Whilst this week marks what would have been the 30th anniversary of the Energy Breakthrough event – the event Committee has vowed the 2021 event will be bigger and better than ever.
Due to COVID-19 Government restrictions the event, due to be held in Maryborough from 18 to 22 November, was cancelled in July.
Central Goldfields Shire Administrator and Chair of the Energy Breakthrough Committee Hugh Delahunty said whilst it was disappointing the event wasn't able to take place this week, plans were well underway for 2021.
"The Committee is committed to making our 2021 event in Maryborough the biggest and best yet. Our schools and sponsors are on board, and this coupled with the State Government's $1.5 million Regional Investment Fund investment boost announced in May, together with existing funding from the Department of Education and Training, will ensure this much loved, award-winning event will continue to grow.
"We've been using this time to plan for a range of enhancements to the festival site, racing conditions and the visitor experience.
"The Committee is thrilled our partner sponsors including Transurban, Latrobe University, and Regional Roads Victoria will continue to work in partnership with Energy Breakthrough to develop education activities so that schools can maintain their involvement and be ready for the bigger and better event in 2021."
Hugh Delahunty indicated that the Management Committee, which comprises representatives from CEP, Central Goldfields Shire Council, Committee for Maryborough and local community representatives, are upbeat about the future of Energy Breakthrough and looking forward to the next twelve to eighteen months.
"Whilst it is disappointing we won't be welcoming people to Maryborough and our Shire the 2020 event this week, we look forward to working with the Energy Breakthrough community to develop an even better event to celebrate 30 years of Energy Breakthrough in Maryborough in 2021."
The Energy Breakthrough is major drawcard for Maryborough, bringing around 23,000 people to the town every year (three times Maryborough's population). Included within this figure are approximately 8,500 direct participants and 800 volunteers. The event is the largest of its kind in the Central Goldfields and is a significant contributor to the local economy.
The Energy Breakthrough program began in 1991 and was a joint initiative of Central Goldfields Shire Council and the Country Education Partnership. The Country Education Partnership oversees the educational program component of the Energy Breakthrough, while the Central Goldfields Shire Council focuses on the festival delivery.
The program has grown in popularity with schools from across Victoria over the last 30 years and has been well supported by volunteers, sponsors, communities, operations crews and key partners.
