Christmas has come early for The Stable with Council approving a $25,000 grant to bring the much-loved festival to Cluden this December.
The grant was approved at today's Townsville City Council Ordinary Meeting, with councillors acknowledging the social impact the festival has for Townsville locals.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said Council had supported the festival with cash grants and fee waivers for many years.
"The Stable is a significant event in the Townsville calendar, with a history spanning 24 years. More than 30,000 attendees annually visit the recreation of Bethlehem village and brings together actors, choirs, orchestras, dancers and volunteers to provide this special cultural experience for Townsville locals and visitors to the city," Cr Greaney said.
"This year's grant will fund a stage, security and event equipment for the event."
The Stable event organiser Reverend Anne Harley said the organisation was pleased to have Council's support ahead of the event.
"Council's support of The Stable stretches back to when it was known as Stable on the Strand," Rev Harley said.
"Since then we've reimagined the experience for Riverway and this year we will be hosting The Stable at Cluden to reduce costs to our organisation and to increase the number of visitors to our event. Cluden provides a great location and I know families will have a fantastic time visiting The Stable this year.
"With the support of Townsville City Council we've been able to continue presenting The Stable year after year in Townsville."
Council also noted five grants under $5000 for five applicants, with $4648.78 cash and $3113.86 in fee waivers, totalling $7762.64:
- Magnetic Island Musicians Club
- Wagga Wadth Community Group
- Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone
- Magnetic Island Women' Shed
- Mount Louisa Christmas Fair.
Wagga Wadth Community Group, made up of Torres Strait Islander families with connection to Wulguru and Oonoonba, meets regularly in Townsville.
Spokesperson Gabriel Oth said it was a "smooth process" to work with Council's Community Development and Grants teams to apply for a community grant to waive fees for use of Oonoonba Hall for their social meetings.
"This grant waives fees to hold a social space and gathering for the Wagga Wadth Community to stay connected to improve social cohesion and reduce isolation in our community," Mr Oth said.
"Ooonoonba holds a significant piece of history for our families and community for Torres Strait Island peoples through an act of self-determination relocating to Australia to join the workforce, mainly at the Queensland Railway.
"We hope this social community group inspires the Torres Strait Islander families throughout Townsville to hold social spaces for generations to come."
