was on a Saturday in Mildura followed by Wentworth on the Sunday, they used to tie all the boats together and float them down the river to Wentworth.
"We're expecting about 120 competitors this year and the majority of them would be from outside the region, and they bring along their families as well, which is good for the district from an economic perspective."
Kevin Tankard – Mildura Rowing Club President
For a full list of events over the Easter long weekend visit What's On Mildura at www.visitmildura.com.au/whatson
